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Welcome to New Mexico, Tito. Even with the uncertainty of road construction delays I'd take the 54 route in a heartbeat. You'll get to see some of beautiful rural New Mexico, save 100+ miles, visit Carrizozo, Tularosa and Alamagordo, and the chile cheeseburger will be a bonus! Depending on the time of day, navigating Albuquerque can be unpleasant in a white-knuckle sort of way. 70 is rarely closed, and when it is it's not for long, and that view of LC when you come over the San Augustin Pass will inspire you.
I'll try road 54 and I'll let you know how it went, 100 miles difference between the two routes deserves some serious consideration. Thanks
Also consider that 100 miles is 4 to 5 gallons of gas and the savings could pay for the cheeseburger. During our last trip to NM we found that the interstate is not that much faster than the federal routs because of the relatively light traffic, long distance between towns and the openness allows running in the 70 mph range along with the natives. Incidentally RT 12 a two lane SW of Datil is posted at 75!
I'll try road 54 and I'll let you know how it went, 100 miles difference between the two routes deserves some serious consideration. Thanks
I found that out, too. The first two trips to Alamo were via 1-20/1-10, and nearly 400 miles. It is an EASY drive from Midland to Alamo going that route, but...I figured that with 80 MPH on I-10 and a straight shot, it would be only a few minutes longer than the short route.
THEN..I decided to try the shorter route, 290 miles. Even with the slowdowns in all of the towns you have to go through--and the last 40 or so miles being a winding mountain road, it was an HOUR shorter...and I had 1/4 tank of gas left over. I didn't have to stop at all.
So. Live and learn.
54 from Santa Rosa is good all the way, as I recall. The speed limits are lower than interstate, but you'll still make much better time, and should have a pleasant drive!
I found that out, too. The first two trips to Alamo were via 1-20/1-10, and nearly 400 miles. It is an EASY drive from Midland to Alamo going that route, but...I figured that with 80 MPH on I-10 and a straight shot, it would be only a few minutes longer than the short route.
THEN..I decided to try the shorter route, 290 miles. Even with the slowdowns in all of the towns you have to go through--and the last 40 or so miles being a winding mountain road, it was an HOUR shorter...and I had 1/4 tank of gas left over. I didn't have to stop at all.
So. Live and learn.
54 from Santa Rosa is good all the way, as I recall. The speed limits are lower than interstate, but you'll still make much better time, and should have a pleasant drive!
Thank you so much Kathy, saving 100 miles on a trip is very significant, even if I have to drive slower. I'm sure that I'll enjoy going throught the little towns and stop for that famous green chile burger in Carrizozo.
Thank you so much Kathy, saving 100 miles on a trip is very significant, even if I have to drive slower. I'm sure that I'll enjoy going throught the little towns and stop for that famous green chile burger in Carrizozo.
And don't forget to get the fries with that cheesburger...
I head to Alamo all the time, but 54 is not a bad route. Just know the "pit" stops are not that often.
And fill up with gass in Santa Rosa.
Tito,
It is 180 miles from Santa Rosa to Alamogordo via 54. Thats 3 hrs for me, or thats what I say.. I enjoy this part of my 1250 miles of driving as I know its the last and I am home. I will stay in Vaughn rather than drive this stretch at night. I am not a night driver.
Let us know when you get there.
Your locations says Peoria, are you near there? Have DD in Eureka
Tito,
It is 180 miles from Santa Rosa to Alamogordo via 54. Thats 3 hrs for me, or thats what I say.. I enjoy this part of my 1250 miles of driving as I know its the last and I am home. I will stay in Vaughn rather than drive this stretch at night. I am not a night driver.
Let us know when you get there.
Your locations says Peoria, are you near there? Have DD in Eureka
Peoria is the place where I work but after my last day on my job, I'll travel to Chicago to spend a few days with my daughter before starting my journey. I don't intent to drive at night. I know where Eureka is but I haven't been there yet.
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or am i .....
, just my warped sense of humor.
