The diner is now a gift shop. Big sign in the window says something like

"We are not a diner"..

Was just there about 3 weeks ago.. Madrid is a typical lunch run for Albuquerque bikers.
Rt 14 from Santa Fe to Albuquerque is a nice ride, though..

 

I almost can't take it anymore. Just 31 days to departure and I'm going crazy. I've been looking over routes and making lists, checking them twice... I'd be better if I could just get out and ride but winter won't end!!! This is the only reason to dislike Wisconsin.

I've decided on two route options. The choice will be based on weather. Route 1 (that's what I'll call it) basically follows the mighty Mississippi to Prairie du Chien, on to Cedar Rapids, IA then to Jefferson City, MO. Once I get there I'll probably follow HWY 54 to Tucumcari, NM and then in to Albuquerque. Route 2 would take me west on HWY 212 all the way to Sturgis and then south on HWY 385 all the way to Trinidad, CO. There I'll make a decision to either hook up with I25 to finish the trip or take the more scenic route through the mountains. Again, weather will affect my decision.

The anticipation is killing me...

 

Have fun and file a trip report with lots of pictures!

 

LOL!! I know what you mean, I'm planing a 14-16 day trip starting May 30 that will take
me from ABQ up through Durango & Silverton, CO; Moab & Provo, UT and up into the Grand
Tetons and Yellowstone where I'll spend 4 full days touring around before coming back
through Green River, WY; Delta, Gunnison, Del Norte and Pagosa Springs, CO. I'll probably
go through Chama, NM, pick up 84 and take that back toward ABQ, but I'm still thinking that through.

So I plan to take much of my own advice to you both out and inbound..

 

I-25 south from Colorado, I've done that twice by car. Always dreamt of being on the bike on that route, and will do it soon. Wide open space and cool scenery through northern NM. If you want to see how fast your bike will go, that would be the place to do it. Awesome Mexican dive as you get into Albequerque (wish I remember directions) has the best "humongous" breakfast burritos.

 

I think I would hit 90 in LaCrosse and haul *** west till I found a south bound route that way!!

 

Take a look at US20 across Iowa and Nebraska. When you go across Nebraska on US 20 you will think you are the only person left on this earth as there is nothing around. But be sure to keep an eye on the gas gage so you don't run out gas.

 

Make a beeline to Denver and spend your time in Colorado and northern New Mexico via the Durango route, all weather depending of course! Some of the best riding you will ever have waits for you in Colorado! The ride from Ouray to Silverton alone is worth the trip just to get there! Million Dollar Highway

 

Has anyone traveled I90 recently from MN to Rapid City? Wondering how the road surface is. I'm thinking about taking that on the first leg of my trip just to get out to some good riding but don't want to if it's a rough bitch... Thoughts please.

 

Does anyone know anything about I90?