A 37 mile ride of moderate difficulty that offers a little of everything. Flat valley roads, rollers along I10, and moderate climb up the east mesa between El Paso and Las Cruces.
Start from La Mesa and ride south on NM 28 to the intersection with NM 189. Ride straight through the intersection and you will be on NM 189. Ride on 189 across the Rio Grande to the intersection with NM 478. Ride across NM 478 on to Holguin Road. Follow Holguin a short distance until it turns and intersects with NM 227 (Vado Road). Stay on Vado Road across I-10 where NM 227 ends and becomes County Road B19. Follow B19 up the mesa to the end of the pavement at Lord's Ranch.
Turn around at Lord's Ranch head back to frontage road along I10. Turn right (north) on the east side frontage road and ride rollers in to Las Cruces. At mile 23 turn left (west) on Cholla road to pass under I-25 then 1-10. Turn right on San Franciso street and navigate your way through the village of Tortugas to Tortugas Road. Follow Torgutas Road to NM 478 (Main Street). Ride across NM 478 on to Watson Lane. Follow Watson to NM 28 then turn left (south) on NM 28. Follow NM 28 back to La Mesa. A short detour north up NM 28 will add a couple of miles to the ride and put you in Mesilla for coffee at The Bean.