Ely, My New Home

 Lots of changes afoot! I've moved to Ely, Nevada. Been busy unpacking, sorting, and cleaning but managing to get in some exploration. Love this country!

 

Glass Mountain Circumnavigation

 I had such a great time on the Buttermilk/Coyote tour, I decided to quickly get out for another adventure. With cooler weather I had more options, so I elected to circumnavigate the Glass Mountains.

 I spent the night with my buddy Reed near the Owens River Gorge and we left from his camp the next morning. I rode with him about two hours through the splendid country above his camp.

Usually this zone is pretty soft and sandy this time of year, but the recent rains made for great riding.

Reed took this one of me. Back on the Pugsley as the Carver was in the shop for repairs.

After leaving Reed I rode Benton Crossing Road over Wildrose Summit then up an unnamed canyon just north of Wildrose Canyon. There was water there, thankfully, but dried up less than a mile above the paved road. I wanted to start the next day with plenty of water so I camped near the little creek. 

Not an exciting photo, but shows where the road crossed the creek and I could get water. Camp was just behind me.

I knew the road was going to be steep above camp, but I did not bargain for how badly it was eroded. It seemed like an eternity of tough hike-a-bike to reach the ridge.

The suffering was worth it though as the views from the top were terrific. Looking south to the Sierra.

 

And nortwest to pt 10148. This is the same area I skied back in April (click here).

More steep climbing with occasional hike-a-bike led to a long traverse above this pretty spring. It didn't look like there was running water, but I didn't go bushwhacking to find out.

Swell views across Benton Valley to the northern end of the White Mountains.

The road was still steep, but rideable, as I reached the top. Lots of great Sulphur Buckwheat.

After a short descent from my high point I enjoyed more incredible views. Long Valley, Crowley Lake, and the Sierra.

The eastern end of the Glass Mountains.

Real pleasant riding through here.

Shortly I came across a great campsite. Picnic table, shade, and running water - which was most important since I was unsure how far it was to the next good water source.

After a little recuperation I strolled up to Sawmill Meadow.

Good campsites here too, but I did not see any running water. An old cabin at the sawmill site.

View from camp.

The following day proved to be tough too with several 20-30 minute climbs. Mostly on good roads with only one short hike-a-bike section near here.

North over Wet Canyon (foreground) to Granite Mountain (right) and the gentle Cowtrack Mountain (left)

It was still relatively early when I rolled up to a sign for Sentinel Meadow 1/4 mi. Figured it was worth a look. Indeed it was!

Another good campsite, had to walk a bit for water, but it was there, and plenty of serenity. Called it a day and spent the day reading, relaxing, and strolling. So nice. Saw no one all day.

Cutting yesterday (day 3) short meant the last day was going to be long, so I got an early start and was rewarded with this magnificent view.

Fun riding brought me down to Big Springs where there's great water. From then on I had my head down and was heading for home. 

Along the way I was entertained by two Sage Grouse. Not a great photo. I was slow on the draw. The steeper south side of the Glass Mountains left.

 It was indeed a long day, but I had plenty in the tank to get back to Reed's camp with a smile. Another amazing tour in the books!

Upper Buttermilks/Coyote Plateau Bike Tour

 Time for another bike tour! This time I started from our home, rode mostly dirt to the Buttermilk Road, then up onto the Coyote Plateau from Habeggar's/South Fork.

 The Buttermilk Road was damaged from the spring and summer deluges, but was little problem on the bike.

McGee Creek near the bouldering area.

The riding got tough for a bit up until the Horton Lake trailhead turnoff, then became easier as the road condition improved and the gradients eased.

 

After a bit over five hours of riding I arrived at the campsite.

After a nap and an early dinner I went for a relaxing late afternoon stroll.

The next morning I got an early start and rolled out of the Upper Buttermilk country.

The climb out of Habeggar's started out pleasant. Great dirt and not too steep.

Soon the road steepened and became more rocky. By the time I reached the old miner's cabin I was ready for a break! New (to me) bike. A Carver Ti Gnarvester 29"+.  Rode like dream!

Above the cabin, the road really steepens and is somewhat eroded. I had to push the bike a fair bit there, but it all felt worth it when I arrived at the high point at over 11,000'.

The scenery on the descent into Coyote country was fantastic.

I had hoped to make it over to Baker Lake, but the steep climb took a toll on my legs so I settled on Coyote Lake. Many years this lake is completely dry, but it's brimming full now.

After a good rest, I went for a stroll that turned into a solid hike as the high country lured me upwards.

Lots of flowers!

Hummingbird Moth on Columbine.

Heading home the next morning. Coyote Flats.

The descent down the Coyote Road is usually good fun, but it's heavily eroded now. Entertaining at times. Tedious at others. 

I got to the bottom to find the road was closed. No wonder I had the place to myself!

Cruised home. It was so sweet to roll right to the front door!