Slow Ride Into The Mojave Preserve

With the arrival of this gorgeous Spring weather, Brian, Steve and I decided we wanted to go on a motocamping adventure to the Mojave Preserve. This trip would be different though. We would be going on little bikes. Steve and Brian took their little Honda CT110’s and I took my wife, Anna’s, Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250. The guys have had plenty of miles of adventure on their little Hondas, however we had not even taken the Sherpa out for more than a few miles of riding in the 14 years of owning it. This would be it’s maiden voyage and a true test to see if it would be adventure ready.

And We’re Off!

We set off down Pipeline Rd to Eldorado Valley

Not far down into the rough section of Pipeline, the CTs would be slowed down immediately.

After crossing the dry lake bed and meandering around some solar fields, we took a fence line trail south which ran adjacent to the highway.

Before crossing over the highway, I spotted a little red Scooby Doo stuffed animal. I felt it was fitting to bring it along on this ride so I hung it off the front of my bike.

We rode along a raised berm between Nelson and Searchlight.

The views of Eldorado Valley never get old. I love it out here.

After that trail ran out, we had to bush whack and find our way across the desert via sandy washes.

We finally made it to an actual dirt road. Steve’s tent took a departure from his bike so we stopped to secure it.

After crossing back over the 95, we headed south on a powerline road. A nice, smooth road was refreshing after miles of rugged terrain.

Steve pulled off a no-hand/ no-footer.

Searchlight, NV

Finally after about 3 hours, we made it to Searchlight for food and fuel. 2.44 gallons filled all of our bikes up. Even through the sand, I was getting 61 mpg and the others were getting even more than that. Small bikes rule!

We left Searchlight and headed straight towards the Mojave Preserve.

The desert was very welcoming. It always feels great leaving civilization on two wheels and riding out into the unknown. There’s no better feeling of freedom.

We crossed the Nevada desert and headed West.

The Mojave Preserve

As we headed into California and into the Preserve, the scenery started to change for the better.

After a quick GPS check near Hart Mine, we figured out our route and continued west towards Ivanpah/ Lanfair Rd.

“Powering” through the sand!

The sand was a challenge so Brian’s bike got tired and took a nap.

Entering the Mojave Preserve, obviously. I guess no caption was need here.

Happy to be out riding, Brian gives the universal pose of good times on little bikes.

Camp

Just off Lanfair Rd, Brian led us to a great little camping area complete with a fire ring and a homemade table that someone left behind. We set up our tents and relaxed for a little bit.

It was nice to get there ahead of schedule. We had plenty of daylight to collect some firewood and be ready for the night.

Once camp was set up, we went out exploring on the bikes without a ton of gear strapped to them.

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