May 14, 2008

Taos Dirt - Capulin (North Boundary)

So everybody who rides in New Mexico has heard of the South Boundary Trail - and rightly so - it's one of those great epic rides that will make your nipples hard - possibly even requiring medical attention.
So then - what the hell is the North Boundary? Is this some wanna-be trail that's trying to ride the coat-tails of the famed SBT? Well, ya kinda. The NBT is basically a ride that follows the ridge between Taos Canyon and Taos Pueblo and is directly across the canyon from the SBT. Both rides essentially connect at El Nogal. The NBT starts on the back side of the Divisidaro Loop - and there is actually a sign (sign says "Capulin Trail" - the real name). From the sign you'll need to look south east-ish and you will see a faint trail following the contour of the hill. The trail is usually pretty obvious but there are long stretches where it's pretty much not there. Not many people ride (or even hike this trail). The NBT tops out on Capulin Peak and continuing east you'll end up at Palo Flechado and the Elliot Barker Trail. When linking this with Divisidaro, be prepared for a very long climb. The twistiness and prickly pear make this a slow climb. The is also tons of gnarly dead fall and continually reaching branches try to pull you off the bike. There are a few places that will leave you standing about head scratchin' wondering where the hell the trail goes. Just stay off the north facing slope of the ridge line and you'll do fine (Taos Pueblo Indian land - possible scalping). Get a good topo and check it out.