Self-contained bike trip through desert

[Jim de Wisconsin]

I am planning to take a bike trip in southeastern New Mexico and far western Texas in late May and early June. I would like any input on bicycling in the desert, namely supplies, especially water.

There is a stretch of highway from El Paso to Guadalupe Mountains in Texas that is about 107 miles. I was looking for a layover place in between, and it looks like there is a Dell City, about 70 miles in. At least I could refill my water supply there, but I am looking into lodging and am not sure if it's available. I plan to bring a lightweight tent and sleeping bag for camping, and maybe I could "squat" somewhere for one night.

Does anybody have advice in so far as water supply? How much to carry if there is no "oasis" for more than fifty miles? I am thinking about carrying maybe three gallons with me. I know it will be heavy, but I don't want to die of thirst.

Any other advice regarding cycling in the desert is as well. Thank you.

Jim de Wisconsin

[johnsondasw]

Sometimes it works to google the place--like Dell City, and if that doesn't work, try the next nearest place.  You can get a website with chamber of commerce or info number to call and ask the about conditions, water, etc.  This has worked for me before.

[raybo]

This page has 10 links to information about water while bike touring.

A few of them are specific to places you aren't interested in but others will be help answer your question.

Good luck,

Ray

[Jim de Wisconsin]

Thank you both for your advice! Raybo, I found those links to be very helpful, thank you!

[bogiesan]

I've never ridden under these circumstances unsupported.
Don't ever want to.
So I have only one anecdotal observation:
I get between 20-40 miles to a gallon of water on Idaho's desert in 100 degrees or against stiff winds. Faced with 110 miles of unknown service availability, I'd be carrying four gallons of water. That's 32 pounds at the start. That's a trailer.

david boise ID

[rvklassen]

I've never ridden under these circumstances unsupported.
Don't ever want to.
So I have only one anecdotal observation:
I get between 20-40 miles to a gallon of water on Idaho's desert in 100 degrees or against stiff winds. Faced with 110 miles of unknown service availability, I'd be carrying four gallons of water. That's 32 pounds at the start. That's a trailer.

david boise ID

It's actually 70 miles to Dell City.  That would mean 2-3 gallons, depending on where in the 20-40 range it falls.  Also, hydrating well the day before and the morning of before starting out helps.  Might not need a trailer.

[whittierider]

Also, hydrating well the day before and the morning of before starting out helps.

Doing that might make your body store up an extra quart (although I expect it's less), but that will be pretty insignificant on a ride that needs many gallons to complete.