7/13 Gifford-Pinchot National Forest Run

This is a trip I had been looking forward to for three years. I first heard about Forest Road 25 from http://www.motorcycleroads.com/ when I was plotting a couple route alternatives for a fellow rider. Last year I even made it down to the head of the road, but found it still closed for the season (winter closure lasts deep into June and sometimes even early July). 

So this year I planned a camping trip and picked dates with a couple of other riders, then we invited several others to join us. Was a good plan. One night near Carson, WA, enjoying the south and north trips through the Gifford-Pinchot FR 25/99/90. At one point we had 7 motorcyclists planning to make the journey. Of course, as seems to happen, over the past couple of years, shit happens. I was frustrated enough that I decided not to take my camera, and packed pretty light (1 bag in the car, that I could have strapped to the bike if I had to. 

Ultimately we had two cycles and 1 car. I was frustrated enough that I decided not to take my camera, and packed pretty light (1 bag in the car, that I could have strapped to the bike if I had to. I did not know the car driver as he was invited by the other cyclist because I was looking for a chase car originally). 

So three people, It was enough to make it a damn fun, and extremely challenging, trip well beyond the roads. At the last minute we added a destination "close" to Carson, White Water Rafting along the White Salmon River. Something I had never done seemed like a good idea at the time, so what the hell. The ride to GPNF took us down HWY 161 to HWY 7 where we stopped at the Elbe Church (seems to be a consistent stop for me along 7, Though some new stuff was there since my last stop, including a new restaurant and hotel fashioned into old train cars (The Hotel is called "Hobo Hotel"). From Elbe, we traveled HWY 7 and 12 to Randle, WA, where we fueled up and turned south into the road we had come to cruise. 

An impromptu lunch and swim about 8 miles into the forest was one of few interruptions along the Forest roads where we motorcyclists were happy to speedily attack sweeping corners and mild rises and falls in the mountainous terrain. We were also greeted by a low amount of traffic, so it was seldom that our smiles were interrupted by slow moving vehicles. Wouldn't it be wonderful if roads like this should ban motor homes and trailers so us speedy vehicles can fully enjoy the road. Okay I know that's ridiculous, but a weekend or two to cater to us little vehicles would be pretty sweet. Other stops and roadside antics managed to help eat through the day, but we made camp at Beaver Campground with plenty of light to spare. After dinner included a river crossing (ask me about this sometime, its kinda funny) and moon bathing along the wind river. I was unaware of how close to the road we were during the night, but when we came back through, It was obvious that passers by could have seen four nearly full moons that night because of the one in the sky...

 ...Take a moment...

Okay now that you have had time to shake that image out of your noggin. The next day started out a bit frustrating for me because I did not know exactly where we were going, and a supposed 20 minute trip to WET PLANET turned out to be 40 miles away. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate being late, it puts me in a foul mood. Engaging slow traffic when I'm late with people following me forces better driving, as I do not attempt ill advised passing, but it just increases my frustration. Coupled with this frustration and increased annoyance, was the beginning of a breakdown in my mind, and until we finally got into the boats, I was probably not very pleasant to my companions. 

But white water rafting (Class III/IV rapids) was fun. Very Enjoyable. Though not what I had envisioned. I had expected it to be a lot more work, and a lot rougher and faster. So I would definitely do it again, but not at the price that I paid for this trip, comparative value is important here.

The road home was very long. We had lunch/dinner in this Mexican place (Los Reyes) in Bingen, WA. and then started the 90 miles back to Randle. Hwy 14 along the Hood River is very windy, so much so that it even causes the tunnel entrances to sound like someone blowing over the lip of a beer bottle. But the Forest Roads were still good fun, even as we started to get tired and sore after a second day or mountain roads and the mornings white water adventure. We stopped to swim again in the Cispus river shortly before leaving the GPNF. This was refreshing, enormously fun and for the first time I allowed myself to relax against the river current and let it carry me down river for a bit before climbing out and taking a few pictures with my phone. I did get a few bumps and bruises and fighting the current to get where I needed to exit the river was rough, but I would absolutely do this again (after I buy some river shoes).

