All my joking about the Pacific Northwest weather bit me in the butt when I ventured into California on Day 12, only to have temperatures dip to their coolest levels so far. To add insult to injury, there was more climbing than I anticipated, possibly because the 9-mile Newton Drury Scenic Parkway was closed and I had to stay on 101 instead.
Welcome to sunny...errrr.....I mean rainy California
The first day back on my ride with 15-16 pounds of extra weight was a challenge, but it was filled with rewards too. While I have an estimate of each day's elevation gain, I didn't plot out how long each climb was or when it would take place. As it turned out, there were two fairly long climbs into the Redwoods and back to the coast. The rewards were the magnificent views I enjoyed on the way back down.
Even a panorama shot doesn't do the views justice
The morning highlight was the ride along Crescent City's version of Pebble Beach Drive. To be fair, it wasn't quite the Pebble Beach Drive we know, but it was pretty darn good.
Pebble Beach Drive, Crescent City style
Vista Point Lighthouse
After Crescent City, it was time for the first of two big climbs and time for the air to take on more of a chill factor. I hadn't worn my rain cover or even my windbreaker even during the Washington rain, but I finally broke down before the second climb, in Klamath, for the final 22 miles.
What goes up...
...has earned the right to go down
I finally rolled into Orick after 75 miles, 3,750' of climbing, and 6.5 hours in the saddle. I'm beginning to realize how much the extra 15+ pounds of weight slows me down. Combine that with my cautious pedal stroke, and it makes for a long day.
Loaded Vilier at the top of the second climb
...and discarded the windbreaker
I'm staying at the Palm Motel and Cafe; I wasn't expecting the Ritz and I didn't get it. The motel is very dated, smells dank, and either I'm getting vertigo from cycling or these floors aren't very level. But you know what? It works. I was able to do my laundry here, I can plug in my electrical devices, the linen is clean, the manager was very nice, and he fed me pork chops and damn good hot wing noodle soup right next door at his cafe. So what if there's no coffee or shampoo?
Palm Motel & Cafe was the right spot...and the only spot...to stay in Orick
Quick physical update: I was starting to worry about my knee after Klamath. It was getting a little sore despite conservative riding, and I was afraid the added weight and climbing were taking a toll. But the pain subsided when I warmed up during the ensuing climb and it feels good after two icings tonight. Everything else it's pretty much status quo.
...and Easy Street is still closed
Day 12 Recap: Brookings, OR to Orick, CA
Actual Miles: 75.4
Cumulative Miles: 768.9
Elevation Gain: 3,720'
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 29,142'
% Distance to Mexico: 40.8%
Actual Miles: 75.4
Cumulative Miles: 768.9
Elevation Gain: 3,720'
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 29,142'
% Distance to Mexico: 40.8%
RSS Feed
