Thursday, 2 July 2026

Day 9 – Santa Fe, NM (Lay Day)

After eight consecutive days on the bikes, another lay day was exactly what everyone needed.

No alarms. No bag drops. No briefing sheets tucked into jacket pockets. Just breakfast whenever we fancied it and a full day to explore one of the most fascinating places on Route 66.

I'd been a bit organised the night before and, rather than spending ages deciding what to see, I asked ChatGPT to create a walking tour of Santa Fe covering the best sights within about four kilometres of the hotel. It produced a cracking route that took in the city's history, art, architecture and a few places to stop for food and drink along the way. Technology definitely earned its keep today.

After breakfast the six of us headed into town, with John and Sandi deciding to have a more relaxed day around the hotel.

Santa Fe is unlike anywhere else we've visited on the trip. Every building seems to share the same beautiful adobe style, with soft earth-coloured walls, wooden beams and colourful doors that somehow make the whole city feel warm and welcoming. It doesn't have the towering skyline of Chicago or the cowboy feel of Amarillo. Instead, it has its own unique character that quietly grows on you the more you wander.

Our route took us along the famous Canyon Road, which has to be one of the most impressive streets for art lovers anywhere in America. Gallery after gallery lined both sides of the road, each one showcasing paintings, sculptures, glasswork and photography from local and international artists.

Even if you're not someone who normally spends weekends wandering around art galleries, it was impossible not to appreciate the talent on display. Some of the sculptures were absolutely incredible and every courtyard seemed to reveal another hidden gallery or colourful garden.

By the time we'd reached the top of Canyon Road we'd certainly earned a break.

Fortunately, there just happened to be a lovely little spot overlooking the hillside where a glass of chilled wine seemed entirely appropriate. It would almost have been rude not to. We sat for a while, enjoying the sunshine, chatting about the trip so far and simply taking in the peaceful surroundings. Sometimes the best moments on holiday aren't planned at all.

From there we meandered back towards the historic Plaza, taking our time rather than marching from attraction to attraction. Santa Fe is definitely a city best explored slowly.

Lunch was taken in the square where, as always with our group, the food was only part of the entertainment. Somehow six adults can create enough laughter to make nearby tables wonder what on earth is going on. By now we've become experts at taking the mickey out of each other and nobody escapes unscathed.

After lunch we wandered back to the hotel.

With temperatures climbing into the thirties once again, the swimming pool suddenly became a very attractive option. An hour floating around in cool water was exactly what was needed before another evening out.

As the sun began to drop we headed back into town and returned to the rooftop bar at the Ronda Hotel. We'd enjoyed it so much the previous evening that it deserved a repeat visit.

Cocktails in hand, we watched the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains, bathing Santa Fe in that beautiful golden light that photographers dream about. It was one of those moments where nobody felt the need to rush anywhere. We simply sat back, enjoyed the view and reflected on what had already been an incredible journey.

John and Sandi decided to spend a quiet evening at the hotel while the rest of us soaked up one last Santa Fe sunset before another early start awaited us.

Tomorrow we'd be back where we belonged.

Six Harleys.

One road.

And Route 66 waiting just beyond the city limits.