Topic: Run to the redwoods 2015...... (Read 14513 times)

JCZ · « **on:** July 31, 2015, 09:51:54 PM »

I left work here in San Diego around noon last Wed. and headed north on I-5. Uneventful for the most part until I got close to Santa Nella on I-5. My bike said I had ten miles left on my gas and the gas station was only three more miles.....no problem.

Two miles later I was coasting to the side of the freeway.....completely out of gas. I tried rocking it, etc. to no avail. I spent my whole life talking bad about people that run out of gas but at 64 I experience first hand........out in the middle on no where! Thank God for Road America!

While I was waiting for the truck to bring gas I sent a text to Andy telling him. He had a one word reply "rookie".

His next text said "just think hot tub....hot tub.....hot tub".

Forty minutes later I'm rolling down the freeway towards civilization. I can hardly wait to get to Andy's to see Phase I, the entrance and pool deck, to Andy & Sherry's exterior renovation. Upon arrival I noticed immediately, before even entering the driveway, dramatic differences from the last time I was there.

The entrance gate with an interesting water feature built in the fence next to the gate.....

and then these panels of cut stone that's semi-transparent and let's light shine through....

There are several fire pits and several water features on the pool deck (you'll have to excuse the blurred photos)...

JCZ · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:52:55 PM »

and water falls at both ends of the pool....the two story guest house on the side of the hill behind the pool.

and one of Andy's friends.....

Sunrise as I came out of the guest house.....

Andy, Sherry it's incredibly beautiful and far nicer than I could even imagine as you described it. Once the planters and plants are in it will be even more beautiful! I can't wait to see Phase 2 get completed.

JCZ · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:54:08 PM »

The next morning I went straight over to Metal Dragon for Jim to do a service.....where Don and Andy showed up. Also arriving at Metal Dragon for the first time is an old friend of mine for the past 25 years and a new to him CVO owner, Scott aka SScooter5150.

Riding I-880, a five lane wide freeway....I noticed a little bike on the right shoulder and as I rode by in the second lane the lady yelled something at me. I pulled to the shoulder to learn that she had run out of gas. Considering what had happened to me a day earlier, out on I-5, out in the middle of no where, I was very understanding.

I couldn't pronounce her name, let alone spell it but she was a very nice lady. She explained to me that she was from Gutemala and that she'd rode this bike to California from there.

JCZ · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:54:54 PM »

Scott and I went for breakfast while Jim was servicing my bike....

Don showed up at the shop......very impatient to hit the road....

As usual at Jim's shop......CVO row

and then Andy rolled in on one of his CVOs

I remember when this big boy was just a pup....

JCZ · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:55:38 PM »

Finally, Andy, Don, Scott and I are rolling north....

a glimpse of San Francisco as we rode over the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge

This car passes me and I quickly realize that these are real bullet holes and not the fake ones. Notice the passenger...

On Hwy. 101 headed north

JCZ · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:56:46 PM »

arriving in the late afternoon we headed straight to the historic Samoa Cookhouse for dinner. http://www.samoacookhouse.net/

There was to be a large car show this same weekend so the cars were every where including the Samoa Cookhouse...

Inside, the same tables that many lumber men and women ate at and so you will be seated at a table with others and it's all served family style (ie large bowl of potatoes, large bowl of salad, large plate of meat, etc.). One price and you eat until you can't eat anymore.

JCZ · « **Reply #6 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:57:26 PM »

Heading back over the bridges to Eureka....

and of course the token stop by the Carson Mansion.... http://www.ingomar.org/photos-mansion.html

and another old victorian in Old Town Eureka

JCZ · « **Reply #7 on:** July 31, 2015, 09:58:09 PM »

and finally our home for the evening, Best Western Fortuna, Ca. Looks like it would be a nice home base for a GTG.

This hotel has an interesting pool.....half outside and half inside.

CVOMOE!! · « **Reply #8 on:** July 31, 2015, 10:03:16 PM »

Great photos JC. Thanks for sharing. Awesome looking pool area Andy. I'll have to get down for a visit some time.

