Thursday, May 15, 2008

Tour of Unknown Coast and Ferndale

During May 8-13, five friends and I went to Ferndale to participate in the 30th Annual Tour of the Unknown Coast Century Ride and spend some time in the area hiking and exploring this unique part of Northern California.

The TUC was an awesome ride, one of the most challenging that I had ever done. Over 100 miles, the elevation gain was nearly 10,000' with three major, very steep mountains to climb.

Overcoming extreme fatigue and cramps, I finished the ride in 10 hrs, 15 mins. I dedicated this ride to my late wife, Patti, who inspired me to finish this grueling event.

Following the ride, our group hiked the trails of Trinadad Head and Patricks Point State Park. We visited some of the beaches near the Big Lagoon, the Eureka Old Town and the redwood forests.

The photos below were taken in Ferndale and other places in the Humbolt Redwoods area.

Note: To view enlarged photo, mouse over picture and click


It's spring so the rhodos were in full glorious bloom

Frank and I at the Kinetic Sculpture Museum in Ferndale. This pedal powered bi-plane is an example of many creative crafts designed to race across land and sea between Arcata and Ferndale every Memorial weekend.


Ferndale is known for its Victorian architecture. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This home is a famous local icon and a bed and breakfast inn.


In Eureka, is the famous Carson Mansion built entirely of redwood. This home originally built by a lumbering tycoon is now a private men's club.

Frank, Harvey, Jay, Bob and me on the Big Lagoon beach between Orick and Trinadad

Looking down on the Trinadad Pier from the Headland trail

Me and my bike in front of Musubi (aka riceball) before the TUC


Our campground at the Ferndale Fairgrounds, home for 4 nights
Bob Anderson, Jay Okada, Bob Tribe, Harvey Cohon, and Frank Gerace who joined me on this excursion to the Redwoods. Thanks guys, it was a great week.

1 comment:

Dawn Fine said...

Hi Geno,
looks like you had a grueling ride...but you made it...Congratulations...