Day 8: Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve, to Goffs via Essex Road and historic Route 66
Again, the cold prevented me from sleeping well last night, but at least I managed to sleep in after sunrise. My fellow bicyclists from Minnesota were awake early and they deserted Hole-in-the-Wall well before dawn (probably frozen).
Since it's looking like another cold day, today's goal is to reach a lower-elevation location. I'll leave Hole-in-the-Wall here at 4500 and aim for Goffs, California, at 2600 feet, passing a low point at Essex, California at about 1800 feet.
45.8 miles, 3:33 hours, 22.3 mph max speed, 12.8 mph average.
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Date: November 12, 2000
Size: 22 items
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Bright sun warms up this cold November morning at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve
Again, I didn't sleep well last night due to the cold. I make a nice hot breakfast of Mountain High vegetable curry, which I decide is not their best backpacking meal, but it does hit the spot.
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The water taps at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground are still functional this morning
Hole-in-the-Wall is really scenic, flat and open, and framed by wild-West mesas and hills. However, it's the only RV-friendly campground in Mojave National Preserve, so it can be full of noisy campers during the warmer months.
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One final view of my campsite at Hole-in-the-Wall campground, Mojave National Preserve, before I pack up and leave
The campground is empty today, which of course I'm enjoying. Perhaps I should just stay here today and climb some of the surrounding hills that are calling me...
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The 10-ton bike is all packed up and we're leaving Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve
Most importantly in this dry environment, I've filled up my water bottles before leaving.
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After exiting Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, I gradually descend Black Canyon Road southbound toward I-40
This part of Black Canyon Road is paved, the first pavement I've ridden in a couple of days. Effortless, rapid and pretty. At first there are a few Joshua trees, but then no more.
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Black Canyon Road winds through the Colton Hills as it approaches Essex Road
I'm back in low-elevation creosote bush scrub now. This road is fairly well-travelled, but these hills are probably not often visited, and might make a good stop for a day hike (though I don't have time today).
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At the foot of Black Canyon Road, Essex Road is reached
Turning right (northwest) leads to Mitchell Caverns (Providence Mountains State Recreation Area) after five miles; turning left (my route) leads to Interstate 40 and historic Route 66.
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Looking northwest up Essex Road from the bottom of Black Canyon Road toward Mitchell Caverns and Providence Mountains
This isn't my route today, but perhaps I can come back here later; this looks like a worthwhile area to explore.
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Essex Road has been rather desolate so far, so it's amusing to ride over the tube of civilization that is Interstate 40
I started at around 4500 feet elevation this morning and now I'm at 2100 feet. It doesn't seem like I've descended that much; none of this downhill has been steep, but it has been relaxing and enjoyable.
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On Essex Road, it's 6.3 miles past Interstate 40 to the nearly dead town of Essex, California at the base of the distant hills
Essex Road drops a little, from 2100 feet to about 1700 feet at Essex.
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Closer to Essex, I pass the "This is IT" RV park, and not much else
There doesn't seem to be much activity at "This is IT" at first glance.
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Still on Essex Road, I look back at the IT RV Park and a number of trailers or buildings which weren't apparent while riding by
Maybe there are some folks living at "This is IT" after all. The Clipper Mountains, largely within the Clipper Mountains Wilderness, sit in the foreground, with the Providence Mountains (Mitchell Caverns) in the background.
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