Cheers, Moe

kiro · « **Reply #9 on:** July 31, 2015, 10:06:22 PM »

Outstanding JC!

JCZ · « **Reply #10 on:** July 31, 2015, 11:06:44 PM »

We stopped by Redwood Harley Davidson. Found an interesting t-shirt.....

Beautiful countryside in this part of our great state. But there were plenty of areas that reflect the damages of our drought. Let's hope this is our last year and we have a very wet winter.

JCZ · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2015, 11:07:39 PM »

Rivers that are usually flowing heavy.....after years of a drought....now nothing more than a trickle creek with a lot of bare bottom.

Heading south on Hwy. 101 to our Fri night's destination, Best Western Garberville, we take the more scenic route.....35 miles along Avenue of The Giants. If you've never been here before there are four or five roads that every rider should ride at least once in their life....the Million Dollar Hwy, Bear Tooth Pass, Tail of the Dragon, California's Hwy.1 (aka PCH or Pacific Coast Hwy.) and of course....The Avenue of The Giants. It's one of those roads that if your parents brought you here as a child....you still remember it.

JCZ · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2015, 11:08:31 PM »

The Immortal Tree....

To give you perspective, this is a close up of the base of the Immortal Tree...enough lumber to build several homes in this one tree.

JCZ · « **Reply #13 on:** July 31, 2015, 11:09:14 PM »

Ferndale is an old victorian town that you'll all want to visit. Only the sign this time....

http://www.victorianferndale.com/

CVOs make a great contrast for these woods....

JCZ · « **Reply #14 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:15:27 AM »

We finally arrived at our destination, the Best Western in Garberville, Calif. Garberville is most widely known for being home of the Redwood Run.....the largest run in Calif.

JCZ · « **Reply #15 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:16:27 AM »

Now I've met a hell of a lot of people on this forum. And I've met many on Pashnit and a few on Adv. Rider. Many of these people have remained friends for years. And some of you may remember me posting back in 2009 about a friend of mine from New York that was riding a Ural with side car from Wash. state, down the Pacific coast and then all the way back across country. Here is a link to his ride report..... http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/the-ramblings-of-a-uralogist-a-cross-country-adventure-on-three-wheels.781149/

Tom came back out to California about nine months ago. Visited me here in Coronado and then rode down to Baja California, Mexico. On that trip Tom road up to the redwoods and out to the Lost Coast to the little town of Shelter Cove. Long story short.....Tom rode back to New York, sold his bed N breakfast lodge in upstate New York, flew back out to Calif. and bought an unfinished home in Shelter Cove.

So....Tom rode the half hour or so over to our hotel and spent several hours visiting with the three of us. It was damn hot so we hung outside for awhile.....let the A/C catch up inside.

Tom has some interesting motorcycles and vehicles. Here's his Yamaha. This is the same bike that he rode across country to visit last year and then rode down into Mexico on it before returning back to NY.

JCZ · « **Reply #16 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:17:15 AM »

The next morning, Sat., before we head back south we decided to take Tom up on his offer to visit. We rode over to Shelter Cove.....one way in and one way out on 35 miles of nonstop twistys.

This is the home that Tom bought. It's unfinished. The builder is on vacation, courtesy of the state of California for growing California's number one cash crop.....marijuana.

and Tom's Unimog. I told you he's got some very interesting vehicles....a Volkswagon Westfalia 4x4, a Vette with built motor, etc. etc.

JCZ · « **Reply #17 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:18:05 AM »

a view from his second floor balcony...over looking the air strip and ocean....

Our bikes are parked on the edge of the air strip....real close to the signs that say "No Parking".

and Tom's creative artistic side is evidenced by this flower pot made out of an engine block......

JCZ · « **Reply #18 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:19:03 AM »

Here's the little boat launch at their little marina....

They use a big wheeled tractor to launch the boats....

JCZ · « **Reply #19 on:** August 01, 2015, 12:19:33 AM »

and this is Black Sand Beach (see the 69 sign on the beach)....

My token pic for Jock....

Homeward bound.....southbound on Hwy 101...

