Topic: Need a Oregon-California Riders Input for Rt. 101 (Read 2759 times)

Ultrafun · « **on:** March 15, 2009, 06:34:54 PM »

Ultrafun was asked by the wife to go from Virginia to Oregon (down the coast to San Fransico) to show her the West Coast Lighthouses and Ocean. Only time available to get off work was end of Jul thru first week of Aug 2009. Gotta due it, weather permitting, and I'm expecting to see a lot of traffic. We will be heading south from Washington. My question is, what time of day is best to minimize the traffic impact, early morning or evening. Driving at night is not a option on this leg of the trip.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ultrafun

sadunbar · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2009, 06:38:02 PM »

Quote from: Ultrafun on March 15, 2009, 06:34:54 PM

Ultra fun was asked by the wife to go from Virginia to Oregon (down the coast to San Fransico) to show her the West Coast Lighthouses and Ocean. Only time available to get off work was end of Jul thru first week of Aug 2009. Gotta due it, weather permitting, and I'm expecting to see a lot of traffic. We will be heading south from Washington. My question is, what time of day is best to minimize the traffic impact, early morning or evening. Driving at night is not a option on this leg of the trip.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ultrafun

I can't answer your question, but I am very envious of your trip!

Ultrafun · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2009, 06:45:14 PM »

Sadunbar,

Once we get out near IL we'll be heading I-74W thru Peoria, IL and in Galesburg, IL we'll take Rt. 34W to Osceola, IA.

On the way back the plan is to Rt. 36 thru Decatur, IL.

Come ride along!

Ultrafun

sadunbar · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2009, 07:02:58 PM »

Quote from: Ultrafun on March 15, 2009, 06:45:14 PM

Sadunbar,

Once we get out near IL we'll be heading I-74W thru Peoria, IL and in Galesburg, IL we'll take Rt. 34W to Osceola, IA.

On the way back the plan is to Rt. 36 thru Decatur, IL.

Come ride along!

Ultrafun

It's that trip down the coast I'd like to experience! I've gone south from San Fran, but not north (at least not that far north!)

JCZ · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2009, 08:16:57 PM »

You're doing that at the right time of the year, that's for sure.

I'd suggest Hwy. 1 from Wash. all the way down to Calif. Just a few miles south of Eureka, Ca. you may want to swing over (seven miles) to the town of Ferndale, Ca. http://victorianferndale.org/chamber/ All the buildings in town are Victorian.

Once you're back on Hwy. 101 you'll want to take the first exit that says "Avenue of The Giants" and follow that road all the way to the other end (31 miles, but you'll want to stop a lot)..... http://avenueofthegiants.net/

Continue south on Hwy. 101 to Willits, Ca. then turn west on Hwy. 20 for one of the most incredable motorcycle roads in this country.......45 miles of twisties in a beautiful forest and incredable views all the way to the ocean and Ft. Bragg.

From there you'll head south on Hwy. 1 and some of the most incredable coast line from the Canadian boarder to the Mexican boarder. You'll pass by Point Arena Lighthouse (a couple miles off the Hwy.) but it is open to the public and they even have lodging in the keepers old residence...... http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/lodging.html A few hours further south on Hwy. 1 you'll pass Point Reyes Lighthouse.

South of San Francisco on Hwy. 1 you'll travel some more great cliff hugging roads along the coast and will pass more light houses and more places you'll want to stop.

VI48 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:09:35 PM »

Hey Ultrafun
Keep in touch I would love to do the oregon coast this year and I know a few riders who plan on it. No dates are set in stone but july is the month to do this. Kind of depends on work too. Astoria bridge is also suppused to be a must do.
Lance

Trapperdog · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:11:19 PM »

We just rode from San francisco Ca to Port Townsend Wa via Hwy 1 last Summer. (Hwy 1 and 101 interchange a lot) the towns are small. It's a great ride with lots of fantastic scenery of the ocean and the forest. The temps did vary over 50 degrees within a 10 mile stretch at one point in Or. Might hit some fog though

Trapperdog · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:13:55 PM »

Don't forget to stop here to shoot a little "bull"

Screamin · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:17:37 PM »

Had the absolute joy of running the PCH along northern Ca. and Oregon last July. It's gonna knock you socks off. The fog was amazing, sometimes laying off shore and other times being totally surrounded by it. Pretty serious temperature changes between along the ocean to just a couple of miles inland.

