Route 66 to Victorville

Monday 20th April
We’re staying on Route 66 till Victorville, in places there’s memorabilia, but in long stretches it’s desolate desert.

On this road for 30 odd miles and then it’s an uneventful 300 mls on freeway and interstate, a bum numbing experience! I’m glad when we reach King City.
Tuesday 21st April
Freeway and interstate until we reach San Francisco.

A ride around before heading to motel to sort our kit and wash the bike.

Wednesday 22nd April
Return the bike and make our way to the airport, we are flying back to the UK.
No problems booking our bikes on with Virgin Airlines.
It’s the end of our 3 mths and it’s been awesome!
We’ve  used various modes of transport.
We’ve done;
Cycling   2110 mls 3376km
Camper  2821 mls 4513km
Harley    2704 mls 4326km
So back to our caravan in the UK and really looking forward to going home.

Route 66

We’ve travelled 350ish miles to reach the Historic Route 66 at Barstow.

The route is through the Mojave High Desert, it’s hot, 32°, and desolate, seems to be where planes go to die!
Couldn’t get close enough to photo the masses of planes rusting in the sun.

Route 66 is 2451mls long, known as the ‘Mother Rd, constructed in 1926.
The route runs between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Sadly we weren’t able to visit the museum, which is only open on certain days.
The road was one of the main arteries between East and West, with people moving from the East for a better life in the sun!
Beginning in 50’s and continuing over the next 25yrs, the old route 66 was bypassed section by section.
Finally in 1984 the last stretch of freeway was finished, route 66 was decommisioned, the old route is now designated Historic Route 66.
We are staying in Route 66 motel.

Diners and motels play up to their 66 connections. With artefacts from the 50’s all along the route.

After checking in we rode to Daggett, about 10mls away.

You can see the freeway from here and although there’s a slip road the town is desolate and is one of the places not fortunate to have the trade that Barstow has.

The motel owner recommends a steak house.

It’s off the beaten track, but well worth it, the meal was delicious.

We rode back to the motel with the sun going down.

Yosemite

Saturday 18th April
We were gutted we couldn’t get to Yellowstone, especially afyer watching the TV programmes.
We have booked to go on a tour to Yosemite and I must say the place doesn’t dissapoint, we’ve had a wonderful day.
Our day started at 8am, being picked up from the next town, abput 40 mins away.
Yosemite is 30mls away and on entering the park we first see the Giant Sequoia trees.

These trees are descendants of an ancient line of trees and can live for over 2 thousand years.

Their trunks can reach over 25ft thick.
President Lincoln signed a bill to protect the trees in 1864.
In the years following a fire started and began a history of protecting these trees from fire.

Through research and experimentation it was discovered that fire promotes reproduction of these trees.
It clears away the competing firs and cedars to expose bare mineral soil for the tiny seeds to take root.

Rangers manage the areas, regularly setting fires. Once trees are mature they become fireproof.
Back on the bus and we’re taken to Valley View and after exiting the tunnel we’re taken aback by the sight.

Then on to Yosemite Valley to wander the trails and see the waterfalls.

The elevation varies in the park, the snowline is 4000ft, throughout the winter some of the roads are closed to cars from Nov to May.
Today the Tioga pass at nearly 10,000ft is still closed.

The afternoon we went to Glacier Point, there’s snow on the side of the road but none when we get to the point!
The vista is amazing and from the viewpoint you can see right down into Yosemite Valley.

The views are across the High Sierra and you can see for miles.

It was a brilliant trip, with stunning scenery.
We’re staying tonight at Marisopa and tomorrow will make our way to the
“Historic Route 66″…..

Tioga Pass

Thursday 16th April
As Tioga and 2 other passes are closed we have no alternative but to go back about 150mls the way we came, almost to Carson City!

We pick up route 50 just outside Carson City, it’s a beautiful ride, taking us up over 7000ft to Spooner Summit.

Then down to Lake Tahoe, which is a ski and beach resort.

Snow must still be good as the ski chairs are working and we see a few skiers.

It’s very cold and I’m glad of the oversuit, £10 well spent.
We ride along the lake before climbing.

The road is steep and Dyl is loving swooping into the corners!

All along the route there are signs warning of snow and to use snowchains.

