Leaving Washington.
Day 1:

Say goodbyes. Pack up gear. On the road by 10am. Stop at reservation
for cheapest gas in the area. Put on warmer gear. Head for the coast.

We take 108 => 8 => 12 => 107 => 101 => 4 => 401 and cross at
Astoria. I like that bridge.

We're hugging the coast all the way. No more heat for us. Now it's
cold, but that's OK by me. Cold is just a matter of "dressing right".
Stop for some fish and chips and chowder, warm up, make clothing
adjustments and continue down 101.

Lots of traffic, but it's not that bad to me. Intermittent
rain/drizzle, enough bicycles with paniers and camping gear to make
it look like there's some sort of migration going on. Besides
touristy vibe, there's a weird overlay of hippie meets redneck going
on.

Despite being cold and wet, we push hard, especially on the twisty
sections. Finding out that the traction limits on wet roads are
pretty high. Concerned at some points, but no peg dragging and no
tires breaking loose, so it's all good. I tended to back off where
there was an unforgiving and long drop off to ocean boulders. But not
that much.

Passed a live steam train along the coast around Garibaldi. Neat.
Noticed the engine had what looked like a V-twin cylinder arrangement
like a Moto-Guzzi. Interesting. Also, I think it was running
backwards.

Going through Tilliamook, all I could think of was cheese and those
kippered steak nuggets with that name.

Hands got cold in rain/drizzle soaked gloves. Didn't see anything in
forecasts predicting this, so I didn't pack waterproof gloves. We're
both in the same boat, so stop once in awhile to warm our hands. Stop
in a viewpoint for the Devil's Churn geological oddity. I take
pictures to add to my collection of geological oddities named after
the devil.

The parts of this road where you were following the edge of the ocean
were spectacular. If it were partly cloudy day with sun peaking
through once in a while it would have been perfection. Still, a nice
mix of small towns, forest road and ocean twisties. And the worse day
on 101 beats the best hours or days on I-5.

It's getting toward dark, and we only made it to Coos Bay. On our way
in, we pass a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet. I vow that we will eat
there tonight. After dropping off our stuff at a Best Western I've
stayed at before, we head there. Truly excellent Mongolian BBQ. So-so
salad bar.

Fins has to head home the next day so when we get back to the motel,
we say our goodbyes, since he'll most likely get up long before I do.
He's got to get back to work the next day, I've got as long as I want
and I'm not on any mission.

He hits the hay, I wait for an available washing machine in the
motel, wash m'clothes. Set the provided motel alarm for 7:30am, and
pass out myself. A long, good day of riding.


--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote:

:a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet

My second choice after a Brazilian steakhouse.

---
Typical White Asshole

On 24 Aug 2008, SteveT <rmh3@no48panspam.com> pondered an unfair
universe and came up with news:usp3b4tph1inttg4vr5gh1mrarlvvhe86f@
4ax.com:

> StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>:a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet
>
> My second choice after a Brazilian steakhouse.
>
> ---
> Typical White Asshole

Yeah, a churrascaria would have definitely gotten my attention.

Pretty unlikely to run into a Fogo de Chao in Coos Bay, though


--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

"StephG" <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4...

<snip>

> It's getting toward dark, and we only made it to Coos Bay. On our way
> in, we pass a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet. I vow that we will eat
> there tonight. After dropping off our stuff at a Best Western I've
> stayed at before, we head there. Truly excellent Mongolian BBQ.

Jon and I tried to stay at that Best Western once on the way up the coast to
that same party a few years ago, but the Best Western was all booked up and
we ended up staying at a place a bit farther north. But it had an attached
bar and small restaurant, and the rooms were warm and dry, so it was all
good.

Rich

On 24 Aug 2008, "Rich" <richard.johns1@verizon.net> pondered an
unfair universe and came up with news:xZosk.730$Ro1.147@trnddc04:

>
>
> "StephG" <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4...
>
><snip>
>
>> It's getting toward dark, and we only made it to Coos Bay. On our
>> way in, we pass a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet. I vow that we will
>> eat there tonight. After dropping off our stuff at a Best Western
>> I've stayed at before, we head there. Truly excellent Mongolian
>> BBQ.
>
> Jon and I tried to stay at that Best Western once on the way up
> the coast to that same party a few years ago, but the Best Western
> was all booked up and we ended up staying at a place a bit farther
> north. But it had an attached bar and small restaurant, and the
> rooms were warm and dry, so it was all good.

