By Jim Levandoski and Curtis Holloway
The BMW CCA New Mexico Chapter March 2023 driving adventure started in Tijeras, where most of us gathered at the Tijeras East Mountain Public Library at 8:30 am on March 11, 2023. A number of brave souls arrived early despite a cold and windy NM morning.
One car of particular interest was Jeff Brinker’s 2-tone 2002. It is better than new with many upgrades including dual Webers and a 5 speed. Jeff bought the 2002 in 1970 and has owned it since!
Our Chapter Photographer, Jason Collin, lead us down the curvy Route 337 south along the Salt Missions Scenic Byway, winding down to the town of Mountainair. After a quick stop at the Alon gas station we proceeded east on Route 60 to Willard where we met up with Jim Storch, Bob Storch, and Ron and Laurie Maria. We proceeded through Encino then Vaughn turning onto Route 54 into Santa Rosa.
The group stopped for lunch at the Silver Moon Café, a historic Route 66 landmark since it opened in 1959. It is world renowned for its signature New Mexican dishes and American favorites. The Silver Moon Café is a local favorite as well as a must stop for thousands of travelers.
After lunch we visited the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa. On display were over 30 cars from the 20’s to the 70’s. A number of them were for sale including a 1957 Chevy for over $80,000.
After the museum, some in the group headed to the Santa Rosa Blue Hole to check out the clear lake, a great blue gem, in the midst of the surrounding red mesas. It was a bit strange to see scuba divers in the middle of New Mexico. After the stop, we headed home through numerous rain showers.
Photos by Jim Levandoski and Jason Collin
