Sunday July 5, 2015, 217 miles (349 km) – Total so far: 9,004 miles (14,491 km)
Four days 217 miles On Thursday July 2nd we had one of our best rides ever through Humboldt County the Avenue of the Giants. This road runs parallel to US101 and takes you through some of the tallest redwoods in the state. We rode in awe as we looked skyward for the tops of these giant trees. I’ll list it as one of our favorite rides so far in our world trip. Andee has been having a difficult time with finding us camping spots as this is 4th of July weekend. The next available campground Giant Redwoods RV and Camp, Myers, California, put us at 73 miles for the day. It was exhausting with the hilly conditions but very satisfying. Right next to the camp we met Andee at Riverbend Winery and enjoyed a tasting before settling into our camp. The next day we continued through the mountains towards the coast. Andee called and visited several campsites but all were booked. She even called motels but nothing available. Previously we had talked with a ranger and was told that all state parks have “hiker and biker” spots available at $5 each and you will not be turned away. We checked out Standish-Hickey State Park in Leggett before a large mountain pass. We then inquired about parking a car. They didn’t like that but gave us a nice buffer spot for the night. These spots normally are not used but held in reserve in case someone needs to move their camp. So we lucked out again except it turned into a big loud party night that didn’t settle down until about 3 am.
The next day we rode over the Leggett Pass at 1900 feet and back to the coast and continued south to Fort Bragg. It was foggy again and the temperature dropped from 100 F to 50 F in the fog. Since it was the 4th of July there was no camping or rooms available anywhere. Andee talked to a guy who worked in the North Coast Brewing Company who offered us his yard for camping. We took him up on his most generous offer and he let us use the bottom floor of his 1920’s house. What a great deal. Right down the street from his house is the North Coast Brewing Company restaurant and along with a fireworks show it turned out to be a good 4th. The following day while climbing I heard a loud pop from my bike and discovered a broken spoke and a very large crack on my rear hub. My bike is out of commission and we will search for a bike shop tomorrow. Andee picked me up while Jocelyn and Nicole continued on their own for a very tedious 57 miles. Tonight we are camping on the beach at Gualala.
You guys are doing awesome. How much fun going through the redwoods. Charlie n I made that trip…though by car…pedal pedal pedal