Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2010
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I knew I'd find a happy-birthday balloon sooner or later out here in the wilderness...

I knew I'd find a happy-birthday balloon sooner or later out here in the wilderness...

Date: November 22, 2010, 14h13

Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2010

My Spring 2011 Mojave National Preserve trip travelogue (15 days) is now online.

After an Amtrak train-and-bus trip from San José to Barstow, I bicycle the stretch of historic Route 66 from Barstow to Ludlow in California's Mojave Desert, then camp and hike around Broadwell Dry Lake and the Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area (which is west of the Kelso Dunes and doesn't include the dunes inside the nearby Mojave National Preserve).

These areas just west of Mojave National Preserve are new for me and make for an enjoyable trip. Kelso Dunes Wilderness is a gem. Sunny daytime skies and freezing temperatures on several nights; winter has arrived a bit early this year.

Date: November 21, 2010, 18h18
Size: 8 items (421 items total)
Day 1: Route 66: Barstow to Ludlow

Album: Day 1: Route 66: Barstow to Ludlow

Today I pedal 56 miles from Barstow to Ludlow on old Route 66 to position myself for a bit of exploration in the area of Broadwell Dry Lake and the Kelso Dunes Wilderness. A strong tailwind today, and pleasant temperatures in the 60s.

Date: November 21, 2010, 09h12
Size: 47 items
Day 2: Ludlow to Bristol Mountains foothills by bicycle

Album: Day 2: Ludlow to Bristol Mountains foothills by bicycle

I don't get as far as planned due to the sandy road, but I have a nice campsite in the Bristol Mountains foothills and catch a soothing sunset. The temperature only reaches the mid 50s. 10.6 bicycle miles and 600 feet of elevation gain, some of it walked.

Date: November 22, 2010, 08h17
Size: 38 items
Day 3: Day hike into Kelso Dunes Wilderness to the south end of Broadwell Mesa

Album: Day 3: Day hike into Kelso Dunes Wilderness to the south end of Broadwell Mesa

Perfect hiking weather today: bright sunshine, a bit chilly, but not cold. I don't encounter any other humans today, but I do see a few bobcats, an owl and lots of volcanic rock. 18.6 hiking miles plus approximately 1100 feet of elevation gain.

Date: November 23, 2010, 06h18
Size: 88 items
Day 4: South Bristol Mountains foothills campsite to Broadwell Dry Lake by bicycle, with a detour to Ludlow for water

Album: Day 4: South Bristol Mountains foothills campsite to Broadwell Dry Lake by bicycle, with a detour to Ludlow for water

I pack up my campsite in the Bristol Mountains, ride back to Ludlow to fill up on water, and then down to Broadwell Dry Lake to camp. A chilly, sunny day with a cold night ahead. 18.8 sandy bicycle miles.

Date: November 24, 2010, 09h49
Size: 32 items
Day 5: Day hike across Broadwell Dry Lake and to Broadwell Natural Arch, Bristol Mountains, Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area

Album: Day 5: Day hike across Broadwell Dry Lake and to Broadwell Natural Arch, Bristol Mountains, Kelso Dunes Wilderness Area

An excellent sunny and brisk day for another hike (15.8 miles) into the Bristol Mountains, this time to the Broadwell Natural Arch (high of 49 degrees F). I won't see any people today.

Date: November 25, 2010, 08h18
Size: 81 items
Day 6: Broadwell Dry Lake to Ludlow by bicycle

Album: Day 6: Broadwell Dry Lake to Ludlow by bicycle

I seriously oversleep this morning, which changes my plan to ride some miles on old Route 66 toward Barstow today. I pack up and ride back to Ludlow for a warm motel room instead, enjoying another desert sunset along the way. 10.5 bicycle miles.

Date: November 26, 2010, 11h43
Size: 27 items
Day 7: Ludlow to Newberry Mountains by bicycle on Route 66

Album: Day 7: Ludlow to Newberry Mountains by bicycle on Route 66

The forecast of a strong headwind doesn't materialize, so it makes for great riding. As the day unfolds, my plan to camp in the Rodman Mountains Wilderness changes, and I end up in the Newberry Mountains foothills instead. 40 bicycle miles.

Date: November 27, 2010, 08h13
Size: 48 items
Day 8: Newberry Mountains to Barstow by bicycle on Route 66

Album: Day 8: Newberry Mountains to Barstow by bicycle on Route 66

Last night's wind storm continues today at full speed, so I begrudgingly decide to end the trip a day early and ride back to Barstow instead of staying here for the Newberry Mountains hike that I was looking forward to. 16.6 bicycle miles.

Date: November 28, 2010, 08h15
Size: 52 items
 
Page: 1
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)
  • Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve and Area Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2011 (15 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