Today could have turned out horrible. When we were in Susanville a cyclist that we’d met at the hotel had told us about CA Route 299. I hadn’t really planned on coming out to the coast mainly because we’ve ridden most of it already and the weather can be a bit flaky. However, there is that stretch of US Route 101 between Crescent City and Brookings that has been taunting me after our last trip out this way…
Anyway, back to the cyclist and Route 299. It was going to be a longer ride than the prior two days so we made sure to take it easy with plenty of breaks to get off the bikes and stretch. The map in this post really doesn’t do the route justice. Essentially after leaving Redding the curves began and didn’t end until we were moments away from Arcata. It was a super fun route to ride, and a bit scary at points. There are some sections of the road that are in serious need of repair due to what my Midwestern learning wants to call frost wedging. Overall it is one of the best rides we’ve had so far on the trip.
We stopped just before downtown Weaverville for lunch and a quick cup of coffee. While sitting outside of the Ray’s grocery store sipping at the coffee where we were treated to the “learnings” of a group of old men sitting nearby who were full of opinions. They were riffing off of each other, talking about people going by and everything happening around them. I’m sure that after Angie and I left they shared their opinions of us — and especially Angie’s scooter.
Writing this now, thinking back on the ride today, I need to say thank you to the mysterious Spandex clad-ed cyclist man who tipped us off to the route.