A little taste.

Screamin · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:20:04 PM »

Another

Ultrafun · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:20:50 PM »

Thanks guys!

Keep the info coming and we'll be looking forward to seeing you on the road!

And the Bull is where? On the east coast we'd say that was in Washington DC -ha

Ultrafun

Screamin · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:21:43 PM »

Last. I could go on all night. A great trip.

Screamin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:23:36 PM »

Ah screw it. You're gonna see some really really big trees.

SBB · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:24:27 PM »

Great pictures Jim!

Screamin · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:27:39 PM »

It was my "trip of a lifetime". My two suggestions, listen to the Cali. boys, they know these roads and will freely share their tips, and give yourself a couple of extra days. There's so much to stop and check out. 'Tis a whole different world that's pretty damn neat.

Trapperdog · « **Reply #15 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:43:23 PM »

Quote from: Ultrafun on March 15, 2009, 10:20:50 PM

Thanks guys!

Keep the info coming and we'll be looking forward to seeing you on the road!

And the Bull is where? On the east coast we'd say that was in Washington DC -ha

Ultrafun

Good one! It's in Klamath Ca by the Orogon border. Trees of mystery. Fun place to visit, but we just used it as a pit stpo

Trapperdog · « **Reply #16 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:49:12 PM »

Don't forget to stop in Tillamook Oregon for some cheese. Huge place, great cheese

Ultrafun · « **Reply #17 on:** March 15, 2009, 10:57:43 PM »

Hey Guys,

We're too anxious now. Great shots!

Ultafun

The Bolvine Gigolo! · « **Reply #18 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:15:19 PM »

Quote from: Ultrafun on March 15, 2009, 06:34:54 PM

Ultrafun was asked by the wife to go from Virginia to Oregon (down the coast to San Fransico) to show her the West Coast Lighthouses and Ocean. Only time available to get off work was end of Jul thru first week of Aug 2009. Gotta due it, weather permitting, and I'm expecting to see a lot of traffic. We will be heading south from Washington. My question is, what time of day is best to minimize the traffic impact, early morning or evening. Driving at night is not a option on this leg of the trip.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ultrafun

Ultrafun,
I make aleast part of that run once a month, in my truck, but while your riding along the coast leave early morning and during the week, I travel from Ft Bragg to Petaluma on Hwy1 tuesday, wednesday, or thursday are the best days, way too many RV's driving like they have all day on the weekends. Once you get off of the coastline to Hwy20 and hit Hwy101 it's fine a much wider highway, there's some beautiful scenery all the way down. PM me when your about ready I'll be around the coast the same time.

Don..............

Screamin · « **Reply #19 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:19:29 PM »

Quote from: trapperdog on March 15, 2009, 10:49:12 PM

Huge place, great cheese

Is that why you're pulling the trailer?

Ultrafun · « **Reply #20 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:27:01 PM »

Thanks Don.
Will PM you when we get to Yachat's, OR in Jul.

Screamin,
I had the same thought about the trailer. How many pounds of cheese you think it would hold? Sure is a nice looking bike and trailer Trapperdog!

Ride safe!

Ultrafun

Trapperdog · « **Reply #21 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:32:47 PM »

Quote from: iselbulls on March 15, 2009, 11:15:19 PM

Ultrafun,
I make aleast part of that run once a month, in my truck, but while your riding along the coast leave early morning and during the week, I travel from Ft Bragg to Petaluma on Hwy1 tuesday, wednesday, or thursday are the best days, way too many RV's driving like they have all day on the weekends. Once you get off of the coastline to Hwy20 and hit Hwy101 it's fine a much wider highway, there's some beautiful scenery all the way down. PM me when your about ready I'll be around the coast the same time.

Don..............

Don, ole blue isn't one of your offspring is it?

Trapperdog · « **Reply #22 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:50:32 PM »

Quote from: Screamin on March 15, 2009, 11:19:29 PM

Is that why you're pulling the trailer?

