Galisteo Basin Preserve

Last chance to register!

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, Commonweal, the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society and BTI will host the 4th Annual GBP Poker Ride/Run.

The GBP Poker Ride/Run is an opportunity for community members to enjoy the GBP's trails, make new friends and, possibly, win great prizes! Participants can choose to ride/run on four courses of different lengths and difficulty. The course options include a 2-mile, 5K, 10K and, for the most vigorous players, a 10-mile route. At the event, cyclists, runners and hikers will draw one card at five different trail locations to construct a 5-card poker hand. Participants can also buy additional poker hands to increase their chances of winning (and further support the GBP).

For more information and to register, visit https://www.bikereg.com/gbp

Proceeds from these events will support a range of stewardship initiatives at the GBP, as well as bolster Commonweal Conservancy's operational capacity.

Last chance to register!

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, Commonweal, the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society and BTI will host the 4th Annual GBP Poker Ride/Run.

The GBP Poker Ride/Run is an opportunity for community members to enjoy the GBP's trails, make new friends and, possibly, win great prizes! Participants can choose to ride/run on four courses of different lengths and difficulty. The course options include a 2-mile, 5K, 10K and, for the most vigorous players, a 10-mile route. At the event, cyclists, runners and hikers will draw one card at five different trail locations to construct a 5-card poker hand. Participants can also buy additional poker hands to increase their chances of winning (and further support the GBP).

For more information and to register, visit https://www.bikereg.com/gbp

Proceeds from these events will support a range of stewardship initiatives at the GBP, as well as bolster Commonweal Conservancy's operational capacity.

This October, the Galisteo Basin Preserve will be the setting for mountain biking, hiking and trail running races and events in support of Commonweal Conservancy’s GBP stewardship activities.

Please mark your calendar to attend these upcoming events:

On Saturday, October 2, 2021, a mountain bike endurance race -- “6 Hours in the Basin For Commonweal,” sponsored by the Core Crew – will be launched from the Cowboy Shack Trailhead at the Galisteo Basin Preserve.

The race will extend across a 9.3-mile loop of double-track road and single-track trails. The trail surface and topographic conditions of the course will include sections of sand, rock, short steep climbs and long flowing sections of trail. The race is designed to offer cyclists of all skills a fun and challenging endurance experience

Riders will be challenged to complete as many laps as possible in six hours. To avoid overcrowding on the trails, the race will be limited to 100 entries. A team of six or fewer members is considered a single entry. For more information and to register for the race, visit https://www.core-crew.com/6-hours-in-the-basin-for-commonweal

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, Commonweal, the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society and BTI will host the 4th Annual GBP Poker Ride/Run.

The GBP Poker Ride/Run is an opportunity for community members to enjoy the GBP's trails, make new friends and, possibly, win great prizes! Participants can choose to ride/run on four courses of different lengths and difficulty. The course options include a 2-mile, 5K, 10K and, for the most vigorous players, a 10-mile route. At the event, cyclists, runners and hikers will draw one card at five different trail locations to construct a 5-card poker hand. Participants can also buy additional poker hands to increase their chances of winning (and further support the GBP).

For more information and to register, visit https://www.bikereg.com/gbp

Proceeds from these events will support a range of stewardship initiatives at the GBP, as well as bolster Commonweal Conservancy's operational capacity.

We hope to see you on the trails this fall.

October will be a busy month for goings-on at GBP. Come enjoy the spectacular views and cooler fall temperatures at the Preserve at one or more of these fun events:

On Sat, October 2nd, Core Crew will host the 3rd Annual “6 Hours in the Basin for Commonweal” race at the GBP. Riders will try to complete as many laps as possible in six hours over a varied course that includes sand, rock, short steep climbs and long flowing sections of trail. Racers can tackle the course individually, with another person or in teams of three or more. For more information or to register, visit https://www.core-crew.com/6-hours-in-the-basin-for-commonweal

One week later, on Saturday, October 9th, the Albuquerque Area Trail Riders will host the inaugural Galisteo Basin Preserve Benefit Poker Ride for equestrians. Horseback riders will stop and pick cards at designated stops along an 8-mile course. The best poker hands will be awarded a variety of prizes that have been generously donated by Pharm-Aloe Equine, Dan's Boots & Saddles, Rancho Elisa Stables, Tractor Supply Edgewood, Caza Ladron Hunt, Equi-IX LLC, Two Horse Tack, Horseman's Feed and Supply, Paul's Veterinary Supply, and Beta Tack, LLC. Visit https://aatr.redpodium.com/galisteo-basin-preserve-benefit-poker-ride for more information and to register.

Then, on Saturday, October 16th, Commonweal, the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society and Bicycle Technologies International (BTI) are excited to be co-hosting the 4th Annual GBP Poker Ride/Run. In this final GBP October event, hikers, bikers and trail runners will see if they can put together the best poker hands to win prizes from the Four Seasons Resort Ranch Encantado Santa Fe, Buffalo Thunder, REI, O’Leary Built Bicycles & Powder Coating, Mellow Velo, NM Bike N Sport, Broken Spoke, and Rob and Charlie’s. Registration information and more details are at https://www.bikereg.com/gbp

Hope to see you there!