After climbing through Elderado National Forest we are soon descending and reach the town of Placerville where we fill up and grab a coffee.
The change in temperature catches us by surprise and we’re soon stripping off layers.

It’s nice to feel a warm sun after being so cold the last few days.
We are heading to Yosemite National park, staying in Mariposa for a few days.
Friday 17th April
Mariposa is a California Gold rush town, and we enjoy walking around window shopping, it’s quite expensive!

We have decided to go on a tour to Yosemite tomorrow, the tours seem to be good value, we need to meet the bus at 8am.
So back to the motel, it’s hot, 28° so a dip in the hot tub! The pool is too cold to swim!

Into the mountains

Wednesday 15th April
It’s sunny this morning, although bitterly cold.
I have so many layers on I can hardly get on the bike!
We leave Susanville, down route 395.

Through Reno, and Carson city, all the way a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Casinos seem to be on nearly every corner.

Along to Lake Topaz and climb to over 7000ft over Devils Gate pass.

Then it’s a long drop down to Mono City and Mono Lake.

Mono lake basin supplies the water for Los Angeles, rain and snow have largely missed California 4 yrs in a row.
Record dry and warm conditions have combined to produce the worst drought in the states history.
The lake is a large saline soda lake, 2.5 times more salty than an ocean.
Brine shrimp thrive in its waters and eat the algae turning the lake from green to aqua blue.
We are staying in Lee Vining, although out of season we manage to find a motel and shop open.

We found this notice in the reception area.

Lee Vining honours the Vining brothers, Lee and Dick who were with a prospecting party, part of 2nd Infantry who made camp here after being pursued by Indians.
Talking to the guy in information centre we find out the pass we need to travel over is still closed due to the snow, so we’ll have to find another route to Yosemite.

California

Sunday 12th April
We’re back on route 1 and it takes us through beautiful Redwood forests.

We stop for lunch at Mac Kerricher National park, this is 3 mls north of Fort Bragg, the park came about in 1952 and consists of 9 mls of coastline.

It also has a blue whale skeleton.

All along the coast are Tsunami Hazard zone signs.

And the information centres have what to do leaflets.

Apparently the entire California coast is vulnerable to tsunamis.
Significant damage was caused in 2006, a tsunami may reach heights of 20 to 50ft.
The road we are on is taking us back into Redwood forest, logging country

So lots of wood carving stores.

There is also a ‘Legend of bigfoot’ shop, selling trinkets and carvings.

Bigfoot is legendary in North California where it has been sighted on a regular basis for the past 150yrs.

The Redwood trees are enormous.

Today has been quite cold on the bike and we’re pleased to reach Crescent city where we will spend the night.
The road has twisted and turned, and at times the speed limit is 10-15mph.
Monday 13th April
It’s cold this morning and we’re layered up. Ride into Oregon and breakfast at Grants Pass.

Our route is through Rogue River National park , we visit Jacksonville, a town that began in 1850’s with the gold rush.

There are some lovely buildings.

Some buildings have lovely murals.

We also spotted deer that were walking around seemingly used to people.

Our route continues over Mount Ashton, it’s very steep and I keep my eyes firmly fixed on the back of Dyl’s helmet!
This is route 66….
No not ‘THE’ route 66, thats further south.

We’re spending the night at Lakeview and the next 50mls are through flat agricultural land, with a few old barns.

The wind is strong and buffeting the bike and in the distance we can see sandstorms, thankfully it missed us.

It’s turning cold and the locals say it’s gonna snow!
Tuesday 14th April
Well they were right…
It did snow and its -4°…
We wait until about 11ish when it’s a tad warmer….. 2°

We wanted to travel to Yellowstone, but decided it’s not wise to carry on North as more snow is expected and chances are Yellowstone will be inaccessible.
We decide to head south and take a route to Susanville.

20 or so miles into the ride it starts snowing and I’m feeling the cold.
I have to put on more clothes, the all in one oversuit is far too big, but I don’t care what I look like!
And it is very cosy…

After stopping for steak and eggs we start to descend into Susanville, the snow capped mountains look lovely.

Susanville is located on the river Susan in the southern part of Lassen County, California.
It’s a former logging and mining town, formerly known as Rooptown.

