DK's Definitive Ride Report - Some of the Best Scenic Roads Out West - Tons of Photo'

[Trampas]

I have to say those are some impressive pics of your vacation, not to sure I would like driving where there is snow, I hate the cold, anytime it is below 50 not good for my body, have always hated the cold ever since I was a teenager, then driving when it's cold enough to have ice, got to hand it to you Kevin, you are the man, but I did see you have the heated gear so that helps out, but me, nope and no way I would be driving in that.

Have a very good rest of your vacation and travel safe

All for now Trampas

 

[DK Custom Products]

I have to say those are some impressive pics of your vacation, not to sure I would like driving where there is snow, I hate the cold, anytime it is below 50 not good for my body, have always hated the cold ever since I was a teenager, then driving when it's cold enough to have ice, got to hand it to you Kevin, you are the man, but I did see you have the heated gear so that helps out, but me, nope and no way I would be driving in that.

Have a very good rest of your vacation and travel safe

All for now Trampas

Glad you're able to enjoy while warm in front of your computer!

Really, it is not bad at all with the gear we have.

Thank you!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 31 continued-

Continuing on The Avenue of the Giants...

...We get to the end of it and jump on the 101...

...the 101 up here is a fun road...

...lots of curves, and not much traffic.

Taking a little detour thru Leggett...

...into a little park of Redwoods...

...to ride thru the Chandelier Tree.

This thing is massive!

Inside it now!

Wow!

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 31 continued-

After riding thru the tree we parked...

...looked around some....

...took some pics...

Had some lunch, then headed out on the 1 toward the coast.

Unbelievably, I've never ridden this section of road before. The 1, between Leggett and Hardy, make the Tail of the Dragon look like childs play. I don't remember ever having such an adrenaline rush as riding this road today.

Here are some screenshots of a map of the road I'm talking about-

and the last bit before reaching the coast-

If you like the twisties...

...this is a must ride.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 31 continued-

Mary reaching out and down with the camera for this pic-

Besides being a kick-ass road, today, there was hardly any traffic on it.

Just curve after curve...

There were a few motorcycles, I'm sure, enjoying the road as much as we are.

I could go on and on...

...about what a fun road this is to ride...

...I will just say this, if I did not have reservations two more hours down the coast, I would have turned around and ridden it two more times!

At the end of the twisty part thru the woods, we come out at the edge...

...of the Pacific Ocean!

The ride the rest of the way today is along the coast.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 31 continued-

From now until we get to Point Arena, we hug the coast most of the time, taking in the spectacular views.

Many times we stop...

...and go up to the edge exploring a bit.

The road is fun...

...but the views dominate both our attention.

We are thoroughly enjoying...

...taking our time and stopping whenever we want to see more.

While we've ridden this before...

...we've always had a tighter schedule to keep...

...today, we are taking much more in.

Conclusion of Day 31 in next post.

Kevin

 

[Trent]

We have been on that stretch many times Kevin. Your forearms start to look like Popeye's after a while! The Coast Hwy is our favorite ride in the whole West... After the San Jaun Islands,,, Where we were last week. We enjoy remembering Hwy 1 through your photos! Oh...! Did you meet any logging trucks on that curvy stretch? We did. Those guys are crazy! But we managed to survive them.

 

[Jack Klarich]

WOW, such great pics and scenery

 

[ol' school]

Highway 1 looks like blast Kevin! And once again you two rock when it comes to taking awesome photos to share! Thanks for letting us enjoy the ride with you!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 31 concluded-

Continuing along the coast...

...we are getting closer to Point Arena.

The entire road is not right next to the ocean, but when it's not, the views are still nice!

Mary normally picks the motel for us to stay in each night, but I want to do a special, NON- Super 8 motel, place with a view of the ocean...so I just told her I had tonight's place taken care of...

...I found a room at the Wharfmasters Inn with a balcony view of the cove at Point Arena. There's a nice restaurant nearby, so no grocery store visit needed tonight. lol

A few more miles...

We're Here!

Out on the room balcony-

After unloading the TG, we go for a walk down to the cove, found the restaurant with a view, and had a nice meal.

View from our table-

After dinner we walked around a bit...in this pic, the upper right balcony is ours-

What an amazing day! Riding the 299, then the Redwoods, then the trailhead of Highway 1, which is probably my new favorite road, then all the views along the coast!

Tomorrow we head along the coast some more, making our way to Felton to visit our daughter and her husband!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

We have been on that stretch many times Kevin. Your forearms start to look like Popeye's after a while! The Coast Hwy is our favorite ride in the whole West... After the San Jaun Islands,,, Where we were last week. We enjoy remembering Hwy 1 through your photos! Oh...! Did you meet any logging trucks on that curvy stretch? We did. Those guys are crazy! But we managed to survive them.

Hey Trent! Get wider bars! lol

Yeah, the coast is an amazing ride, glad you're enjoying. Never been to San Juan Islands...maybe one day, can we ride there? lol We did ride behind some logging trucks...I don't like that at all...never know what's going to fall off them and hit you. I hang way back til I see a chance to pass and get away from them!!!