October will be a busy month for goings-on at GBP. Come enjoy the spectacular views and cooler fall temperatures at the Preserve at one or more of these fun events:

On Sat, October 2nd, Core Crew will host the 3rd Annual “6 Hours in the Basin for Commonweal” race at the GBP. Riders will try to complete as many laps as possible in six hours over a varied course that includes sand, rock, short steep climbs and long flowing sections of trail. Racers can tackle the course individually, with another person or in teams of three or more. For more information or to register, visit https://www.core-crew.com/6-hours-in-the-basin-for-commonweal

One week later, on Saturday, October 9th, the Albuquerque Area Trail Riders will host the inaugural Galisteo Basin Preserve Benefit Poker Ride for equestrians. Horseback riders will stop and pick cards at designated stops along an 8-mile course. The best poker hands will be awarded a variety of prizes that have been generously donated by Pharm-Aloe Equine, Dan's Boots & Saddles, Rancho Elisa Stables, Tractor Supply Edgewood, Caza Ladron Hunt, Equi-IX LLC, Two Horse Tack, Horseman's Feed and Supply, Paul's Veterinary Supply, and Beta Tack, LLC. Visit https://aatr.redpodium.com/galisteo-basin-preserve-benefit-poker-ride for more information and to register.

Then, on Saturday, October 16th, Commonweal, the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society and Bicycle Technologies International (BTI) are excited to be co-hosting the 4th Annual GBP Poker Ride/Run. In this final GBP October event, hikers, bikers and trail runners will see if they can put together the best poker hands to win prizes from the Four Seasons Resort Ranch Encantado Santa Fe, Buffalo Thunder, REI, O’Leary Built Bicycles & Powder Coating, Mellow Velo, NM Bike N Sport, Broken Spoke, and Rob and Charlie’s. Registration information and more details are at https://www.bikereg.com/gbp

Hope to see you there!

If you like to run the Galisteo Basin Preserve trails, don’t miss the first-ever GBP Full Moon Half Marathon race taking place on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Starting and ending from the Cottonwood Trailhead, the race will feature 6.4K, 12K and Half Marathon distances. The race is organized by our friends at Endurance Santa Fe. Proceeds from the race will support Commonweal’s efforts to expand and maintain the GBP trail network. For more information and to register until July 21st, go to https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=86103

If you like to run the Galisteo Basin Preserve trails, don’t miss the first-ever GBP Full Moon Half Marathon race taking place on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Starting and ending from the Cottonwood Trailhead, the race will feature 6.4K, 12K and Half Marathon distances. The race is organized by our friends at Endurance Santa Fe. Proceeds from the race will support Commonweal’s efforts to expand and maintain the GBP trail network. For more information and to register until July 21st, go to https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=86103

Shop Online — Mobile Running Store

Our friends at Feral Adventures - the organizers of the Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Series - recently let us know that one of the race series sponsors, Bluebird Running Company will be donating 10% of ALL online purchases to Commonweal Conservancy in support of our stewardship activities at the GBP. This incredibly generous offer runs from February 2, 2021 through February 14, 2021.

To sweeten the deal even further, Bluebird Running Company is offering free shipping on all purchases. In order to take advantage of their free shipping offer, please use coupon code LUV2RUN.

Now is your chance to get your Valentine some sweet outdoor gear. No Valentine, no worries. Get yourself something. You deserve it (and the GBP will benefit)!

Shop Online — Mobile Running Store

[01/03/21]   Trail Use Reminders

The wild and beautiful landscape of the GPB offers a landscape of renewal and re-creation for of hikers, bikers and equestrians. This has been especially true in 2020, as thousands of residents and visitors sought outdoor opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although most of the preserve’s visitors have been respectful in their social distancing and treatment of the surrounding environment, the GBP’s dramatically increased use has sometimes negatively impacted the preserve’s fragile soils, wildlife habitat and cultural artifacts. To ensure the preserve can continue to be a place that is open and accessible to community members, we need visitors to attend to the following practices:

• Park in designated trailhead parking lots – not along roadsides or off-road
• Walk and ride on designated trails only. Informal trails and pathways damage fragile soils and cause erosion
• Drive slowly and responsibly on GBP roads. Posted speed limits must be respected for the safety of residents and pedestrians
• Do not visit the GBP before sunrise or remain on the property after sunset. The preserve is home to residents and animals that have a right to enjoy the peace and quiet of night
• Observe “Leave No Trace” principles by collecting dog waste and disposing of it when you return home. Equestrians should collect horse manure and hay after parking at the GBP trailheads
• Dogs must be leashed or under voice control – i.e., immediately obeying “come” commands when called. Aggressive or fearful animals should be left at home to ensure the safety of other recreationalists.

By attending to these practices, the GBP can remain an open, vital and protected recreation and natural lands resource for our community. Thank you for your close attention to these protocols.

