Weekend Route – The Escape

Thomas Gray
HDForums

On a clear day I can look out my home-office window across the Eucalyptus trees and see the fog dissipating into the Pacific. After doing this throughout the week you begin to get a little on edge, waiting for Saturday morning to hit, eager to get out and ride.

Its spring, the days are longer, the flowers are in bloom, and the dry season is right around the corner. You have that illusive kitchen pass and to hell with spring cleaning.

Living on the Central Coast, California, is a blessing. On any given weekend regardless of the season I can throw a leg over the saddle, turn the key, fire up the engine, and ride. Some seasons require rain gear while others require heated electronics, but there is rarely a day that I can’t be out there.

With all these options where would my ideal weekend ride take me?

Leaving from Monterey Bay is always a toss up of whether to head North or South. Right now I’m in a “big tree” mood so my journey begins on Highway 1 North riding through Santa Cruz and then over the Golden Gate Bridge. Once out of San Francisco, I stay on Highway 1 and usually grab a bit to eat in Fort Bragg. I try to take the time to visit the sea glass beach. The sand is replaced with sea glass pebbles and usually I can find some random car parts or appliance embedded into the nearby rocks. Unfortunately years ago the public used this beach as dumping grounds for their trash and broken appliances; however, it has made for an interesting leg stretcher, pit stop.

Carrying my momentum North through the last stretches of Highway 1, I remember why this is my favorite section throughout the State. The pavement is made of butter, the scenery straight out of a painting, and I rarely see another soul.

Once I reach the Highway 101 junction I could skip back home tail between my legs or make a true weekend out of it. Needless to say, I retreat north. A few miles past Garberville, I recognize the exit sign Avenue of the Giants, that is my exit. Regardless how many miles I have ridden or how late it is, I always find time amongst the giants. It ultimately spits me back out on 101, and after about twenty more minutes and 400 miles I’m in Fortuna, my destination for the night. I usually find a spot within walking distance of the Eel River Brewery in Fortuna and down a beer or two. If Sunday allows, it’s a repeat of Saturday (in reverse); otherwise I slab it back down the 101.