Bootleg Canyon

I drove here today. It's approx. 30 minutes from my house by car. It's in a town called Boulder City. I didn't get to ride any of it. I basically went to check it out and see what it's all about. This place is huge. Miles and miles of trails I would ride, and trails I would not. There are places to camp for free. Bathrooms with a shower at base camp. I saw many bikers with many different kinds of set ups and rider gear. It seemed like the perfect place to spend a weekend camping, and of course punishment for the body. I'm hoping to pack up some gear and hit it next Saturday. If all goes according to plan that is...

The Order of Rock

So time and time again my focus will stray from in front of me and I spot these rocks that were stacked. I am on the brink of discovering why. I think the picture with one stack has exactly that because it is the first stack you will come across once you start the trail.
Of course the two stacks are the next you will see. This is a prime example of one of those spots that I feel kinda vulnerable to the scene. I think I like the higher ground.
I haven't seen a stack of three yet and have gone well beyond where common sense would have put them. So what does it all mean? Only the stacker of rocks can tell.

Sloan Canyon Trail

You can see after clicking on the picture to enlarge it that the trail pretty much follows the power lines. My belief is the trail was created from the original construction and installation of these poles as the trail cuts off and leads to each pole if it is far enough off the main trail. It is a desolate place. Often when I approach certain passes I feel as though I am about to be ambushed with the high sides on both sides. Only not from bandaleros, but from mountain lions as I have heard of there existence quite often from locals. I have seen tracks, but not the real macoy as of yet. The thought of encountering one makes me a little nervous on the way up the trail. Probably because there are quite a few places where I have to walk my bike. About half of this trail is fine gravel 3"-5" deep. It's like riding uphill through quicksand. The front wheel can quickly shoot off to one side followed by the rear. Don't fight it and you'll fair just fine. Resist, and meet your doom. Steepness is also results in walking certain parts. It's either my endurance isn't built up enough or my strength, or it really is that steep.

More Sloan Canyon

Now let's face it, great pictures are created from man's madness. And besides, what desert landscape is complete without a rusty hulk that once moonlighted as a car. I imagine there is a gangster buried somewhere around here. Oh well, better keep pedaling.

Sloan Canyon Gulley

This gulley was a nice little discovery. Since I picked up this trail from another entrance about mile up north I didn't see this gulley on the way up and only saw it once I was on it. Sure I guess I could say I just took it as it came up so fast. But the truth is I was hugging hard left of the trail anyway and had no issue avoiding this possible turnover.