The day started peacefully enough. We checked out of the hotel and set off to find the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California. The story behind this beach, in a nutshell, is that the residents used to throw their trash over the cliff into the sea. Over time the glass that was in the trash mound was worn down due to the constant pounding of the waves. Now you can go and see all of the rounded “ocean glass” on the beach. We scrabbled around on in the tidal area since it was low tide and generally had a good time.
Finishing up at the beach we topped off the gas in the bike, checked the tire pressure, and off we went. Our journey would eventually land us in Eureka, California. The route started with state route 1. I’d read about route 1 on some motorcycle sites where they said it was fun and beautiful. It was a beautiful ride, but the wind was starting to pick up a little bit so I had to focus on the road. Spent a lot of time shifting, and making sure that I entered the corners at the correct angles, etc. My friends at the California Department of Transportation had also decided to rip up parts of the road. At one point two other vehicles and myself were led, via police escort, around a worksite where the road was comprised of loose gravel. Luckily it had been packed down well, and we were by no means the first vehicles over it. High on that cliff would not have been a fun place to get the front wheel stuck and topple over.
All along the we battled strong winds, which eventually broke when we headed inland on route 1. The next section of route 1, between the coast and US route 101, was made up mainly of really tight twisties. I don’t think I ever made it higher than fourth gear, and rarely spent more than a couple of minutes in that gear. What I saw of the scenery was great.
Once we made it to US route 101 we headed north, but not after first stopping at the Peg House for lunch. There we saw another group of BMW riders that were making their way through the same path. We’d see them again, but I imagine they broke off somewhere along the way. It was nice to see them because we’d seen nothing but Harley’s since leaving Oregon. We took route 101 until we arrived at state route 254. Route 254 is also known as “Avenue of the Giants” because it slithers thorough the huge redwoods.
The posted speed limit is along route 254 is 55 MPH, but it’s hard to get up past 45 MPH as you look at the magnificent trees. We stopped at a visitor center along the way for some more info. Also we snapped a lot of pics of the redwoods that I’ll post and bore you with when I get back home. When route 254 ended we jumped back on US route 101.
Njord was back in full force. We had about thirty miles to get to Eureka, but it was a fierce battle. I had to use all the skill to keep the bike upright and on the road with the gusts, and sustained wind. The real kickers were when we’d ride over a canyon. We’d be on a bridge in the right most lane with the other slow pokes. The wind would push in from the ocean, forcing us towards the right guardrail. Then for an added challenge, the wind would whip down from the canyon and push us to the left. So just as you’d be comfortable with countering with the wind from the west, the wind from the east would get you. We made it here OK — obviously since I’m writing this.
As I mentioned in yesterdays post we’re planning on hanging around in Eureka for another day just to see what there is to be seen since this is the largest city we’ve been in since Bend on Saturday.