Fifty Plus (50+) - Avenue of the Giants Ride

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TromboneAl
08-01-09, 08:44 AM
Yesterday I rode the entire Avenue of the Giants (60 miles total) with a rider who is much stronger than I am. The wife came along for the first 15 miles. It was a very tough ride for me, trying to keep up. He dropped me on all the hills toward the end, but I didn't embarrass myself too badly.

I almost bonked after one hill 20 miles in to the ride, but was surprised to find some reserves later on. It felt good to really push myself that hard.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/TromboneAl/AveGiants002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/TromboneAl/AveGiants005.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a39/TromboneAl/AveGiants003.jpg

jppe
08-01-09, 10:21 AM
What are the temps like in that area for this time of the year? Looks like a really nice place to start.
galyons
08-01-09, 10:27 AM
Wonderful ride. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. How was traffic?
Cheers,
Geary

TromboneAl
08-01-09, 12:19 PM
The temperatures varied significantly from the north part to the south (further from the ocean, and from inside and outside the redwood forest. It was about 65 degrees when we started, and at the south end, out of the forest it was about 90.

It can be a lot hotter there.

Traffic was not bad. It was worse than the last time I did it (last September), but tolerable. There were a few large, loud motorcycle groups, who would pass us, stop for some attraction, then pass us again.

Most cars gave us lots of room. We only got the finger once.
cyclinfool
08-01-09, 04:41 PM
Thanks for the pics. Beautiful country, on my list of places to go. I love riding in the forest. Here it is the Adirondacks - I love the smell of the trees when riding in the woods.
galyons
08-02-09, 12:22 AM
...Traffic was not bad. It was worse than the last time I did it (last September), but tolerable. There were a few large, loud motorcycle groups, who would pass us, stop for some attraction, then pass us again.

Most cars gave us lots of room. We only got the finger once.

I quit doing the ride during peak summer tourist season due to traffic and too much unwelcome behavior. Only 1 flip-off is quite good! The Harley herds were the worst. Planning to ride again late September or early October!

Cheers,
Geary
BigBlueToe
08-02-09, 12:46 PM
I rode that on a tour down the west coast. It was one of the magical sections. I recall very little traffic.