Pachalka Spring to Button Mountain, Mojave National Preserve via Aiken Mine Road (Day 15)
Today's goal is to ride part of Aiken Mine Road and camp somewhere west of Cima Dome. Aiken Mine Road has been on my to-ride list for years, but I never managed to fit it in.
This wasn't part of my original trip plan, so I didn't study the road well before the trip. I also considered riding the freeway from Valley Wells to Baker, but decide against it in favour of one final night of peace before going back to San José.
22 bicycle miles, parts of it walked, from 4875 feet at Pachalka Spring down to 3400 feet, up to 4235 feet, then down to 4150 feet.
In addition to refreshments purchased at the Valley Wells store, I drink four litres of water.
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Date: June 06, 2009, 08h20
Size: 49 items
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I'm up early, around 5h30 (practically unheard of for me), to slowly pack up and leave Pachalka Spring today
It was chilly overnight (mid 40s), but I slept well and am glad that I brought long underwear. I'm wearing a sweater and long pants this morning as I refill my water bottles and Camelbak. I have about 8 litres left.
Date: June 06, 2009, 08h20
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One last look at the Pachalka Spring campsite at about 4875 feet before dismantling the tent
Breakfast is the usual: granola, tamari almonds, dried fruit (pineaple, pear, sour plum and peach), tea and electrolyte-replacer drink.
Date: June 06, 2009, 08h35
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OK, everything out of the tent! (including those big rocks inside that keep it from blowing away)
Packing up goes well. I wish I had enough time to spend a fourth night here. However, I have an Amtrak bus to catch in Baker the morning after tomorrow and I want to ride Aiken Mine Road on the way back, which will be best enjoyed in two segments.
Date: June 06, 2009, 09h25
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The 10-ton bike is all packed up; after a few final sips of water, I'm ready to head down Pachalka Spring Road
I'm leaving the Pachalka Spring area via the slightly longer north road, whereas I arrived here via the south road.
Date: June 06, 2009, 10h06
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I find myself walking the bike on parts of the first mile down the north side of Pachalka Spring Road because it's so rough
This first mile, with its 400-foot elevation drop, was part of yesterday's hike, but I didn't realize how rough the road is because I was walking without a bicycle for baggage.
Date: June 06, 2009, 10h23
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At the bottom of the hill (about 4500 feet), Pachalka Spring Road turns left at the Wilderness barriers and heads down the wash
On yesterday's hike, I walked straight ahead past the Wilderness barriers and up an old trail into the north side of the Clark Mountain Range. Today I turn left and head down the wash.
Date: June 06, 2009, 10h43
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The next mile in the unnamed wash is really scenic as it winds downward between low rocky hills
Pachalka Spring Road loses another 400 feet of elevation during this mile. It's rather sandy, so I can't ride too quickly, but at least I'm riding again.
Date: June 06, 2009, 10h48
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Pachalka Spring Road drops down a hill at the bottom of the small wash canyon
Views open up as I coast down the hill onto the fan below.
Date: June 06, 2009, 10h58
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As I exit the mini-canyon on the way down Pachalka Spring Road, I stop to take a photo back toward the Clark Mountain Range
It's a bit steeper coming down this north road, so I'm glad I chose the south road for my climb up to Pachalka Spring a few days ago.
Date: June 06, 2009, 11h01
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The two-mile ride across the fan on Pachalka Spring Road is pleasant, with good views of the distant Kingston Range
Elevation drops 400 feet more during these two miles. Kingston Range was originally on my list as a possible destination during this trip, but plans always change and I didn't make it that far.
Date: June 06, 2009, 11h10
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Still on Pachalka Spring Road, but getting close to the pavement of Excelsior Mine Road, I stop for a Clif-bar break
I got up too early today and my energy is already low! Even though I've been heading in a downhill direction, I've used plenty of energy walking the 10-ton bike, so this is not one of those effortless downhills that a bicyclist experiences on paved roads.
Date: June 06, 2009, 11h56
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Close to the bottom of the northern road to Pachalka Spring, I stop to take a final look back toward the Clark Mountain Range
I should reach the pavement of Excelsior Mine Road in a few minutes, although I'm not seeing it just yet. Gee, I've dropped down almost 1500 feet over five miles.
Date: June 06, 2009, 11h58
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I reach Excelsior Mine Road and pull over after a short distance to check out a water tank and cistern near the road
I'm always interested in potential water sources, but the facilities here are dry, as I presumed they might be. The Kingston Range is still in the background.
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h10
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I haven't seen pavement in a few days, so the six miles on asphalt from Pachalka Spring Road to Valley Wells is a smooth change
This stretch of reddish asphalt in Shadow Valley is ever-so-slightly uphill, rising 350 feet over six miles. I'm facing a strong south headwind, typical for the area, but it's still not as slow as walking the 10-ton bike down a rocky road!
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h23
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Two miles before reaching Valley Wells, the paved road curves away from a dirt road leading off to my right
The dirt road appears to be a leftover alignment of Excelsior Mine Road from when the paved road was re-rerouted to join the Cima Road crossing of Interstate 15. It probably doesn't get much use these days.
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h45
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A power-line access road and a petroleum pipeline cross Excelsior Mine Road just north of the Cima Road exit on Interstate 15
Numerous signs are posted along here with messages such as "Call before you dig." A car passes by.
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h52
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Coyote melon growing along the side of Excelsior Mine Road
It's sporting a couple of blossoms and a couple of young fruits, apparently inedible to humans.
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h55
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Closer to I-15, a fence along Excelsior Mine Road traps a lot of windblown garbage from freeway drivers
The Mojave Desert isn't always pretty. Prevailing winds from the south push trash from freeway drivers across the land until it reaches this fence.
Date: June 06, 2009, 12h56
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