Touring the Redwoods
 

We are thinking of taking a trip out west to the redwoods and wondering if anyone
here has rode in this area?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch
Mark

Much depends on the amount of time available, where you want to start and end, the type of bikes and riding capabilities of riders- road only or off pavement and type of touring-credit card to full camping.

AAA California Maps of the area are a good starting place as is Touring the Pacific Coast by Kuykendall(sp?).

Living in the SF Bay area, almost all of my rides involve seeing at least a few redwoods. But here's a van-supported weekend tour we did through some of the premier redwood territory (Ave. of the Giants, etc.) from Eureka to Gualala along the coast route:
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=5021

I second the recommendation for the 'Bicycling the Pacific Coast' by Kirkendall and Spring.

My favorite redwood touring experience is the southward descent into the vicinity of Orick, CA in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, using the westmost "scenic route" off of 101.

all you need to know is this....krebs maps!

http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/C1.html

It is THE best map of northern california, showing the classic pacific coast route and many other routes, it's fantastic.

+1.

The best few miles on the entire Pacific Coast Highway!!!

I highly suggest riding back into the Humboldt redwoods SP on Bull Creek Flats Road towards the lost coast. After a full day of torrential rain, being soaked to the bone, I still enjoyed that road so much, even though I only rode back about 5 miles or so. It is truly magical. Do the whole lost coast if you have legs and nerves of steel, I wish I had had the time (and weather) to do it.

You're link is a dead end description of the map. Here's a link to the site:
http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/

there's a lot of ways to enjoy the redwoods besides Hwy101. I only know of a few but enjoyed them. This really isn't a ride through the redwoods but it's a fun ride. Leave your car in Ukiah, ride west on the Ukiah Comptche road and stop and Montgomery Woods State park for a hike a picnic then continue onto the coast to camp for a few days taking day rides out and back on the ridge roads that leave Hwy1. Elk, Greenwood Ridge, Comptche, Little River, etc. take the Skunk Train to Willits then ride back to Ukiah.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgom..._State_Reserve

Wow thanks so much! It helps so much to have
you guys throw me the bits of info that can really make or break a trip.
thanks again and please keep the thoughts and experiences coming!

Take care
Mark

Combatdecoy, I'll let others tell you the details. I'll just note that riding through a redwood forest is just about the most impressive thing you could possibly do. Nothing could make you feel more humble at the feet of nature. I wholeheartedly recommend it as one of the things that is a must do for anyone who has the chance.. Enjoy. tom

Agreed, one of my favourite days of touring ever. The gradient is such a slight downhill that you barely notice you are going downhill, yet enough so that you barely have to pedal at all for a good 20-25 miles, absolutely amazing redwoods surrounding both sides of the road, really tower all around you, amazing :)

I rode through the redwoods this past October and November and I can highly recommend the section off of highway 101 that goes through the Prairie Creek Redwoods. Not much traffic and it is beautiful. Also, ride the whole Avenue of the Giants. You will not be disappointed by this road either. If you are up for more of a challenge, the Lost Coast is another route that is extremely beautiful, but much much more challenging that the others that I have mentioned. Also, on the lost coast the services are further between and more meager, but if you are up for the adventure don't let that deter you.

Redwoods Rock! Here's some riding video from the OR coast. About 1:24 we get into the Redwoods. SO much fun.

Russ
PathLessPedaled.com

Oh yeah, I just remembered another one of my favorite stretches of nor cal. I think it is part of the official pacific coast route, but not sure. It's the little side road at particks point to westhaven.

While it is more or less the same road the name changes like this:
patrick's point drive----->stagecoach road----->scenic drive

Quite, peaceful, extremely scenic, just amazing!