A foggy morning on the Redwood Highway
Rainy days on the Sonoma Coast were surprisingly enjoyable
Gloomy conditions on the 101, but otherwise a beautiful landscape of rugged mountains and towering trees along the Eel River
I was greeted by California’s 101 with heavy rain, and arrived at the Entrance to the redwood highway, “Avenue of Giants,” wet and cold. Fortunately, the warm coastal air provided me with some relief and I was able to warm up fast compared to the previous days in the mountains. The North Coast of California is well-known for its old-growth redwoods and riding the alternate route through these legendary trees was no let down with 31 miles flying by like it was 10.
Camping at the base of a Redwood the first night out of the mountains. Leave no trace camp ethics in effect
The sun breaking through the fog and a wall of trees to shine some light on the road
After riding the fog-shrouded Avenue of Giants I was stuck back on the 101 for awhile. I had to ride some hairy sections of road where I was sandwiched between guard rails and logging trucks. The busy highway was good to me and I made it to the coastal highway 1 alive and well. Riding through the last stretch of mountains was good and the climbs were nothing compared to the seemingly endless downhills that would follow them. There is no better feeling than covering 15 miles using not the least bit of energy, and at the end of it all the only part of your body cramping is your fingers.
A textbook post-ride evening with good grub, better beer, and some jams on the guitar all while looking out over cliffs of the Mendocino coastline on this tucked away piece of land in Casper, California
Coming out of the trees and suddenly being on the edge of California’s coast looking out over sea-stacks and rocky beaches was exciting and with still about 200 miles to go I felt like I was already back home in Santa Cruz. Riding through Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties I hit more rain and saw some of California’s lesser known coastline. I camped where I could, and treated myself to a couple hike n‘ bike sites along the way.
Spoiling myself with an empty KOA campground at Manchester State Beach. I enjoyed a hot shower, jacuzzi and a camp kitchen all to myself. After 5 days of camping off the side of the road this place felt like a five star hotel. Normally, I would never "camp" at one of these places
Side trip to the Point Arena Lighthouse
The highlight of the ride for me was seeing an unspoiled section of coast that I have never seen before. Places like Mendocino, Bodega Bay and Point Reyes were just a couple of destinations that I have heard about but never visited myself. Riding through on a bike and visiting the coastal towns was a treat and the beautiful scenery kept me going day after day.
Had the road to myself for the most part along the Mendocino coast. Took advantage of the beautiful weather here and set up a self portrait
Looking out over the Pacific just North of Bodega Bay
The final stretch of my ten day ride was through San Francisco and the more populated areas of the North Bay. I crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and found my way through the hills of San Francisco back to the coast without too much trouble.
Celebratory road fuel; beer and gas station peanuts
Getting closer to home. The Southbound pedestrian/cyclist walkway was closed on the Golden Gate so I had a slow bridge crossing on the Northbound side, weaving in between people, dogs, strollers and other cyclists
Half Moon bay hike and bike site.
After making it over “Devils Slide,” a dodgy section of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, in one piece I had to splurge on an “I'm still alive beer” and some butter toffee peanuts.
Reaching the summit on said dodgy piece of highway
My last day on the road was a fast ride despite an unexpected head wind that hit me when I got into Santa Cruz County. I arrived in Santa Cruz excited for a nice break and a week of comfortable couches with real meals. Although I have both ridden and driven the coast between San Fransisco and Santa Cruz many times, it never gets old. Riding the last 50 miles this time was no exception.
Home in Santa Cruz for the time being. Roughly 400 miles down 8,000 more to go
Big thanks to Uncle Glen and Aunt Christa at Elephant Bikes up in Spokane, Washington for the sweet jersey. It has taken on plenty of dirt and sweat already and is keeping my street clothes fresh
Looking forward to cooking more meals on typical evenings like this at the California coast
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