It was a great time. The three of us have been up in this area several times over the years.....it was just like the old days. If you've hung with us this far then you might as well know that this little excursion was in preparation for the 2016 Western CVO Owner's GTG.....the CVO Owners Redwood Run.

If you plan to attend next year you will see and experience all of this first hand and a few other surprises. Did you know The Lost Coast is just a few miles from here. And did you know the area where Big Foot has been sighted more than anywhere else on earth is near by. And the Big Foot Museum is in Willow Creek.

For more pics of the redwoods, the Samoa Cookhouse and many other things that you may or may not see next year, see this link.... http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=69682.msg966502#msg966502

sscooter5150 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 01, 2015, 02:04:42 AM »

A special thanks to Andy, Don and of course you JC for allowing me along the ride.

Andy your place is spectacular!

I'm headed back over to Santa Rosa next week to pick up my chaps and drop off my leather jacket that shrunk over the years.

I found this old picture. I've had that jacket for at least 22 years.

I've never seen a cow shrink in the rain but good reasons for a ride.

Harvey Mushman · « **Reply #21 on:** August 01, 2015, 02:16:50 AM »

Great job as usual JC. It was good to see you again plus meet Andy and Don. The neighbors still are talking about those three beautiful bikes.

ACfixer · « **Reply #22 on:** August 01, 2015, 02:25:42 PM »

Count me in for the Redwoods GTG.

Lone Rider · « **Reply #23 on:** August 01, 2015, 03:08:07 PM »

Great pics and great adventure……thanks for sharing.

Who was the chick with the glasses?

JCZ · « **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2015, 04:56:11 PM »

Quote from: Lone Rider on August 01, 2015, 03:08:07 PM

Great pics and great adventure……thanks for sharing.

Who was the chick with the glasses?

As Sasquatch would say.....what happens in the redwoods stays in the redwoods.

longlast · « **Reply #25 on:** August 01, 2015, 06:58:16 PM »

Thanks for the journey JC, well interesting

JCZ · « **Reply #26 on:** August 01, 2015, 11:03:13 PM »

Quote from: Lone Rider on August 01, 2015, 03:08:07 PM

Great pics and great adventure……thanks for sharing.

Who was the chick with the glasses?

Some random chick. It's Jock's fault.

When Jock does a ride report he always post pics of random women.....usually many, many random women. So now, when I go for a ride I always ask a lady or two if I can take their pic for this forum. Like Jock.....they just never say "no".

See my Vegas ride report and my Ouray ride report.....in the first few posts.

9 1/2 Beers · « **Reply #27 on:** August 03, 2015, 11:01:55 AM »

Very Very Kool JC

screaminCVO · « **Reply #28 on:** August 03, 2015, 12:25:35 PM »

Not sure if you had the chance to try it or not, but the Myers Flat Tavern had the best steaks. Stopped there in '13 and the owner was there but not cooking anymore and won't give up the secret to the steaks unless you buy the place. I think he said he was in his 90's. Thanks for the pics JC!

ultra98 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 03, 2015, 03:14:43 PM »

:2vrolijk_21:Always a plesure to to follow your trips thanks

2UP3DOWN · « **Reply #30 on:** August 03, 2015, 08:39:17 PM »

Great photos as always.! We were just out there just a couple months ago... had a blast riding through much of northern California. The most challenging roads along with amazing views. Great memories.!

Mrs Rooster · « **Reply #31 on:** August 03, 2015, 08:57:54 PM »

Not to get off subject or anything, but that chick for Jock picture....Either her pants are on backwards or...our pants don't have a sagging bulge like she is sporting

JCZ · « **Reply #32 on:** August 03, 2015, 09:22:43 PM »

Come on Karen.....you don't recognize hippy wear?

She might be a trimigrant.

That's what they call all those young people that come in for that few weeks to trim all the maijuana buds. We were told that now there are so many strains of pot that the trim season is much longer. The local economy loves it......California's #1 cash crop.

From google....

Marijuana is the largest cash crop in the United States coming in at an estimate of $35.8 billion a year, but in California alone, the value of its 8.6 million-pound harvest is worth about $14 billion, according to newly released state reports.Oct 19, 2010

Marijuana Is California's Largest Cash Crop, Worth About ...
www.neontommy.com/.../marijuana-californias-largest-cash-crop-worth-ab...

