Henry Coe State Park Bikepacking 2008
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Bikepacking in Henry Coe State Park 2008 Day 7: Pacheco Camp to China Hole by bicycle, Henry Coe State Park
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Bikepacking in Henry Coe State Park 2008

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I stop for a map check to see if I'm getting close to Hatch Spring yet

I stop for a map check to see if I'm getting close to Hatch Spring yet

Date: September 04, 2008, 13h30

Day 7: Pacheco Camp to China Hole by bicycle, Henry Coe State Park

I followed this route along Coit Road, Mahoney Meadows Road, and China Hole Trail for the first time on last year's bicycle-camping trip here, and liked it. The day ends with a scary yellowjacket sting.

To my relief, today is less hot than the past few days. I travel 12.2 bicycle miles from 1689 feet at Pacheco Camp to 1100 feet at China Hole, with about 1600 feet of elevation gain along the way.

Date: September 06, 2008, 09h56
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After a good long sleep, I make two cups of strong coffee as usual to get the day going

After a good long sleep, I make two cups of strong coffee as usual to get the day going

For breakfast, I make MaryAnn's "Tofu in a Ginger Broth," which is an excellent instant soupy meal. I did cool down overnight here under the huge oak trees, but not quite as much as I was hoping.

Date: September 06, 2008, 09h56
I fetch the clothes that I left overnight hanging near the Pacheco Camp sink

I fetch the clothes that I left overnight hanging near the Pacheco Camp sink

The clothes are mostly dry and I put on one of the lightweight wool t-shirts that I washed. I highly recommend these t-shirts if you can afford them.

Date: September 06, 2008, 09h56
I leave Pacheco Camp around 12h30 and within 30 minutes I'm on the ridge above riding through a semi-shady stand of burned pines

I leave Pacheco Camp around 12h30 and within 30 minutes I'm on the ridge above riding through a semi-shady stand of burned pines

Upon leaving Pacheco Camp, the thermometer reads 92 degrees in the shade. At first, I think I have most of my energy back, but after a few minutes of climbing up out of Pacheco Creek, I realize I'm still a bit pooped.

Date: September 06, 2008, 12h58
Hot and sweaty already, I park the 10-ton bike at the top of Coit Road and walk up the short hill to "Radio-tower Peak

Hot and sweaty already, I park the 10-ton bike at the top of Coit Road and walk up the short hill to "Radio-tower Peak

This isn't marked on my current map, but I've been told that it appears on some older Henry Coe maps.

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h18
Great views from up here

Great views from up here

If I knew the topography well enough, I could probably pinpoint in the distance the hill above Red Creek Road that I rode up two days ago. Coit Road, which I just came up, is immediately below in this view.

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h20
I try making a cell-phone call here, and it works!

I try making a cell-phone call here, and it works!

I change my outgoing message to let people know where I am, take in views out toward the Orestimba Wilderness for the last time this year, then return to the bike and coast down the other side of the ridge to Coit Lake.

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h30
After a short descent (about a mile), I pass the Fish and Game Pond

After a short descent (about a mile), I pass the Fish and Game Pond

I would stop here, but the larger Coit Lake is just up the road a little ways. I get a breeze on the way down the hill, which feels wonderful, even though it's a hot breeze.

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h44
Despite the standard-issue sign on the outhouse at Coit Lake, there is in fact a trash can here

Despite the standard-issue sign on the outhouse at Coit Lake, there is in fact a trash can here

This is the first trash can I've seen in several days, so I take advantage of it and deposit the garbage I've accumulated. There's also a little handwritten note taped on the sign...

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h49
Apparently, this outhouse at the south end of Coit Lake is closed for repairs right now

Apparently, this outhouse at the south end of Coit Lake is closed for repairs right now

I'm glad I wasn't counting on it being open!

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h49
The ramada and picnic table at the south end of Coit Lake

The ramada and picnic table at the south end of Coit Lake

I haven't camped here yet, but from what I've read, many people like it here at Coit Lake. The ramada doesn't provide much shade from the midday sun!

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h51
I go for a brief walk up the trail along the shore of Coit Lake

I go for a brief walk up the trail along the shore of Coit Lake

Much of the shoreline on this part of Coit Lake is grown in, but here's a spot where it's easy to get to some open water to filter.

Date: September 06, 2008, 13h56
Next is the short climb (1/3 mile, 150 feet elevation gain) up Coit Road to the next crest on the way to Kelly Lake

Next is the short climb (1/3 mile, 150 feet elevation gain) up Coit Road to the next crest on the way to Kelly Lake

Henry Coe is so full of long, steep hills that this almost doesn't qualify as a climb! Kelly Lake is hidden off to the left in the canyon below. The short piece of road off in the distance is another segment of Coit Road that I'll ride up in a while.

Date: September 06, 2008, 14h08
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Other bicycle camping trips on drycyclist.com:
  • Mojave National Preserve Lanfair Valley Loop Bicycle Camping, Fall 2012 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2012 (15 days)
  • Cady Mountains, Sleeping Beauty and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bicycle Camping, Fall 2011 (8 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve and Area Hiking and Bikepacking, Spring 2011 (15 days)
  • Route 66 and Kelso Dunes Wilderness Bikepacking, Fall 2010 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Camping, Spring 2010 (14 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping and Hiking, Fall 2009 (eight days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bikepacking and Hiking, Spring 2009 (16 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Mountain-Bike Camping and Day Hikes 2008 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2007 (one week, Xmas-New Year's)
  • Henry Coe State Park Mountain-Bike Camping 2007 (eight nights)
  • Death Valley Bicycle Camping 2007 (two weeks)
  • Henry Coe State Park Bicycle Camping 2006 (four nights)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2006 (two weeks)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 2000 (11 days)
  • Mojave National Preserve Bicycle Camping 1999 (one week)
Contact henrycoe2008 at priss dot org