Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011
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Route 66 bicycle-camping (Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness), November 2011 Cady Mountains to Barstow by bicycle; one last day: Day 8
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Route 66 bicycle-camping (Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness), November 2011

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It's easy to miss little piles of cactus droppings like these as you walk over them in the Mojave Desert

It's easy to miss little piles of cactus droppings like these as you walk over them in the Mojave Desert

Date: November 23, 2011, 10h31 Views: 334

Cady Mountains to Barstow by bicycle; one last day: Day 8

46.2 bicycle miles and about 1000 feet of elevation gain. Perfect weather today: a cool fall breeze, but warm enough that I could wear short pants if I wanted, however, not necessary. Amtrak bus and train back to San José out of Barstow tomorrow morning.

Date: November 27, 2011, 06h26
Size: 33 items
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I'm awake somewhat early this morning since I have the 45-mile ride back to Barstow today and I might have a big headwind

I'm awake somewhat early this morning since I have the 45-mile ride back to Barstow today and I might have a big headwind

Maybe I should go back to bed for another hour though! I slept well and want more. The wind stayed calm all night and I only woke up once. Because it was warmer last night (high 40s instead of low 40s), I didn't need to wear my wool hat to bed.

Date: November 27, 2011, 06h26
As I eat a quick dry breakfast and get ready to pack up, I notice a thorny cholla piece that I tracked into my tent

As I eat a quick dry breakfast and get ready to pack up, I notice a thorny cholla piece that I tracked into my tent

I don't want to step on this! There's a cholla cactus right outside my tent, so it's no surprise that a little piece of one got in. Granola, nuts and three cups of instant Starbucks coffee to start the sunny day.

Date: November 27, 2011, 07h00
The tent and all is packed up and I start riding the powerline road back down to old Route 66

The tent and all is packed up and I start riding the powerline road back down to old Route 66

I'm on the road before 10h; that's pretty good for me on day when I have to pack up everything!

Date: November 26, 2011, 09h40
The Cady Mountains powerline road cuts a straight line across this part of the Mojave Desert

The Cady Mountains powerline road cuts a straight line across this part of the Mojave Desert

Nice to be riding this road in the downhill direction this time! Route 66 is down in the low area ahead. I haven't been up in the Rodman Mountains in the distance yet.

Date: November 27, 2011, 09h59
A short paved section of road passes under the I-40 freeway and connects me to old Route 66

A short paved section of road passes under the I-40 freeway and connects me to old Route 66

Interesting how a former line in the middle of the road has turned into an erosion scar on the old pavement over time...

Date: November 27, 2011, 10h40
Back on old Route 66!  Only another 40 miles or so until I reach Barstow, my destination for the day

Back on old Route 66! Only another 40 miles or so until I reach Barstow, my destination for the day

So far, the headwind, to be expected when riding in the westward direction here, isn't too bad. I'm happy about that!

Date: November 27, 2011, 10h50
This stretch of old Route 66, heading into Newberry Springs, parallels the I-40 freeway, clearly visible to my right

This stretch of old Route 66, heading into Newberry Springs, parallels the I-40 freeway, clearly visible to my right

Newberry Springs is straight ahead in front of the Newberry Mountains. Barstow is over by those distant hills. Here I come. By bicycle.

Date: November 27, 2011, 10h58
A number of old trailers dot the outskirts of Newberry Springs along old Route 66

A number of old trailers dot the outskirts of Newberry Springs along old Route 66

Some of these are starting to feel like icons now that I've travelled this stretch of road a few times during the past couple of years.

Date: November 27, 2011, 11h14
I pass a lava field along old Route 66 east of Newberry Springs

I pass a lava field along old Route 66 east of Newberry Springs

Maybe I'll get around to hiking out onto that black expanse one day; I'm usually on my way to somewhere when riding by here, so I haven't yet stopped here to explore on foot.

Date: November 27, 2011, 11h30
Near the lava field east of Newberry Springs is the end of Troy Dry Lake

Near the lava field east of Newberry Springs is the end of Troy Dry Lake

The I-40 freeway is just over there, crossing the middle of the dry lake. Minerals rise to the surface, creating snowy white crusts in places.

Date: November 27, 2011, 11h49
I take a very short break along the shores of Troy Dry Lake to enjoy the Mojave Desert scenery

I take a very short break along the shores of Troy Dry Lake to enjoy the Mojave Desert scenery

The i-40 freeway is still over there.

Date: November 27, 2011, 11h58
I pass another collection of old mobile homes along Route 66 east of Newberry Springs

I pass another collection of old mobile homes along Route 66 east of Newberry Springs

It looks like people still live here, with their add-ons and roof repairs. A good way to eke out an inexpensive living in the Mojave Desert.

Date: November 27, 2011, 12h15
I enjoy looking at this well-kept property in Newberry Springs when I pass by; perhaps a former gas station

I enjoy looking at this well-kept property in Newberry Springs when I pass by; perhaps a former gas station

The small building at centre-right, which I've photographed before, contains old washrooms (perhaps for former rental cabins?)

Date: November 27, 2011, 12h30
Also in Newberry Springs is this abandoned A-frame building with a roof of wood shingles

Also in Newberry Springs is this abandoned A-frame building with a roof of wood shingles

This style of construction was somewhat popular in the 1970s, but apparently is no longer.

Date: November 27, 2010, 12h31
A playful, and perhaps vicious, group of dogs protect a former gas-station/restaurant property in Newberry Springs

A playful, and perhaps vicious, group of dogs protect a former gas-station/restaurant property in Newberry Springs

One of the dogs at left is quite intent on being on top of the other dog, despite their barking due to the distraction that my presence provides.

Date: November 27, 2011, 12h34
I pass the Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, famous for its appearance in the movie of the same name

I pass the Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, famous for its appearance in the movie of the same name

An A-frame-style roof façade was added at some point to give more character to this flat-roofed building. I consider stopping in here here for a breakfast meal like I had here last year, but decide I want something quicker due to today's longer mileage.

Date: November 27, 2010, 12h37
Next-door to the Bagdad Café is the old Henning Motel, with its metal roof being stripped by vandals

Next-door to the Bagdad Café is the old Henning Motel, with its metal roof being stripped by vandals

The property is also for sale; fantasy ideas set in.

Date: November 27, 2011, 12h39
Fast-food break! Subway restaurant at the Newberry Springs gas station at the I-40 freeway

Fast-food break! Subway restaurant at the Newberry Springs gas station at the I-40 freeway

Meatball sub sandwich with tomato sauce with onions and lettuce, and Mountain Dew for some caffeine buzz. I need all of this! Route 66 crosses under the freeway here and I continue riding toward Daggett, and then Barstow after my meal break.

Date: November 27, 2011, 13h32
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Other bikepacking trips on drycyclist.com:
  • Mojave National Preserve Lanfair Valley Loop Bicycle Camping, Fall 2012 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2012 (15 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve and Area Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2011 (15 days)
  • Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2010 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Camping, Spring 2010 (14 days)
  • 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 route66 at drycyclist dot com