Motorcycle Trip Report: California's Avenue of the Giants, The Lost Coast, <BR>and Highway 1 near Fort Bragg

California's Avenue of the Giants and The Lost Coast

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In late May 2005, I traveled up to Fortuna, California for the West Coast Regional Meeting of sport-touring.net (STN). The following describes the ride through California's Avenue of the Giants, The Lost Coast, and Highways 1 and 20 near Fort Bragg

Map of Route

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Place cursor on thumbnails for a description of each picture

Leaving Fortuna, we rode south on Highway 101 aboput 10 miles and turned off to take the road through the Avenue of the Giants. Along the way, we passed through the towns of Rio Dell and Redcrest. The Avenue of the Giants is a beautiful road that twists and turns through a forest of majestic Redwood Trees. Some of the Redwood trees are up to 20 feet in diameter at their base and are over 350 feet tall! The redwood forest is a quiet, tranquil place. It is amazing to stand next to trees 600-1000 years old.

Along the Avenue of the Giants Along the Avenue of the Giants Along the Avenue of the Giants Along the Avenue of the Giants

Leaving the Avenue of the Giants, we headed west on Highway 211 towards the the town of Petrolia and the Lost Coast. Riding was great, scenery was fantastic. There was no traffic and you could ride at your own pace. Lost of twists and turns, and a few pot holes in the road limits your speed, but it is still wonderful ride.

The road to the Lost Coast The road to the Lost Coast Riders on the road to the Lost Coast The view from the road to the Lost Coast

Upon reaching the Lost Coast, you are greated by a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean and the Lost Coast The Pacific Ocean and the Lost Coast The Pacific Ocean and the Lost Coast

The Pacific Ocean and the Lost Coast The Pacific Ocean and the Lost Coast

Leaving the Lost Coast, we turned inland and passed through rolling hills and valleys with distant views of the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Coastal Hills north east of the Lost Coast Coastal Hills north east of the Lost Coast Coastal Hills north east of the Lost Coast Coastal Hills north east of the Lost Coast

Later that day, we had dinner in Fortuna, CA.

Day 2

I woke up early Sunday morning. I had breakfast, loaded up my bike and headed south. I was planning to ride Highway 1 south to Fort Bragg before turning inland and heading home. Taking Highway 101 sout from Fortuna, CA, I turned west on Highway 1 at Leggett.

Highway 101 south of Fortuna Highway 1 sout, just outside of Legget, CA Highway 1 between Leggett and the Pacific Ocean

Upon reaching the Pacific coast, you are greeted by some wonderful views of the Pacific Coastline.

THe first view of the Pacific Coast from Highway 1 after riding from Leggett Highway 1 between Leggett and Fort Bragg Highway 1 between Leggett and Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg

Leaving Fort Bragg about noon, I rode east on Highway 20 through the forrest and rolling hills, stopping for some pictures. There was a warm sun in the sky and the roads were free from traffic. Highway 20 is a fantastic road, 28 miles of twistie 2-lane blacktop. <

Highway 20 going east from Fort Bragg Highway 20 going east from Fort Bragg Highway 20 going east from Fort Bragg

Highway 20 going east from Fort Bragg

When Highway 20 intersected with Highway 101, I had to turn south on 101 and head fro home. The rest of the ride was on Highway 101. WIth some nice riding near Ukiah. But it was mostly just freeway riding with traffic.

It was a great ride and a great way to spend the weekend. Total miles ridden was about 740.

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