Big Trees

Our stop in the Humbolt Redwood State Park put us in big trees. We camped in a second growth area with trees growing in rings from the stumps of big trees that were cut years ago. There were bear proof boxes for us to put our food and items that had touched food in.

Our next stop took us thru Fernbridge, Ferndale, Rio Dell and Scotia, California. The road lead thru Stafford, Pepperwood, Redcrest, Weott, Myers Flat, MIranda, Phillipsville, Redway, Garberville, and Benbow, California. We stayed at Richardson Grove State Park.

Piercy was one of the next towns, and at Leggett we began our journey on route 1. There was a climb from around 500 feet above sea level to over 1500 feet above sea level. Then we made a ten mile descent to the ocean and on to Westport. It was interesting to go from the big trees to the ocean in one day. The sounds and smells of the waves were different from the silence of the forest.

Cleone, Fort Bragg, Mendocino and Albion, California were towns we traveled through. After Elk, California we camped near Manchester, California. Some of our group hiked about one mile to the beach and experienced the very cold water of the Pacific Ocean. It seems there is a Humboldt Current that flows past Alaska and brings cold water down the coast. The water in the ocean is always cold.

On through Point Arena, Ca., we traveled through Anchor Bay, Gualaia, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Ca. The day was rainy and cold, so we stopped at Fort Ross, Ca., and spent our only night in a small motel. All the shivering riders were happy to be in rooms instead of tents.

After Jenner and Bodega Bay, Ca. we turned inland to go through Valley Ford and Tomales, Ca. On through Marshall, Ca. to a camp near Pt. Reyes Station put us in our final night in tents.

We road Sir Francis Drake Blvd through Samuel P Taylor State Park and our last views of Redwoods. On to Lagunitas, Woodacre, Fairfax, Ca. Then through San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, Larkspur and Gorte Madera, California put us in Sausalito. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, California and the trip was over.

California

We have made our way down the Oregon coast, staying at Sunset Bay State Park, Port Orford, Brookings, and in the Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park. Through Trinidad, and stayed last night between Arcata and Eureka, California.Tonight should be in Burlington Camp Ground in the Humbldt Redwoods State Park, near Weott, California.

Wild Coast Trip

Started our bicycling from Eugene,OR. and pedaled to Florance, OR. the first riding day. It rained for first day and night. Some sun on first ride and then rain again. Everything is wet. Logging is a large business in this part of Oregon. We encountered fast, noisy, logging trucks hauling huge loads of wood. I'll post some pictures of logged areas when I can.

From Florence we cycled to Sunset Bay State Park, near Charleston, OR. Some of the riders went down to Cape Arago and saw sea lions, seals and surf.

Friday, 9/10/2010 we are on the way to Humbug State Park, near Port Orford, OR. Fishing is one of the local ways of making a living. Fresh crab, and other sea food are for sale. I enjoyed a salmon burger. Wind off of ocean is cold.

Neighborhoods

8/24/2010 was a short slow ride. 10.7 miles at 10.6 mph average. We stopped early so one rider could get back the the church council meeting that evening. Still a good ride. We talked about houses and where various folks lived or had lived, as we rode thru neighborhoods near the church.

Around and Around

This evening's ride was 22.3 miles at a 13.3 mph average. We tried something for the first time. Instead of meeting at First English Lutheran Church, we met at the Cardinal Trail parking lot adjacent to Industires Road. I stayed at the church until our normal 5:30 p.m. start time and then drove to the parking lot. At 5:45p.m. I was on the bike and riding north on, the as yet unopened section of, the Cardinal Trial.

We covered just a little over eleven miles before there was no more pavement to ride on. The paving machinery, in the middle of the trail, required we dismount and walk around. Toward the north end of our journey there was a bridge not yet repaired that we also had to go around. Other than those two obstacles, our wheels went around and around.

Oficially this portion of the trail is not open yet. In the short time we were riding, there were at least twenty folks using the trail. It was a testiment that there will be demand for the completed trail. Families, couples, single riders and friends hiking were all eager to enjoy the benefits that this railtrail offers. It will sure be nice when it is complete. It's wonderful already.

Promise of things to come

Tuesday 8/10/10 was mostly on the Cardinal Trail. The section of this trail north of Industries Road has seen a lot of work in recent weeks. The base coat of asphalt is in place for several miles. Although the trail is narrow on this coarser aggregate, it is still an enjoyable ride.

We traveled 20 miles with an average speed of 12.9 miles per hour. Time constraints were a factor in our ride. With more time we would have continued north. The trail certainly holds a promise of good rides to come. We talked about riding to Muncie, Indiana in the near future.

It is a credit to the persistence of interested members in our community that the Cardinal Trail is near to adding many miles for folks to enjoy. Bicyclists, joggers, and I'm sure a few pet walkers will all benefit from the beauty and safety of the soon to be completed sections of this rail trail.

You gotta have heart

Tuesday 8/3/2010 saw a quicker ride that usual. We rode 15 miles at an average speed of 13.6 mph. Now I know that doesn't sound very fast; but, when you consider we started through town at our usual relaxed pace, and stopped for traffic signs and lights, and rode several hills, it was a good workout. Once out of town we raced down a hill, approaching 30 miles per hour. Then the race continued up the hills and out of the valley we had descended into. I remember thinking that my mind wanted to do the things I did in my youth. Sprint, stand on the pedals, and spin up hills were my mind's goals. The heart with clogged arteries, and a stent, didn't agree with that thinking. I'm happy with my physical condition, especially for my age. I just had to realize I can't keep up with younger or lighter riders. You've got to have a healthy heart to race like a kid.