Planning 2012 Memorial Day NorCal overnight trip

[GreenMachine]

Edited: 05/25/12 - Houston.  We're a go for launch.

Meeting at north route Starbucks a little after dawn.  As soon as we meet up, we're going.  The first day will be 430+ miles, so we need to get started without delays or interruptions.  I'm digging into researching all the different places and things we can see on Sunday's ride.  There's Big Foot, some snow capped mountain peaks, tons of twisties and of course lots of ocean and Red Wood forests.  Saturday's ride will be more destination oriented, but Sunday is our day to take it all in and relax.  I'd like to stop a lot on that day.   Camera batteries are charged.  Bike is prepped and ready.
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I've identified 3 microbreweries near where we'll be staying and I'm not bringing my dog.  Not too bad of a location I'd say and it's off the beaten path.  I have reserved a single double queen-size room as our base accommodations in Arcata starting Saturday May 26th and departing there May 28th, so two nights.  Could have stayed at the Red Lion, which had a pool, but most of the Eureka Hotels are right on main street; semi's, traffic noise...NO THANKS!    I plan on wearing myself out on the curves, thank you very much!  
The ride plan is to buzz back and forth east/west/north/south, take in hwy 1, 299, 36 and possibly Mt. Etna, since so many of you rave about that ride.  I hear there's a brewpub there too.  
Dr1150 has committed and has graciously offered to help with cargo & directions.  Should be great fun eating clam chowder and fish in Ft. Bragg by day, then drinking microbrew by night as the sun sets on the ocean.  
Expenses should be minimal.  Food, water, gas, and lodging if two or more people share or if you're rambunctious and camp, whatever!   Probably ~$225 for three days two nights.  More, if you buy everyone pitchers both nights.  

[dr1150]

Hi Green Machine,

The ride sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Please send me a pm with your phone number so we can discuss the trip.

Thanks,

David

[GreenMachine]

You bet!  PM sent.

[dr1150]

Thanks, what is the best time to call?

[Tahoebrian5]

Dang! I'm gonna be at miller

[GreenMachine]

Oh yeah.  Damn!  You'll be staying for that Tuesday trackday too.

I started into the idea of this trip and the more I got into it, the more I became excited about just doing it, weather permitting.  Let's hope the weather stays nice like this for both our sakes.

[GreenMachine]

Edited to add correct Sunday route.

CalTrans says that hwy 3 over to Etna, CA may still be snowed over.  That may change.  Until then, here is my tentative ride plan for Sunday.  All of the roads are ones I have never been on, with Redwood parks I've never been to.  Looking forward to stopping along the route, cooling my feet in a stream and taking it all in.  Ride distance will be a moderate 280 miles...not set in stone either.

[dr1150]

CAN'T WAIT !!!

[GreenMachine]

Bump.  I think you can still get inexpensive rooms up there, but act soon.  Time is running out, in more ways than one.

[GreenMachine]

EDIT: 05/24/12 Doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate for our dawn departure.  I'm recalculating to see what our alternatives are.  I'm still going one way or the other.  I'm not going to let a little water in Truckee deter me from enjoying the remainder of my weekend plans.

Come on weather, hold out for Saturday morning so we can be off to a good start!

WEATHER  

[dr1150]

Let's do it , I just mounted some studded tires.
LET IT SNOW I'm ready!!

[GreenMachine]

    

[KKM]

You guys have fun , wish I could have gone also.

Kevin

[GreenMachine]

So far, I'm checking the CalTrans live Web cams for Truckee and the summit and it's dry.  Cloudy, but dry and no snow to be seen anywhere in the video camera's view.

"Chains or snow tires."  Yeah, right!    You know what I think?  I think this is some weather forecaster's way of keeping everyone at home so he/she can get the prime vacation spot.  Well, I'm not fooled. 

[GreenMachine]

You guys have fun , wish I could have gone also.

Kevin

Wish you were going too Kevin.  Maybe again later this season.  Plan it, post it, and make it happen.

BTW, aren't you going to Miller?  Tahoebrian is and he's riding Miller for their trackday.