WFO Rides/Routes

[madmike2]

:yahoo: I think you're going to like these! :yahoo:

They will be available for down load from a couple of members who have volunteered to load them in their laptops: Fairlaner, and Kaitsdad have both stated they'd be willing to do so. AND Hal is going to try to brings some paper copies with him. Ignacio may also be able to print them at the check in table.

I will email them to some of you if you have a local group you can send them to. I really don't want to try and send 100 emails...so if you can "share" like we do here in NorCal then I will send 1 email to cover 5 or 10 riders. Or...get the download at WFO.

All routes could be run in either direction.

Most of them were designed and refined by exskibum after telephone calls and discussion regarding how to "challenge" FJR owners (just Kidding...sort of...) and he did a terrific job.

____________________________________________________________________________

ALERT: There is always CHP presence in the area.

Particularly on Hwy 101. Forum members can regale you with tales of their CHP experiences.

[SIZE=8pt]I've had the pleasure of being escorted shadowed with a certain group of SoCal hooligans.[/SIZE]

While these roads do beckon riders to enjoy the capabilities of their motorcycles, they also provide wonderful scenery to be enjoyed.

Temperance and self-control can enhance your NorCal riding experience, assist in budget

maintenance and certainly avoid the necessity of explaining your exploits to your S.O.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Shelter Cove-Lost Coast-Avenue of the Giants-Humboldt Redwoods

233 miles-6 1/2 hrs ride time

Zero your odometer......

South from Eureka on Hwy 101,

@ 15 miles take the Fernridge off-ramp, 1/2 miles turn R on Hwy 211 to Ferndale and ride into town.

@ 20.5 miles L on Wildcat Rd. which becomes Mattole Rd.. This road is rough---25 mph or so, down to the shoreline and back inland to Petrolia.

@ 74 miles, L on Mattole Rd. across wooden bridge and through the Humboldt Redwoods (pretty, twisty, and dark under the forest) to Hwy 101.

@ 96.4 R under Hwy 101, R on Hwy 254, R on Hwy 101 south onramp.

@ 118 miles, Redwood Dr. off ramp 2 miles to Redway

@ 120 miles, R on Briceland Rd to Shelter Cove

@141 miles Briceland dead-ends into a loop that circles the airstrip.

R on Upper Pacific, L on Lower Pacific, R on Wave toe the Shelter Cove Motor Inn/Chart Room restaurant...

or L on Upper Pacific past the golf course, R on Machi Rd. GPS shows a restaurant @ the Marina and the Cape Mendocino Tea Room on the right along the ocean front.

Either way, circle the airport and head back 12 miles to Redway on Briceland.

L on Redwood Dr. to Hwy ioi north

@ 170 miles take exit 645 to Hwy 254 which is The Avenue of the Giants. Lots of photo opportunities and shops along this tourist route.. This 2 lane roadway parallels Hwy 101 and crosses under it twice before the ramp onto Hwy 101 north...24 miles back to Red Lion.

ALTERNATIVE:

If you don't want to ride to Shelter Cove, simply stay on Hwy 254 after the Humboldt Redwoods and when you get to the south end (about 15-16 miles) take the ramp to Hwy 101 north.

Roughly 190 miles-4 1/2 hrs.

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299 east-Willow Creek-96-Cecilville-3 south-Weaverville-299 west

321 miles @ 6 hours

IF you like long sweepers along a river followed by twisty mountain switchbacks then more sweepers through the forest and past a reservoir....this is your ride!

OR...ride it reversed from the description below. It's a winner either direction.

From the Red lion (zero your odometer) north on Hwy 101

@ 9 miles: ramp 716a to Hwy 299 east

@ 46.8 miles: Willow Creek (gas available), L on Hwy 96, through the canyon and the Hoopa Indian Reservation then along the Salmon River. Lots of photo opportunities!

@ 156 miles: Cecilville (no services), R on Hwy 3 for 2 miles

@ 158 miles, R fork onto Hwy 3 south. Yee-freakin'-haw road!!!