It was a long cold road home (I didnt expect to be on the road after dark, so did not bring my leather jacket, and the hoodie just wasn't enough, but we made it safely driving straight up HWY 7 and taking the last 15-20 miles or so on I-5 for speed. Next time I plan to do at least three days in the GPNF, so that swimming and short hikes can take place interspersed with the awesome roads.

If you decide to take FR 25, be aware that it is closed usually from late October through late June, depending on snow fall. While it is a well kept road for Forest roads,and it is entirely paved, there are a few spots, mostly on the northern slope, where roots have made there presence known and created bumps, divots and the like, but most of the curves sweep comfortably enough that it makes up for what could be a difficult road. I highly recommend this 42 miles of wonderful twisties for riders at all levels. (42 miles is HWY 25 only, it is closer to 80 miles to get from North to South borders of GPNF).

July 2013: Napa Valley, California Redwoods, Oregon Coast

July of 2013 is just about over, but I've been going too fast to actually get much processed. I haven't broke out the camera nearly as much as I intended to. What that does mean, is I have a few regrets for not taking the time to use my DSLR or in some cases even taking it with me. I did manage to collect some pictures to share here, but most were from my camera's phone.

July 4th began a 10 day journey that took me from Washington to California and back. I think I did the trip backwards, taking only two days to get to Clear Lake, CA, stopping in Ashland, OR the first night.

Of course I made a few stops along the way, but this part of the journey had more to do with getting to Clear Lake, than enjoying the trip down.

From mountains to flat lands, I felt the different climates change and heat up.  By the time I reached Red Bluff, CA, the heat of midday became too unbearable and I was forced to put the bike to rest for a few hours and hide in the shade. Living the majority of the past 22 years in the PNW has made temperatures above 90 hard to handle, and it was 110 when I got to Red Bluff. AFter a couple hours there I was able to get back on the road and reach Clear Lake in the early evening.

I stayed in Clear Lake for a few days, making short runs to Lake Berryessa, Pinole, San Fransisco, Albany, Oakland and Petaluma and taking a day to rest before the long coastal run home.

Visiting the old stomping grounds, seeing family, old friends, surrogate siblings, and a teacher I had a huge crush on (she is still quite beautiful and has that great smile I remember as a teen), was a cathartic experience. It reminded me of where I came from, and how far.
Not only did the old memories flood through various experiences during this trip, but being alone for the majority of the trip allowed me time to be a bit introspective (one of the great advantages of being on a motorcycle). I was able to take stock of certain things in and around my life.
The road north would allow me even more of that time among some of the best views through northern California and the Oregon Coast.

Sleeping in the Redwoods. The awesomeness of the Sequoias is impressive, and I had forgotten. It had been years since I had been among them, and I had forgotten how distinctive the forest around them is, from the smells to the color of the forest floor, not to mention the trees themselves.

The morning brought a great road, an alternate to HWY 101 in Humboldt County, called The Avenue of Giants. This road was perfect for Friday morning before traffic happened. I did catch a few cars going my way, but each of them allowed me to pass relatively quickly.  The road itself was in better condition than I would have expected with all the giant roots in the area to push it up and rip through...

I was able to get a decent amount of it on my GoPro...

Its a shame this road is so far away from here, I would likely find a way to make this a commute...

After leaving the Avenue, I found myself entirely too rushed, and I know I missed several good viewpoints I should have been recording the GP through or stopped for pictures. I will take much more time between the redwoods and Coos Bay next time I make this trip.

California's coastline was fogged in most of the way, but Oregon's coast was outstanding. Once I reached Coos Bay I found that I had some travel left to get to Sunset Bay. There is a really well cultivated campground and park there, which I have to say, was unexpected.  Now I know where Oregon spends its money (I haven't found their roads to be in great shape).

The last two days was a nice ride, but mostly uneventful push to Astoria and then home through Aberdeen.

I will try to detail some of the roads, my favorites and my least, from this trip in later posts.  But I've rambled on long enough for now...

This summer's been awesome, stay tuned for my Gifford-Pinchot Whitewater rafting motorcycle twisties trip.