Black Gap

Known as the most technical of the off-roads in Big Bend.

Wikipedia words are 'Driving Black Gap Road really is an adventure unto itself; this road is totally unmaintained and crosses extremely rugged country (and is scenic to boot). Not only is a 4WD vehicle mandatory, but 4WD experience is also necessary.'

We agree ...

The toughest part is a step that is about 2 feet high. We did it North to south so we had to go up on the step rather than go down (which is easier). Due to vertical height it is not possible to just lighten up the front wheel and go up ...

So we had to build a ramp made up of boulders

Then you take aim, accelerate and pray the GSA holds the line and goes up the ramp. But that is only half of the challenge as the gap is full of cobblestones that stick out 6 inches and you have to be careful as you ride over them. You have to go up 30-40 yards maintaining the speed.

Here are some pics of Graeme doing it on the GSA. I did it before and Graeme tells me I screamed very loudly when I stopped the bike on top.

To better see the clobbestones here are some pics of a car trying to go over them.

We celebrated by sitting down and having lunch in the gap. Took a while for the hands to stop shaking and the adrenalin to wear off.

 

Bucket list item: Ride the Black Gap on a GSA - tick !

 

Posted with Blogsy