And the redwoods are in the heart of the emerald triangle.

VANAMAL · « **Reply #33 on:** August 03, 2015, 09:36:54 PM »

When i met Jc online in 2004 he talked me into getting a Cvo. I bought it at redwood harley in eureka. Flew up from lax and rode it home. 1000 miles total. First stop was in sacramento to introduce myself and meet Jc and babe. I remember he was all banged up from from running into a truck or something. 100000 miles later and still goin. What's that thing in that girls nose? Ive got a soft spot for those hippie chicks but the nose thing freaks me out

JCZ · « **Reply #34 on:** August 03, 2015, 10:38:20 PM »

Quote from: VANAMAL on August 03, 2015, 09:36:54 PM

When i met Jc online in 2004 he talked me into getting a Cvo. I bought it at redwood harley in eureka. Flew up from lax and rode it home. 1000 miles total. First stop was in sacramento to introduce myself and meet Jc and babe. I remember he was all banged up from from running into a truck or something. 100000 miles later and still goin. What's that thing in that girls nose? Ive got a soft spot for those hippie chicks but the nose thing freaks me out

That just makes it easier to lead her around Van. But I really think she'd hurt an old man like you.

We had dinner in Garberville. Some of the trimigrants were in town so it was a sidewalk freak show for a couple of hours. Andy, Don and I even talked about making that an event for the GTG. We'll all just ride up to Garberville and pull up a seat on the sidewalk at one of the restaurants and just watch all the freaks walk by. Some of them were real hotties Van.....eye candy for a couple old men. Of course I'm sure some of the ladies here would think the same about some of those young studs.

ak · « **Reply #35 on:** August 04, 2015, 08:33:21 AM »

Quote from: Mrs Rooster on August 03, 2015, 08:57:54 PM

Not to get off subject or anything, but that chick for Jock picture....Either her pants are on backwards or...our pants don't have a sagging bulge like she is sporting

in different angle's of the sun that young lady's out-
fit was semi-transparent . She fine to be sure

Trapperdog · « **Reply #36 on:** August 04, 2015, 10:01:21 AM »

Quote from: Mrs Rooster on August 03, 2015, 08:57:54 PM

Not to get off subject or anything, but that chick for Jock picture....Either her pants are on backwards or...our pants don't have a sagging bulge like she is sporting

Caitlyn's "sister"?

67sprint · « **Reply #37 on:** August 04, 2015, 11:07:25 AM »

JC,
Is the Lost Coast going to be part of the 2016 festivities? My wife and I rode through on our RG in 2011. Challenging riding, outrageous scenery, and unwelcoming residents at Petrolia - all part of the adventure!
Cheers,
67Sprint

Trapperdog · « **Reply #38 on:** August 04, 2015, 12:08:56 PM »

Quote from: 67sprint on August 04, 2015, 11:07:25 AM

JC,
Is the Lost Coast going to be part of the 2016 festivities? My wife and I rode through on our RG in 2011. Challenging riding, outrageous scenery, and unwelcoming residents at Petrolia - all part of the adventure!
Cheers,
67Sprint

The Lost Coast Hwy, otherwise known as the Lost Pothole Hwy, where all potholes go to die a slow lingering death. I was just on it three weeks ago again, but on an adventure bike. Beautiful though

JCZ · « **Reply #39 on:** August 04, 2015, 02:14:59 PM »

Quote from: 67sprint on August 04, 2015, 11:07:25 AM

JC,
Is the Lost Coast going to be part of the 2016 festivities? My wife and I rode through on our RG in 2011. Challenging riding, outrageous scenery, and unwelcoming residents at Petrolia - all part of the adventure!
Cheers,
67Sprint

We really wanted to include the Lost Coast and still might for the more adventurous riders. The Nor Cal members rode it about three years ago and it was really bad. Terrie hit a pot hole so hard that she lost her jiffy stand spring. When we were up there last weekend, we were told "the views are as incredible as ever but the road is far worse than it was even a few years ago.....they're just not making any repairs. So, if it's done.....there needs to be a large distance between each bike.

