Home / Mojave Preserve and Desert bikepacking trips / 2008: Bikepacking in Henry Coe State Park / Day 6: Bicycle ride from Paradise Lake back to Pacheco Camp, the beginning of my route out of Henry Coe State Park 32
The heat is catching up with me today and I'm having a hard time sustaining a decent energy level as I plod back up Orestimba Creek and over Mississippi Ridge and then Pacheco Ridge.
Yesterday's Red Creek Road ride felt like a death march at times, but today is tougher on me, even though the ride is easier. 11.2 bicycle miles.
My final morning at Paradise Lake, I'm up early in an attempt to get packed up before the hot sun becomes unbearable
I pack up the disorganized mess that my tent has become after living here for three nights
Finally, the tent comes down and my departure from Paradise Lake is now imminent
I park the 10-ton bike at the bottom of the hill on the road that leaves Paradise Lake
I can smell the plant growth in the lake under the hot morning sun as I pump water through the water filter
I carry my saddlebags up the hill separately from the bike and reassemble the rig at the top of the hill in a shady area
After riding a mile down Red Creek Road across Paradise Flat, I'm back at the gravel of Orestimba Creek
The gravel crunches beneath my tires on Orestimba Creek Road
Orestimba Creek Road climbs out of the creek, then drops back down into the gravel, then back up on dry land
I forgot to look for the trail to Mustang Pond, but I haven't forgotten to look for the trail to Kingbird Pond; here it is
Kingbird Pond Trail dips down to a dry (in summer) drainage, then rises up the other side
Kingbird Pond Trail crosses a dry area studded with ceanothus shrubs
I walk around a bend and here it is: Kingbird Pond
Aquatic plant life at Kingbird Pond
Back on the bike, I can't help but think that the rolling hills of Orestimba Creek Road are probably more fun in cooler weather
I'm happy when I reach the picnic tables of Orestimba Corral, which has become a designated break stop for me
One final mile up Orestimba Creek Road and I'm at the junction of County Line Road
The climb up County Line Road isn't steep, but I just can't seem to get any energy going on this hot day
Little by little, I make my way up toward Mississippi Ridge
A bit higher up, I'm treated to views out toward Orestimba Wilderness and Paradise Lake
I've reached Mississippi Ridge and I'll turn left here on Coit Road
I coast down Coit Road to Mississippi Creek
At the bottom of the hill, I cross dry Mississippi Creek again
It's uphill for the next mile to the top of Pacheco Ridge, 550 feet above
The climb up to Pacheco Ridge brings with it more excellent views of the ridges beyond
I suck back water at the joyous moment of attaining Pacheco Ridge
OK, it's downhill now for the last 3/4 mile to Pacheco Camp in the canyon below; phew
Pacheco Camp = cold water!
94 degrees down here in the shade where it feels "cool"
I set up the tent and get to the business of taking a cold spring-water shower in the shower shed
Whoever came up with the idea for an outdoor shower at Pacheco Camp deserves a round of applause
Away from the stream of water in Pacheco Camp's shower shed sits an old car seat