Sep 3: Harris Beach State Park In Oregon to Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in CA (69.4 miles)

I slept great: in bed by 7pm and awoke at about 7am. Today will be a long day and includes the second longest uphill of this route.

Last night I hiked up to the beach view area on top of a small hill. Here are three views: looking south, west and north

It was a pleasantly flattish ride to the Oregon and California border and I kept my eye out for a Welcome to CA sign, but if there is one then I missed it. Next stop was Crescent City, the last place where I can buy lunch, dinner and breakfast.

The views just don’t stop

After Crescent City I have a very big hill to climb, about 1300 feet. I made good use of my granny gear and utilized as many turnouts as I could to recharge before the next push. Climbing at only 5 MPH ensures that I get to enjoy this hill for a good long time. At least the forest offered a lot of shade.

When I finally did reach the long downhill part I hit a max speed of 40 MPH, all of he way back down to the ocean

I came across the Trees of Mystery and their giant Paul Bunyan and Babe, his Blue Ox statues. Paul greets everyone (there’s a guy in side) and can wave.

Another big climb at mile 60 was very tiring, but then I had a nine mile downhill ride through giant Redwoods. Here’s my bike next to one that was nowhere near the biggest. Truly impressive trees.

I arrived at Elk Prairie Campground in time to shower and eat before the sun set. I met a new set of bike tourists, from England and Germany.

I’m beat and am pretty sure I’ll sleep well!