Roadrunner Miata Club

This Miata trip is mostly a “retro-trip” into yesterday. Travel will be along portions of the 1930s era old U.S.-85 from Belen to nearly Truth or Consequences, then NM-52 to the ghost towns of  Winston and Chloride. These are good paved 2-lane roads that have little changed since before the days of the interstates, passing through old Spanish villages, ranches, open desert, and a couple of canyons.  The small mountain range near Winston offers a few twists and turns and a 2,000 foot climb from Cuchillo.  Most travel is at highway or interstate speeds with very little traffic south of Socorro to enjoy the serene drive.  Some historical points of interest along the route are shown on the map.

Ken and Karen will lead the drive from University Mazda in Albuquerque (depart about 9 a.m.) through Belen to Lemitar (north of Socorro).  From Lemitar, Paul and Jan will lead the rest of the trip.

This is a nice, out-in-the-country drive, relaxing and serene through a variety of country.  Hopefully the weather will be warm enough to put the tops down to truly enjoy the last drive of the year.

GAS. There is virtually nothing between Socorro and Winston/Chloride and back along our route (which actually makes the drive so enjoyable).  Therefore, we will top off our tanks at the Lemitar Truck Stop, I-25 exit 156 (77 mi. from Univ. Mazda) to allow our return to Socorro, if not Albuquerque, without running on fumes … or having to back-track into TorC for gas.  Chloride is 109 miles from the Lemitar Truck Stop.

LUNCH will be at Manny's Buckhorn Cafe in San Antonio, NM – voted one of the best hamburgers in America, and #1 by the Food Network and Gov. Richardson.  Their famous Buckhorn green chili cheeseburgers are $6.  We will be arriving about 11 a.m. for an early lunch; arrangements have been made to accommodate us as a group (since the place is usually packed).

Nogal Canyon

CHLORIDE is a real interesting true ghost town with numerous buildings – one of New Mexico's hidden secrets. Built in the 1880s, the Pioneer Store  was closed in 1930 and remains exactly as it was when closed.  Arrangements have been made to tour the old Pioneer Store, museum and other old buildings for the group rate of $5 per person.

Curves near Winston

There are public restrooms but no food services in Chloride.  We will stop at the Winston General Store for drinks and snacks before driving the last 3.5 miles to Chloride.

Pioneer in Chloride

Return will be via NM-52 and NM-1 to Socorro, then I-25.  However, drivers are welcome to return directly to Albuquerque on I-25, exit 89 (Cuchillo), to save driving time.