There are a handful of places I've stumbled across on my journeys which continue to attract me back. It is fascinating to watch the scenery change dependent on season and the popularity ebb and flow during holidays. The Carrizo Plain National Monument gives me a calming feeling each time I return to the vistas and arid landscape. Nestled between the busy coast and 101 and the fertile San Joaquin, it is a respite from the stresses of modernity and development. 5 miles off Soda Lake Rd is the Selby Ranch CG where the views make up for the overly chlorinated water. Hey, at least there is water out here! Remnants of the once prosperous grain ranches speckle the expansive valley. The old barn at Selby Ranch used to be accessible but the BLM has since closed up the entrances. The Barn Owl living inside must appreciate the fewer intrusions. Heading to the Carrizo Plain my rear tire had been plagued with flats...so numerous I quit keeping track. The plugs either would not hold in the tire or would start leaking within a few miles of install. Worried my air pump wasn't up to the repeated task had me constantly stopping for air at gas stations. Fortunately in CA, if you buy gas, they are required to provide free use of the air. While riding around the eastern half of the park, my exhaust mounting bolt rattled loose allowing my already welded header to weaken. The following day leaving camp I had.a flat tire and snapped off the entire muffler before reaching the main road. Typical shenanigans Stopping to admire the subduction zone where the Pacific and Continental plate collide. From here I'm off to hwy 33 and the Santa Barbara Mountains.
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In between rain showers, I managed to reach my friend Mike's in Geyserville. We caught up over delicious soup and the following day picked up a new refrigerator. It was nice unwinding after a morning with 4 flat tires in the same leak. The following day Mike prepared a standing rib roast which was delicious. It was great visiting but I was heading toward the coast to meet up with Katie and Erik from VA. We had a swell time telling stories from our recent months of travel. We drove down to Bowling Ball beach in the rental Chrysler 300 but at high tide the rounded features were below the waves. The sun was warm on our skin and the salty breeze welcomed. All in all a fabulous day on the coast. We picked up some tillapia and as a group made deliciois fish tacos in their cabin. If you happen to be in Point Arena looking for camping, there is a nice quiet area down Stoneboro Rd with coastal access. Red sky at night, sailors delight.
The ride through the Prarie Creek and Avenue of Giants was enjoyable and, for the first time, not raining. The foggy forest of breathing giants envelopes me as I take walks down the sword fern lined trails. Heading inland on 101, the faster traffic and trucks reminds me why I usually keep to Hwy 1. On a foggy afternoon I climb up frok Ukiah to North Cow Mtn, BLM land atop a 3000ft mountain. Up in the clouds, mist swirls around me and I set up camp when Matt arrives. Soon the siZZLE of pork chops breaks the evening stillness and the weather radio crackles with the surf report and upcoming days of rain. A few days of less rainy weather allowed us to shift camp east toward the drier side of the mountains. The days remained sunny in the 50s with nights dropping around freezing - fabulous camping weather. The myriad of trails near camp were excellent fun for the small bikes. At times the rugged terrain was reminiscent of an African savannah. Blue Oaks CG is a memorable stop over for BLM seeking folks.
The string of sunny days on the coast offered comfortable weather for making miles. I apologize to friends in Portland but I just didnt make my way inland this trip. The shorter days make it a challenge to knock out 200 miles but in two days or so I was nearing the California line. The many recreation areas and dunes along the coast are great for stretching the legs and observing the birdlife. Nearing Brookings, a dense sea fog drifted in just before sunset making for some rich coloring against the sea stacks. Falling asleep in the foggy monotone forest, I let the crash of surf and snort of deer carry me to sleep.
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Mike SaundersIn May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. Archives
April 2018
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