We got up before sunrise, had French toast and coffee (from a French press), packed up and hit it.

Had another fun bike ride together at Cottonwood Valley. Really, these are great trails. I’ve ridden a bunch and they are obviously tailored to bikers including berms, rock gardens and long and enjoyable downhill sections; the things we all love.

Mme Awesome then dropped me off at the Cowboy Trails where I rode/walked up Bunny and Cat in the Hat and then “down” Kibbles-n-Bits.

Why the quotes? Because it was one wheel lift and bike flick after another. The first trail I’ve ridden I’d call genuinely advanced. Honestly, for every ledge I made it up there were a dozen I pushed. Even on the way down. I actually had to scout ahead to get a plan for some sections. Completely nuts.

Following it was nuts too. Many times I had to check my phone for whether I was even on it. The builders used white rocks along the way to help, for which I was thankful.

It was a blast.

Now exhausted, I rode up the highway a short distance to rendezvous with Mme Awesome who was painting at a rest area with a stunning view of Red Rock. We chatted for a bit and headed back to Red Rock Campground, whose mostly unused group sites with spigots, has served as our wash up spot and the inspiration for today’s post title.

Onwards to town, first T.K House of Bread for another delicious meal and then groceries. Now back at camp, it is past time for bed.

Here are some photos from the ride.

Don’t run into a cactus!

Some of the amazing landscape

A real desert tortoise. I also saw a hare, though I was much too slow to get a photo.