Saturday Morning
We had a few rain showers through the night which made for excellent sleeping and also served to dampen the trail nicely. The skies were still overcast as we made our way to Sauceda HQ for another excellent breakfast.
From HQ we rode south toward the Chorro Vista. A very nice and smooth rolling two track made it easy to enjoy the views without having to totally concentrate on keeping a perfect line.
Chris stopped in a nice spot to get some riding video.
Perry
Phil
Bruce
The trail ended at a wide parking area.
And a short hike over the hill brought us to the vista, looking southwest toward the Rio Grande.
This called for a group photo will the proper set-up.
And the results....
The desert was in bloom after the recent rains. This is from the ocotillo cactus.
Time for soaking in the view.
As we made our way back to the north we took every spur on the map to explore the area. The first was to the Mexican Falls Trailhead. The rideable section was blocked off by a sign we became all too familiar with.
No pasar. There was much grumbling but we always complied with the signage. It was a short hike, maybe 1/2 mile to the falls overlook. No pictures of the falls since we were on the same side of the cliff as the falls, which were dry, of course.
Looking across and down into Fresno Canyon we could see ruins of a ranch house. That would be our destination this afternoon.
Back on the trail to another spur. This one was called Mexicano 2. The trail went on but was blocked by rocks across the track. Once again we complied and turned around. Chris is considering the possibilities in this photo.
What could have been.
We found out later, talking to the park manager at HQ that the trail was closed to protect some nesting birds. We talked to the manager a lot. One of the deals with back country travel here is to file an itinerary with the park office. Ours was very flexible so each day we would update with our plan for the morning and the afternoon, then check in as we finished each section of the ride. That way they knew we made it OK.
The next challenge for the morning was taking on one of the "unmaintained 4x4 trails" called Javelin on the map. I think it's a typo and they really meant Javelina but who knows? First point of interest are some cattle pens with this shelter for camping. Cozy yes?
This is a sign of warning and potential fun.
Chris and Phil rode pretty quick but for me it was mostly second gear around 20 mph. I need a little extra reaction time to adapt to trail conditions. A couple examples of the trail.
Lots of vegetation hanging over the trail. Sometimes it wants to hitch a ride.
Towards the end of the trail we came upon this huge steep hill. Chris and Phil staged at appropriate spots to capture the carnage and Perry and I made the attempts.
Keep in mind it never looks as steep in the photo as it is when you are trying to ride up. Here are the videos.
Perry first.
Now Bruce.
Not quite as smooth as Perry but I kept both wheels on the ground and stayed on the bike so it counts as a successful climb.
Everyone on top.
On the way out towards camp for lunch we ran up on these guys guarding the trail. The ranch has a herd of around 80 that roam free range. We were told they were having the spring round up next week.
This is a sign that we were always glad to see. If you look close you can see that motorcycle used to be included at the bottom but has since been painted over. So, motorcycles are allowed. Thank you Texas State Parks.
After lunch at our camp we made our way east of HQ to make the run down into Fresno Canyon. There are very few loops that are rideable, except Oso Loop and the Javelin Trail. Most of the trails are taken to the end then turn around and ride back out to the main road. Fresno Canyon starts out as easily drivable in a high ground clearance SUV and proceeds to get more difficult the further you get into the canyon. When the trail gets to the bottom it goes into the river bed for short sections then will climb out while switching from one side to the other. Most of the jeeps stayed in the river bed for easier travel and the trail had several washouts that would be very tough in a four wheel vehicle. Bikes had less trouble.
Here is one of the washouts. Notice Phil taking video while riding one handed.
The video. He drops the camera when he needs to clutch.
Twin bikes.
A little deep mud along the way.
Finally we came to the end of the trail. Boulders blocked the riverbed, we could have gone around but once again we gracefully complied.
More flowers.
A couple hundred yards down the trail we started seeing signs of man's inginuity.
Then the ranch complex. Some inconsiderate cyclist left his trashed inner tube hanging at the entry on the fence. C'mon people, pack out your trash.
Perry said, "what do you think is under here, the crapper?" I said, I don't think so.
You better use a stick to flip it over. Good advice.
He never rattled, just wanted to be left alone. And we respected that.
Phil wandered off while we were annoying the rattler. We went to the next building to see if he was there.
Yep, that's Phil.
It's a shame to see how much work went into making this place very nice for it's time. Now it's nothing more than ruins. Reminds me of many of the verses in Ecclesiastes, working all your life only to have it go to ruin after you die. Rock walls with planters.
A terraced garden with fountain in the corner.
Here Perry is pointing to the Mexican Falls area where we first saw the ranch earlier in the day.
We returned the way we came riding north. There were a couple of jeeps working their way through the canyon. We passed them on the way down and again on the way back. They were having to move very slowly not making near as much progress as we could on the bikes. Two wheels is definatley the way to see more in less time. We would see the jeeps again.
Back in camp for showers and dinner. Here is an example of the type of chow that we were fed. Always a southwestern flair. Tonight was stir fry pork and beef with fixin's.
We would have steak, stir fry, and beef enchiladas for dinner. Breakfast was eggs with ham, eggs with sausage, and very nice omelets on the last morning.
After getting stuffed with good food it was nice to relax in the big comfy chairs in the bunkhouse.
We got back in camp early enough to check out the spring that our camp was named after. An oasis in the desert.
Over the hill the creek had been flowing due to recent rains.
And there was a dam to try to save as much of the water as possible.
We were treated to another lovely sunset.
And with the clear skies, Phil broke out his 10" telescope and we got to have a little star party. The end of a great day.
Our tracks for the day.
More on the way.