Re: Northern California ride June 2018
My wife and I moved to Waco from McKinleyville two years ago, so I know the area pretty well (she was there for 20 years, me, about two years). I've been up into Oregon the way you are speaking of, and it's a great ride. However, if you can take an extra day, go east on 299 from McKinleyville until you can go south on Forest Road 6, which you can eventually hook up with Forest Rd 1, which intersects with Hwy 36 and you can wind your way back over to 101. That ride will take much of the day, and it's magnificent. The forest roads are pretty much paved (barely in spots), but there's literally no traffic and the twisties and scenery are beyond awesome. Wind up the day with a walk in Arcata's Redwood Park. You will not find a more awesome display of giant Redwoods to walk among. (To my way of thinking, it's the best city park in America, and it's not small either.)
As to places to stay, there "ain't much". Arcata has the best places to eat in the area, and is a pretty little town with an old fashioned square. I would pretty much avoid staying in Eureka unless you need help with the bikes; no shortage of tweekers there; however old town Eureka is pretty neat. If you need mechanical assistance with the bikes, there's a terrific little repair shop called North Coast Cycle on 15th St in Eureka. Also, Pacific Motorsports on the south side of Eureka is ok, but I'd avoid the dealers unless you need warranty work.
Hope you have fun! We may be out that way later this year, but after the BMW rally in Des Moines we're thinking northern Montana and possible on up to Banff.
My wife and I moved to Waco from McKinleyville two years ago, so I know the area pretty well (she was there for 20 years, me, about two years). I've been up into Oregon the way you are speaking of, and it's a great ride. However, if you can take an extra day, go east on 299 from McKinleyville until you can go south on Forest Road 6, which you can eventually hook up with Forest Rd 1, which intersects with Hwy 36 and you can wind your way back over to 101. That ride will take much of the day, and it's magnificent. The forest roads are pretty much paved (barely in spots), but there's literally no traffic and the twisties and scenery are beyond awesome. Wind up the day with a walk in Arcata's Redwood Park. You will not find a more awesome display of giant Redwoods to walk among. (To my way of thinking, it's the best city park in America, and it's not small either.)
As to places to stay, there "ain't much". Arcata has the best places to eat in the area, and is a pretty little town with an old fashioned square. I would pretty much avoid staying in Eureka unless you need help with the bikes; no shortage of tweekers there; however old town Eureka is pretty neat. If you need mechanical assistance with the bikes, there's a terrific little repair shop called North Coast Cycle on 15th St in Eureka. Also, Pacific Motorsports on the south side of Eureka is ok, but I'd avoid the dealers unless you need warranty work.
Hope you have fun! We may be out that way later this year, but after the BMW rally in Des Moines we're thinking northern Montana and possible on up to Banff.