Mendocino

Day: 57
Destination: Mendocino, California
Route: 101 South to Leggett, CA; Highway 1 South
Miles Ridden: 150    Total Miles: 12,726

Points of Interest:

• Avenue of the Giants
• Mendocino, California
• Patterson's Restaurant

With only 150 miles to ride from Eureka and Mendocino, we relaxed a little, and didn't leave until 10:00 a.m. A little chilly, but clear, we put on our jackets and started heading south. Our goal was ride the Avenue of Giants, just south of Eureka. If you haven't taken this ride, it is a must for anyone in the area. The Avenue runs for several miles, and runs parallel with Highway 101. There are seven exits and entrances off of 101 to the Avenue, so you can ride all or part of the Avenue. The Avenue runs through several small communities, and past yet another sign of better economic times. We passed a very large lumber mill which, like the eight in Montana, employed hundreds but were shut down by the environmentalists. We passed through several stands of the most beautiful, enormous redwood trees imaginable. The tallest and oldest living thing on earth is in one of the groves of trees, although which tree has never been publicly disclosed. We stopped a few times, and found an enormous field of clover amongst the redwoods. Fantastic experience of which you just cannot grow tired.

 

Through the Avenue, we jumped on Highway 101. Forty miles later, we made the turn onto Highway 1 at Leggett. This 35 miles or so of twisted, rolling hills, with numerous 10 and 15 mph turns, also runs through the redwoods and is a great run. Eventually, you pass a sign which says "Shoreline Highway." You think the road will straighten, but noooo. More twisties as you make your way to Fort Bragg and, a mere 10 or so miles later, Mendocino. Today remained cool, and fingers of fog extended into the forests and surrounded many of the coves and inlets. Pretty much everything had a gray overcast, but the Pacific Ocean was beautiful, and the ride great. Mendocino is a very small, tourist community loaded with beds and breakfast, restaurants, and a handful of bars. We found a small, local establishment, had a very nice meal, and looked forward to tomorrow's ride home.