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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Bump, bump, bump.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Fluffy post-flower residue along Slaughterhouse Road

I wonder if this is a "winterfat" bush.