Attached bar sounds good. Remember what the name was?

Do they take AARP cards? >

(I got me one of them now)

--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

StephG wrote:
> On 24 Aug 2008, "Rich" <richard.johns1@verizon.net> pondered an
> unfair universe and came up with news:xZosk.730$Ro1.147@trnddc04:
>
>>
>> "StephG" <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4...
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>>> It's getting toward dark, and we only made it to Coos Bay. On our
>>> way in, we pass a newish Mongolian BBQ buffet. I vow that we will
>>> eat there tonight. After dropping off our stuff at a Best Western
>>> I've stayed at before, we head there. Truly excellent Mongolian
>>> BBQ.
>> Jon and I tried to stay at that Best Western once on the way up
>> the coast to that same party a few years ago, but the Best Western
>> was all booked up and we ended up staying at a place a bit farther
>> north. But it had an attached bar and small restaurant, and the
>> rooms were warm and dry, so it was all good.
>
> Attached bar sounds good. Remember what the name was?
>
> Do they take AARP cards? >
>
> (I got me one of them now)
>

You should see the looks my wife gets when she pulls hers out, she's 44 <sfsf>

--
Steve Irving - BS#237/SLOB#12
http://www.users.qwest.net/~niteh/bike

"A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and
understanding." Marshall McLuhan

On 24 Aug 2008, Steve Irving <sdirv@nospamqwest.net> pondered an
unfair universe and came up with
news:48b2254a$0$89398$815e3792@news.qwest.net:

> StephG wrote:
>>
>> Do they take AARP cards? >
>>
>> (I got me one of them now)
>>
>
> You should see the looks my wife gets when she pulls hers out,
> she's 44 <sfsf>

You should see the looks RHSD gives me when AARP asks her to join too.
She's under 40.


--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

StephG wrote:
> On 24 Aug 2008, Steve Irving <sdirv@nospamqwest.net> pondered an
> unfair universe and came up with
> news:48b2254a$0$89398$815e3792@news.qwest.net:
>
>> StephG wrote:
>>> Do they take AARP cards? >
>>>
>>> (I got me one of them now)
>>>
>> You should see the looks my wife gets when she pulls hers out,
>> she's 44 <sfsf>
>
> You should see the looks RHSD gives me when AARP asks her to join too.
> She's under 40.
>
>

My wife doesn't mind.....she's into shopping, sales, discounts, coupons,
ad-matching.......<sfsf>

Was going to watch another episode of A&E's "Horatio Hornblower" tonight, but
got wrapped up in the Entropy Zone.......

I had neighbors like that about 10 years ago......THAT Beavis stood on his front
porch and pissed into the yard, laundry hanging in the trees to dry, junk cars
and appliances in the front yard.

We finally gave up, sold the place and bought this one in an HOA so we'd NEVER
have to deal with it again.

--
Steve Irving - BS#237/SLOB#12
http://www.users.qwest.net/~niteh/bike

StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote:

:Pretty unlikely to run into a Fogo de Chao in Coos Bay, though

But you are sure to see one in Washington, DC or Chicago!

We have a good one in Manchester, NH. I'm not sure if it's worth
1200 miles, but the 40 or so miles I have to ride is definitely
doable.

---
Typical White Asshole

"StephG" <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9B04CE6B0A728StephG@130.133.1.4...

> Attached bar sounds good. Remember what the name was?

Nope. It was a local place... not a chain.

> Do they take AARP cards? >
>
> (I got me one of them now)

That's funny. I cannot imagine you ever using an AARP card. I always
figured RHSD would kick your ass if you ever got one... but now that I think
about it, I can't believe why I would have believed that.

I usually just ask them if they give an AARP discount and never mention that
I'm not a member. They usually assume I am and then give me the discount
anyway.

