Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping Bicycle 2000
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Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping Trip 2000 Day 2: Leaving Kelbaker Road campsite and riding to Mid Hills Campground, Mojave National Preserve
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Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping Trip 2000

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Picnic table behind the Nipton campground

Picnic table behind the Nipton campground

Date: November 09, 2000

Day 2: Leaving Kelbaker Road campsite and riding to Mid Hills Campground, Mojave National Preserve

Today's ride is more ambitious. From here at 2000 feet, I'll ride over the crest of Kelbaker Road at 3800 feet, down to Kelso Depot at 2100 feet, then up to Mid Hills Campground at about 5500 feet.

The final 10 miles or so are on gravelly and sandy dirt roads: Cedar Canyon Road, Black Canyon Road, and Wild Horse Canyon Road.

50.6 miles, 6:15 hours, 34.1 mph max speed, 8.1 mph average

Date: November 06, 2000
Size: 8 items
A few miles up Kelbaker Road, I stop for a short break along the edge of the lava beds

A few miles up Kelbaker Road, I stop for a short break along the edge of the lava beds

Nice boulders all over the place. I'm still trying to get used to the unwieldiness of the 10-ton bike.

Date: November 06, 2000
A little further up the road, I climb up the edge of one of the lava flows to get a better view of the area

A little further up the road, I climb up the edge of one of the lava flows to get a better view of the area

Last night's campsite is just off the left edge of the photo by those nearby hills.

Date: November 06, 2000
I make another stop in the lava-flow area, this time at Black Tank Wash

I make another stop in the lava-flow area, this time at Black Tank Wash

I'm intrigued by this area, but I'm not carrying enough water to dry camp in a place like this tonight.

Date: November 06, 2000
Beyond the old lava, Kelbaker Road continues to rise slowly

Beyond the old lava, Kelbaker Road continues to rise slowly

Looking back at the long, gentle hill that I've climbed, and am still climbing.

Date: November 06, 2000
Looking back down behind me on Kelbaker Road as I approach the summit at 3800 feet

Looking back down behind me on Kelbaker Road as I approach the summit at 3800 feet

I'm well past the lava beds now, and I have a good view of the cinder cones off Aiken Mine Road in the distance. I take a water-and-snack break at the Kelbaker Road summit.

Date: November 06, 2000
Once over the 3800-foot summit of Kelbaker Road, I start the 12-mile glide down to the abandoned Kelso Depot at 2100 feet

Once over the 3800-foot summit of Kelbaker Road, I start the 12-mile glide down to the abandoned Kelso Depot at 2100 feet

Though long, this downhill isn't steep. It winds around some hills (Marl Mountains and Kelso Mountains) that block what would otherwise be big views into Kelso Valley at the bottom. It's a fun ride down.

Date: November 06, 2000
At Kelso Depot, I turn north on Kelso-Cima Road and ride 14.4 miles: more slow uphill, back up to 3800 feet

At Kelso Depot, I turn north on Kelso-Cima Road and ride 14.4 miles: more slow uphill, back up to 3800 feet

At 3800 feet, I'll turn off at Cedar Canyon Road and ride up into the Mid Hills.

Date: November 06, 2000
Continuing uphill on Kelso-Cima Road, looking ahead

Continuing uphill on Kelso-Cima Road, looking ahead

I have a major headwind here, so the subtle uphill is demanding. Mid Hills Campground, today's destination, is up near the top of those mountains to the right. It gets dark when I still have a dozen miles to go.

Date: November 06, 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