...Watch yourself, there are 15 mph switchbacks and lots of scenery...then the road levels and widens and there are wonderful sweepers, along the Trinity river. Once past the upper part of Trinity Lake there are another set of twisties, then you come to

@ 218 miles: Weaverville. Turn left 1 mile to the 76 station for gas.

...There are many cafes, diners, restaurants in town along with a BK and an A&W.

...After lunch head west on Hwy 299

@ 313 miles: ramp 716a onto Hwy 101 south to Eureka and the Red Lion

 

[madmike2]

299-3-36-Alder Point-Avenue of the Giants

312 miles-5 3/4 hours

I ran the numbers on this ride both directions:

Clockwise

From Red Lion (reset odo to "0") North on Hwy 101

@ 009 miles, Hwy 299 east through Willow Creek

@ 102 miles, Weaverville (1 3/4 hrs). Top off gas tank!

@ 109 miles, R on Hwy 3 through really wonderful winding roads and Hayfork

@ 147 miles, R on Hwy 36, pass Mad River Cafe (171 miles-3 hrs) and through the technical part of 36.

@ 195 miles, L on ALder Point Rd.

@ 241 miles, "T" intersection at Redwood Dr.

L turn will take you 1 mile into Garberville for gas and "ice cream"!?!?!?

After "break", north on Redwood Dr. to North Hwy 101

@ 248 miles, R on ramp for Hwy 254- "The Avenue of the Giants"

@ 273 miles, L onto Hwy 101 north to Red Lion

Counter Clockwise

From Red Lion (reset odo to "0") South on Hwy 101

@ 33.2 miles, Ramp for Hwy 254-"avenue of the Giants

@ 65 miles, Ramp to 101 south

@ 68 miles, Redwood Blvd. off ramp (Redway/Garberville?)

@ 72 miles, L on Alder Point Rd. (One "could" go into Garberville and back to Alder Point)

through Craig and across the Eel River

@ 119, R on Hwy 36, through twistie part and pass Mad River Cafe (144 mi)

@ 167 miles, L on Hwy 3 through Hayfork (179 mi) and twisty mountain section.

@ 202 miles, L on Hwy 299

@ 208 miles, (4 hours) Weaverville 76 and lunch. After lunch, continue west on Hwy 299

@ 302 miles, Ramp to Hwy 101 south to Red Lion, Eureka

299-I5-36

332 miles @ 6 hours

This ride by exskibum contains all of the technical parts of Hwy 299 and Hwy 36

From the Red Lion (odo reset to "0"), North on Hwy 101.

@ 9 miles: R on ramp 716a to Hwy 299 east through Willow Creek (@ 46.9 miles) and ....Weaverville (@ 102 miles/1:45) enjoying the sweepers and then the twisties before passing ....Whiskeytown Reservoir

@ 145 miles: Redding, R. on BuenaVentura Rd,(skirting downtown)

@ 148 miles: R on Hwy 273/South Market

@ 159 miles: onto I-5 south

@ 175 miles (3 hrs): take ramp 651/Main Street, Red Bluff, past Hwy 36 on right 1 mile to MiniMart Gas on left.

___________________________________

ALTERNATIVE:

Rather than taking the Main Stret off ramp, continue on I-5 for 1.8 miles to Antelope Blvd. off-ramp. That ramp comes to a signal. There are 4 gas stations and several eateries within 1/2 mile.

R turn there is a USA gas and a Dennys (I think across Antelope Blvd.)

L turn over I-5 there's Exxon and Perko's on the left, farther up is a Shell. Behind the Shell there's Luigi's Pizza & Pasta (very good, I ate there with FJRay), Round Table and Subway.

Continue up Antelope to BK, Michey D's and Applebees.

To get back to Hwy 36 simply head West on Antelope about 1/2 mile, R on "beautiful downtown" Main Street about 1 mile to the Mini Mart on the right.

____________________________________

From the Mini Mart, north on Main Street about 1/2 mile and Left on Hwy 36/Beegum Rd.

