Yep! When I mapped it out on MapOut (excellent tool for $5.00 BTW), the sandy / rock crawling road didn't really reveal itself. I was aware of the ups and downs, the elevation gain and the distance, but it wasn't until I left those super nice gravel roads, turned north, saw the 'warning signs" pictured in the album, that I thought I might have a tougher time. But I had cycled appx 80 miles by that point (2 days worth) and I really thought, how bad could it be!? I thought it would be a continuation of the almost always excellent backroads of Utah. And that I'd be through that section in maybe 3-4 hours tops, but it was more like 10 over 2 days. Surprise! Got a little nervous on the water situation since there is zero out there, but got through that too with a little to spare.

Having said all that, I'm prep'ing for a ride that will be super tough, a route that has never been done, in remote area in S.A. So in hindsight, I'm glad I persevered given what's in front of me come January, 2026.