U.S. 101 is an identity crisis in highway form. Stretching from Olympia, Washington to L.A., this major road is quite scenic and offers some of the best views of the West Coast from a car. Because of the extreme variance in population in the regions it passes through, it can range from two lanes to eight or more. During the day, vehicles would pass us in random droves and sometimes a full minute or more would pass without a single car anywhere on the road - a bit eerie, but also cool. Winding between the mountains of the Coast Ranges, it was a ride that tested us in many ways as we shaved off the miles in the dry California heat.
Ride Overview
Mileage: 92.4
Elevation: +6834’/-5617’
General Direction: Navigate onto the southbound Avenue of the Giants and stay on it for 17 miles, re-enter U.S. 101, Option 1: Take U.S. 101 all the way into Willits and exit onto Main Street, use residential streets to reach the stayover, Option 2: Take the exit for Benbow Road at mile 25.5, re-enter at mile 29.8, turn right onto CA-271 S at mile 32.7, re-merge with 101 at 38.8, turn left onto CA-271 S at mile 47.6 and re-enter at mile 49.6, continue on 101 for the duration.
Points of Interest: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California Coast Ranges, South Fork Eel River, Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Tales of the Trail
The Bike America Team started their day with a gorgeous sunrise as seen peaking through the redwoods. Supposedly, we were going to be awarded another 17 miles on the Avenue of the Giants, but this ended up being about 12 due to an ambiguously marked closed road that one group had to backtrack up a hill to avoid. Nevertheless, it was another chance to be among these massive trees and a wonderful start to the day all the same. From there, we became good friends with U.S. 101 and continued at a mostly climbing pace given it was a net uphill for the entire day. Construction zones were everywhere, but we have become seasoned pros at waiting in one-lane queues (honestly, it’s pretty interesting how many construction flaggers we’ve spoken to alone on this trip). Shoulders appeared and disappeared erratically, sometimes in stressful places along two-lane sections, and today’s ride became a good exercise in where we would best be situated in pedaling on this road. Rest stops were wonderful things to have on a day like today, and our third one in the town of Laytonville gave groups a chance to get some lunch before continuing. The heat continued to cook the pavement as we raced the last 21 miles toward the small but adorable town of Willits.
Closing in on 200 miles!
Van selfie!
The Jons in the construction queue. Notice the rare electric Lucid in front of us.
The Sams making one of the many climbs of the day on 101.
Tonight, we are staying at Willits United Methodist Church. The evening consisted of many things including showers, writing letters, ice cream at Scoops before it closed, shopping for prom outfits, and a wonderful dinner of lasagna and sides provided by our hosts. The end is looming quite close at this point, and while the mileage on the bike only decreases from here, the awareness of the finish and the mental and emotional recognition of the bridge getting closer and closer only continue to grow. Tomorrow is Healdsburg and wine country!
Fun Fact: Willits, California is home to legendary champion racehorse Seabiscuit.
Super excited for showers!
Cyclist’s Corner: Team Edition
From now until the end of the ride, this segment will be a single open answer or poll-style question that most or all of the team will answer. :)
Today’s Question: What was your favorite state to ride through? (Answers displayed in order along the route.)
Colorado: Nabeel, Jonathan B., Kathryn, Jonathan Y., Nina, Jean, Edward
Wyoming: Olivia, Sam M. (1)
Oregon: Sam R. (1)
California: Paul, Jaylen, Patrick, Sam R. (2), Sam M. (2), Adam
A master at work.