I'm considering road riding for a week in NM or AZ (March), driving down from Boulder (after flying in from Virginia). So, not sure where to go, but want some place warm w/ decent road choices and some climbing. Can either ride with a "camp" or go solo in a hotel..... Any thoughts? Many thanks. :) [47 year old male, strong roadie but race mainly MTB Exp Master]

I'm considering road riding for a week in NM or AZ (March), driving down from Boulder (after flying in from Virginia). So, not sure where to go, but want some place warm w/ decent road choices and some climbing. Can either ride with a "camp" or go solo in a hotel..... Any thoughts? Many thanks. :) [47 year old male, strong roadie but race mainly MTB Exp Master]
There's great riding in the Silver City area with lots of climbing. Most of the best routes are used for the Tour of the Gila, http://www.tourofthegila.com/racecourses.htm . This shows maps and elevation profiles. Of course, parts of different stages can be linked to create whatever type of ride you want.

Also check out the New Mexico Touring Society site www.nmts.org for route maps/profiles of the area.

Last April I went through there and stayed at the KOA in Silver City. A very clean and well run place. You can camp or they have little cabins too. The owners are dedicated road bikers and you could probably hook up with some local group rides through them.

Right now conditions are pretty good here in Northern NM too. Unusually warm and dry. A stop in Santa Fe or Albuquerque would help break up the drive from Boulder.