The "famous" sign is within 10 miles of that turn. It comes up quick on a semi-blind turn and most of us have to turn around an go back to the small shoulder turn-out for photos. BE CAREFUL!!!

From there, continue west on Hwy 36 past Hwy 3 entrance on right (241 miles) and the Mad River Cafe (265 miles--say "Hi!" to Fairlaner's girlfriend)

@313 miles: R onto Hwy 101 (It's a "T" intersection...they don't stop) north to Red Lion.

 

[madmike2]

Waldo-Happy Camp-Willow Creek

293 miles-5 3/4 miles

From the hotel (odo reset to zero), North on Hwy 101 toward Crescent City.

Gasoline....if you see a gas station once you're 60 miles north of Eureka, you may want to "top off". It will be 234 miles to Hoopa 76, 247 miles from Red Lion to Willow Creek Chevron and Mapsource doesn't show any gas station along the route. You've been warned!

@ 80.6 miles, R off-ramp onto Humboldt Rd. L on Howland Hill

@ 82.6 miles, R on Elk Valley Rd.

@ 86.1 miles, merge onto Parkway/Hwy 199 through Jedediah Smith Redwoods

@ 122 miles, Oregon Border (Gas: You could ride straight 12 miles to Cave's Junction Chevron ....and backtrack to Waldo Rd.)

@ 127 miles, R on O'brien Rd.

@ 128 miles, R on Waldo Rd/County Rd. 5560/Happy Camp Rd/Indian Creek Rd

@ 165 miles, Happy Camp, R on Hwy 96

@ 234 miles, Hoopa 76

@ 247 miles, 4 3/4 hours: Willow Creek. L on Hwy 299 and there is a Chevron just up the road. For "eateries: Pizza Factory is just east (left) of the 96/299 junction, Raging Crek Pub & Eatery is just west (right).

From Willow Creek, go West "young man-young woman" 9 miles to ramp for 101 south to Eureka Red lion.

299-Willow Creek-Titlow Hill Rd-Van Duzen Reservoir-Lost Coast

287 miles @ 7 3/4 hours

Fairlainer's Death Ride--It'll kick yer @$$!

Caution: All roads on this ride may not be paved.

In fact, Kings Peak Rd. from Briceland to Mattole is listed as NOT paved.

From Red lion (odo set on "0") north on Hwy 101

@ ..9 miles, R on ramp to Hwy 299

_________________________________________

OPTIONS:

1.) @ 14.5 miles, R onto Blue Lake Rd. for gas at 76.

Then continue 13 miles to R Titlow Hill Rd.

2.) Continue East on Hwy 299 past Titlow Hill Rd.

@ 46.9 miles, Willow Creek Chevron for gas

Then backtrack 9.3 miles to @ 56.6 miles, L on Titlow Hill Rd.

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@ 116 miles, L on Hwy 36

@ 117 miles, R on Mad River Rd. around Ruth Reservoir

@ 147 miles, L on Van Duzen/Ruth Zenia Rd.-ALder Point-Bluff Dr.

@ 168 miles, L on Alder Point Rd and cross Eel River

@ 170 miles, Craig

@ 187 miles, "T" @ Redwood Dr. (4:45 hrs) You may want to turn left into Garberville for gas and lunch. Then North on Redwood Dr. to Redway.

@ 189 miles, L on Briceland Rd.

@ 207 miles, R on Kings Peak Rd. (probably unpaved)

@ 219 miles, L on Wilder Ridge Rd.

@ 227 miles, L on Mattole Rd.

