Not the most graceful of beginings-- but we are on our way

Day 01 - Simi Valley to San Francisco Area

We seemed to get started OK. We were up and out right about on time, but 10 miles down the road Bev realized the front tire was just too warn and loaded the bike had a 40 mph front good end wobble. Of course it's Saturday and first dealer did not have time for a tire but Santa Barbara HD was able to squeeze us in so a bit over an hour late we were back on the road.

Figuring we were late we decided to skip the coast road and go straight up the 101. It was a pretty warm ride to begin with and when we stopped in Atascadero, CA the temperature was 108!  50 miles later we were sitting in a Carl's junior trying to cool down...the bike wasn't over heating but I sure was!  I was totally flush so Brad was putting cold clothes on the back of my neck to cool me down...I dug out my cooling vest (a vest you soak in water to help cool you in the heat) and wrapped a cold bandana around my neck.  Off we went again finally arriving at Rubarb's about 5:30 ish.

Spending time with Rhubarb, his lovely wife, and new sweety little angel Sophie was great.  We had a really nice dinner (for some reason the salad was awesome -- we wanted more tonight). We chatted for a long time and then realized it was late and needed to head to bed.

Day 02 - San Francisco Area to Crescent City, CA

Day two started with a great breakfast with the gang from The Ride Central at Peg's in Martinez, CA.  I can attest to the fact that they have a good Spanish Omelet!  After breakfast we were escorted north by the gang for 50 - 70 miles.  As the guys pulled away we continued north heading for Crescent City.

About 50 miles later I had to scratch my eyes...my sunglasses cought the wind and off they went!  They landed right in the center of the road the promptly hit by the cars behind me.  I had gotten these somewhat glasses for free (long story)...after 2 days they are gone...sigh.  Thank god I was carrying extra's.

Once in the Humboldt  Redwoods we headed through the Avenue of  the Giants.  It's always humbling to ride though these majestic trees. 

Making a left through Humboldt Redwoods on Bull Creek Road we wound our way though the great redwoods and up over the coastal mountains to California's "Lost Coast". the ride was teeth rattling in a few places. , so rough that biker teddy jumped right out of his pocket in the rear bag and was just hanging there! He's so brave...! There were 3 short dirt/gravel areas to cross, but all in all I thought the road was in decent condition. We dropped down onto the coastal road to find the marine layer beginning to roll in and chocking off the road ahead of us. The weather went from 80's and 90s in the Humboldt Redwoods to 54 degrees in the foggy, damp, windy, and cool ride back out to the 101. (About this point I stopped taking pictures due to the fog)

On we went to the north on the 101, though the Northern Redwoods. We saw several Bull Elk along the sides of the road with huge full racks of antlers. We also enjoyed a recommended ride on Nelson Drury Scenic Parkway which sported more large groves of the majestic Redwood Trees.

We finally arrived at Crescent City just before dark...a bit cold and hungry but definitely no worse for wear....

Unfortunately it turns out the card reader I brought for the pictures is not working. I promise to update with pictures as soon as I can find a card reader...

That's it for tonight...tomorrow we head to Portland, Oregon.