Motorbike Tours

Northern California 2018

Day 1 - SFO to Oakdale

After a long flight from Amsterdam I arrived at 1130 on Saturday morning and took a taxi to the Dubbelju motorcycle rental shop. Small set up in a side street of SFO downtown; all very helpful and after the usual US paperwork pile we had our 2 x 2017 GS motorcycles and as requested with Nav V cradle. Regretably Dubbelju decided to stop trading end of 2019 which is a real shame as they did offer great bikes and service.

We headed out east along the freeways 580, 205 and finally 120 to get some miles behind us and have as much time as possible in the scenic areas. Day 2 was to be a long day in Yosemite so we needed to get as far east as possible. We had pre-booked all the hotels en route so our first stop was the small town of Oakdale and the Holiday Inn Express. Although the hotel doesn't have much in the way of facilities or food there are lots of options within easy walking distance.

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Day 2 - Oakdale to Yosemite

After an early start due to jet lag and time difference we headed out east again towards Yosemite. Great weather and just like to day before hot, 34 degrees by mid morning. The roads were pretty empty in the morning so riding was easy going. We got to the park entrance around 1030 and despite warning of queuing traffic all was fine. As we headed in the scenery changed for the more spectacular with the Yosemite landmarks coming into view. Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridal Veil to name but a few.

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Traffic was well managed on the one way system with many opportunities to stop and take photos. Second leg of the tour took us up to Glacier Point and the look down into the valley. Again amazing views along the way. For our overnight stay we had chosen to head just outside the Park at Fish Village and the Tenaya Lodge. Not for the faint-hearted when it comes to rates but this place is absolutely amazing! Great rooms, a real oasis just outside Yosemite. Luckily we had arrived early to be able to enjoy the surroundings and facilities. Early night and ready for day 3.

Day 3 Yosemite to Lake Tahoe

Probably the longest ride on the trip at just under 400 km. Early start again and heading back into the Yosemite Park but just at the entrance to the main area we took a left back and headed north on the 41 to the 120 and over the mountains towards the wast. This part of the park is as spectacular as where the main scenery is. Great views but most important absolutely amazing roads, great asphalt, newly laid, wide and very little traffic. At the 395 we took a left and headed north as far as the 89 and then we headed north east on the 89 right up to Tahoe City. The scenery begins to change en route going from open landscape to more forestal. Weather remained fantastic with great roads and bends! Probably the best riding day of the trip.

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Day 4 - Lake Tahoe to Quincy

We decided on the shorter route to Quincy so a bit of a late start was on the cards. After a hearty breakfast at the Old Lodge in Tahoe View the next town up the road on highway 89, we headed north again along the 89 as far as the left turn at the highway 49. At this point we decided that we would follow the original route as time and weather were on our side and the roads were simply amazing. Long windy roads through forested areas and simply amazing riding. Just before Orroville we decide to head north towards Quincy on the Feather Falls road only to find halfway up to Quincy the road was closed.

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We tried to find the bypass which was a gnarly off road 4 mile trek only to get lost and have to return. Deciding it wasn't worth trying to find the right detour we headed down into Orroville and then up on the 70 to Quincy. Regrettably we were so tired by the end of the day we didn't have a chance to enjoy the spectacular riding through great canyons and wild scenery. Overnight stay was in the beautiful manicured town of Quincy and the Feather Bed Inn. What an absolute gem of a place, a large old country house in the center of town with 6 B&B rooms. Absolutely amazing and a welcome rest after a lot of unnecessary extra miles of detour.

Day 5 Quincy to Redding

Another beautiful day and after a great American breakfast in Quincy we headed back down the 70 for about 25 km's to the 89 again and headed north. Again spectacular forest roads with little or no traffic but with the occasional logging truck on their way down south. After passing through some towns with great names such as Indian Falls and Moccasin we arrived to the entrance to the Lassen National Park. Quite a modern park and newly established by the looks of it.

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We stopped by the thermal mud pools and drove high into the mountains along some of the windiest roads so far on the trip. Whilst the sun was out, crossing the park the temperature dropped to only 5 degrees C so it was pretty cold.

Continuing north through the park we eventually dropped down into the valley and the junction with the 44. Left turn towards Redding and we arrived around 3.30 pm at our overnight stop the Hampton Inn. Around Redding there was still clear evidence of the recent fires with much work still going on to restore the roads. We decided on a steakhouse in town for our dinner but there are plenty places to chose from.

Somewhere on the Road to Redding from Quincy

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Day 6 Redding to Eureka

Leaving Redding heading west along the very windy and spectacular 36 there was clear evidence of the recent fires. The authorities were doing their best to fix the damaged roads and we were mostly on new asphalt the whole trip. The road heads west up through the mountains and forests with again spectacular riding and great bends. At one point the road had completely gone due to fire and was closed for most of the day. By sheer luck we arrived at the closed section for the 1 hour that they opened per day. If we hadn't made it we would have had a 200 km detour to Eureka. Eureka itself is a rather tired seaside town that has seen better days. Accommodation was at the Best Western Plus Humbolt which is fine and within walking distance of the old town where the restaurants all are. Great dinner at the 5-1 local restaurant.

Day 7 Eureka to Point Arena

Slight deviation from the planned route as we wanted to drive down the ''Avenue of Giants'' - the Redwood park which was well worth the detour. Again great roads, winding and fast. Not sure how many times I can say it but without

an exaggeration all the roads so far have been amazing. Following the 101 all the way to the coast and then down the coast to Point Arena. The vistas at the coast are spectacular with often sea mist rolling in and obscuring the coastline.

Take a jacket or your riding inners as it gets quite cold here during the day. Passing through many fishing villages we arrived at Point Arena around 1600. The overnight stay was at the Wharfmaster Inn in Point Arena., Another absolute gem of a place right on the coast next to the sea. The harbour has a pizzeria and a seafood restaurant for dinner and a complementary breakfast is provided as part of your overnight stay. Just as well as this place really is in the middle of nowhere.

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Day 8 Point Arena to San Francisco

Final day of what has been a spectacular tour! Leaving Point Arena heading south on the 101 the weather had turned quite cold. Sun was not getting through the mist so an extra layer was required. The 101 hugs the coast right up until the end before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to take in the spectacular Bay views which can be done by exiting the freeway just before the bridge. Across the Golden Gate bridge and back to Dubbelju to return the bikes.

Conclusion, probably the most spectacular riding I have ever done or ever will do. Thanks to my brother Scott for riding with me and sharing that special experience. Enjoy the photos in the pictures section and if you want more information drop me a line!