Clear Creek OHV, New Idria mines ghost town ride

Scottmac and I did a ride this weekend to the Clear Creek OHV near San Benito, CA. It had just reopened, or so we were told . The riding was extremely scenic and unforgiving. I'm not sure how we kept our fully loaded beasts upright during some of the riding, but we managed ok, although Scott nearly got taken out by a rather large golden eagle that we spooked. He flew right out in front of Scott as we were tooling along pretty good and didn't get enough elevation to clear a fence, hit the fence, bounced off, looked at me(probably giving me stink eye ) and flew off. Damndest think I've ever seen. After that we found a nice secluded camping spot near the creek, set up camp/unloaded and then continued riding to the New Idria mining ghost town. That place is creepy, ala The Hills Have Eyes. We tooled around there for a bit and then rode back to camp, made some exquisite campground cuisine, ate, and then told lies around the campfire till it was time to sleep. In the morning we packed up and drove back through New Idria on the way to Hollister, where we parted ways.
Here are a few photos:

At the Prunedale shopping center, our jumping off point.


Our last fuel stop (in Gonzalez) for the next 160 miles


Gloria Road






Roadblock


Clear Creek OHV








New Idria Mines






















Camp






Frosty morning


final stop for breakfast just outside Hollister

Enjoyed your pictures and report.

Thanks,
Art

great pics -

NICE!!

Very cool pics and ride reporting.