Saline Valley Bike Tour

Something different! An overnight bike tour out in the desert.

We staged up near the Eureka Dunes under a leaden sky which was prone to sprinkling on us.

The weather wasn't dampening Zak's enthusiasm.

Chris and Tyler make their final checks before rolling.

My rig (borrowed) ready to roll.

Sprinkles turned to showers here and there. Wetting but not soaking us, fortunately.

Up high near Steel Pass the wind and the wet were pretty chilling. Tyler persists.

Adrian begins the long descent into Saline Valley.

 We had to take a quick stop to check out Marble Bath. Classic desert weirdness.

 

Cold lunch.

The showers halted and the temps rose as we descended.

Wonderful desert scenery.

Fun riding for the most part too. Tyler flying.

Adrian's grin got bigger and bigger as we approached the hot springs.

We took a brief stop at the highest springs. These are essentially unimproved and fenced off to prevent the burros from destroying the habitat.

Zak rolls into the upper hot springs.

One of the soaking pools at the upper springs.

We opted to camp at the lower spring because there's more shelter from the wind.

We enjoyed a beautiful evening soaking, telling stories, and feeling grateful. The winds did come up overnight but were not too strong.

We had a little trouble with food stealing burros and coyotes. Nothing too major.

Glorious morning at camp.

Looking back up the valley we descended.

 Then we hopped on the bikes and pedaled back up and over Steel Pass.

I put the phone/camera away and focused on the riding.
A cool headwind kept the body comfortable, but slowed progress.

After nearly four hours of climbing we reached the pass. Another hour of descending got us to the cars tired but not shattered. Elated.

Great stuff!