Dead Horse, Satan's Staircase, and the Three Mile Smile

On my second day in Vegas, I decided to try a trail in the Cottonwood Valley called Dead Horse. The map said 11 miles, but I passed mile marker 14.6 a long way from my truck. I'm guessing it ended being around 17 miles total, and worth every inch.

The trail started with a gradual climb up to these mountains. They looked so close, but were over two miles away.

Space takes on a new meaning in the desert. I could see the cars in the distance, but couldn't hear them.

Wish I knew his name. Stared at this craggy mountain for much of my ride.

The cacti were in bloom.

If you open this photo up, you can see Vegas in the background 20 miles away(the tower is the Stratosphere).

Saw a lot of shotgun shells. Little spooky considering how remote the trail system was.

At the top of Satan's Staircase: a quick climbing series of switchbacks. View was incredible.

Coming down the backside of Satan's Staircase, singletrack twisted through the Joshua Trees.

And eventually gave way to a sweeping trail through the red dirt. Unfortunately the ride was so much fun, I forgot to take pictures.

Twisting through the Joshua Trees again, on the way home.

Biking in Vegas - Blue Diamond

Took my bike along on a recent trip to Lost Wages. Got there late Thursday, and rode a loop that started and ended in Blue Diamond, a quaint, former mining town around 20 miles from the strip.

The sandy road out as the sun slowly sank behind the rocks.

The trails and scenery were very rocky.

Big spaces.

Heading back to Blue Diamond. Past the dirt waves.....

And into Blue Diamond.

Mack's First Flag Football Game and Lady Bugs

Mack's Flag football season got off to a great, albeit late start. We all showed up at 1:00 for kick-off, but the game was scheduled for 2:00. Oh well.

While we waited, Bodie stole my camera and went to work. Here is Grandma...in closeup.

Pap lounging on the blankets.

Bodie's foot.

Still waiting for the game to start...Bo and Zeke decided to hunt down some lady bugs.

Bodie got one.

And finally...the game started. Mack played a little at center.

An he played a little QB.

And he played wide receiver and caught the first touchdown of the game! Look at that focus. He got two hands on the ball and pulled it in for the score. They went on to win the game very easily.

Old Favorite - Cheseboro Canyon

Woke up thinking I wanted to get out to Cheseboro to hit the climbs and the steep drops. At the start of the ride, I was climbing through a sea of mustard.


After a long climb, this is the view back through the valley.

The Drop. This is a tough section that requires the will to just go for it. I usually see people walking their bikes here...the photo doesn't do it justice.
View from the top looking down.
Good story: A couple of years ago, Mack and I were riding here, and came up on this section, only to see two bikers stopped at the top, looking down the drop. I hollered ahead, and asked them if it was clear. They responded that it was. Mack rolled right by them and cleaned it. As I rode up to them, one of the bikers said to the other, "Well, I'm impressed that a nine year old can ride it, but I'm still walking down."

Sweet Dreams