Rich

On 25 Aug 2008, "Rich" <richard.johns1@verizon.net> pondered an
unfair universe and came up with news:2YJsk.826$Ro1.640@trnddc04:

>
>
> "StephG" <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Xns9B04CE6B0A728StephG@130.133.1.4...
>
>> Attached bar sounds good. Remember what the name was?
>
> Nope. It was a local place... not a chain.
>
>> Do they take AARP cards? >
>>
>> (I got me one of them now)
>
> That's funny. I cannot imagine you ever using an AARP card. I
> always figured RHSD would kick your ass if you ever got one... but
> now that I think about it, I can't believe why I would have
> believed that.
>
> I usually just ask them if they give an AARP discount and never
> mention that I'm not a member. They usually assume I am and then
> give me the discount anyway.
>
> Rich

I have fun with the AARP card since most of the people I know are like
half my age. Freaks em out when they know what an AARP card is

--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

On 24 Aug 2008, StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> pondered
an unfair universe and came up with
news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4:

> Leaving Washington.
> Day 1:

> He hits the hay, I wait for an available washing machine in the
> motel, wash m'clothes. Set the provided motel alarm for 7:30am,
> and pass out myself. A long, good day of riding.

5:30 or so am.
Flash. Flash. Rumble. Flash flash. BOOM.

Thunderstorm. Peek out the window to see if I can see bolts. In LA,
thunderstorms are a rarity, even a treat. See a couple of bolts and
forks. Look down in the parking lot, some guys with classic hot rods
are taking the covers OFF their cars. Rain starts. Put earplugs in,
go back to sleep.

And I wake up. I check the alarm clock. It's flashing: 3:55. Crap.
Power musta gone out. Missed Fins taking off. Oh well. Knew that
would happen.

Wet out. Raining a little. Get ready, gear up, pack up, head out.
101 from Coos Bay to points unknown on the schedule today.

Head into foresty twisties, little near coast touristy towns, up a
hill with passing lane, pass another slow guy in a red Aveo. I've
seen enough of these that I think they're heading to some sort of
ralley.

Crest the hill and there's a guy working on a greyish bike on the
left side. It looks old. No place to turn around, go another half
mile and turn around. Go back. Pull alongside a guy wearing what
appears to be period correct WWII US army gear including the helmet.
Not sure about the camoulflage poncho, but it could be too.

Closing up the headlight of a WLA flattie. I ask him if he needs
help. He answers with an Australian accent. Though he could be a New
Zealander.

He says he's got it handled. And is surprised anyone stopped. I said
I couldn't leave him stranded if there was anything I could do. He's
riding the coast more or less from Mexico to Canada. It's raining
and neither of us are feeling too social, unfortunately. And headed
in opposite directions.

I ask if he wants me to follow him to town.

He says "No Worries", gets it started with two kicks. We wave and go
our separate ways.

Continue down 101. Intermittent rain and dry, but still chilly, I
stop in Brookings for lunch. I settle on chicken strips. Dry my
gloves with the hand dryer and head out to cross the border.

Cross the bridge to Harbor, take care of some business, continue to
California. Where I'm treated to a one lane, muddy dirt road and
flag men. 30 minute delay. Nice. Watch a semi almost tip over going
over the uneven road. That would have been fun. The only road from
Oregon, coulda been constipated but good with that. And I was behind
him.

Get past the road work and suddenly the clouds open, a beam of light
shines on the road and I see a rainbow. Wow. I'm expecting an angel's
chorus to start. Maybe it does, but I got my own damn sound track
happening. Highway Star is playing. OK I have like 6 versions of
Highway Star, so it's a good bet it's playing

Still, great soundtrack for the moment.

Pass through Crescent City. Ugh.

I take some side trips. Up a foggy mountain to see the Klamath empty
into the ocean. OK, bad idea. In the clouds, can't see a thing. Turn
around, go back to 101. A few miles, cross Klamath, take Klamath Beach
Road. Much better. Nice view, sun's out, boats out there sailing and
fishing at the lagoon/jetty/whatever.

Another interesting looking road like 2 miles after I get back on 101.
Old 101. Nice. Like Avenue of the Giants. Only you can go faster. Like
going through a sun streaming tunnel of tree and branches. 50mph feels
like the speed of light. Complete awesomeness.

Forest road. Ocean Road. 1, 2, 3, 4 lanes, all on the same road.
Intermittent sun and clouds, occasional fog and drizzle.

Did I mention in the previous post about the signs announcing that
you're entering/leaving Tsunami Zones? This became kind of interesting
in Oregon, because what would crop up are Tsunami museums, coffee
houses and...well all sorts of rainbow colored crap with the word
Tsunami. Made me wonder about my neck of the woods. We live on high
ground, but there's about 300,000 people living on what, judging by all
those signs, is a Tsunami zone also. The road leading to our house
would be one of those evacuation roads, like the blue signs with the
pretty waves all point to. I don't think we could accommodate 300,000
people on our hill. Just a thought that goes through my head as I pass
through these zones in Northern California.