Earlier this month, one of the GBP’s most experienced and dedicated trail designers and builders, Brent Bonwell, was honored with the naming of the northern leg of the GBP’s newest multi-use trail. The Santa Fe Fat Tire Society, in collaboration with a dozen other mountain bike and trail running friends, made generous contributions to facilitate the trail naming. “Brent’s Bon Temps” branches off from Glenn’s Way at trail marker 55 and heads west, climbing to the top of a beautiful mesa and switch-backing down to (forthcoming) marker 57.

Brent’s partnership with Commonweal over the past 12 years has enriched our work. His thoughtful, good-humored and tireless contributions to building and maintaining the preserve’s trail network have helped establish a world-class recreation resource for residents and visitors to northern New Mexico.

Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Series – Pandemic Edition – Feral Adventures

GBP Winter Trail Series – pandemic edition in 2020!

Mirroring the larger challenges of 2020, this year’s Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Race Series will reflect the needs and responsibilities of the moment. Unlike “virtual races” where participants pick their own route, the 2nd Annual GBP Winter Trail Series hosted by Feral Adventures will involve three races in December, January and February. With the goal of minimizing trail traffic and facilitate social distancing, runners will be allowed to pick the date and time they complete each of the three courses.

Although registration is still open, prospective adventurers and running enthusiasts must complete the first course and post their results by December 31st, 2020!

This year, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe has generously donated one night’s lodging as the grand prize. A handful of other local sponsors have contributed similarly wonderful prizes. For more information on the series and registration details, please visit http://www.feraladventures.com/winter/.

feraladventures.com Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Series – Pandemic Edition Like everything else, this year’s Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Race Series will be different! While many are holding “Virtual Races”, we have decided to keep this tradition going, just with a pandemic flair. You will be r...

Santa Feans clearing path to nature

The GBP wishes to congratulation Henry and Tina Lanman for their recent recognition as among 10 Who Made A Difference in our community. Henry and Tina have been volunteering on the Galisteo Basin Preserve trail network since 2012 and are two of the GBP’s hardest working and most cherished volunteers. Read the full story below:

santafenewmexican.com Henry and Tina Lanman took a class on how to maintain trails after moving to Santa Fe in 2001. Since then, they have helped create and improve trail systems across

A Landscape of Forever! — Galisteo Basin Preserve

Over the past eight months, the Galisteo Basin Preserve trails have witnessed record use. Attending to COVID-19 restrictions, thousands of hikers, cyclists and equestrians have found inspiration and solace scaling steep ridgelines, ambling through grassy meadows and meditating on rocky overlooks.
After 18 years of trail building and painstaking land stewardship, the secret is out! The GBP is now a “go-to” place for recreationalists and open space enthusiasts from northern New Mexico and throughout the nation.

But only a small fraction of trail users support the GBP’s stewardship.

To help protect the GBP as a recreation resource, wildlife refuge, and cultural landscape, Commonweal is committed to raising $250,000 in the coming year to establish a dedicated stewardship fund: one that will help underwrite an ambitious program of trail building, habitat restoration and cultural resource protection.

We’ll be sharing the specifics of these initiatives in future emails.

But for today, the first step in our campaign is to identify and engage the thousands of GBP hikers, cyclists and equestrians who haven’t yet had an opportunity to contribute to the preserve’s protection.

We need you – existing friends and donors – to reach out to your friends and riding/hiking buddies in support of the Galisteo Basin Preserve’s long-term protection and restoration!

With gifts of $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $10,000+ from enthusiasts of the GBP – people who love and regularly traverse the preserve’s trails and open spaces – we can reach our $250,000 goal before late spring 2021.

With tens of thousands of dollars already committed and/or pledged to the campaign, your help connecting us to a larger community of GBP trail users and open space enthusiasts will allow us to establish a stewardship fund that can nurture and sustain the preserve for years to come!

Reach out. Share the love. Forward this message.

Tell your friends it’s time to show up and sign up.

It’s time for the 99% (invisible majority) to get in on the fun!

Let’s make it happen.
https://www.galisteobasinpreserve.com/contribute

galisteobasinpreserve.com Facilitate stewardship initiatives such as trail building/maintenance, arroyo and grasslands restoration, community agriculture and wildlife habitat enhancements

In 2020, maybe Green should be the new Black?

For many, Black Friday is the starting gun to the year’s holiday season. It’s a time when retailers urge you forward to replace worn hiking/riding boots, add color to your biking/riding wardrobe, or (God-forbid) add a spirited horse or a tricked-out, double-suspension, mondo fat-tire machine to your barn/garage!

But before you fill your carts (or barns) with a lot of cool new stuff, think about making a gift to a beloved place where you ride, instead of just what you ride.

A place like the Galisteo Basin Preserve!

Over the coming winter, Commonweal Conservancy will be launching an ambitious fundraising campaign to build new trails, improve wildlife habitat and enhance visitor facilities. Your Black Friday donation to the Galisteo Basin Preserve will be a gift of green that delights even your most discriminating (and spoiled) friends and family.

Visit https://www.galisteobasinpreserve.com/contribute to make an investment in protecting and restoring the largest nonprofit-owned, publicly accessible open space and trail network in the American Southwest!

Happy holidays and stay safe out there!