I promised my mom that I would safely deliver Ethan to San Francisco.  Well….WE’RE HERE!  Ethan flies out tonight, I’m sad that I’ll be losing my right hand man.  It’s been an unforgettable brother bonding extravaganza and we loved every SECOND of the journey! Thank you ETHAN for taking time off work to make this happen. Until the next adventure…

Check out my article in the Daily Camera about our cruise in the Avenue of the Giants.

or read it here:

MENDOCINO, Calif. — I’m in the land of huge trees and half expecting dinosaurs to pop out of the forests and chase me down. I feel like I’m on another planet.

Colorado has some pretty aspen groves, but they don’t compare with the mighty redwoods.

For three days, we’ve been pedaling through some of the most magical terrain in the world. The giants appeared almost immediately after crossing the border from Oregon into California. The majestic coastline is no longer the highlight; it’s the redwood forests.

Good old Highway 101 led us straight into a lush forest just after heading south from Crescent City. In a matter of miles, the trees on the side of the road morphed from typical pines to giants as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Our first big hill of the entire route started here, and my legs burned as I pedaled up 1,200 feet. I’d laugh at an ascent like this in Colorado, but starting from sea level made this a real challenge. The fact that I’m pulling a trailer with all our gear also adds about 50 pounds of difficulty.

Sweat dribbled down my grimacing face as I struggled up the hill, but I couldn’t waste energy on being tired. The scenery was too inspiring to complain.

After getting to the top of the “mountain,” we enjoyed our surroundings even more. The afternoon was spent with our heads cocked straight up, gazing in awe at the huge trees. I usually try to keep my eyes on the road when descending, but I couldn’t help myself. It’s a good way to crash, but the consequences were worth it.

This seven-mile section of redwoods was only a teaser to what was looming down the road. A day later, we were treated to a 32-mile break from hectic Highway 101 as we entered the Avenue of the Giants.

Being on a bike is the perfect way to enjoy these forests. We pedaled just enough to keep the bikes moving forward. I felt bad for the people in vehicles who had roofs over their heads.

Ethan, my brother, and I took four hours to travel what would normally take a couple of hours. I felt like we’d be disrespecting their legacy if we flew through.

I always knew that redwoods were big, but I had no idea that they could reach 20 feet in diameter and heights up to 360 feet. Their sheer size is impressive, but what really impresses me is that they can be 2,000 years old.

I’ve seen some amazing landscapes from the seat of my bike, but the Avenue of the Giants has to be the most scenic of all the scenic byways in America.

It’s an educational journey, as well. Every mile or so, you can pull off and read about the history of the coastal redwoods. One of the most sobering facts I learned was that only 4 percent of the original forests remain today. After the Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, redwood logging took off. I love looking at those beautiful Victorian homes in San Francisco, but most of them are made from these trees.

Emerging from the Avenue was a sad moment. I wanted to turn around and pedal back to the happy zone. We were melting when we returned to Highway 101 — it was the hottest day of the year in this area, 107 degrees.

Riding these 32 miles was a gift from nature. The trees protected us from the obnoxious truck noise on the nearby highway, and they created a tunnel of shade that cooled us from the blazing heat of the day.

I’m forever in debt to these trees for providing one of the most memorable days I’ve ever had on a bike.

32 miles of beautiful Redwood forests…best seen by bike!

Redwoods are HUGE! It’s heaven riding around Northern California, it feels like I’m in Jurassic park. Check out my latest videos and come with me on a virtual tour of the Coast Redwoods.

We’ve been loving the coast of Oregon but tomorrow in 27.8 quick miles we’ll be into California! We’re psyched to see some redwoods, I hear them some big trees!

Here’s a quick video for your viewing pleasure

Life is lovely traveling on two wheels! Wanna see just how lovely? Check out my latest two videos and it’ll give you a taste. Have a great weekend, I know I will!

 

And here’s a story in the DailyCamera detailing our ‘ferry’ experience in Washington.

We crossed into Oregon smack dab in the middle of GoonieVille in the charming little town of Astoria.  It’s one of my favorite adventure movies of all time and perhaps was the inspiration behind my adventures.   All is well here in Oregon, Ethan and I are having a grand time together.  Here’s a couple recent videos to keep you up to date with the journey!

Ethan and I just crossed into Astoria Oregon, home of the Goonies!  This was and still is my favorite adventure movie of all time.

Just so happens I’ve made some of my own adventure movies…check out what we’ve been doing the past couple days.

Way out here on the Olympic Peninsula there is a little access to internet…or cell coverage.  I’m sorry about not posting videos more often, I have em’ ready for you but the satellites aren’t aligning correctly for uploading.  Fortunately this morning I found a cozy little cafe with super slow internet and tasty pancakes…it’s just enough to squeak out a couple vids.

Enjoy this Saturday double feature! Life is great by the way! Ethan Jeff and I are having a grand adventure.

Day 3 Video

Day 2 video

Check out my first article in the DailyCamera, it’s a good one!