Finding the Real Santa Fe-Introduction

October 1, 9:10 PMSanta Fe Motorcycle Travel ExaminerCameron Weckerley

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Long standing zoning laws give Santa Fe a consistent appearance

Santa Fe has, without and doubt, a unique charm and almost magnetic draw, it's name legendary with those both wealthy and those earthy and all stripes in between. What gives this little city in the high desert on the southern end of the rocky mountains its unique charm and pull? Perhaps it is the the psychic weight of history.

Santa Fe is the oldest known European city on the western side of the Mississippi and can trace its beginnings to the Pueblo Indians who first settled here ca. 1050 AD.
It is also the oldest capital city in North America. Originally designated the government seat for the Spanish "Kingdom of New Mexico," it remained the capital city when when New Mexico became a U.S, state in 1912. Less esoterically, Santa Fe's charm has to do with architecture. Not only have historic structures been aggressively saved and restored, but a zoning code passed in 1958 requires all structures in the city limits to be built in the traditional pueblo style.

Nowadays Santa Fe is probably best know for the area known as The Plaza.  Although this area is worthy of a visit, it gives a distorted impression of what the city is really about and for the motorcycle traveler it is pure tourist hell. Also, pick up any of the glossy visitors guides which are distributed in the city and they will lead you to other crowded, gawker-type attractions. It is therefore the purpose of THIS travel guide to point you in the direction of destinations more in line with the interests of the touring motorcyclist.

Upcoming articles will highlight destinations such as Madrid, Los Cerrillos, Las Vegas (The original one), Hyde Park, and many other high interest, low density areas of interest. Every attempt will be made to highlight road conditions, multiple routes, weather considerations and other information most useful to motorcyclists.

Street vendor on a slow day in The Plaza

Please feel free as time goes on to comment, make suggestions or requests and let me know if anything needs to be corrected. The intent of this column is to be as useful to all traveling on two-wheel whether local or visiting.

Please come by and visit often as we look or and explore the "real" Santa Fe together.