Preparing for Balloon Fiesta (Albuquerque: renting, motorhome, to buy)

[Solidwood]

[SIZE=2]If the thought of making a trip to traffic in Albuquerque scares you, the thought of driving there during the Balloon Fiesta will terrify you. Here's how to make it a safe, fun adventure. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Difficulty Level: average Time Required: varies [/SIZE]

[SIZE=2]Here's How: [/SIZE]

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2. Assess your skills honestly. If you have little traffic driving experience and need to be to the Fiesta quickly, please only drive as far as your closest RapidRide..
3. If this is an extended trip, decide whether driving a car, camper truck or motorhome are most appropriate to your plans. Flying and then renting a vehicle is a good option for some people. Can you drive in traffic?
4. When planning your itinerary, allow as much extra time as possible for new opportunities that arise along the way (or for the possibility of problems). Remember that the days get shorter and it snows in New Mexico.
5. Use the interstates, not local streets and roads. It is the I-40 and I-25 of choice during the Fiesta, and offers more services and safety as a result. Take a transponder in case........
6. Prepare your vehicle well - tune-up, oil change and a full safety check. Ensure that you have good all-season radial tires that are in excellent condition. "Off-road" tires are not necessary or recommended on extended paved road driving.
7. Carry some spare parts. Depending on your vehicle, that may be as little as a fan belt, thermostat and headlight, or a more elaborate kit if your vehicle is not common or really old.
8. Prepare for deep-cold shoulders of competing drivers. Carry a sheet of corrugated cardboard large enough to cover your driverside window if it gets so cold that your heater starts to lose it's effectiveness. Window ice-scrapers are mandatory equipment. Then have something for heat source in the event you are stuck off the road a few days. A cell phone won't help you in Albuquerque as long as you are driving in your car..
9. Carry at least a good map, preferably a detailed road guide. The New Mexico Magazine is the undisputed king of New Mexico road travel, but many listed facilities may be closed during the Fiesta.
10. Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle. It isn't likely, but vehicle problems or weather can change your plans quickly. That means carrying an Arctic sleeping bag or lots of extra heavy clothes, and some food and water. You may want a diary and DNR (do not resusitate form) kept in your glove box.
11. Everywhere you stop, ask about conditions ahead, both road and weather. Stop frequently. Plan accordingly - don't leave a warm coffee shop and head into conditions you may not be able to handle. "Bravado" has no place in such circumstances as long as you're still in the coffee shop. Then you may need all the bravado you can muster to survive if you've left the coffee shop.
12. Driving conditions can vary dramatically in a very short distance. A good road may turn into a fender bashing race with no visible signs of relief except to the highly experienced. You should usually be driving well under the speed limit. Lights on and radio full blast and tuned to local weather and traffic reports.
13. Whenever you stop, clear the smut and loose auto parts from your car, and check your tail lights - they are often neglected. Bringing a hot coffee back into your car can make your trip more interesting instantly! A hot ham sandwich between your legs make a tasty snack and a warming companion.
14. If the temperature is below about minus 15 C., never shut your vehicle off unless you're at a lodge or other facility where assistance is available if needed. Drug sniffing dogs can smell you even buried in your car under a blanket of car parts.
15. Driving in heavy traffic can be hypnotizing - be aware of the effects, and stop for a break occasionally if needed. Better to take a portable bedpan than risk stepping into a spilt oil and fuel.
16. When meeting another vehicle, be aware of the possible dust that can drop your visibility to zero for a lengthy distance. I always ensure that nobody is behind me so I can slow or even stop when that happens - if luck isn't with you, the conditions seen in the photo at the bottom can go on for hours and hundreds of miles. So can the roads go on for hours and hundreds of miles.
17. Now that we have all the cautions written down, think about how amazingly beautiful the Balloon Fiesta is in Albuquerque. You will be one of the few who get the privilege of seeing it, so savour every mile of it and stay at home.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=2]Tips: [/SIZE]

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2. Think border-crossing - do not bring a gun! If you must have one for some reason, you need to buy a permit at the border crossing for $50. You can speed things up by having the forms filled out - but don't sign them until you're with the Customs officer. On the side, if you find yourself at the border, then you missed a turn somewhere for the Fiesta.
3. Don't take the calendar too seriously - Wind can visit most months of the year and they cancel the Fiesta day activities if the wind is too strong. Bring your umbrella.
4. Take your time![/SIZE]