Coasting down the Coast As a result of my wife going to Orr Hot Springs (in the mountains between Mendocino and Ukiah in Northern California) for the week-end, my bike and I got a ride up to Mendocino. My plan was to ride south for 3 days to Petaluma, where my wife would pick me up on her way back home to San Francisco.

I didn't want to carry the extra weight of camping or cooking gear on such a short ride through populated areas. I was able to arrange a hosted night 8 miles south of Gualala the first night. A good friend of mine offered his cabin in Cazadero, about 40 miles south of Gualala, for my second night. Petaluma is about 40 miles south of Cazadero.

I have ridden from San Francisco to Gualala and to Petaluma, so that part of the ride wouldn't be new to me. I've also done some day rides along the Mendocino coast. But, I've never done this stretch as part of a longer tour and here was my opportunity.

On those previous ride, I wasn't carrying a camera and part of the attraction to this tour was the chance to get some photos and write up a journal of this section of coast.

All in all, this was a fabulous ride full of beautiful scenery, very helpful tailwinds, and not much traffic. My couchsurfing hosts were top-notch, as well. Should you ever have the chance to ride along this route, I'd highly recommend it!

This ride extends the part of the California Coast that I've ridden from Mendocino to San Diego. In September, 2012, I rode down most of the Washington and some of the Oregon Coasts (Journal here). The gap from Tillamook, OR to Mendocino, CA is what I've yet to do. Return to Main Menu

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Words and Images Copyright © 2012 by Ray Swartz
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