North West Loop
This loop has lots of options to extend the distance and effort. The basic route covers 31 miles of rolling terrain, with one sustained climb on Hwy 550 of about 500 feet. Traffic is heavy on 528 & 550, but both have 8-10 foot shoulders. Unser in contrast has little shoulder and minimal traffic this far north. It is pure high-desert rollers with sparse vegetation and sparser housing (as of 2002). Kinda like 528 was 15 years ago.
You can start this ride at 528 & Southern. There is a shopping center here for parking, and a bike path on the east side of 528 makes it a safe route. After Ridgecrest you have to ride the shoulder. Southern Blvd to Northern Blvd is 2.5 miles.
The loop begins at Northern and 528, heading north. This road has gentile rollers and great views to the North and East. At the intersection with Hwy 550, you turn west for the loop, or for a great 12 mile (round trip) extension, go straight to reach Jemez Dam overlook. This 2-lane road will add about 1,000 feet of climbing to the ride, with a gradual uphill, steep downhill, and a final steep climb to the overlook. Well worth the effort.
A right turn here will eventually take you thru Bernalillo and then to Placitas road, a great area for riding hills at the base of Sandia Mountain. See Placitas Ride description for more info.
To continue the loop, from 550/528 head west up a steady climb on 550. The route turns left at Northwest Corridor road after 5.4 miles. Watch for the sign to the National Guard Armory. Another route extension continues on 550 to San Ysidro or Jemez Springs and beyond.
Northwest Corridor dead ends at the northern end of Unser. Turn south and enjoy the rolling terrain and lack of traffic. It's just you and the coyotes, rabbits, and occasional snake.
There is a traffic light at Northern, 6 miles from the Armory. Turn left and ride down the mesa 4 miles until you are back to NM 528.
