Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping Bicycle 2000
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Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping Trip 2000 Day 8: Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve, to Goffs via Essex Road and historic Route 66
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Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping Trip 2000

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Looking back down at Nipton as I climb slowly

Looking back down at Nipton as I climb slowly

Date: November 10, 2000

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
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Bright sun warms up this cold November morning at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
The water taps at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground are still functional this morning

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
One final view of my campsite at Hole-in-the-Wall campground, Mojave National Preserve, before I pack up and leave

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...

Date: November 12, 2000
The 10-ton bike is all packed up and we're leaving Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave National Preserve

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
After exiting Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, I gradually descend Black Canyon Road southbound toward I-40

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
Black Canyon Road winds through the Colton Hills as it approaches Essex Road

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).

Date: November 12, 2000
At the foot of Black Canyon Road, Essex Road is reached

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
Looking northwest up Essex Road from the bottom of Black Canyon Road toward Mitchell Caverns and Providence Mountains

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
Essex Road has been rather desolate so far, so it's amusing to ride over the tube of civilization that is Interstate 40

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
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

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
Closer to Essex, I pass the "This is IT" RV park, and not much else

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
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

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.

Date: November 12, 2000
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Other bicycle camping trips on drycyclist.com:
  • Mojave National Preserve Lanfair Valley Loop Bicycle Camping, Fall 2012 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2012 (15 days)
  • Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve and Area Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2011 (15 days)
  • Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bikepacking, Fall 2010 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking, Spring 2010 (14 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Fall 2009 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking, Spring 2009 (16 days)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bikepacking 2008 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle-Camping and Day Hikes 2008 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping Xmas 2007 Trip (one week)
  • Henry Coe State Park Mountain-Bike Camping 2007 (eight nights)
  • Death Valley Bicycle Camping 2007 (two weeks)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bicycle Camping 2006 (four nights)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2006 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 1999 (one week)
Contact mojave2000 at priss dot org