Mountain-bike ride from Twin Buttes to Fenner and Essex on historic Route 66 via Woods Wash Valley dirt roads: Day 10
My bud calls this the 73-mile beer run (I'll buy beer at the Fenner store). I explore some of the expansive cattle-grazing country in the Woods Wash Valley. High of 102F in the Essex area. 73 bicycle miles and about 3500 feet of elevation gain.
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Date: May 29, 2012, 10h04
Size: 56 items
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I leave camp before 10h and ride past the Woods Mountains, at first on the way to Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre to get water
After the usual coffee, almonds, granola, dried fruit and vitamin C drink for breakfast, I pack up the mountain bike for a day ride without all my gear that will turn out to be longer than expected.
Date: May 29, 2012, 10h04
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I pause briefly at the high point of Woods Wash Road to check out remnants of barbed-wire removal
Many former ranching fences in the Preserve have been removed to facilitate movement of wildlife and hikers.
Date: May 29, 2012, 10h14
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More remnants of barbed-wire removal along Woods Wash Road, with Table Mountain and one of the Twin Buttes in the background
Date: May 29, 2012, 10h16
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After 5 miles, I arrive at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and go for a short ride, noting that it's nearly deserted today
Next, I head over to the visitor centre, closed today, for water and to recharge my cell phone: it seems to be becoming my main camera. My regular Canon pocket camera won't shoot still photos any more, but it still sometimes will shoot video.
Date: May 29, 2012, 10h41
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Lots of bees at the water spigot outside Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre
It's been like this for as long as I can remember!
Date: May 29, 2012, 11h17
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I go for a walk on the nature trail by Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Centre and pass a Cactus wren nest in a cholla cactus
All you need to do is fly into that little hole. Time to walk back to the visitor centre; my cell phone should be fully charged shortly...
Date: May 29, 2012, 11h40
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I ride down a short section of pavement on Black Canyon Road southbound from Hole-in-the-Wall
It will be less than a mile when I leave pavement again, but it feels so smooth and fast since I've hardly ridden on pavement for over a week now. And it's downhill too!
Date: May 29, 2012, 12h08
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I try riding a half-mile down a really sandy road near Rustler Canyon, but it doesn't work out and I decide to backtrack
There aren't even any tire tracks on this road! Instead, I decide to try another open nearby road (thanks to my map), which proves to be more serviceable.
Date: May 29, 2012, 12h27
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This better, unnamed road in the Woods Wash Valley is also rather sandy, but it is rideable
I quickly learn that this is heavy cattle-grazing territory, in addition to being designated Wilderness on both sides of the road.
Date: May 29, 2012, 12h59
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Cow shit everywhere here in the upper Woods Wash Valley; 4WD required, I only have two (but I do have two feet in addition)
As long as the road doesn't get any more sandy than this, I'm fine. But this sign worries me a bit... I continue onward, slightly downhill.
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h01
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I notice a small water tank on the roadside and it's full of fresh, clean water
Nice to know, in case I should ever need it!
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h12
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I go for a short ride up a side road, wondering where it leads, and it ends near a guzzler, which is dry today
Hmmm... I can't imagine there's a lot of wildlife in this area due to the hordes of cattle roaming around.
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h25
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I'm intrigued by a cow carcass that I discover along the road
I don't think I've ever seen one of these before.
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h46
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Smile for the camera!
The carcass still smells a bit, but there's no meat left on it. I'm sure some vultures and yellowjacket wasps have been happy with this find.
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h47
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Ah, a view of Tortoise Shell Mountain in the Woods Mountains, where I hiked yesterday
From this angle, it's easy to see why the hill is called "Tortoise Shell Mountain," owing to its shape.
Date: May 29, 2012, 13h50
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