Day 1: Baker to Indian Springs, Mojave National Preserve
Indian Springs is an area of usually dry springs at the end of a short dirt road off Kelbaker Road that I've never gotten around to visiting because it's so close to Baker.
I'm always on my way to destinations further out from Baker, or on my way back to Baker itself, when I pass this area.
18.5 bicycle miles today, climbing slightly from 930 feet elevation at Baker to about 2800 feet at Indian Springs.
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Date: December 25, 2007, 10h00
Size: 37 items
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The 10-ton bike is packed up and ready to go to Mojave National Preserve on Xmas day
I really needed to sleep in this morning, so I did. After all, this is my Xmas vacation.
Date: December 25, 2007, 11h08
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Damage to the corner of one of the motel units
I'm forever amused by the quirks of the Royal Hawaiian Motel. It's not as windy this morning as last night, but there's still enough wind to keep the fronds on the palm tree here fluffing about.
Date: December 25, 2007, 10h38
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Leaving the Royal Hawaiian Motel in Baker to start my Mojave National Preserve trip
Decorative deer have been placed under the motel sign to capture some Xmas spirit.
Date: December 25, 2007, 10h37
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Baker's "world's tallest thermometer" says that it's 50 degrees F this morning
Before leaving town, I visit Coco's restaurant for a big, tasty, lumberjack breakfast. I'm surprised that so many restaurants are open here on Xmas day, and Coco's is packed.
Date: December 25, 2007, 11h14
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Leaving Baker on Kelbaker Road and crossing the Interstate 15 freeway to enter Mojave National Preserve
Mojave National Preserve isn't as dramatic, well-known, nor popular, as Death Valley National Park 75 miles north of here. I suspect that most motorists buzzing past on the freeway don't know that they're passing one of the country's largest parks.
Date: December 25, 2007, 12h18
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Freeway traffic behind me now, I enter Mojave National Preserve
The freeway is still not far away, but it's suddenly already much quieter here. I'm starting to get that jittery feeling of freedom that I always get when I start heading out into the vastness here.
Date: December 25, 2007, 12h20
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The first ten miles of Kelbaker Road into Mojave National Preserve out of Baker looks flat, but it actually climbs 1000 feet
I have a nice tailwind here, so, like a motorist, I'm barely aware that I'm slowly heading uphill.
Date: December 25, 2007, 13h31
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After ten miles, Kelbaker Road bends sharply away from civilization
It's always at this curve on Kelbaker Road where I start to feel irrevocably part of Mojave National Preserve on a bicycle-camping trip, living out of my saddlebags.
Date: December 25, 2007, 13h40
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After 13 miles, I reach the little dirt road to Indian Springs and turn off here
There are no signs at most intersections (except the major ones) in Mojave National Preserve; you simply need to know where your chosen road is. I like this design because it keeps the discovery level high for those of us who value that.
Date: December 25, 2007, 13h57
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Indian Springs Road: the road surface is a bit rough and rocky
However, there's plenty of traction for a mountain bike, so far, even one loaded up heavily like mine.
Date: December 25, 2007, 14h09
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A drainage rut across Indian Springs Road
People before me have placed large rocks in the gulley to ease the ride across this dip.
Date: December 25, 2007, 14h15
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After about three miles, Indian Springs Road turns toward the hills up a sandy wash
It's tougher to keep pedalling here and I have to dismount and push the bike ahead occasionally.
Date: December 25, 2007, 13h05
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