Get gas somewhere before Eureka. I'm making shit for progress today,
but I'm having fun. Oh look, the EV icon is showing on my phone. Time
to check Google Maps and my 20. Ah, interesting road coming up.

Back on 101, skirt around Humbolt Bay which is both scenic and
industrially appalling. 211, first to Ferndale, and then a loop around
Petrolia and the ocean and mountains and a park and then back to 101.

Promising. Ferndale is a pretty nicely restored Victorian town. Some
touristy, but it really doesn't look like it's hit its stride in that
yet. Find the entrance to the road to Petrolia and head up. It's now
5:45 or so.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it's one of the roads that
time forgot, a real highway at one time like old Rt. 66 heading west
out of Kingman to Oatman. Falling apart piece by piece. Sometimes dirt
and gravel or both, on off-camber turns leading to a wilderness abyss.

Petrolia, according to something I found on Google, was a place where
oil was first discovered in California. I saw no other cars on this
road. I saw a lot of abandoned buildings. And after 10 minutes, I
noticed a bunch of vultures circling overhead.

It was a tight, rough, technical road and after 40 minutes, I'd gone 7
miles. I stopped. The vultures had followed me, and were now much
lower. I think they knew something I didn't. I turn off my tunes and
listen. A hawk screams. I could swear I've seen this in a movie, and I
don't remember anything good happening to the person in this situation.

What I really didn't want, was to be stuck on this road in the dark,
not having any idea what lay ahead, and it truly didn't seem like it
was being used. This is the road that 4 wheel drive SUVs and pickups
are intended for.

So for one of the only times in my life I've ever done this, I sucked
it up and turned back. I got back to Ferndale around 7, and just
decided to push down 101 until it got toward dark.

More nice riding along the Eel River Valley, now mostly dry. Stopped in
Garberville. Checked in, changed, went for some grub at an overpriced
restaurant with terrible service, poked my head in a fun looking saloon
with a small gathering of people who looked the way I used to... and...
well I just didn't feel right for the place. Too much of a clean cut
MAWG these days. Headed back to the room, watched some TV, read m'book,
texted RHSD, and crashed.

No idea what I wanted to do tomorrow.

