Day 14: Cima Dome to Baker via Kelso Depot and Kelbaker Road, Mojave National Preserve
In preparation for tomorrow's bus/train trip back to the world of employment and mortgages, I ride from Cima Dome to Baker "the long way" (via Kelso-Cima Road, Kelso Depot and then Kelbaker Road).
"The long way" is better than the shorter options, which would require riding many miles on the I-15 freeway or riding across Cima Dome on the rough power-line road. (The power-line road would be a fun choice if my bike rack weren't broken.)
My broken bike rack didn't give me any problems on the way up here to Cima Dome, so I'm confident that my repair will hold for the rest of the trip... as long as I stay on pavement and don't bump around excessively.
63.2 bicycle miles today, dropping from 5000 feet at Cima to 2100 feet at Kelso Depot, up to the Kelbaker Road summit at 3800 feet, then down to 925 feet at Baker.
Since my camera is still broken, "today's photos" are a mish-mash of images shot earlier on this trip, or during previous trips.
|
Date: May 06, 2008, 10h00
Size: 28 items
|
|
I depart the Kelbaker Road summit at 16h30 and the final 22 miles down to Baker is as enjoyable as ever
The slow, almost traffic-free, descent from the 3800-foot summit down to 925 feet at Baker is one of those rides that makes bicycle touring in the Mojave Desert worth the effort.
Date: May 01, 2006, 13h26
|
I'm so zoned-out on endorphins that I didn't even notice the junction of Aiken Mine Road that I zoomed by a few minutes ago
This part of the descent past the lava beds which come close to Kelbaker Road is one of my favourites. I have the wind pushing against me again, so coasting down this long hill isn't completely effortless.
Date: May 01, 2006, 13h28
|
After coming around the last big curve on Kelbaker Road, I have a final 10 miles (dropping 1000 feet) to ride across the valley
The heat of the day is getting to me a little and, as usual, it's hotter down here in the valley. Still, at the end of a two-week bicycle trip, 10 miles isn't any big deal.
Date: May 01, 2006, 13h41
|
|
Artless graffiti on the red pavement of Kelbaker Road approaching Baker
It's probably no surprise that this exists fairly close to the I-15 freeway and its plentiful Las Vegas-Los Angeles traffic. Please give us colourful, creative graffiti or none at all.
Date: May 01, 2006, 14h08
|
Almost there...
The freeway-exit town of Baker, California with its motels and excess of fast-food restaurants sits just ahead in front of the mountains.
Date: May 01, 2006, 14h22
|
Just before arriving at Baker, California, Kelbaker Road crosses the I-15 freeway
It's nice to be entering a town of prepared meals, beds and showers for hire, but how badly do I need to see hundreds of passing-through cars and people per hour who are uninterested in the austere beauty of this desert region?
Date: May 01, 2006, 14h27
|
|
Baker, California has a sort of skyline with its "tallest thermometer in the world" and its motel and fast-food signs
Baker's big thermometer registers 94 degrees, so I'm not crazy after all in thinking that it's a hot day here.
Date: May 01, 2006, 14h28
|
I check in at the Royal Hawaiian Motel for the night, which is an interesting example of kitsch from the 60s or 70s
This motel is a bit trashy, and part of it is abandoned. This is the most interesting motel in Baker with its authentic retro 70s-80s decor, but if you're the fussy type, pay a few dollars extra for one of the "better" motels in town instead.
Date: May 01, 2006, 15h34
|
Retro 70s furniture in my room at the Royal Hawaiian Motel at Baker, California
After checking in at the Royal Hawaiian, I walk over to Los Dos Toritos to officially end my trip and start reminiscing over a tasty chile verde plate. This trip will become another well-earned deposit in the memory chest.
Date: May 01, 2006, 16h07
|
|
Mojave National Preserve map: Day 14: Cima Dome to Baker, California via Kelso Depot
Date: July 23, 2008, 20h32
|
|
|
|
