Recommended Rides
Total Distance:
182 miles
Average Riding Time:
4 hours
Recommended Food:
David’ s Deli( closed late afternoon)
Attractions:
Glass Beach Avenue of the Giants
Tom Palazzolo and his wife, Kathie, oversee the West Region as National Evangelist.
By TOM Palazzolo
FOR motorcyclists, the crown jewel of motorcycle roads in California is Highway 1 as it hugs the Pacific coast through quaint seaside towns and along rocky beaches. But there is another highway not so far inland that’ s worth the time to explore. Highway 101. Just North of San Francisco there are plenty of great roads and lots to see as this highway parallels Highway one, separated by the coastal mountain range.
There are many roads over California’ s coastal mountain range, and this is one of my favorites. I have ridden this road many times, on my Harley, on my Goldwing and on my Buell, and even in my pickup.
One ride I frequently take starts in Willits, California. There is a sign across the main street that names Willits the Gateway to the Redwoods, which it truly is. There are several side trips you can take to see the giant Redwoods. And like the Grand Canyon, pictures never will do it justice. The Redwoods have to be seen firsthand to truly appreciate their majesty and here is where that starts.
20⎪shop. cmausa. org⎪September 2018
For this ride, start in Willits, head north under the sign, then turn west onto Highway 20. In the summer it is hot on Highway 101 in Willits but as you head west and you start climbing, it doesn’ t take long to start feeling the cooler air as you get closer to the ocean.
The road is fun to ride on any motorcycle with its gentle sweepers. The asphalt is in excellent condition with no tar stripping and very few flaws. The towering Redwoods crouch close to the road with very little shoulder. It’ s hard to keep your eyes on the road when every turn gives you glimpses of sun slanting in forest glades. Take advantage of frequent pull outs to get off the road and step into the trees and listen to the wind whispering ancient secrets among these giants.