--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

StephG wrote:
> On 24 Aug 2008, StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> pondered
> an unfair universe and came up with
> news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4:
>
>> Leaving Washington.
>> Day 1:
>
>> He hits the hay, I wait for an available washing machine in the
>> motel, wash m'clothes. Set the provided motel alarm for 7:30am,
>> and pass out myself. A long, good day of riding.
>
> 5:30 or so am.
> Flash. Flash. Rumble. Flash flash. BOOM.
>
> Thunderstorm. Peek out the window to see if I can see bolts. In LA,
> thunderstorms are a rarity, even a treat. See a couple of bolts and
> forks. Look down in the parking lot, some guys with classic hot rods
> are taking the covers OFF their cars. Rain starts. Put earplugs in,
> go back to sleep.
>
> And I wake up. I check the alarm clock. It's flashing: 3:55. Crap.
> Power musta gone out. Missed Fins taking off. Oh well. Knew that
> would happen.
>
> Wet out. Raining a little. Get ready, gear up, pack up, head out.
> 101 from Coos Bay to points unknown on the schedule today.
>
> Head into foresty twisties, little near coast touristy towns, up a
> hill with passing lane, pass another slow guy in a red Aveo. I've
> seen enough of these that I think they're heading to some sort of
> ralley.
>
> Crest the hill and there's a guy working on a greyish bike on the
> left side. It looks old. No place to turn around, go another half
> mile and turn around. Go back. Pull alongside a guy wearing what
> appears to be period correct WWII US army gear including the helmet.
> Not sure about the camoulflage poncho, but it could be too.
>
> Closing up the headlight of a WLA flattie. I ask him if he needs
> help. He answers with an Australian accent. Though he could be a New
> Zealander.
>
> He says he's got it handled. And is surprised anyone stopped. I said
> I couldn't leave him stranded if there was anything I could do. He's
> riding the coast more or less from Mexico to Canada. It's raining
> and neither of us are feeling too social, unfortunately. And headed
> in opposite directions.
>
> I ask if he wants me to follow him to town.
>
> He says "No Worries", gets it started with two kicks. We wave and go
> our separate ways.
>
> Continue down 101. Intermittent rain and dry, but still chilly, I
> stop in Brookings for lunch. I settle on chicken strips. Dry my
> gloves with the hand dryer and head out to cross the border.
>
> Cross the bridge to Harbor, take care of some business, continue to
> California. Where I'm treated to a one lane, muddy dirt road and
> flag men. 30 minute delay. Nice. Watch a semi almost tip over going
> over the uneven road. That would have been fun. The only road from
> Oregon, coulda been constipated but good with that. And I was behind
> him.
>
> Get past the road work and suddenly the clouds open, a beam of light
> shines on the road and I see a rainbow. Wow. I'm expecting an angel's
> chorus to start. Maybe it does, but I got my own damn sound track
> happening. Highway Star is playing. OK I have like 6 versions of
> Highway Star, so it's a good bet it's playing
>
> Still, great soundtrack for the moment.
>
> Pass through Crescent City. Ugh.
>
> I take some side trips. Up a foggy mountain to see the Klamath empty
> into the ocean. OK, bad idea. In the clouds, can't see a thing. Turn
> around, go back to 101. A few miles, cross Klamath, take Klamath Beach
> Road. Much better. Nice view, sun's out, boats out there sailing and
> fishing at the lagoon/jetty/whatever.
>
> Another interesting looking road like 2 miles after I get back on 101.
> Old 101. Nice. Like Avenue of the Giants. Only you can go faster. Like
> going through a sun streaming tunnel of tree and branches. 50mph feels
> like the speed of light. Complete awesomeness.
>
> Forest road. Ocean Road. 1, 2, 3, 4 lanes, all on the same road.
> Intermittent sun and clouds, occasional fog and drizzle.
>
> Did I mention in the previous post about the signs announcing that
> you're entering/leaving Tsunami Zones? This became kind of interesting
> in Oregon, because what would crop up are Tsunami museums, coffee
> houses and...well all sorts of rainbow colored crap with the word
> Tsunami. Made me wonder about my neck of the woods. We live on high
> ground, but there's about 300,000 people living on what, judging by all
> those signs, is a Tsunami zone also. The road leading to our house
> would be one of those evacuation roads, like the blue signs with the
> pretty waves all point to. I don't think we could accommodate 300,000
> people on our hill. Just a thought that goes through my head as I pass
> through these zones in Northern California.
>
> Get gas somewhere before Eureka. I'm making shit for progress today,
> but I'm having fun. Oh look, the EV icon is showing on my phone. Time
> to check Google Maps and my 20. Ah, interesting road coming up.
>
> Back on 101, skirt around Humbolt Bay which is both scenic and
> industrially appalling. 211, first to Ferndale, and then a loop around
> Petrolia and the ocean and mountains and a park and then back to 101.
>
> Promising. Ferndale is a pretty nicely restored Victorian town. Some
> touristy, but it really doesn't look like it's hit its stride in that
> yet. Find the entrance to the road to Petrolia and head up. It's now
> 5:45 or so.
>
> It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it's one of the roads that
> time forgot, a real highway at one time like old Rt. 66 heading west
> out of Kingman to Oatman. Falling apart piece by piece. Sometimes dirt
> and gravel or both, on off-camber turns leading to a wilderness abyss.
>
> Petrolia, according to something I found on Google, was a place where
> oil was first discovered in California. I saw no other cars on this
> road. I saw a lot of abandoned buildings. And after 10 minutes, I
> noticed a bunch of vultures circling overhead.
>
> It was a tight, rough, technical road and after 40 minutes, I'd gone 7
> miles. I stopped. The vultures had followed me, and were now much
> lower. I think they knew something I didn't. I turn off my tunes and
> listen. A hawk screams. I could swear I've seen this in a movie, and I
> don't remember anything good happening to the person in this situation.
>
> What I really didn't want, was to be stuck on this road in the dark,
> not having any idea what lay ahead, and it truly didn't seem like it
> was being used. This is the road that 4 wheel drive SUVs and pickups
> are intended for.
>
> So for one of the only times in my life I've ever done this, I sucked
> it up and turned back. I got back to Ferndale around 7, and just
> decided to push down 101 until it got toward dark.
>
> More nice riding along the Eel River Valley, now mostly dry. Stopped in
> Garberville. Checked in, changed, went for some grub at an overpriced
> restaurant with terrible service, poked my head in a fun looking saloon
> with a small gathering of people who looked the way I used to... and...
> well I just didn't feel right for the place. Too much of a clean cut
> MAWG these days. Headed back to the room, watched some TV, read m'book,
> texted RHSD, and crashed.
>
> No idea what I wanted to do tomorrow.

