Raton-Cimarron-Durango Information

[Canalligators]

We're planning an on+off road tour next summer and are looking for route information.  The plan is:
- Take Amtrak to Raton NM
- Cycle to Cimarron NM and re-visit Philmont
- Cycle offroad to Antonito CO
- Ride the Cumbres & Toltec to Chama NM with bikes aboard
- Cycle to Durango CO via as much offroad as possible
- Ride the Durango & Sliverton with bikes, then cycle to Grand Junction to take Amtrak home.

We will probably ride on-road to Cimarron, I didn't see any direct offroad routes.  Will probably ride through the Valle Vidal section of Carson NF to Antonito.  Looking for a good offroad route from Chama to Durango.  Probably on-road again from Silverton to Grand Junction, we'll likely be about out of time - unless you know a good, quick offroad route.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Dale

[woodlandrider]

This route idea sounds like fun.  I was wondering if you got more information about taking bikes on the two day trip railroads.  Do they allow it?

Some info about biking around Durango can be found here:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2011bletcher

I have also imagined a different ride employing two Amtrak rides for the start and finish. In that case, it would be going from Reno, NV to the central valley, probably Red Bluff, CA.
A trip report covering a lot of that possible route can be found here: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/9456

[Canalligators]

I did contact both railroads and they said they will take the bikes along.  That may all change before we actually do the trip, it won't be 2012 due to health situation (pesky non-life-threatening issue) that throws a monkeywrench in the machinery regarding travel.