@ 240 miles, cross Mattole River @ Petrolia

@ 270 miles, R. on Ocean Ave. then L on Main St. through Ferndale

@ 275 miles, L on Fernbridge St and on to Hwy 101 North to Red Lion, Eureka

 

[madmike2]

299-Titlow Hill Rd.-Van Duzen Reservoir-Hwy 36 (The technical section)

214 miles @ 5 1/2 hrs

Red Lion (odo set to "0") North on Hwy 101

@ ...9 miles, Ramp to Hwy 299 east

@ ..37 miles, R on Titlow Hill Rd. (winding secondary road across a ridge)

@ 100 miles, L on Hwy 36 (3 hours)

______________________________

Options:

1. West (R turn) to Mad River Cafe for lunch

2. West (R turn) on 36

. . 148 miles, R on Hwy 101 North

. . 170 miles (4 1/2 hrs) Red Lion, Eureka

______________________________

@ 101 miles, R on Mad River Rd around Ruth Reservoir

@ 131 miles, R on Van Duzen Rd. along Van Duzen river

@ 146 miles, L on Hwy 36

@ 191 miles, R on Hwy 101 North

______________________________

Gas option: 193 miles, R ramp to North Coast/Riverwalk Dr.

Right under Hwy 101 to 76.

Back to Hwy 101 north

_______________________________

@ 214 miles, Red Lion, Eureka

 

[Fairlaner]

Nice Mike they all look fun, I plan on having them all on my laptop if anyone need to put them on your GPS.....

R

ARE WE THERE YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[blufjr]

So, is Alderpoint Rd 502 - Zenla Bluff Rd, - Alder Point Bluff Rd. - Ruth-Zenia Rd. 502 and Mad River Rd. 504 all paved?

 

[FJRBluesman]

MM2 those look awesome!!! Do you have those routes on Mapsource?

 

[HIGHLANDER]

Looooooking gooooooooooooood :dirol:

 

[madmike2]

So, is Alderpoint Rd 502 - Zenla Bluff Rd, - Alder Point Bluff Rd. - Ruth-Zenia Rd. 502 and Mad River Rd. 504 all paved?

So we've been told.

Who knows what the county is doing?

 

[gregory]

MM2 et all,

Thanks for putting together some great routes!

 

[madmike2]

MM2 et all,
Thanks for putting together some great routes!

Buy exskibum (Rich & Judy) some drinks @ WFO. He did most of the route assembly.

Also provide drinks for those who will be using their laptops to download routes (Hal, Richard & Matt)

I get the glory for their hard work.

 

[dcarver]

Wow! Those look like some great roads!

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Thanks to all involved in making the routes up. The ones I don't get to at WFO I'll save for future trips to the area. Again thanks!

 

[Fairlaner]

We will take all the drinks we can get....

R

 

[exskibum]

So, is Alderpoint Rd 502 - Zenla Bluff Rd, - Alder Point Bluff Rd. - Ruth-Zenia Rd. 502 and Mad River Rd. 504 all paved?

Alderpoint Road -- The Alderpoint Road option to Garberville takes off from 36 at Bridgeville and heads south on what is, in some places called Blocksburg Road, and in other places Alderpoint Road. I last rode it in '06, and it was "paved" all the way to Garberville, with a couple qualifications. There were a few sections of a couple hundred yards or so that were gravel at that time, and some sections where the paved surface is "rough". Closer to Garberville, there were some of the biggest asphalt heaves I've seen anywhere -- almost like the surface had buckled in the middle of the road from heat -- enough to bite you if you aren't paying attention. Point is that it's rough in a lot of places, and you want to be able to see the road surface changes in time to negotiate some places safely.

Lost Coast -- Lost Coast road is rough -- not too different from just described about Alderpoint Road. I rode it last in late May on a sunny day and it was a blast, though it is tiring at the end of the day just due to the unrelenting need to dodge cracks, potholes, rough patches, etc. I laid out the Lost Coast route without the section south of Honeydew, due to reports from locals on this board that it was very rough, unpaved, and best suited for dual sport bikes (and because I've never ridden that section). As a result, my route to Shelter Cove and then through Lost Coast comes back to 101 from Shelter Cove before heading over to Honeydew (instead of through the pink and blue waypoint you still see on that route south of Honeydew). Fairlaner's approach appears to include the section south of Honeydew. Also note that the Mattole Road spur west off Lost Coast Road to the beach and lighthouse area is paved part way and graded gravel for the last couple or three miles -- was not bad on a sunny day in May. IMO, it's worth making that detour out to the beach on the gravel.