WOW, such great pics and scenery

Hey Jack, yep, the opposite coast from you. You can be there in about 2800 miles!

Highway 1 looks like blast Kevin! And once again you two rock when it comes to taking awesome photos to share! Thanks for letting us enjoy the ride with you!

Thanks man! Glad you're enjoying!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32-

Today we are going to be traveling more along the coast, then crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and head south of San Francisco to visit Jill and her husband Dustin. Gonna be another Great day!!!

Leaving the Wharfmaster Inn this morning-

Down in the cove programming our waypoints into the GPS while Mary was taking the last pics of Point Arena Cove.

One last look back as we head toward the 1 and south.

Back rolling on Highway 1...

...we're enjoying the views and road this morning! Along with the lack of traffic...we know as we get closer to San Fran, it's going to be a bit of a bugger to get thru it all and down to Jill & Dustins'.

Pulled over to get a few shots looking back at the scenic coast we just rode by-

Back rolling. The coastal views today...

...are interspersed with riding thru wooded areas. All stunning!

Mile after mile of fantastic coastline views!

Pulled over for some more pics-

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32 continued-

Back rolling...

...oops, had to stop again.* So many great views everywhere!

Ok, back rolling again...

...taking a little detour...

...down a small "road"...

...to see what there was to see-

Headed back up to the asphalt!

Back on the asphalt...

Not sure how/what Mary did to get this pic as we were riding.* lol

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32 continued-

The views today are absolutely fantastic...

...we're still well north of San Francisco, there is little traffic, and we're taking our time, appreciating...

...the curving road and all the views!

As you can see from this pic, the road is just as much fun as the views are stunning.

A look back-

Another look back-

We pulled off the road here...

...had a little snack...

...looked down the edge of the cliff...

...and took a selfie before getting back on the road.

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32 continued-

We're getting close to where we're going to start seeing traffic...

...but there's still a bit of fun road to travel...

...before getting to San Fran traffic.

Pretty steep curve, that more than a few trucks/trailers have dragged in.

Ok, here we go...

...couple more coastline views...

...before turning inland toward San Fran.

Ok, for real this time.

I'm skipping pics of traffic and high heat.* It was bumper to bumper for more than a bit.* Here it has lightened up quite a lot as we are 18 minutes out from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Almost there-

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32 continued-

Before crossing the bridge we...

...find a place to park with a view.

We figure this will be a good place to eat lunch and take in the view of the city and Golden Gate Bridge...

Amazing view...

...and we asked someone to take our pic.

Time to get back on the road...

..embrace the traffic....

​​​​​​​

...and ride across the bridge.

It's really quite large!

In the middle-

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[Trent]

Yes that stretch above San Fran is an amazing ride. We have been up and down there several times and stopped in the same exact places you did, including the view of the Bridge! Looks like it was a perfect weather day for you also. Need to get back down there again now! You also get a whole different view headed north than you do headed south!

I know you are home now, but if you ever decide you wanna do the San Juan Islands, let us know ahead and we will go with you! That is if ya want us to... Best way to get there is over Hwy 20 on the north side of Washington. Gotta avoid the freeways and the views across the Cascade Mountains are amazing. And..... Motorcycles are first on, first off on all the ferries... Very easy to visit all the Islands on the inter-island ferry. We have done them several times now. This last week was the best weather we have ever had there.. shirtsleeves! Saw a lotta Orcas, dolphins, and Humpback Whales.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 32 concluded-

Condensing 1 hour of bumper to bumper traffic, getting thru San Fran & suburbs, back onto the coastal Highway 1, into this one pic-

We're back on the coast...

...heading toward Davenport, where we'll turn inland a bit to get to Felton.

This is a LOOONG tunnel....

...out the other side...

...mile after mile of beautiful coastline.

At Davenport we turn east and wind our way...

...thru 30 minutes of hilly, twisty Redwoods...

...until we dump out into the small town of Felton, CA., which also appears to be another home of BIGFOOT. lol

A few minutes later we arrive at Cotillion Gardens, where Jill & Dustin live-

They live in a 35 foot travel trailer here, right in the middle of the Redwoods. We are fortunate to be able to rent this little cabin, only 50 yards away from them.

We'll be here visiting for the next 2 days before resuming our travels, 3 days from now.

*

Kevin

 

[radismukes]

THANKS for all the great pics...... Be safe may God bless you and Mary on your trip!

God Bless our Country!

Robert

 

[DK Custom Products]

:xzqxz::xzqxz::xzqxz:

THANKS for all the great pics...... Be safe may God bless you and Mary on your trip!

God Bless our Country!

Robert

Thank you!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 33 & 34-

We've spent 2 full days visiting and looking around the area with Jill & Dustin. It's been a fantastic time!

The first afternoon we were here I took Jill for a ride in some of the local twisties. No pics were taken, but here we are coming back-

Later that afternoon Dustin took Jill out for a "10 minute" putt. About 40 minutes later they returned. lol They have some great roads in the area, winding thru the Redwoods. It's easy to lose track of time and enjoy running thru the curves. Here they are leaving out-

The first day we were here we hung out, did some shopping, drove down to Santa Cruz, had lunch, walked along the canal. A great day!

