the biggest 'problem' with this route is there is so much to see, so many fine roads to run down, you want to take like a month to do the trip.
I have a longer term fantasy of doing a dualsport rally in the ruidoso area. it is as perfect a spot as there is in the country. There are a number of campgrounds and lodging facilities, as you know. the campground right behind the NFS Ranger station on the north side of Ruidoso [I think its called Cedar Creek] has big group-meet facilities, which is sorta a must for a proper rally. and of course the riding is endless... ghost towns to visit, treacherous mountain passes, easy slab through the hills, rivers, lakes, water crossings... and a thousand miles of dirt roads.
If you haven't run it, the route up Hwy 54 from Van Horn to Guadalupe Mtn's state Park is a 'sleeper'. I dunno why it doesn't get more attention or maybe I'm missing it. A gorgeous 'backroad' drive. Connects to Hwy 180 which you can then take on through Carlsbad and north through NM.
I know some texans find I-10 to be a total bore but to me, from around Comfort all the way to Van Horn area is pretty interesting terrain, with numerous side-trips, some parallel 2-lane scenic roads, and if you're just slabbin', the speed limit is the most generous in texas [on the interstate]. So if nothing else, we make good time
Hey Zap,
Not 100% sure yet, but that's what we did last time. Heck of a trip and really makes me want to move out that way sometimes. Let me know when you go to NM. If you want company we may join you...