Spitfire44
Well-known member
With a need to get away, three of us decided Nevada would be the destination. We formed a plan that would involve scouting some of the Pony Express trail for a future trip and otherwise getting in some high desert views.
We had planned on a big bike trip, but one day prior to launch one of the GS’s dropped out. Due to the impending heat wave and one rider’s distaste for slogging across the valley, we trucked a DRZ and KLR (still a big bike) to Minden.
Day 1 was a short ride to Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill was built in 1861 to provide protection for the Pony Express and settlers heading west. Unfortunately recent events had the museum shutdown, but we were able to look through the windows and see ruins of the remaining buildings.
After some scouting we were able to find a private campsite nearby on the Carson River. This was my first night in a new one man tent. It was cozy. But it accomplished what I wanted. Light and small.
The next morning had us exploring more of the Pony Express trail. A quick stop at Buckland Station. A stage coach stop and hotel built in 1870. Its proprietor, Samuel Buckland, was an interesting business man. Building a toll bridge for revenue.
From there we headed east to the Hooten Well. Simply amazing that you can find water in an area so barren.
Next stop was a waypoint I had picked up somewhere titled Pony Express monument. This is the section of the trip where the KLR rider decided he didn’t like steep sand. Also where the route planner got questions like “Isn’t there an easier way”. To which the response is always, “It’s not much further”. The Pony Express monument turned out to be a pile of old lumber. So disappointing I didn’t take a picture. Wonder what used to be there?
We continued our journey east until we got to highway 95. It was here I discovered Top Gun Raceway. A dragstrip in the middle of nowhere.
We had planned on a big bike trip, but one day prior to launch one of the GS’s dropped out. Due to the impending heat wave and one rider’s distaste for slogging across the valley, we trucked a DRZ and KLR (still a big bike) to Minden.
Day 1 was a short ride to Fort Churchill. Fort Churchill was built in 1861 to provide protection for the Pony Express and settlers heading west. Unfortunately recent events had the museum shutdown, but we were able to look through the windows and see ruins of the remaining buildings.
After some scouting we were able to find a private campsite nearby on the Carson River. This was my first night in a new one man tent. It was cozy. But it accomplished what I wanted. Light and small.
The next morning had us exploring more of the Pony Express trail. A quick stop at Buckland Station. A stage coach stop and hotel built in 1870. Its proprietor, Samuel Buckland, was an interesting business man. Building a toll bridge for revenue.
From there we headed east to the Hooten Well. Simply amazing that you can find water in an area so barren.
Next stop was a waypoint I had picked up somewhere titled Pony Express monument. This is the section of the trip where the KLR rider decided he didn’t like steep sand. Also where the route planner got questions like “Isn’t there an easier way”. To which the response is always, “It’s not much further”. The Pony Express monument turned out to be a pile of old lumber. So disappointing I didn’t take a picture. Wonder what used to be there?
We continued our journey east until we got to highway 95. It was here I discovered Top Gun Raceway. A dragstrip in the middle of nowhere.
arty
