Thanks for the report.
I’m going to the “Round the Bend” in February. I’d like to ride down Old Ore Road, River Road, and Old Maverick Road.
I ride at an average speed. How long do you think it would take to do that loop?
You can ride all the interior roads in one day but it can be tiring for many riders. If you've never been to the park, I recommend riding the paved interior loop with the overlooks, visiting Chisos Basin and Old Ore Road on one day, and the second day ride Old Maverick/interior River Road/Black Gap. Of course, Highway 170 to Presidio and visiting Fort Leaton is fun also.
Old Ore and the interior River Roads can be difficult in places for novice off-road riders because of sand and gravel and in a few places, rock ledges with loose gravel around them. I like going slow and stopping frequently for snacks and water. There is a lot to see in the park.
Take everything you need for basic repair and to survive while help comes if you really break down badly or are hurt. Several years back I watched one rider air-evacuated out of Old Ore and another was air evacuated from Black Gap. I think that fellow broke his leg when a pannier hit it. He was on a GS 1200. Be careful. People have died at BB from falls and exposure. I've assisted riders broken down with flats on the far east side of interior River Road with no tools, tire tubes, water, etc. They did not know how to remove the wheels from their motorcycle.
Many riders that air down their tires wind up with pinch flats from hitting rocks. I run regular pressure and slow down. I have a stressful job and to me, BB is about slowing down. I love stopping at Castolon and having a cup of coffee in the morning and just looking at Santa Elena pass and talking with people.
If you just want to ride Old Ore, you can do it comfortably in the morning. It takes awhile just to get to Dagger Flats, the start of the road, which is North of Panther Junction. I think Panther Junction visitor center and park HQ is approximately 25 miles from the park entrance near Study Butte. Old Ore comes out near the tunnel at Rio Grande village. It's not far from to the entrance to the East River Road which would start you on the River Road that eventually comes out on the hardball near Castolon. That road would take you at least three hours to complete if you stopped regularly to hydrate and relax a bit. We always stop and rest a good bit, check out ruins etc.
I believe the speed limit on the two-track and dirt roads is 25 mph. I have seen park officers doing speed enforcement on two track roads with LIDAR(laser). This was actually at the north end of Old Ore Road. He lased me while I was picking my way along at about 10 to 15 mph. This was also during one of the "Around the Bend" meets and they know there are a number of dual sport and adventure riders in the park. Along Old Ore, I've seen geology students in Sul Ross University vehicles, butterfly collectors, horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers and one poor soul attempting to tow a beautiful HUGE Air Stream trailer down Old Ore from Dagger Flats. That was ugly.
Hope this helps! Now I can hardly wait for the end of February!