Water Ride near Cleator AZ 03-07-10
Another water ride 03-07-10
We have one of the wettest years on record so far this year so we have been riding in some extremely wet conditions for desert riding. I always love going out in the rain but it can get quite cold as it did this day.
There were six of us total to brave the elements. The riders were Jeff (azgolfer), Jim (montanajim) Zane (zzz), Katt (XDC), Larry (walker) and me (don, azquadrider).
Our plan was to go up Turkey creek to the huge water fall and then take the back way to Cleator. Well our plans changed. We got to the first crossing and the water looked deep and it was moving fast. Jeff and Zane kept trying to check out the depth so I went around them and nailed the throttle. It was only about 3o feet across so I thought what could happen. Well as I got in the flow the water pushed me down stream but I was able to keep on the gas and get across without a problem. The rest followed but went with the flow instead of against it like I did. That was better way of crossing this time. As we got to the next crossing we could see there was no way across so we had to go back across the creek to our starting place.
We decided to take a look at our normal crossing spot that is one of the largest spots on the creek. There was no way we could make it through this spot. In fact a couple of Jeeps were looking at crossing but decided not to as well. That was a good move on their part.
Oh well, we changed to plan B. I had been to a mine a while back that none of the others had seen so off we went along the ridge tops towards Cleator.
We had to cross another creek a couple of times to get to the mine but it was nothing like Turkey creek. At the mining site we walked around the old buildings and tailing piles. The main structure had burned but there was plenty to rummage around and look at. It is always amazing to see all the equipment in such remote locations.
The rain was starting to come down harder so we headed off to the town of Cleator. The town is 1 old bar which was not open yet but we sat on the porch to figure out where we were going to go next. There was a good hill climb north of town and a fun looking dirt area I had seen before so off we went to play. At the top of the steep loose hill climb we stopped for a scenic overlook but we were in a cloud so we could not see much.
Back down to the dirt we played going up the steep embankments. Watching Jim and Zane is always remarkable. They can do things on a quad that make me cringe, but they make it look easy.
After playing we returned through the smaller water crossings to Cleator for a grape Nehi. Inside the old bar they had an old pot belly fireplace stoked. There were quite a few people gathered around the fire but who could blame them.
By now it was pouring with no end in sight and the temperature had dropped as well. We decided to make a run on the main dirt road for the trucks since we were all getting cold. This is a 10 mile run and the rain was coming down hard now. I had to stop at one time because I could not see through my goggles. I was also getting wet through my rain gear but just wanted to get back. What a relief to see the trucks.
Everyone had a great time even though we were all soaked. Another Excellent Adventure for the record books.
Read MoreWe have one of the wettest years on record so far this year so we have been riding in some extremely wet conditions for desert riding. I always love going out in the rain but it can get quite cold as it did this day.
There were six of us total to brave the elements. The riders were Jeff (azgolfer), Jim (montanajim) Zane (zzz), Katt (XDC), Larry (walker) and me (don, azquadrider).
Our plan was to go up Turkey creek to the huge water fall and then take the back way to Cleator. Well our plans changed. We got to the first crossing and the water looked deep and it was moving fast. Jeff and Zane kept trying to check out the depth so I went around them and nailed the throttle. It was only about 3o feet across so I thought what could happen. Well as I got in the flow the water pushed me down stream but I was able to keep on the gas and get across without a problem. The rest followed but went with the flow instead of against it like I did. That was better way of crossing this time. As we got to the next crossing we could see there was no way across so we had to go back across the creek to our starting place.
We decided to take a look at our normal crossing spot that is one of the largest spots on the creek. There was no way we could make it through this spot. In fact a couple of Jeeps were looking at crossing but decided not to as well. That was a good move on their part.
Oh well, we changed to plan B. I had been to a mine a while back that none of the others had seen so off we went along the ridge tops towards Cleator.
We had to cross another creek a couple of times to get to the mine but it was nothing like Turkey creek. At the mining site we walked around the old buildings and tailing piles. The main structure had burned but there was plenty to rummage around and look at. It is always amazing to see all the equipment in such remote locations.
The rain was starting to come down harder so we headed off to the town of Cleator. The town is 1 old bar which was not open yet but we sat on the porch to figure out where we were going to go next. There was a good hill climb north of town and a fun looking dirt area I had seen before so off we went to play. At the top of the steep loose hill climb we stopped for a scenic overlook but we were in a cloud so we could not see much.
Back down to the dirt we played going up the steep embankments. Watching Jim and Zane is always remarkable. They can do things on a quad that make me cringe, but they make it look easy.
After playing we returned through the smaller water crossings to Cleator for a grape Nehi. Inside the old bar they had an old pot belly fireplace stoked. There were quite a few people gathered around the fire but who could blame them.
By now it was pouring with no end in sight and the temperature had dropped as well. We decided to make a run on the main dirt road for the trucks since we were all getting cold. This is a 10 mile run and the rain was coming down hard now. I had to stop at one time because I could not see through my goggles. I was also getting wet through my rain gear but just wanted to get back. What a relief to see the trucks.
Everyone had a great time even though we were all soaked. Another Excellent Adventure for the record books.
