We packed up the van in Alpine and headed back to Big Bend Park where we were dropped off with our bikes. Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. It contains more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals.
The ride on Thursday was short, only 18 miles. It was a challenging one though as most of it was uphill. Near the end of the ride there was an 7 mile climb on the Chisos Basin Road that had a 15% grade at one point. It was foggy and raining lightly with a temperature of about 10c. Because of the fog and mist I could only see about 100′ ahead of me. Cars and trucks were driving very slowly and gave me lots of room. The final mile were downhill to the Group Camping Area at Chisos Basin. Because of the steep grade and slick road, I worked my brakes most of those 2 miles. I set my tent up in the rain and had an early dinner. After dinner we drove in the van to the lodge for a beer and a chance to warm up. It rained all night and I packed up a wet tent in the morning. It was a beautiful campsite but most of the scenery was blocked by the clouds and mist. The Chisos Basin Campground is located in the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park and is located at an elevation of 5,400 feet above sea level. The campground is surrounded on all sides by tall, rocky cliffs.
Folks getting ready to ride.
Riding up to the Chisos Basin Campground.