Woke up just after 5am, so I decided to pack up, grab a bite at the Denny's next door and head out before it started to get hot again. The ride to Red Bluff was boring, typical San Joaquin highway. Fortunately, there was a treat waiting for me once I got there.
Highway 36 has a sign near the beginning of it indicating twists and turns for the next 140 miles. It did not disappoint. In fact, I'll say it is most certainly the most amazing road I've had the pleasure to ride on. Seriously. If you own a motorcycle and enjoy a scenic, twisty, challenging road, highway 36 should be on your bucket list of "must rides".
The eastern end is like a rollercoaster weaving through the Ponderosa-like landscape. There were a few turns where I would have liked some kind of signage, as they happened just over a rise and were blind. For once, I was riding conservatively and had plenty of time to adjust my line. This continued for about 20 miles before the road opened up into some faster sweepers and straightaways. I kept thinking of the theme from Bonanza every time I took a moment to take in the scenery. Climbing higher, the temp dropped and the pines were joined by firs and redwoods. The road tightened up and had many sections with steep drop-offs. The occasional, oncoming logging truck also was a bit unsettling. I was still mesmerized by this road though; I need to write a thank you letter to whoever signed off on the building of highway 36 to the coast. Toward the western end of 36 the road takes you through the giant redwoods. They are so dense, it almost feels like night under their canopy. The road is smooth and sinuous, and it makes you feel like Luke Skywalker darting though the trees of Endor. Fortunately, there are no Ewoks here.
Then, it was over. Like a torrid summer romance; it was hard to leave behind but would fuel fond memories for years to come. Unlike most summer flings however, highway 36 can (and will) be revisited :-)
I headed up 101 to Arcata, the little college town next to Humboldt university. Before getting there though, I stopped in at Pacific Powersports where they let me borrow a rear-stand to facilitate lubricating my chain (not a euphemism). Nice guys there, and good of them to lend me a hand. Arcata was a cool little town, and was a nice stop to eat and collect my thoughts after having my mind blown on 36. Onward.
101 between Arcata and Crescent City is what I imagine the autobahn must net like in Germany. Fast, smooth, and surrounded by gorgeous forest. I originally planned to camp in the redwoods near Crescent City, but I felt like I could keep going, so I decided to head into Oregon and shorten my ride to Portland the following day. Funny, how the Pacific Northwest is often portrayed as gray and dreary, as the sun appeared when I entered Oregon. Maybe it was just opposite day.
I rode all the way to Florence, Oregon. There were more details I wanted to add, but I just woke up with my phone on my chest. I think that's my cue to sign off on the blog for the night.
Highway 36 has a sign near the beginning of it indicating twists and turns for the next 140 miles. It did not disappoint. In fact, I'll say it is most certainly the most amazing road I've had the pleasure to ride on. Seriously. If you own a motorcycle and enjoy a scenic, twisty, challenging road, highway 36 should be on your bucket list of "must rides".
The eastern end is like a rollercoaster weaving through the Ponderosa-like landscape. There were a few turns where I would have liked some kind of signage, as they happened just over a rise and were blind. For once, I was riding conservatively and had plenty of time to adjust my line. This continued for about 20 miles before the road opened up into some faster sweepers and straightaways. I kept thinking of the theme from Bonanza every time I took a moment to take in the scenery. Climbing higher, the temp dropped and the pines were joined by firs and redwoods. The road tightened up and had many sections with steep drop-offs. The occasional, oncoming logging truck also was a bit unsettling. I was still mesmerized by this road though; I need to write a thank you letter to whoever signed off on the building of highway 36 to the coast. Toward the western end of 36 the road takes you through the giant redwoods. They are so dense, it almost feels like night under their canopy. The road is smooth and sinuous, and it makes you feel like Luke Skywalker darting though the trees of Endor. Fortunately, there are no Ewoks here.
Then, it was over. Like a torrid summer romance; it was hard to leave behind but would fuel fond memories for years to come. Unlike most summer flings however, highway 36 can (and will) be revisited :-)
I headed up 101 to Arcata, the little college town next to Humboldt university. Before getting there though, I stopped in at Pacific Powersports where they let me borrow a rear-stand to facilitate lubricating my chain (not a euphemism). Nice guys there, and good of them to lend me a hand. Arcata was a cool little town, and was a nice stop to eat and collect my thoughts after having my mind blown on 36. Onward.
101 between Arcata and Crescent City is what I imagine the autobahn must net like in Germany. Fast, smooth, and surrounded by gorgeous forest. I originally planned to camp in the redwoods near Crescent City, but I felt like I could keep going, so I decided to head into Oregon and shorten my ride to Portland the following day. Funny, how the Pacific Northwest is often portrayed as gray and dreary, as the sun appeared when I entered Oregon. Maybe it was just opposite day.
I rode all the way to Florence, Oregon. There were more details I wanted to add, but I just woke up with my phone on my chest. I think that's my cue to sign off on the blog for the night.
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