Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Fall 2012
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Mojave National Preserve bicycle-camping and hiking, Lanfair Valley loop, fall 2012 Nipton to Slaughterhouse Spring: Day 1
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Mojave National Preserve bicycle-camping and hiking, Lanfair Valley loop, fall 2012

1. Nipton to... 2. Slaughterho... 3. To the Lost... 4. The Lost... 5. Piute Gorge... 6. Round-trip ... 7. Old... ... 9. Ivanpah Rd ...

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This private property in the Bobcat Hills area is marked by plastic pumpkins

This private property in the Bobcat Hills area is marked by plastic pumpkins

Date: November 22, 2012, 15h16

Nipton to Slaughterhouse Spring: Day 1

An easy day mileage-wise, but for some reason I don't have much energy today. I was hoping to go further, but this is a good excuse to finally explore some of the Slaughterhouse Spring area. 13.5 bicycle miles, about 1000 feet of elevation gain.

Date: November 18, 2012, 09h00
Size: 20 items
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Yesterday, to get out here, I boarded the Amtrak train in Stockton, followed by an Amtrak bus to Primm, NV in the Mojave Desert

Yesterday, to get out here, I boarded the Amtrak train in Stockton, followed by an Amtrak bus to Primm, NV in the Mojave Desert

The 10-ton bike is happy to be traveling again, and I meet bicyclist Dan on the train, whom I met last year on this train as well. Small world and good times!

Date: November 17, 2012, 09h01
I considered staying at a Primm casino hotel last night, but they were full, so I rode 12 dark miles to Nipton and camped there

I considered staying at a Primm casino hotel last night, but they were full, so I rode 12 dark miles to Nipton and camped there

I don't like those casino hotels anyway. Nipton-Desert Road is really bumpy, and it took me almost 2 hours to ride the 12 miles to Nipton. The last few miles are old pavement, so much easier! I saw a bright light in the dark sky, a meteor, I presume.

Date: November 17, 2012, 08h14
Morning at Nipton is nice and sunny; the tent sits at the back of the cactus garden by some eucalyptus trees

Morning at Nipton is nice and sunny; the tent sits at the back of the cactus garden by some eucalyptus trees

I slept so well last night, undisturbed by the loud passing trains. I enjoy coffee at the general store, have a tasty plate of huevos a la mexicana at the café, and pack up slowly. I feel ready for a week in the adjacent Mojave National Preserve.

Date: November 18, 2012, 08h21
I recharge my cell phone and my headlight battery in the shower building before leaving Nipton

I recharge my cell phone and my headlight battery in the shower building before leaving Nipton

I don't have time to fully recharge my headlight battery, but hopefully this will be enough recharge time to get me through the trip. I'll try not to do too much riding after dark. I finally leave Nipton around noon.

Date: November 18, 2012, 10h09
I take several short breaks along Nipton-Moore Road, enjoying the solitude and the plant life

I take several short breaks along Nipton-Moore Road, enjoying the solitude and the plant life

Many baccharis or rabbitbrush bushes (can't remember what they are) have just flowered in the washes and have puffy seed heads that catch the sunlight.

Date: November 18, 2012, 12h23
I don't pass any other vehicles while riding Nipton-Moore Road today, but it clearly does get some use

I don't pass any other vehicles while riding Nipton-Moore Road today, but it clearly does get some use

For a dirt road, it's mostly in pretty good shape. Still, there's a bit of sand accumulation and washboard to avoid. Since it's not difficult to ride, it's a good way to start a dirt-road trip into Mojave National Preserve and its rough back roads.

Date: November 18, 2012, 12h40
Against my will, I can't help but look across Ivanpah Valley to the Primm Brightsource solar plant under construction

Against my will, I can't help but look across Ivanpah Valley to the Primm Brightsource solar plant under construction

I just hate to see nice virgin desert landscape plowed down for industrial uses. Solar power is usually great, but this isn't.

Date: November 18, 2012, 12h45
One of those long freight trains that crosses the Mojave Desert passes me on Nipton-Moore Road

One of those long freight trains that crosses the Mojave Desert passes me on Nipton-Moore Road

It's always fun to watch these long trains.

Date: November 18, 2012, 13h43
A jet-exhaust stream glides by effortlessly in the sky while I rattle along Nipton-Moore Road, hugging the train tracks

A jet-exhaust stream glides by effortlessly in the sky while I rattle along Nipton-Moore Road, hugging the train tracks

Bump, bump, bump.

Date: November 18, 2012, 13h52
As a result of recent rains, Nipton-Moore Road has had recent washouts that have been freshly repaired

As a result of recent rains, Nipton-Moore Road has had recent washouts that have been freshly repaired

Some of these washouts tend to be huge sand-traps, but not today.

Date: November 18, 2012, 14h18
I arrive at the pavement of Ivanpah Road just after mile 10 and have over 3 miles of pavement ahead

I arrive at the pavement of Ivanpah Road just after mile 10 and have over 3 miles of pavement ahead

It will be uphill from now on, but the pavement will make it easier for the first 3+ miles.

Date: November 18, 2012, 14h29
I ride past the old Ivanpah general store building, a landmark in this area

I ride past the old Ivanpah general store building, a landmark in this area

Sometimes I'll stop for a break here while passing by, but not today. Up the gentle hill ahead we go!

Date: November 18, 2012, 14h32
After more than 3 miles of pavement on Ivanpah Road, the pavement ends

After more than 3 miles of pavement on Ivanpah Road, the pavement ends

Why am I so tired today, and how did I make it this far and beyond last May while suffering heat exhaustion?!?! Perhaps I'm just not feeling all that motivated today for some reason. Motivation can provide lots of energy when real physical energy lacks.

Date: November 18, 2012, 15h10
I decide I don't feeling like riding up Ivanpah Road any further and look for a campsite on adjacent Slaughterhouse Spring Road

I decide I don't feeling like riding up Ivanpah Road any further and look for a campsite on adjacent Slaughterhouse Spring Road

I've always ridden past Slaughterhouse Spring Road without exploring this scenic area, so I'm happy to take this unplanned detour and relax a little.

Date: November 18, 2012, 15h16
Fluffy post-flower residue along Slaughterhouse Road

Fluffy post-flower residue along Slaughterhouse Road

I wonder if this is a "winterfat" bush.

Date: November 18, 2012, 15h35
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Other bikepacking trips on drycyclist.com:
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Camping, Spring 2012 (15 days)
  • Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking, Spring 2011 (15 days)
  • Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bikepacking, Fall 2010 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bicycle Camping, Spring 2010 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bicycle Camping, Fall 2009 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Spring 2009 (16 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking 2008 (14 days)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bikepacking 2008 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Xmas 2007 Mountain-Bike Camping (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 2000 (11 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 1999 (one week)
Contact mojave2011 at drycyclist dot com