Cecilville Loop -- This is the loop from Eureka on 299 to 96 north and then east through Cecilville to 3 south to 299 west back to Eureka. The section that I'm unsure of is the road surface between 96 and Cecilville. No recent experience, and it may be rough or part gravel or full blown goat trail in that area -- I just don't know, so gather more info before deciding. Reports are that the road between Cecilville and 3 was repaved in '06 and is really nice. No shooting the route plotter if'n I've led you onto a goat trail!

Other Routing Info -- In May, I tried to ride the loop up 101 to 199 to Happy Camp and back down 96 to Willow Creek to 299 west to Eureka. Pouring rain all day, we got stopped by snow between 199 and Happy Camp and had to backtrack down 199 and 101. Should be fine now. 96 is a pleasure if you like sweepers and river valley scenery (pretty much along its full length) and I'm doing that as a part of my 96-299-3-36-101 route coming into WFO on Thursday.

Fairlaner is the guy to ask about the Titlow Road routing between 299 and 36. In June '06, I was going north from 36 on that route with a group of XX riders when we were stopped by snowdrifts. It was paved between 36 and that point, but I haven't been on its more northerly sections. I believe Fairlaner posted a video of the route, however, and that or his input is probably the best info on those road conditions.

I dunno about Zenla Bluff Rd. or Ruth-Zenia Rd. 502 -- never been on them so far as I recall.

This general area of California has some of the greatest roads anywhere, and some really remote routes or sections of routes. Note, however, that local government budget issues have kicked the crap out of secondary road maintenance work for several years. So, the roads are what they are in some places. As a trade off, you don't get a lot of traffic (you can get that on 101 through Eureka if you need a traffic fix).

Also note that 299 can be an easy place to pick up a performance award from an obliging CHP officer -- instant on radar is their signature. Your best chances of acquiring that honor are around Weaverville and east to Redding. Almost all of these roads have very technical sections and offer the opportunity to get in over your head. There are serious drop offs immediately adjacent to these roads, sharp (sometimes unmarked) corners, narrow roadway sections, gravel and sand on the roadway in places, spectacular views to distract, and sections that tempt you to play Valentino Rossi on a sport tourer. Most of it is out of cell tower range, and oftentimes, there is little or no traffic through potential crash sites. So, use common sense and ride with a partner if you're going to ride remote stuff. Moreover, while it may be cool or even foggy on the coast side of the summit, it is likely to be blazing hot and dry near and east of the summit. These routes are long and twisty, and a combination of dehydration, dropping blood sugar and fatigue can conspire on these roads to ruin your day. I came within an inch of biting it on the XX between 299 and 36 back in June '06 for that reason -- it will sneak up on you in the afternoon, so -- eat, hydrate and rest as required.

Remember, crashing has NOT been authorized for this meet.

 

[gregory]

So, is Alderpoint Rd 502 - Zenla Bluff Rd, - Alder Point Bluff Rd. - Ruth-Zenia Rd. 502 and Mad River Rd. 504 all paved?

Alderpoint Road -- The Alderpoint Road option to Garberville takes off from 36 at Bridgeville and heads south on what is, in some places called Blocksburg Road, and in other places Alderpoint Road. I last rode it in '06, and it was "paved" all the way to Garberville, with a couple qualifications. There were a few sections of a couple hundred yards or so that were gravel at that time, and some sections where the paved surface is "rough". Closer to Garberville, there were some of the biggest asphalt heaves I've seen anywhere -- almost like the surface had buckled in the middle of the road from heat -- enough to bite you if you aren't paying attention. Point is that it's rough in a lot of places, and you want to be able to see the road surface changes in time to negotiate some places safely.

