October 25
43mi/69km
+3600ft/1100m
This is our last full day in Nevada, and it was probably our favorite. We got back on dirt roads leaving Caliente and heading over the mountains toward St. George. But first, we stopped for breakfast, so we didn’t get the earliest start.
The climbs today were like a rollercoaster: short, steep hills with 8-12% gradients, followed by a short steep decent. Tough on the knees, but more fun than a long consistent ascent. The roads are rough in some spots, it looks like there’s been flash flooding recently.
We saw a few vehicles leaving town, but this has been our most solitary day. We went at least five hours without seeing anyone. One vehicle has passed since we set up camp.
The scenery is looking more like Southern Utah. Cool rocks, canyon walls, juniper trees, prickly pear, red dirt, and mountains. I saw some deer. Tonight we are camped just 2mi/3km from the border. The moon is full and the sky is clear and chilly.
We have really enjoyed riding through Nevada. We could have done with less wind, but the last three days it’s been mostly nice weather and really great riding. It’s so vast and quiet and empty out here.