Naw, tried that, the dogs ate it

Look closely, you will see "the big cheese" of our operation

The Bolvine Gigolo! · « **Reply #23 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:55:36 PM »

Quote from: trapperdog on March 15, 2009, 11:32:47 PM

Don, ole blue isn't one of your offspring is it?

[/color]

Roger!
He's just one of many of my Boy's

Mrs Rooster · « **Reply #24 on:** March 16, 2009, 08:57:18 AM »

Stay in touch as to when you are going to be Oregon. We are only 20 miles inland from Lincoln City Oregon. We are always looking for a reason to ride. There is a lot to see and do.

erniezap · « **Reply #25 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:54:37 AM »

JC pretty much spelled it out for you, but let us know when you've got the dates. Who knows, you might end up with a California escort.

JCZ · « **Reply #26 on:** March 16, 2009, 10:59:16 AM »

You can review the pages of photos in this thread.......you'll see just about everything here except the ferries and Reno (the rest of the photos are along the Calif. coast and the redwoods)......... http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=27606.0

P/S a few of the pages don't have photos.....just keep going, there are more.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #27 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:01:17 AM »

You might want to plan a day in Garberville and check out the Avenue of the Giants. The Redwoods there are spectacular. Have lunch at the Ben Bow Inn if you have a chance. If you get further south along highway one Big Sur, Ragged Point and Cambria are great destinations. Hurst Castle is another stop if you have the time. Further south than that gets more urban and crowded and needs more planning around traffic, and would be more enjoyable if you hooked up with some CVO folks who live in that area. If you get as far south as the Riverside/San Diego area I have a cold one waiting for you.
Doc

Mrs Rooster · « **Reply #28 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:23:00 AM »

Here is a picture in the Redwoods "Avenue of the Giants"
Crescent City CA to Ft Bragg CA is like stepping back into time, takes you back to the 60's.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #29 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:39:30 AM »

Quote from: Mrs Rooster on March 16, 2009, 11:23:00 AM

Here is a picture in the Redwoods "Avenue of the Giants"
Crescent City CA to Ft Bragg CA is like stepping back into time, takes you back to the 60's.

I know what you mean. There are a lot of the "flower children" from the 60's still hanging around those woods tending to their "gardens"...and their kids and grandkids. Yes, its not unusual to still see even a baby hippy from time to time.

Doc

RJ749 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:53:27 AM »

Roosters can tell you the beauty of the Oregon coast, their governor many years ago set aside the coastline and there are very few places with as much coastline that are not developed.

If you are coming from Washington make sure you cross the Columbia at Astoria to catch the bridge.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is just over four miles long (21,474 feet) crossing the Columbia River at its mouth. The main span is a 2,468-foot steel cantilever through truss, and is flanked by five steel deck trusses, one hundred forty 80-foot concrete deck girder spans, and, at the Washington end of the bridge, seven 350-foot steel through truss spans. The southern high steel girder section of this bridge forms the world's longest continuous truss bridge, with a 1232 feet span.

RJ749 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:54:50 AM »

Probably good you aren't here today. This is mainstreet in Long Beach, WA

The weather in late July and August will be spectatcular however.

Ultrafun · « **Reply #32 on:** March 16, 2009, 08:32:25 PM »

This is all good information. I appreciate all the help. I'll certainly post when we get to Cannon Beach, OR to see who we can meet on our three day trek to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Thanks!

If anyone heads to the east coast let me know - we travelled from Maine to Flordia and there's a lot to see, and things you don't want to waste your time on.

Ultrafun
Virginia

RidinRuby · « **Reply #33 on:** March 16, 2009, 08:46:36 PM »

Be sure not to miss Point Reyes National Seashore. About 30 mi north of San Francisco on Rt 1. Also Tomales Bay Oyster Co. a little further north right on Rt 1 , white picket fence out front can't miss it!

Have a safe trip

Mrs Rooster · « **Reply #34 on:** March 16, 2009, 08:51:30 PM »

Are you starting your coast ride at Cannon Beach, or is this just a stop over. Are you going to be camping or hotel?

