Antelope Wells

[Admiraal]

I want to participate in the Tour Divide, ITT starting in Antelope Wells. I have a couple of questions left and hope someone could provode me with an answer.

First, could someone advice me how best to get there by bicycle? My current plan is roughly to bike the 150 km from Portal AZ to Antelope Wells, take a rest, stock up on water, and then start biking north early the next morning.

Second, if I am well informed there is a water tap at the border station. Is that true?

Third, could someone tell me if the border patrol officials allow someone to linger near or in the border station. Is there a room inside the station where you are allowed to stay out of the sun, and to lay down your mattress and take a nap?

Thanks, Peter Admiraal

[offroute]

Hi, Peter,

There is no camping at the border station (AFAIK). You can camp north of there at Big Hatchet State Game Refuge.

The whole Border Patrol/immigrant thing is palpable – not a very friendly vibe for camping between the border and Hachita, IMO. I would try to use Hachita as a base and make a dash to AW and away from there. Jeff Sharp/The SW Trail Hand lives there and is a great help to Dividers in the area. Home: 575-436-7200; Cel: 575-574-7210.

[Admiraal]

Thank you,
I have contacted Mr. Sharp and he was very willing to help out. Thanks again for your helpful post. Peter Admiraal

[offroute]

Glad it worked out!

Say hi to Jeff from the tandem team he helped out in '13, and i hope to see him later this yerar