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 .