Bfrank and I spent a week chasing dirt roads and trails in south eastern California and western Arizona. We saw some beautiful sights on a number of old 49er trails and stagecoach routes—including the Bradshaw Trail. Pima Air Museum and the Davis-Monthan aircraft boneyard were calling us and so we spent a day touring air history.
This was a mostly camping outing, which provided schedule flexibility. We could stay anyplace that was convenient. Days were comfortable and sunny (65-70 deg F) but the nights were cold (35 deg F). Cold nights are no problem in the tent hugged by a warm sleeping bag, but a killer getting out in the morning.
I did experience one rear flat from a 3 inch nail. It ripped a 2 inch cut in the tube. Thus my road tube replacement skills were tested once again (see Baja 2010 ... Fall This Time). The only problem was a very stiff walled Dunlop 908 on the rear wheel. After much tugging, and some choice words, off it came. Pop in the replacement tube and we were off. Next day, a brief Cycle Gear stop ensured we had a fresh spare tube.
Thursday a sizable storm moved down from the north into central Arizona. We raced south and west to get away, with considerable success after suffering one day of 40+ mph consistent wind but no rain. After a short visit into northern Baja Mexico, we were back in San Diego with a list of newly discovered roads for the next trip.
Here are a few more photos from the trip. And a route map.