Question on Must Rides in Santa Fe

[CDubz]

So headed to Santa Fe with the wife for a long weekend. She has spa time planned for a few mornings meaning I get to explore the fine trails of the area. From what I've read on here and mtbr Dale Ball seems to be what most people talk about. I'll probably have two days I get to ride with a 3 hour block of time. Any can't miss rides and or favorites of some of the mags on here? Any specifics ie how to link trails, which direction to ride them, certain sections to hit and or miss would be much appreciated. A mix of some fast, some flow, and some tech would be perfect.

Probably just be me so won't be able to shuttle, so probably not bringing the big bike just the trail rig unless there is a can't miss DH run then I'd have all sorts of problems.

Thanks for the help.

[DaHeel]

Went to SF in the fall and thought Ball was cool and very well marked. No real advice on the order but Lower Ball has some good tech riding. This ride gets my vote for a must ride http://www.santafefattiresociety.org...-burn-loop.pdf
Tons of stream crossings and some flowy terrain.

[2turntables]

Dale ball will be some of the only dry trails. Definitely bring your trail bike instead of the big hit bike.
If you like steep, burly tech, ride Dale Ball south. Fast & flowy, stay north. You can ride up to 9000 ft on the Dale Ball sytem from Santa Fe (7000 ft). Descending from the top of Atalaya Mountain or Picacho Peak (the 2 highest peaks in Dale Ball) is a f-ing blast.
Other rides are fun, hilly, flowy desert XC rides. Dale Ball will give you the most bang for the buck, at this time. The higher stuff is wet or snowy.
If you like long jump lines, built for bikes with full suspension, pm me. Sounds like you are already on the right track for good AM/XC trails,

[concretejungle]

So the wife and I will be out the last week of April. It sounds like some of the lower national forest stuff is opening up barring a snowstorm. I know this is kind of a random question but do any SF mags know of a baby sitter? We've got an 8 (will be 9 months) month old and we'd like to ride together so a mag rec would be much appreciated. Just for a couple of hours at their house or the in-laws place over by the La Tierra trails.

Also, since it's close to the house can anyone provide some insight on the La Tierra trails? I usually just go up and get lost and then get unlost but I feel like someone with local knowledge could string together a more flowy ride.

Any rides in ABQ where weather dependent we could set up our sunshade and chill in the parking lot taking turns with the kiddo and riding would be appreciated. We've never ridden there and it sounds like our style.

Thanks.