Hi Gail
did you try last fall to tackle Gold Bluffs road?
Meanwhile I checked my GPS data for this dirt road through dense and dark redwood jungle:
length approx. 3 miles, 25 minutes one way, east entrance 75 ft above sea level, summit at 480 ft after 1 mile, then 2 miles to sea level at west entrance.
Lots of blind turns, potholes, narrow at times but opportunities to let other traffic pass. My first run was awful, I thought it took me forever (where it was only 25 minutes). The rig had to take some rough potholes. My way back at dusk was even more awful, because I had to return upon realizing "campground full", and I lost a bag and had to return from half way to the camp. The second return trip went pretty good since I tried a different mind set. If on a street rig, I wouldn't even think of it in wet conditions. Double check the bag attachements. Make sure you have a reservation in the camp ground; the camp situation is SPECTACULOR and worth the effort.
Take care and enjoy!
Hi Lorenz:
Thanks for the the very helpful information. I have not yet tackled the Gold Bluffs road. It is still on my list of things I wanna do before I get too much older. 🙂 I drive a VTX1300/Hannigan Astro, so your tip on road conditions is MOST helpful. 🙂 I bet that road is really bad this time of year. Think we will wait for drier conditions. I thought the road was 7 miles, so hearing that it is 3 miles is much more encouraging. Thanks for taking the time to post. Hope you are enjoying the memories of your adventure, Drive safe. g
Hi, the part of the road is "only" 3 miles in the Redwood jungle, thereafter is an easy dirt road of 2 miles along the shore to the camp ground. Parts of the unpaved road are quite nice, some are nasty (not for cars, but for bikes and rigs). I don't remember critical steepness for the rig in dry conditions. Curves (one or two steep), narowness, and potholes are more of a concern. Take your time and drive carefully, and let traffic pass at turn outs. The road however is not consistently narrow. Perhaps call the ranger and ask for least traffic times, and road conditions (but he or she may not be aware of specific rig related concerns). I just browsed thru the trip advisor on Gold Bluffs camping, they say no reservations are taken, consult it also for other important tips on camping there. Prairie Creek Campground - where I ended up - is just across the jungle/hill with easy access from 101; perhaps you can explore the shore from there. Hope this helps.
Perfect! Thank you. 🙂
g
gpers:
I see you have a vtx1300, that is on the list for a replacement to our Harley sportster 1200! What are your thoughts on the 1300 as a tug? We are beginging to think that we might be working the sportster a little to hard!
Hi:
I have almost 50,000 on my rig now. The VTX has plenty of power, and good low end torque. I think the VTX is a good tug hauler. No problems climbing to elevation. Requires standard maintenance - I have added a 3 gal gravity feed tank which gives me an easy 200 mile range. Not that I want to go that far without stops. 🙂 I have also added wind deflectors and engine chaps for cold or rainy traveling. It's a good bike. I've attached a photo of the 3,000 ft climb from Big Pine to Westgard pass. No issues there. Also climbed the Moki Dugway - no issues with power. The VTX can cruise all day. Handles fine at freeway speeds (80+ available)- just the driver gets bored and would rather be doing 2 lanes somewhere else. 🙂 -
Hope this helps. Good luck in your search. Ride safe.
g
Thanks for the info, that sounds really good! The short story is we ride about 600# above the bike weight (sidecar+riders) We push pretty hard, 17,000mi in little over ayear! Planning a cross country trip in 2014, nows the time to upgrade!
Sounds like you ride the way we used to. A cross country trip sounds like a blast. We are considering a short 4,000 mile trip this year. All weather and health dependent. - Any idea where you might be heading in 2014?. Be sure and post so we can follow your journey. ..
good journey to you, g
