Kaibab Plateau, Day 2

We woke up to this view....






Before reaching Sublime Point Rd, we came across a water tanker (it reminded me of the time Scott and I found water on the Florence-Kelvin Highway, I just walked up and pulled the right lever).



It's easy to see why I have been visiting the Kaibab for the past 5 years.











We detoured from the Arizona Trial to make a quick stop at the North Rim for some pizza and beer. Well worth the extra miles.



We also took a quick detour to climb up an historical lookout tower






That is the fire near Fire Point (no pun intended)















Well worth the struggle. Check out James' blog for some more pictures of the East Rim.

We spent the night near the East Rim, taking advantage of the views and solitude. More on Day 3 tomorrow.

Kaibab Plateau, Day 1

Not really 100% sure what our loop would be, James and I started riding from Jacob's Lake toward the Rainbow Rim Trail.



The idea of completing the 200-mile loop was one option, our second option was to take the best parts from the 125-mile and the 200-mile versions and to form a 150-mile version. Both would use at least 30 miles of Arizona Trail from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon until our car or perhaps even farther to the Utah border.




Frankly, this early in the riding, I did not care what we did. I just wanted a few days on my bike.



Despite a late start, we were chugging along mostly in part to James' zeal. Although not new to the outdoors, he had never officially bikepacked.



As we got closer to Rainbow Rim Trail, the lighting really provided for some surreal moments. Mandatory breaks were necessary.



This is a special place, visited by only a handful of visitors a day. Definitely a stark contrast to its counterpart, the North Rim.



60 miles completed for Day 1. It turns out that I had a friend camping at Locust Point. Free PBR and a water refill was the best part of this coincidence. We chatted until late about biking, river rafting, hiking...basically anything about the outdoors.

Havasu

Dixie Day 3

The next morning, Scott and I rode down less than 5 miles before he turned off. I rode to Hatch for some of the best breakfast at Galaxy Cafe.

I got a ride from a local rancher, Tom Hatch, that was driving to Kanab for some golf. We chatted about his ranch and ancestors (who settled in Hatch, hence the name) before he dropped me off at Long Junction.

No luck after an hour at Long Junction, but finally I got a ride to the Village, about 12 miles up the road. From the Village, I took some scenic back roads to my car. Even found some singletrack to ride.























An incredible route. The colors were out of this world. The Colorado Plateau truly is one of the best places on Earth.

Another example on the Colorado Plateau that I passed on the way home, the Coyote Buttes.

Dixie Day 2

We were a bit slow to rise in the morning. Donuts for breakfast before continuing up Pole Canyon.



and on to my favorite trail on the route, Grand View.









Later, we dropped 1000 feet off the plateau only to ride back up. I was questioning Dave's route choice for a few miles.



As soon as I turned this corner, my faith in Dave returned. Why did I ever doubt him?




















...



A thunderstorm caught up with us just before Chimney Rock TH. We hunkered down under an awning at a camper's site. After being tempted by beer and soda (we politely refused), we pressed on only to catch the same storm that had just passed.

Chimney Rock Trail

Thunder Mountain

At the beginning of Thunder Mountain, it was too dark to take pictures. As we neared the end, the light finally opened up. Some amazing lighting really lit up the place for 30 minutes.

Last two pictures by Scott Morris

After Thunder Mountain, we zipped down the highway toward the lodge for dinner and a place to stay. Scott ordered the chicken fried steak (which was delicious), I made the healthy mistake of ordering the chicken balsamic (less calories and so-so). After dinner, I called my girlfriend. She was slowly progressing from food poisoning in Mexico.....time to bail.

Although, Day 3 still had plenty of riding and hitchhiking back to the car.