Welcome to the Land of Bike Enchantment–New Mexico

Tucked away in the northeast corner of New Mexico is an area known as the Enchanted Circle. Within this area are two of New Mexico's primary mountain bike destinations, Taos and Angel Fire. Connecting these two towns is the must-ride trail of the area, South Boundary. I grew up in Taos, and many of my early mountain bike adventures were on the South Boundary Trail–cracked helmets, finishing my rides in the dark, getting stuck above tree line in lightning storms. These were the moments that taught me to respect and love the sport of mountain biking. Although I have now been racing professionally for almost 10 years, I continue to return to this trail for new adventures, new challenges and a renewed appreciation for the sport I love.

The final descent into Taos on the South Boundary Trail is known as El Nogal. It is a classic New Mexico descent and one of my favorites. High-speed, rocky, loose and dusty, it's the trail that made me the rider I am.

A few minutes from the eastern end of the trail is the town of Angel Fire. Head up to Angel Fire Resort in the summer and you'll immediately notice crowds of mountain bikers heading up the chairlift at the Angel Fire Bike Park, another longtime mountain bike destination. I spent two years of high school in Angel Fire, and the bike park was my after-school training ground. It's where I learned to climb as well as descend, as the chairlifts would always be closed when school let out. Since high school, I've watched the park grow from a small but popular bike park to the  Best Bike Park in the Southwest.

To fully appreciate a South Boundary ride, you have to get a post-ride burrito from the Guadalajara Grill.

And watch the sunset.

About The Author

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stash member mackyfranklin

Pro Enduro mountain bike racer for Jamis - Vittoria. Racing and riding all over the world. Always down to talk beer, bikes and enduro.