Lost Coast -- Lost Coast road is rough -- not too different from just described about Alderpoint Road. I rode it last in late May on a sunny day and it was a blast, though it is tiring at the end of the day just due to the unrelenting need to dodge cracks, potholes, rough patches, etc. I laid out the Lost Coast route without the section south of Honeydew, due to reports from locals on this board that it was very rough, unpaved, and best suited for dual sport bikes (and because I've never ridden that section). As a result, my route to Shelter Cove and then through Lost Coast comes back to 101 from Shelter Cove before heading over to Honeydew (instead of through the pink and blue waypoint you still see on that route south of Honeydew). Fairlaner's approach appears to include the section south of Honeydew. Also note that the Mattole Road spur west off Lost Coast Road to the beach and lighthouse area is paved part way and graded gravel for the last couple or three miles -- was not bad on a sunny day in May. IMO, it's worth making that detour out to the beach on the gravel.

Cecilville Loop -- This is the loop from Eureka on 299 to 96 north and then east through Cecilville to 3 south to 299 west back to Eureka. The section that I'm unsure of is the road surface between 96 and Cecilville. No recent experience, and it may be rough or part gravel or full blown goat trail in that area -- I just don't know, so gather more info before deciding. Reports are that the road between Cecilville and 3 was repaved in '06 and is really nice. No shooting the route plotter if'n I've lead you onto a goat trail!

Other Routing Info -- In May, I tried to ride the loop up 101 to 199 to Happy Camp and back down 96 to Willow Creek to 299 west to Eureka. Pouring rain all day, we got stopped by snow between 199 and Happy Camp and had to backtrack down 199 and 101. Should be fine now. 96 is a pleasure if you like sweepers and river valley scenery (pretty much along its full length) and I'm doing that as a part of my 96-299-3-36-101 route coming into WFO on Thursday.

Fairlaner is the guy to ask about the Titlow Road routing between 299 and 36. In June '06, I was going north from 36 on that route with a group of XX riders when we were stopped by snowdrifts. It was paved between 36 and that point, but I haven't been on its more northerly sections. I believe Fairlaner posted a video of the route, however, and that or his input is probably the best info on those road conditions.

This general area of California has some of the greatest roads anywhere, and some really remote routes or sections of routes. Note, however, that local government budget issues have kicked the crap out of secondary road maintenance work for several years. So, the roads are what they are in come places. As a trade off, you don't get a lot of traffic.

Also note that 299 can be an easy place to pick up a performance award from an obliging CHP officer -- instant on radar is their signature. Your best chances of acquiring that honor are around Weaverville and east to Redding. Almost all of these roads have very technical sections and offer the opportunity to get in over your head. There are serious drop offs from narrow roadways, sharp (sometimes unmarked) corners, narrow roadway sections, gravel and sand on the roadway in places, spectacular views to distract, and sections that tempt you to play Valentino Rossi on a sport tourer. Most of it is out of cell tower range, and oftentimes, there is little or no traffic through potential crash sites. So, use common sense and ride with a partner if you're going to ride remote stuff. Moreover, while it may be cool or even foggy on the coast side of the summit, it is likely to be blazing hot and dry near and east of the summit. These routes are long and twisty, and a combination of dehydration, dropping blood sugar and fatigue can conspire on these roads to ruin your day. I came within an inch of biting it on the XX between 299 and 36 back in June '96 for that reason -- it will sneak up on you in the afternoon, so -- eat, hydrate and rest as required.

Remember, crashing has NOT been authorized for this meet.

Gunny to the performance award and safety items!

 

[Tyler]

Gazelle-Callahan Rd. is another nice option. Connects between 3 and 5 and you can make a visit to the town of Weed.

 

[exskibum]

Gazelle-Callahan Rd. is another nice option. Connects between 3 and 5 and you can make a visit to the town of Weed.

That's on my Wednesday route heading into Yreka for the night.

Better quit procrastinating now. Yesterday, I mounted and balanced a new set of PR2 shoes, now I need to finish the maintenance, system checks, and put the newly shod wheels back on the bike. And load routes into the GPS and begin packing and . . .

 

[wheatonFJR]

Man...if I had the budget...I would make this meet fo sho! :clapping: