46 long, lonely miles. The area and roads that go off into nowhere is a lot like Wyoming's high desert. It's pretty interesting, and desolate. Of course we're inside the Park so it only makes sense that there's no homesteads, houses or town but 46 miles of nothingness can make one uneasy if it's not been experienced before.
The day started at Ubehebe Crater. Mother nature saw fit to have an explosion many, many, many years which resulted in a really large hole. You can hike around and down into the crater. As much of the terrain here, it really is very spectacular in the variability of the rocks and colors of the ground.
Some of our riders did a short hike around the rim before we got on the bikes.
The ride started with a nice downhill but then had 10 miles of rolling hills. The first climb was an attention grabber. Temperatures were warmer today, but nowhere near the standard this area is known for by being only in the 80's. Heat reflects up off the pavement and takes a toll the legs, along with the chip seal surfaces today.
There are two support vehicles on this trip which allows staff to leap frog and provide support. Appreciated today. Stopping each time to fill water bottles. It's true that it's a dry heat, even with lower temperatures I still went through a lot of water and my standby bottle of Gatorade.
After the first 10 miles, the route tamed and all riders arrived safely back at Stovepipe Wells.
Today was so desolate there isn't even any wildlife to report.
Tomorrow will be a little different. We start with a short hike in Mosaic Canyon first, then two ride options. The longer option goes back up the big descent we had yesterday. We overnight in Furnace Creek. There will also be some interesting site seeing options. Does anyone remember the Borax soap? The route takes us past Harmony Borax Works. The park's visitor center sounds like a don't miss also.
Will post pictures when internet access improves.
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