2015 Transam Trail, Days 28-35

Days 28-34: Hanging Loose at Pradeep’s

At first I planned to spend a couple of days with Pradeep and then hit the road for a hard ride back. 300 moles per day for 10 days plus a rest day or two. I was supposed to meet a friend, Jason, in Portland on Sept 23 for a few days but I was wiped and didn’t feel like the extra 700 miles up there plus waiting another 2 weeks before heading home.

After a couple of days rest at Pradeep’s, and his making me feel as much as home ad anyone could, I came up with her a new plan: leave the bike at his place and fly home, returning in spring for vacation with Denise and then ride it back home. Pradeep suggested I could leave my bike there if I’d like, I decided to take advantage of that.

After another day of thought I decided that if I could sell the bike for a reasonable price in Santa Rosa I’d do it. I could also feel the urgency to return home subside a bit and started to feel good about being on the road a while longer. I rode down to the dealer and they offered $1,500, exactly what I predicted. Personal sale is closer to $3,000. For a quick sale I might get $2,500. So, I listed it on Craigslist and bought a plane ticket home for Sept 30, planning to meet Jason in Portland after all.

The rest of the week I just relaxed and let my body recover while Pradeep was at work. I watched movies, read books and made good home cooked, fresh food again (stir fry, multiple times, pancakes, gnocchi with gorgonzola, fresh fruit). Pradeep and I went out to eat each night and even managed a quick ride to the beach for a picture.

Pradeep left for China Friday night and gave me free reign of his house as long as I wanted to stay. I watched movies, napped, went for walks and, by Sunday afternoon I was itching to be on the road again, just in time for my planned departure the next morning.

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Days 35, 9/21: Pacific Coastal Highway and the Redwoods
Odometer Finish: 13,619
Total Trip Miles: 5,884

I have looked forward to seeing the Redwoods for as long as I can remember. The time had come though not before a ride through vineyards and along the coast line of norther  California.

It was darn cold on the coast. I had every layer on and was still chilled to the bone. I have to wonder how the guys on cruisers with no more wind protection than me and open faced helmets kept a straight face. Underneath those tough facades were little boys crying for their mommy, I’m sure.

A few pics from the trip. I hadn’t noticed that my lens was dirty. Oops.

After the coast I rode inland and got to run through the Avenue of the Giants. This is an amazing, 32 mile ride through old growth redwoods. I was suitably impressed by trees over 1,000 years old and 300 ft tall!

As luck would have it, I camped in an old growth grove, you can’t beat that.

More redwoods were on the itinerary for tomorrow. Stay tuned!