Panhead_Jimmy · « **Reply #40 on:** August 04, 2015, 02:45:56 PM »

Quote from: VANAMAL on August 03, 2015, 09:36:54 PM

Ive got a soft spot for those hippie chicks but the nose thing freaks me out

You know they have pills for that now!

Trapperdog · « **Reply #41 on:** August 04, 2015, 05:51:43 PM »

There are now sections of the Lost a Pothole Hwy that talking or singing while riding becomes a Stephan Hawking impression. To add insult to injury there are rough road ahead signs during the bumps which indicate that they have removed the pavement, left the potholes and added softball sized rocks for 100 plus feet.

WestCoastRuss · « **Reply #42 on:** August 04, 2015, 06:36:58 PM »

Will we be renting Jeeps again?

JCZ · « **Reply #43 on:** August 04, 2015, 08:46:10 PM »

Quote from: WestCoastRuss on August 04, 2015, 06:36:58 PM

Will we be renting Jeeps again?

I don't believe they have jeep rentals in that area but I do know somebody close by that has a Unimog. I wonder how many people he could haul in that thing.

Harvey Mushman · « **Reply #44 on:** August 06, 2015, 05:46:34 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on August 04, 2015, 08:46:10 PM

I don't believe they have jeep rentals in that area but I do know somebody close by that has a Unimog. I wonder how many people he could haul in that thing.

Lots! Especially pretty ones.

I'll be coming up to admire all the beautiful bikes for one of the days. My basecamp is too close to spend the $$ for a few night's lodging. Besides, it demands my funds so I can get it finished. You know where to find me if anyone needs anything while you're up this way.
I agree that Mattole Road is in unbelievably bad shape. No place for a CVO for sure, but don't discount Shelter Cove Rd. for those who have never been this way.

hogdooz · « **Reply #45 on:** August 06, 2015, 11:43:33 PM »

Looks like you guys had a great ride. Dana and I have been to the Samoa Cookhouse a few times, I've been to the Redwood Run quite a few times. Wish I had known you were doing a preride, I would have gone with you. We will plan to see all of you there.

Sorry about that Dave. We could have used one more guy....we had an extra bed. When it's just us, we rode up pretty tame but coming back down we lived up to the reputation.

I believe this GTG is going to be huge. It's been up for three days and we've already got 34 people and 17 bikes registered. By the time it's been posted for a mere week, I may have to call the hotel and talk to them about increasing the number of rooms up from the initial 25 rooms.

JCZ · « **Reply #46 on:** August 07, 2015, 08:42:23 AM »

Quote from: Harvey Mushman on August 06, 2015, 05:46:34 PM

Lots! Especially pretty ones.
I'll be coming up to admire all the beautiful bikes for one of the days. My basecamp is too close to spend the $$ for a few night's lodging. Besides, it demands my funds so I can get it finished. You know where to find me if anyone needs anything while you're up this way.
I agree that Mattole Road is in unbelievably bad shape. No place for a CVO for sure, but don't discount Shelter Cove Rd. for those who have never been this way.

I think you have your hands full with all those single women right there in Shelter Cove. We were there maybe an hour and a half.......how many women did we see walk by your house.....how many invitations to coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, b-b-q's did you get in that short period of time? Yep, those gals are taking care of the new kid on the block just fine.

Shelter Cove may be a back up plan for those wanting to see The Lost Coast. Was already considering that. I'll be in touch with you regarding that possability Tom.

Old Spice · « **Reply #47 on:** August 08, 2015, 01:15:48 PM »

We were just in this area and we found Shelter Cove as well. Fun road to the coast. Have to admit that I was too interested in seeing the boat ramp so I ventured down. When I got to the bottom I realized that two tractors were coming down behind me to launch boats. I was now trying to find a spot out of their way and I was afraid that the guys would be irritated with me but to my surprise all the guys gave me thumbs up and were smiling. It was all good. Loved this place!

Author Topic: Run to the redwoods 2015...... (Read 14513 times)