Here's Mary and Jill along the canal-

Yesterday we went to the Roaring Camp Railroads. It was quite an experience. Here's a few pics from our time there. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Pre-Harley Transportation-

Taking a ride on the train thru the Redwoods-

Dustin and I paid to pan for gold...we both found little pieces. I definitely see how easy it would be to get the gold bug! lol

We headed over to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Amazing place with a nice self guided tour all the way thru.

The HC Redwoods Park is only a 5 minute walk from their home. But even closer is a stream...just a 3 minute walk thru the Redwoods. We had a good time exploring around.

Yep, these trees are monsters!

The four of us down by the river-

We've had a great time...and time has been too short. Tomorrow we leave for Lee Vining, via Sonora Pass.

*

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Yes that stretch above San Fran is an amazing ride. We have been up and down there several times and stopped in the same exact places you did, including the view of the Bridge! Looks like it was a perfect weather day for you also. Need to get back down there again now! You also get a whole different view headed north than you do headed south!

I know you are home now, but if you ever decide you wanna do the San Juan Islands, let us know ahead and we will go with you! That is if ya want us to... Best way to get there is over Hwy 20 on the north side of Washington. Gotta avoid the freeways and the views across the Cascade Mountains are amazing. And..... Motorcycles are first on, first off on all the ferries... Very easy to visit all the Islands on the inter-island ferry. We have done them several times now. This last week was the best weather we have ever had there.. shirtsleeves! Saw a lotta Orcas, dolphins, and Humpback Whales.

Yes, great weather!

We've never been, and it sounds like we should go! Very Cool. Will def get up with you next time we have a trip out that way.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 35-

This morning we have to say our goodbyes. It has been a great visit, and it still amazes me that they live RIGHT IN the Redwoods!

Giving Jill a last hug before...

...heading out for Lee Vining. Leaving their small town...

...heading over the mountain...

...down toward San Jose.

After threading thru all the traffic around Silicone Valley, San Jose, and the craziness that surrounds the area, we're still on the freeway...

...but it has opened up some as we head toward Sonora.

We finally are off the freeway and onto the 108, heading toward Sonora.

Still desert like area, but back on the "open road" with relatively little traffic.

We've been climbing a bit, and are getting into some trees now. This is shaping up to be a nice day of riding!

We're in the woods proper now, as we get closer to Sonora.

More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 35 continued-

In a few short hours we've gone from the Redwoods, down to one of the most advanced tech places in the world, thru all kinds of traffic, then across some barren desert area, and now we're in the woods again, climbing toward 9000+ feet.

The road is curvy fun, the traffic is light, and we're really looking forward to going over Sonora Pass...first time for us!

It's a "picture perfect" day for riding.* Clear skies, high 60's-low 70's, and the TG is running great!

If you like the tight turns (and I do!) the road is just getting better and better!

Good pic of the river from the road!* Beautiful area!

Getting close...last chance for the bigger vehicles to turn around before getting into the really fun part of this road.

We've ridden from Jill & Dustin's' to Lee Vining previously, but we took the Tioga Pass route (which is quite a great ride).* Trent recommended we give this route a ride...up to 26% grades, and sharp twisting roads...did not take much convincing.* lol

Just a bit past the sign above, we saw a really nice spot to pull over by the stream...

...we had our lunch here, enjoying the amazing surroundings, while at the same time keeping our eyes open for bears or cats that may want to interrupt our lunch.* lol

Thank you Trent!!!* I don't remember ever being on an asphalt road this steep.* Fun Ahead!

And so it begins!

​​​​​​​More in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 35 continued-

It's difficult to capture in photos...

...how much fun this road is to ride.

It's scenic...

...curving...

...mostly traffic free...

...lots of elevation changes...

...did I say beautiful?....

...it's a fast road for being so tight...good camber and surface...

...an absolute blast to ride!

Getting close to the bottom now.

Day 35 concluded in next post.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Day 35 concluded-

Making a dash for Lee Vining-

We're in high desert type area...slowly descending-

Getting closer!

Long descending sweeper as we come down close to Mono Lake.

We're here!

We got a room at the same place we stayed last time we were in Lee Vining...even got the same room!

Tomorrow we head for Boulder City, Nevada for a family reunion, celebrating both my folks turning 80 this year!

Kevin

 

[Trent]

Well you survived Sonora Pass...! And what a beautiful day it was! You get a great view of the backside of Yosemite huh. We ate a burger at Mono Cone in Lee Vining. One of those tasty little greasy spoon joints that are always the best. Glad you were able to travel that pass.

Oh,,, And I was informed by a lady at the burger joint... It is pronounced Moe Know. Mah Know is a disease. And they are not a disease dammit!

 

[MDO]

Great photos & review of your epic trip.

 

[Mcahron]

I'm enjoying the trip. I live in Felton but moving to Eureka. Really love the pics.