Sounds like a near-perfect day. Thanks for the ride-along.
--
spunky hussein Can'tEnvisionYouWithoutYourHair tuna

On 2008-08-25 23:14:21 -0700, StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> said:

> On 24 Aug 2008, StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> pondered
> an unfair universe and came up with
> news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4:
>
>> Leaving Washington.
>> Day 1:
>
>> He hits the hay, I wait for an available washing machine in the
>> motel, wash m'clothes. Set the provided motel alarm for 7:30am,
>> and pass out myself. A long, good day of riding.
>
> 5:30 or so am.
> Flash. Flash. Rumble. Flash flash. BOOM.
>
> Thunderstorm. Peek out the window to see if I can see bolts. In LA,
> thunderstorms are a rarity, even a treat. See a couple of bolts and
> forks. Look down in the parking lot, some guys with classic hot rods
> are taking the covers OFF their cars. Rain starts. Put earplugs in,
> go back to sleep.
>
> And I wake up. I check the alarm clock. It's flashing: 3:55. Crap.
> Power musta gone out. Missed Fins taking off. Oh well. Knew that
> would happen.
>
> Wet out. Raining a little. Get ready, gear up, pack up, head out.
> 101 from Coos Bay to points unknown on the schedule today.
>
> Head into foresty twisties, little near coast touristy towns, up a
> hill with passing lane, pass another slow guy in a red Aveo. I've
> seen enough of these that I think they're heading to some sort of
> ralley.
>
> Crest the hill and there's a guy working on a greyish bike on the
> left side. It looks old. No place to turn around, go another half
> mile and turn around. Go back. Pull alongside a guy wearing what
> appears to be period correct WWII US army gear including the helmet.
> Not sure about the camoulflage poncho, but it could be too.
>
> Closing up the headlight of a WLA flattie. I ask him if he needs
> help. He answers with an Australian accent. Though he could be a New
> Zealander.
>
> He says he's got it handled. And is surprised anyone stopped. I said
> I couldn't leave him stranded if there was anything I could do. He's
> riding the coast more or less from Mexico to Canada. It's raining
> and neither of us are feeling too social, unfortunately. And headed
> in opposite directions.
>
> I ask if he wants me to follow him to town.
>
> He says "No Worries", gets it started with two kicks. We wave and go
> our separate ways.
>
> Continue down 101. Intermittent rain and dry, but still chilly, I
> stop in Brookings for lunch. I settle on chicken strips. Dry my
> gloves with the hand dryer and head out to cross the border.
>
> Cross the bridge to Harbor, take care of some business, continue to
> California. Where I'm treated to a one lane, muddy dirt road and
> flag men. 30 minute delay. Nice. Watch a semi almost tip over going
> over the uneven road. That would have been fun. The only road from
> Oregon, coulda been constipated but good with that. And I was behind
> him.
>
> Get past the road work and suddenly the clouds open, a beam of light
> shines on the road and I see a rainbow. Wow. I'm expecting an angel's
> chorus to start. Maybe it does, but I got my own damn sound track
> happening. Highway Star is playing. OK I have like 6 versions of
> Highway Star, so it's a good bet it's playing
>
> Still, great soundtrack for the moment.
>
> Pass through Crescent City. Ugh.
>
> I take some side trips. Up a foggy mountain to see the Klamath empty
> into the ocean. OK, bad idea. In the clouds, can't see a thing. Turn
> around, go back to 101. A few miles, cross Klamath, take Klamath Beach
> Road. Much better. Nice view, sun's out, boats out there sailing and
> fishing at the lagoon/jetty/whatever.
>
> Another interesting looking road like 2 miles after I get back on 101.
> Old 101. Nice. Like Avenue of the Giants. Only you can go faster. Like
> going through a sun streaming tunnel of tree and branches. 50mph feels
> like the speed of light. Complete awesomeness.
>
> Forest road. Ocean Road. 1, 2, 3, 4 lanes, all on the same road.
> Intermittent sun and clouds, occasional fog and drizzle.
>
> Did I mention in the previous post about the signs announcing that
> you're entering/leaving Tsunami Zones? This became kind of interesting
> in Oregon, because what would crop up are Tsunami museums, coffee
> houses and...well all sorts of rainbow colored crap with the word
> Tsunami. Made me wonder about my neck of the woods. We live on high
> ground, but there's about 300,000 people living on what, judging by all
> those signs, is a Tsunami zone also. The road leading to our house
> would be one of those evacuation roads, like the blue signs with the
> pretty waves all point to. I don't think we could accommodate 300,000
> people on our hill. Just a thought that goes through my head as I pass
> through these zones in Northern California.
>
> Get gas somewhere before Eureka. I'm making shit for progress today,
> but I'm having fun. Oh look, the EV icon is showing on my phone. Time
> to check Google Maps and my 20. Ah, interesting road coming up.
>
> Back on 101, skirt around Humbolt Bay which is both scenic and
> industrially appalling. 211, first to Ferndale, and then a loop around
> Petrolia and the ocean and mountains and a park and then back to 101.
>
> Promising. Ferndale is a pretty nicely restored Victorian town. Some
> touristy, but it really doesn't look like it's hit its stride in that
> yet. Find the entrance to the road to Petrolia and head up. It's now
> 5:45 or so.
>
> It seemed like a good idea at the time. But it's one of the roads that
> time forgot, a real highway at one time like old Rt. 66 heading west
> out of Kingman to Oatman. Falling apart piece by piece. Sometimes dirt
> and gravel or both, on off-camber turns leading to a wilderness abyss.
>
> Petrolia, according to something I found on Google, was a place where
> oil was first discovered in California. I saw no other cars on this
> road. I saw a lot of abandoned buildings. And after 10 minutes, I
> noticed a bunch of vultures circling overhead.
>
> It was a tight, rough, technical road and after 40 minutes, I'd gone 7
> miles. I stopped. The vultures had followed me, and were now much
> lower. I think they knew something I didn't. I turn off my tunes and
> listen. A hawk screams. I could swear I've seen this in a movie, and I
> don't remember anything good happening to the person in this situation.
>
> What I really didn't want, was to be stuck on this road in the dark,
> not having any idea what lay ahead, and it truly didn't seem like it
> was being used. This is the road that 4 wheel drive SUVs and pickups
> are intended for.
>
> So for one of the only times in my life I've ever done this, I sucked
> it up and turned back. I got back to Ferndale around 7, and just
> decided to push down 101 until it got toward dark.
>
> More nice riding along the Eel River Valley, now mostly dry. Stopped in
> Garberville. Checked in, changed, went for some grub at an overpriced
> restaurant with terrible service, poked my head in a fun looking saloon
> with a small gathering of people who looked the way I used to... and...
> well I just didn't feel right for the place. Too much of a clean cut
> MAWG these days. Headed back to the room, watched some TV, read m'book,
> texted RHSD, and crashed.
>
> No idea what I wanted to do tomorrow.

