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1400 miles trip to West Coast Madness 2011
Just got back from the annual ST Madness gathering in Weaverville, CA this past weekend. 1400 miles in 5 days, starting near Sacramento. Richard and I left on a Tuesday and road back roads through Berryessa, Pope Valley to Guerneville then took Cazadero Road up to Skaggs Springs to Stewarts Point then Mendocino on the coast. Cazadero road is very desolate and one lane much of the way but very beautiful up in the coast range. We met one logging truck coming down a hill. When these guys come down a hill they dont stop, so you better find a way around them. Was a bit dicey as there was not much room.
Stayed in a nice hotel in Mendocino, then took the Mendocino-Comptche road to Ukiah. Never been on this road either, and it is a real gem. First part through the forests then opens up into beautiful views. Pavement good for first half then gets crappy, but not bad on the ST. We then went out hiway 20 to Williams (very fast and smooth) and up to Maxwell, then looped around Stonyford and back to Orland and to Chico. Went up 32 to Chester. Some traffic on this road but really pretty through the forrest with a river next to the road most of the way. So much water due to large snowpack this year. We had dinner with some friends from the Madness group on Lake Almanor at their summer cabin. Very beautiful, but watch for deer coming back to the hotel at night. We saw one buck dead on the road.
Next morning got up and wanted to ride through Lassen National Park, but was closed due to snow, so we road around it and down 44 and eventually hit the famous hiway 36. This road has a sign that says winding road next 175 or so miles, so great ride on the bike. Then took a back road (Wildwood) to hiway 3 to 299 to Weaverville.
Met up with everyone (about 30 or so) mainly on ST's but a few on older Multistroodles and Turbo on his new Multistrada.
Next day road up hiway 3 to my favorite area ever around Etna. Took a road from Calahan to Forks of the Salmon. Not really a town, just a few trailors and shacks around, although you can get gas if you need to, but you have to get the key first from the trailor down the road. Very rustic! Then back up another fork of the Salmon River to Etna. Pics show us at the pass which goes down to Etna. Then back to Weaverville.
This was one of the better trips with all the snow and water. Truly magnificent. I recommend riding up north of 299 anywhere as it is one the most beautiful places I have ever ridden.
This is the bike (99 ST4) that had the cracked case due to rear motor mount failure. Have about 3000 miles on it since the repair (51,000 total) and so far so good. Got 49.6 mpg on the way back.
So lotsa drinking at night and enjoying old friends and talking bike tales. A great time.
Here are some pics from the trip. Yes, those are chaps!
Mike
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