Goldpoint 2008
Goldpoint Nevada 04-2008 my2wheels.com
Pictures by multiple riders
Shameless Slide Show
We arrived at Goldpoint late in the afternoon to find almost everyone had beaten us there. It was a great looking ghost town and we knew we were in for a treat!
We headed to the bar where Abbey decided she was going to perform for everyone. She took over the piano and used her flute to entertain for a while.
Since I had the family I was not sure I was going to go on the long ride. But Jrozar was insistent I go, and made sure I made the trip. I filled up with gas and put on my 15
year old yellow chest protector and headed out with the group. I am so glad jrozar made sure I took this ride, it was going to be one of the hardest and most amazing trips on a
bike for me.
We started through Oriental wash headed to Ubehebe crater. The wash was a real wake up call for me since it had been several years since I had hit rocky/sandy loose dirt. It
did not take long for me to get my dirt legs in that stuff. It was ride and keep up or quit! I saw one of the best saves I have ever seen in that wash from DirtyDog. He hit a
wash about 4' wide and 3' deep. The only reason his bike fell over is because he was looking back and waving me out of the way so I would avoid the wash. (thanks man) He keeps
playing it down, but I was right behind him and saw the entire thing the fact he did not crash means it was a great save. Wish I had pic of that one.
We arrived at Ubehebe Crater and took some shots. Notice my 15 year old funky looking chest protector.
The crater was an impressive site. We put on our helmets and rode on towards the famous Tea Kettle Junction. Here we found the Kettle that was placed by M2W on 2007. It had
been singed by some ADV riders as well as other visitors. This place gives you a sense of belonging. Its great being able to see others contribution to this monument. We
added a M2W sticker on it for others to enjoy. Here is Norsman stealing the shot.
Towards the race track we headed. This was a fun part of the ride. It was a good gravel road with lots of great dirt turns. I was behind jrozar and I thought he was riding
kind of slow (I am sure it was for my benefit). I was creeping up on his rear when he must have seen me on his mirror. Before I knew it he was gone, dirt tracking his DR400
around the turn. I did not give chase :) We joined up at the Race Track and had a good laugh about it. I don't think I was holding any one up, but they may have been hanging
back to avoid my dust. I will keep believing that I was not holding anyone up. I really enjoyed this part of the trip. I always wanted to see the racetrack, it is a great
geological site. Well all of Death Valley is a geological jewel :)
Here we are at the track
Leaving the race track we went down in to the valley via Lippincott Mine Rd. This is a very narrow and steep switchback trail full of loose rocks of all sizes, with great drops and with incredible views of Death Valley. I have to say that trail beat me up a little, but I enjoyed it and learned that I am not in as bad a shape as I thought. I think a stabilizer on the XR would help in terrain like this.
At the bottom of Lippincott Mine Rd we turn on to Saline Valley Rd. We follow it to Steel Pass.
As we approached Saline Valley Hot Springs I started noticing tents in the desert. At first I though it was a normal campground, until I took a look of the first residents. An
older couple prob like 50-55 was walking naked towards the clump of trees up ahead. We parked in front of the springs and took our first break of the day. This was at about
80-90 miles in to the ride. As I entered the hot springs I saw a shower head with a cold water sign on it. That was the best feeling ever! I stuck my head under there and let
the mineral water wash away the mud that had accumulated in my hair. A naked lady about 55 years old welcomes us and shows us around. She points to the sink right in the
middle of the little park letting us know that water is potable. I make my way around the naked people and have as much water as I can drink. I also refill the camel back
that jrozar lent me. I took another rinse in the shower before I left the little oasis. As we were getting ready to leave, and Advrider.com brother rode up. We had a good
chat with him and took some pics. Unfortunately I could not find one with him in it.
As we left the springs, my front tire fell in a silt hole. I could not see well because of the dust and got highsided. I did not even have time to say SHIT.
I just hit the ground like a hay bail thrown off a truck. I laid there for a minute, moving my feet and arms. My shoulder and ribs where really sore, and I was glad to be in
the shade. I heard the others ride up, and I heard one of them say "Oh fuck fuck, what are we going to do?" At that point I was done feeling sorry, and got up. My shoulder
was really sore and I could not lift up my bike. The guys helped me get it up and we continued on. The rest of the group was waiting at the start of the worst part of the
trip. A 30 mile wash made of very deep loose gravel. I say worse, but with my injury and that hard terrain, I really learned the meaning of "When in doubt Gas it!!!" I
actually did not have much trouble, other than the soreness when I did not let the bike do what it needed to do. We stopped at big rock for a short break after the worst of the
wash was behind us.
The wash gets tight as it winds through the mountain, and as you approach the other side reveals great views of Eureka Dunes. This was a great technical ride up the wash. Lots
of switch backs and tight turns through the canyon. This part was very enjoyable. Here we are taking a break before we drop in to the dunes. I decided I was taking a little
rest on the gravel while Jrozar went rock climbing with his DR.
After that great rest, we headed off the wash and towards the dunes. The soft deep sand was great for me. I just leaned back put her in 5th and opened up the XR. I blasted by
Norsman as he was struggling with his KLR through the soft stuff. There were silt beds crossing the trail, making for some interesting crossings. Every time a bike would hit the
silt holes, they through a huge puff of dust making it impossible for the rider behind to see anything. I avoided silt beds not wanting to go down a second time in this trip.
Here are some good shots of Dirtydog getting swallowed by the silt. Vegastow also had a fall in this stuff and broke his collar bone in 2 places. VegasHeat had a fall in the
sand and hurt his leg.
The dunes where beautiful and impressive. Especially as they appear as we exit the winding canyon.
Here I am taking advantage of the only shade available in the dunes
With all the injured riders we decided to take the longer route to Goldpoint because it was easier. It would only add 10-15 miles to our trip. We headed over the mountain pass
where we encountered snow. This was a great change in weather from the heat of the springs and dunes. I rode behind Vegastow at the rear keeping a slower pace than the rest of
the group. It was impressive watching him ride so well with a broken collar bone. Norsman rode behind both of us to make sure we were OK and did not run out of gas. As we
approached Gold point several riders started running out of gas with only 5-10 miles left. Its a good thing the guys from M2W knew what they were doing and had plenty of spare
fuel for everyone in need.
We arrived at Goldpoint at 7pm, 12 hours and 180 miles later. Sheriff Stone was ready with dinner of which I could not get enough off. After dinner drank a couple of
beers and went to bed. The rest of the group partied through the night taking many more pictures while they enjoyed them selves. I was to tired and sore to continue.
Got up early and packed the 5th wheel. Thanks to the help from Travis I was able to finish packing before breakfast was ready. I could not even lift the 5th wheel gate. Thanks Travis So we said our goodbyes, thanked the M2W crew for a great weekend and headed back to San Diego.
Here are some Parting shots for your enjoyment!
Thank you