CO: Cashin Mine Exploration

 We debating for a hot minute about driving or riding to the next ride. It was only a few miles away, across the border in Colorado, but Andrew wasn't too keen on the highway riding miles and frankly, neither were any of us. We piled into two vehicles and made the short drive down the road to County Rd. X4. We were now a group of six, as Eszter arrived late the previous afternoon. It had been far too long since we last hung out.

The ride itself wasn't long, it was the mining history and lure of waterfalls that had us intrigued. The narrow dirt road followed La Sal Creek gently down a canyon. Gorgeous views around every turn.

Quite a few fixer-uppers out here.

Could be the set of a Friday the 13th horror flick.

Classic refrigerator.

The wildflowers were doing their best to improve property values.

Awestruck no matter where you look.

The first in a series of mine openings.

Copper was king in these parts.

Simply spectacular riding.

It was a bit sketch, but only one rung was wobbly. :) Johnny makes quick work of it.

We didn't venture too far, just enough to take a peek.

Cruising along.

The main structure at the Cashin Mine.

The road ends and turns to trail as we cross La Sal Creek.

Somehow, still standing after all these years. It's quite impressive.

We couldn't believe the amount of poured concrete here.

The ore tracks on the other side of the building. Hard to imagine full ore carts coming down the grade in control. All I see is some frantic cartoon image.

Noticed this pass-through under the ore cart tracks.

It led to more structures and another side canyon. This building had the feel of a holding pen or jail.

Further up the side canyon.

Interesting story of the mine curator and his untimely demise. 

Wild West continued.

Back on the frontside of the main building, this mine had a sign warning of 'Bad Air'. There was an outflow of cold air and it had a smell that reminded me of my semiconductor days. We didn't get too close or hang around more than a few seconds.

Heading back up X4 road in search of waterfalls.

It may not look it, but Alexandera is deep in thought about which cog to use for the Grand Loop.

Off X4 road and hidden from view, a nice double waterfall appears. Magic.

Thick moss covered rock, very slick, watch your step!!

Since everyone else but me lives a more mobile lifestyle, they took the opportunity for a free cold shower. I thought about it, but nah. I didn't feel like shivering.

View from the short hike in.

We took a spur jeep road up and around to the top of the waterfalls. Neat.

Nice canyon overview with X4 road and La Sal Creek.

Since Johnny is in Tour Divide mode and testing his clipless setup along with his aero bars, he opted for a longer route back to the pad. Andrew had all the beta needed and he was off. He also makes incredible bikepacking bags: https://dispersed.bike/

Long overdue beer toast with Eszter. Photo by EZ.

Back at the Strempke's place we watched the clouds building, wind increased and eventually the rain came. At one point the five of us found ourselves in Alexandera's camper, talking life, bikepacking and wondering how Johnny was doing in the sudden change of weather.

He arrived not too much later and we were a bit surprised to hear he didn't get rained on too bad, only a few sprinkles. He did have to battle the wind and a monstrous climb out of Paradox. He's definitely rounding into form and I can't wait to follow his dot this summer. He also calls into mtbcast regularly and is always a fun listen. Go get 'em, Johnny!!

The storm front moved through quickly, but dropped the temps by 20º it seemed. Brrrr. The skies were clearing and a magnificent sunset was the reward.

Fiery sky over the La Sal Mtns.

The best crew!! Myself, Katie, Andrew, Eszter, Johnny & Alexandera. That's a mighty long bikepacking resume from this group!!

As a side note, I had brought our car camping tent to use on this trip, but when I tried to set it up the night before, the elastic in the poles were dead. Nada. Totally useless. Good thing I purchased it at REI a couple years ago, it's only been used twice, I think. Andrew & Katie to the rescue, they offered their conversion van bed and it was perfect. Thanks!!

I spent one more night and got rolling north towards Moab early the next morning...

Early morning views of the La Sal Mtns. with a fresh dusting of snow.

Thanks to Andrew & Katie for the hospitality and showing us a couple of the neighborhood rides. Fantastic!! It's made better when more friends join in and how can you not have a great time riding and hanging out with Alexandera, Eszter & Johnny. Impossible, unless you're just stupid enough not to. :)

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