This Rowe Gravel Grinder route in Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of three routes we are bringing to you from Aileen El-Kadi Schuster.
Aileen is a runner who fell in love with cycling in 2014. In 2018 she and her husband moved from TX to NM, and discovered gravel riding and CX. After buying a gravel bike, she realized she could go anywhere and be closer to nature, exploring places she could have never been on a road bike. Gravel presented her with friends who share the same respect and love for nature. She participated in many gravel races/events and won the CX NM State championship in 2019. “I love speed, adrenaline and competition, so CX is my favorite cycling discipline. My Racing Apparel/BMC teammates Bryan Reid and Hadji Corona inspire me to keep exploring and racing.”
Aileen and her husband have done gravel rides in Argentina, Spain, England, Ecuador and the Netherlands. “New Mexico is a beautiful state for all seasons riding. Fall is simply amazing here. We would love to help anyone who comes to NM to find the perfect gravel rides, so please feel free to contact me.”
The Rowe Gravel Grinder used to be a race/event in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This ride is a portion of it.
If you like climbing on a gravel/dirt terrain, then this ride is your ride!
It’s challenging because of the climbing, but it’s a terrific Santa Fe gravel ride and after you complete it, you’ll feel you’ve achieved something significant.
There are a few rocky parts (but totally doable on a gravel bike)
Since the way back heads north and has some long-ish climbs, it’s a good idea to check wind direction and try to avoid headwinds if possible. New Mexico can be a very windy state!
Do this ride if you like to climb on a dirt/gravel terrain where you will see almost no traffic at all and start or finish your ride with a killer New Mexico Burrito! 🌯
I recommend starting this ride from Cafe Fina Restaurant. You’ll be able to find a safe parking place, use the bathroom and buy a burrito or a muffin before the ride. DEFINITELY eat there after the ride- it’s one of my favorite places for brunch in town!
There’s no services after you take the gravel road, so make sure you have 2 full bottles of water or take a Camelbak with you.
Start this ride from Cafe Fina. Starting from here you’ll ride on pavement for about 5 miles before you hit the dirt road.
Guest: A. El-Kadi Schuster
Aileen is a runner who fell in love with cycling in 2014. In 2018 she and her husband moved from TX to NM, and discovered gravel riding and CX. After buying a gravel bike, she realized she could go anywhere and be closer to nature, exploring places she could have never been on a road bike. Gravel presented her with friends who share the same respect and love for nature. She participated in many gravel races/events and won the CX NM State championship in 2019. “I love speed, adrenaline and competition, so CX is my favorite cycling discipline. My Racing Apparel/BMC teammates Bryan Reid and Hadji Corona inspire me to keep exploring and racing.”
Aileen and her husband have done gravel rides in Argentina, Spain, England, Ecuador and the Netherlands. “New Mexico is a beautiful state for all seasons riding. Fall is simply amazing here. We would love to help anyone who comes to NM to find the perfect gravel rides, so please feel free to contact me.”