Awesome ride along.

You're drinkin on my tab.
--
Ryder Rick
< >

StephG wrote:
> On 24 Aug 2008, StephG <dontspamFrankensoftail@hotmail.com> pondered
> an unfair universe and came up with
> news:Xns9B048588A135DStephG@130.133.1.4:
>
>> Leaving Washington.
>> Day 1:
>
>> He hits the hay, I wait for an available washing machine in the
>> motel, wash m'clothes. Set the provided motel alarm for 7:30am,
>> and pass out myself. A long, good day of riding.
>
> 5:30 or so am.
> Flash. Flash. Rumble. Flash flash. BOOM.
>
> Thunderstorm. Peek out the window to see if I can see bolts. In LA,
> thunderstorms are a rarity, even a treat. See a couple of bolts and
> forks. Look down in the parking lot, some guys with classic hot rods
> are taking the covers OFF their cars. Rain starts. Put earplugs in,
> go back to sleep.

That thunderstorm is what woke me up. I layed there a while then got up
to look at the storm, hoping it wasn't a downpour. It didn't look any
worse than the day before, and the lightning was off to the NE of us so
I figured I'd be alright. By the time I left at 8:00 (later than I
wanted) the storm was over, I had a few sprinkles on 42 over to I-5.

The hot rods were long gone by the time I made it down to the bikes.

