05/08/2026
C&CM: What makes you proud to represent your state?
BK: What truly makes me proud to represent the great state of New Mexico are the endless skies that make you feel small in the best way, the sense of freedom you carry with you, and the deep roots that tie people to this land. There’s something special about growing up here, where culture, tradition, and history aren’t just remembered, they’re lived every day. New Mexico isn’t just where I’m from, it’s a part of who I am. It’s in the strength of our people, the beauty of our landscapes, and the stories that surround us. Representing New Mexico means carrying that spirit with me, something real, something resilient, and something unforgettable If you’ve never been to New Mexico, let me show you why it’s worth the trip because this isn’t just a vacation, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
C&CM: If a visitor from outside your state/country visited you, where would you take them to make them fall in love with your state?
BK: First, I’d take you to the Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the longest aerial tramways in the Western Hemisphere. It stretches 2.7 miles, lifting you high above the desert until you reach 10,378 feet at the top of the Sandia Mountains. “Sandia” means watermelon and once you see the mountains glowing pink and red at sunset, you’ll understand why. The skies here don’t just change color, they explode into soft, dreamy cotton-candy hues. And the sunrises? Quiet, golden, and absolutely breathtaking. Next, we’d head underground to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where you’ll step into a hidden world beneath the earth. Inside is the famous Big Room, the largest single cave chamber in North America. It spans over 8 acres, with a 1.25-mile trail winding through massive, ancient rock formations that feel almost unreal. And if you visit between April and October, you’ll witness something unforgettable: hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats spiraling out of the cave at dusk, filling the sky in a living, moving ribbon.
After that, we’d make our way to Roswell, famous for its extraterrestrial mystery. Whether you believe in UFOs or not, it’s a fascinating place full of curiosity and stories that spark your imagination. You can even explore a real missile silo/bunker, giving you a glimpse into Cold War history and what life might have looked like in a doomsday scenario.
To finish the trip, we’d take a motorcycle ride through the heart of New Mexico starting in Santa Fe, winding through Taos, and continuing up to Raton. The road opens up to some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see, rolling landscapes, wide open skies, and a sense of freedom you just can’t find anywhere else. New Mexico is a place of contrast between sky and earth, mystery and history, quiet beauty and unforgettable adventure. If you come here, you won’t just see it, you'll feel it.