Gold to Grand Loop - Day 1 - Exploring Little Finland
I planned, mapped, collaborated, and then scout-rode the Gold to Grand Loop in February 2024 with Janna. Whenever I assemble a route, that first ride is always a mix of excitement and trepidation. Especially in desert areas with low water or remote areas with little beta on backcountry conditions. This initial ride was both. What I found floored me though: sprawling Joshua tree forests, massive views, solidly-spaced water, and gorgeous Colorado plateau geology smashing up through the ground. The roads turned out be mostly well-kept, and I started some relationship building with Aravada Springs for bikepackers at a crucial water and camping point. Janna and I finished that trip, and all I could think of was getting back out there. I had a few goals in mind to improve the route. (1) I wanted to first ride it again in autumn after a dry summer and see what the water conditions looked like for future riders, (2) I wanted to see what the road conditions were after an arid fall, (3) I wanted to get more of the route off pavement for the climb to Whitney Pocket (plus add a possible water source at Government Spring that I wanted to confirm), and (4) I wanted to get some other riders on the route to get their impressions…