When I was packing a guy from WA started talking to me, he and his wife
were riding down the coast and wondered if he could make Avenue of the
Giants by early afternoon. I told him not a chance, GPS had it at 5
hours in ideal conditions. He was on an Electra Glide towing a trailer,
I believe we passed him the day before.
>
> And I wake up. I check the alarm clock. It's flashing: 3:55. Crap.
> Power musta gone out. Missed Fins taking off. Oh well. Knew that
> would happen.
>
The clock in my room was ok before I took a shower (7:00) but after the
shower it was blinking.

> Cross the bridge to Harbor, take care of some business,

Let me know when I can return the favor. Perhaps I can ride past Beavis'
house.
>
> Pass through Crescent City. Ugh.

But luckily small. The worst part I think is when you get to the
twisties south of town and get stuck behind a motor home doing 20-30 mph.
>
> I take some side trips. Up a foggy mountain to see the Klamath empty
> into the ocean. OK, bad idea. In the clouds, can't see a thing. Turn
> around, go back to 101. A few miles, cross Klamath, take Klamath Beach
> Road. Much better. Nice view, sun's out, boats out there sailing and
> fishing at the lagoon/jetty/whatever.
>
> Another interesting looking road like 2 miles after I get back on 101.
> Old 101. Nice. Like Avenue of the Giants. Only you can go faster. Like
> going through a sun streaming tunnel of tree and branches. 50mph feels
> like the speed of light. Complete awesomeness.

Was that the Norton B Drury Scenic Byway? Looks like it runs about 12
miles between exits 765 and 753. Haven't tried that, I'll take it next
time I'm in the area. Perhaps during Slimefest.
>
> Promising. Ferndale is a pretty nicely restored Victorian town. Some
> touristy, but it really doesn't look like it's hit its stride in that
> yet. Find the entrance to the road to Petrolia and head up. It's now
> 5:45 or so.

Ferndale is a nice little town, you're right it's just on the edge of
busting into too touristy. They filmed the Jim Carrey movie The Majestic
there.
>
> So for one of the only times in my life I've ever done this, I sucked
> it up and turned back. I got back to Ferndale around 7, and just
> decided to push down 101 until it got toward dark.

I did that once in Oregon in 2003, road between Merlin and the coast.
Part of it had washed out or been covered by a landslide, something, so
the detour was over dirt fire roads. Early evening, low fuel light on,
and no cars or buildings in sight way up on the top of these ridges. In
2005 in my 4wd I found out I was only a few more miles from civilization
but I had no way of knowing that so I had turned around. Missed a deer
by an inch on the way back to Merlin
>
> More nice riding along the Eel River Valley, now mostly dry. Stopped in
> Garberville. Checked in, changed, went for some grub at an overpriced
> restaurant with terrible service,

Not much selection in Garberville, we were out with Connie and Redbeard,
Kelly and Dennis at an Italian place with the worst service. Waitress
spilled one of the dinners and we waited forever to get a fresh one.
Made the staff stay way past closing so we didn't have to eat in a rush.
Fuck 'em. They weren't so slow and careless we woulda been outta there
sooner.

Fins BS#221

On 26 Aug 2008, DM <fins@nospam.bs221.com> pondered an unfair
universe and came up with
news:RJmdnezqgY_IrSnVnZ2dnUVZ_uOdnZ2d@giganews.com :

> Not much selection in Garberville, we were out with Connie and
> Redbeard, Kelly and Dennis at an Italian place with the worst
> service. Waitress spilled one of the dinners and we waited forever
> to get a fresh one. Made the staff stay way past closing so we
> didn't have to eat in a rush. Fuck 'em. They weren't so slow and
> careless we woulda been outta there sooner.
>
> Fins BS#221

If that Italian restaurant was the one behind the Best Western, it was
the same place.


--
StephG AH108 BS30 YPF8

StephG wrote:
> On 26 Aug 2008, DM <fins@nospam.bs221.com> pondered an unfair
> universe and came up with
> news:RJmdnezqgY_IrSnVnZ2dnUVZ_uOdnZ2d@giganews.com :
>
>> Not much selection in Garberville, we were out with Connie and
>> Redbeard, Kelly and Dennis at an Italian place with the worst
>> service. Waitress spilled one of the dinners and we waited forever
>> to get a fresh one. Made the staff stay way past closing so we
>> didn't have to eat in a rush. Fuck 'em. They weren't so slow and
>> careless we woulda been outta there sooner.
>>
>
> If that Italian restaurant was the one behind the Best Western, it was
> the same place.
>
That's the one.

Fins BS#221