Riding the Redwoods

An Imaginary Journey

This month we’re going on a little ride together; a ride of the mind.  We’re going to imagine riding to the glorious Redwood Highway in California. Before we take off, we’ll need to take along some tunes. That’s where Steel Horse Audio comes in. On my mind trip, I’m taking a 2015 Harley Softail Breakout. I think I’ll make it Plum Purple.

Of course, the Breakout doesn’t come with a stereo system, and since the one I’m imagining has a set of bolt-on aftermarket pipes for the deep, throaty roar I love, I’ve decided on the Steel Horse Audio ST600 system with four chrome speakers. Might as well have the best, right?

The ST600 speaker system puts out over 900 watts of power for the best sound around. I’m choosing an eclectic blend of tunes for the road, from Bob Seger, to Queen, with some Irish Rovers thrown in for good measure. Now let’s hit the imaginary road. If you haven’t ridden the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), you owe it to yourself to put that trip on your bucket list.

One of the most scenic routes in the world, the PCH and S.R. 101 run concurrent along much of California’s 3,427 miles of shoreline, but it’s the northern-most section of the 101, where it kicks free of SR 1 at Leggett, that really kicks ass. A 350-mile long stretch known as the Redwood Highway starts at California’s famous Golden Gate Park, ends at the Oregon line, and winds its way through the world’s tallest and oldest trees up in Humboldt County. Known worldwide for their pot growing since back in the 1960s, Humboldt is where 17,000 acres of never-forested trees grow undisturbed in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. These old growth, virgin Redwoods reach for the heavens and leave visitors awe struck with their magnificence in the famous Avenue of the Giants, which runs parallel to the 101. As we roar through this sweet section of majesty and magical wonderment, I am cranking up the Irish Rovers on my ST600 speaker system. Yeah, baby!

The road narrows to little more than a paved path through the mighty behemoths and transports visitors to a place of deep shadows and verdant ferns that grow at the base of trees that are over 1,500-years old. The massive old trees tower above the forest floor to heights of over 350-feet and nothing can make ya feel more insignificant than stopping to stand beside one these massive giants.

If you’re into hiking, there are over 100 miles of trails in the park, but personally, I’m happier cruising on my imaginary Harley Breakout, so I tend to find places to soak up the nature vibes in places where I don’t have to work that hard. Like at a campground. My favorite is the Redwood River Resort, which is 27-miles south of the park and offers all the comforts of home. Located right across the 101 from Confusion Hill and offering a variety of cabin options, there are also inexpensive sites where you can set up your homestead right at the base of the Redwoods.

There’s nothing like snuggling up in your sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep to the sound of the wind gently rustling through the trees. Owned by a charming little octogenarian Brit named Billie and her family, the property boasts such conveniences as shower and laundry facilities, a built-in pool and a convenience  store as well as a comfortable pub that exhibits the family’s great sense of humor. Painted to represent and old English phone booth, the pub door sports a sign warning that “Muggles” aren’t allowed. That’s Harry Potter-speak for “non-magical folk.”

Inside the pub, everyone is treated like family and tasty pub grub and a full bar sates guests while sports are played on the television. The fire pit outside invites stargazing while sipping wine.

And with these tantalizing images dancing in our heads, we pull back from our imaginary ride to the Redwoods to make plans for a real ride. Hey, it’s perfect riding weather, why not hit the road for real? One thing is for sure, no matter what you ride, a sound system from Steel Horse Audio will help you make some mighty sweet two-wheeled memories.

To find out more about the Humbolt Redwoods State Park and the Redwood River Resort, check out the websites below.

—Dave Nichols

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=425
http://www.redwoodriverresort.com/html/home.html