Ultrafun · « **Reply #35 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:38:03 PM »

Mrs Rooster,

Currently the plan is to start the day in Beaverton, OR heading to Cannon Beach to see Tillamook Lighhouse and then down 101 to Yachats where we'll hangout for a couple days and see the sites, lighthouses and sea lions. We're just hotel folks, no camping.

Thanks.

Ultrafun

BIGDOG · « **Reply #36 on:** March 19, 2009, 06:22:59 PM »

That will be a great ride ! Mornings are almost always foggy , cold and damp . mid day sun will come out and you will be good until around 5:00pm when the fog will likely role in again and the temp will fall. Traffic will be heavy from Astoria to Coos Bay but will lighten up after that . When you hit Cal. plan on taking more time as the scenic road is a slow go but o so beautiful . My wife and I took that trip in reverse last year and the redwoods are unbelievable.
If you are of the mind give a call when you hit Washington , would love to meet up.

Screamin · « **Reply #37 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:22:19 PM »

Glad you're getting some good info. here Ultra. BTW - how are you getting from east to west? I did a western US loop last year. There's some really great and really sucky country out there.

JCZ · « **Reply #38 on:** March 20, 2009, 09:04:39 AM »

Quote from: Screamin on March 19, 2009, 11:22:19 PM

Glad you're getting some good info. here Ultra. BTW - how are you getting from east to west? I did a western US loop last year. There's some really great and really sucky country out there.

You were supposed to go around Nevada, not through it.

Screamin · « **Reply #39 on:** March 20, 2009, 04:02:43 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on March 20, 2009, 09:04:39 AM

You were supposed to go around Nevada, not through it.

True dat JC. I'd not recommend the Mojave in July. Stupid stupid hot. Dry heat my azz, it's nuts.

Coolbreeze · « **Reply #40 on:** March 20, 2009, 05:18:42 PM »

Quote from: Screamin on March 20, 2009, 04:02:43 PM

True dat JC. I'd not recommend the Mojave in July. Stupid stupid hot. Dry heat my azz, it's nuts.

you gotta watch out for the dry heat.... it gets EVERYwhere, azz, nuts, pits, just everywhere!

BIGDOG · « **Reply #41 on:** March 20, 2009, 08:29:42 PM »

Quote from: Coolbreeze on March 20, 2009, 05:18:42 PM

you gotta watch out for the dry heat.... it gets EVERYwhere, azz, nuts, pits, just everywhere!

Thats why you carry a spray bottle with ya. then you get wet ass heat.

RidinRuby · « **Reply #42 on:** March 21, 2009, 11:53:59 AM »

My wife and I stayed at The Fireside in Yachats two years ago when we did the reverse trip. If you want the sound of the waves to soothe you to sleep and want an awesome view of the Pacific this is the place! Get a room on the the upper level facing the ocean with a fireplace.

http://www.firesidemotel.com/

Ultrafun · « **Reply #43 on:** March 22, 2009, 08:38:45 AM »

Thanks for all of the inputs. I'm putting together the ride plan now and will post the route. It's right at 6000 miles, with 1000 of it coming down the 101 coast starting at Cannon Beach, OR. Keep them coming, I'm modifying our stops based on your recommendations.

Folks here in VA that have down the West Coast rides tell me to bring Octane Booster becasue it's hard to get 93 Octane on the West Coast. Is this true?

Thanks again,

Ultrafun

Screamin · « **Reply #44 on:** March 22, 2009, 08:47:27 AM »

My '05 did fine w/ whatever gas I found out west. Don't remeber having a hard time finding high test. A bigger problem was the damn gas nozzles in Cali. What a PITA to fill up w/ their convoluted spring filler deal. I also stayed in Coos Bay, Or. and visited the park west of town. Went out looking for seals and maybe Orca. Saw a couple of seals but no whale. Was a nice little side trip. Stayed at the Motel 6 in town and it was ok. Attached is the view of the bay from the motel. There was a casino on the north end of town we didn't stop at. Of course we had to stop at the dealer for a shirt.

Author Topic: Need a Oregon-California Riders Input for Rt. 101 (Read 2759 times)