San Francisco

Friday 10th April
We fly to San Francisco today.
When checking in our bikes my battery was taken out of the box and I was told to take it on as hand luggage.
On trying to do this I was told the battery couldn’t go on the plane and the guy quoted the ‘dangerous goods act’
Apparently because its 400w, if it had been 300w  it would have been ok.
So my battery is in Auckland and I have to get a courier to pick it up and ship it back to the UK….
So we arrive in San Francisco at 12.35, with the time difference arriving before we left New Zealand!
So we pick up the motorbike and book into a motel.
Saturday 11th April
A restless nights sleep, we decide to pack the bike and head up the coast.

Everything I have on apart from undies and socks was purchased for under £30 from the charity shop.
I’m delighted as to hire a jkt from the bike hire was $100 (£68)!

We make our way across San Francisco.

Stopping at Candlestick Park which used to be the home of 49ers American Football team until 2013.
The name 49er comes from the 1849 gold rush.

The stadium is in the process of being demolished.
They now play at Levi’s stadium at Santa Clara (38mls south)
We cross over the Golden Gate bridge.

There is a Lone Sailor memorial overlooking the bridge.

It represents a sailor’s last view of the West coast, thousands and thousands of sailors have sailed past this place in peace and war.
There are 12 lone sailor statues throughout the USA.
After picking up California’s route 1 we travel along the coast.
The weather is good.

We move inland and will spend the night at Cloverdale.
We eat at a traditional diner, sitting at the counter and have steak and eggs.

Dyl has been in his element, riding the twist and turns of the coastal road.

And only caught the pegs twice!!

Last week in New Zealand

Saturday 4th April
Off to a rugby match in Hamilton between the Chiefs and the Blues from Auckland.
The Chiefs are no 2 in the ‘Super 14 Tri Nations League’
We watched a development match first between the two sides, the Blues won convincingly.
Before the main event the Chiefs had their own Haka.

Blues took the early lead.

With minutes to the end at 13-13 the Chiefs got a try and converted, not a bad game, although the refreshments were a tad expensive.

£3.75 for a 330ml can of beer.
I will never moan about Twickenham at £5 a pt again!
Sunday 5th April
We’re driving North to Cape Reinga, New Zealand furthest point.
It’s a long drive from Hamilton and we spend the night 60mls or so from our destination at 90 mile beach.

Although it is actually 56ml (90km)
You are able to drive along the beach as long as your car is 4wd.
Tour buses travel this way to Cape Reinga.
This evening there are people cockle collecting.

Monday 6th April
An early srart and we are on our way to the Cape, this is Northland and the weather is sub tropical.
It’s a glorious day as we climb up and over the various mountains.
The Cape is spectacular.

It is here that the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet resulting in churning waves.
For Maori these waters are where the male sea;
Te Moana Tapokopoko Tawhaki
Meets the female sea;
Te Tai Whiterela
The whirlpools where the currents clash are like those that dance in the wake of a waka (canoe).

They represent the coming together of male and female and the creation of life.
This is also considered a most spiritual place for all Maori, the departing place of the spirits of the recently deceased.

As there is only one road to here we return and make our way to Auckland.
On the way we visit the Ancient Kauri Kingdom and marvel at logs that have been extracted from local swamps, thousands of years old and made into furniture.
There is a giant staircase made from a trunk said to be 45,000 yrs old.

It took over 500 hrs with a chainsaw to cut this out.
It’s magnificent…..
Our campsite is North Auckland.
Tuesday 7th April
Well it had to happen…..
All campsites have communal kitchens with fridges, freezers and cookers.
The idea is you bag your stuff, put your name on it and put in fridge.
Not a problem, until today….
Someone has gone through our bag and pinched pork chops and a dozen eggs!
No eggs for breakfast….so into town to do shopping and scour the charity shops as I still need a jkt and boots. We take the bus into town, find a bike shop and secure boxes which we will collect tomorrow.
There are many “Op shops”, opportunity shops in support of charities and churches.
I manage to pick up a leathet jkt for £15 and leather boots for £8, well chuffed.
Weds 8th April
This last 2 days is spent cleaning the camper, packing the bikes and some last minute sightseeing.

Thursday 9th April
The bikes are packed, the camper returned and just our hand luggage to sort and time to reflect on our trip.
Dyl was so right about the camper
(don’t tell him I said that!)
We have done 2800 mls in the van and seen some amazing places and although we managed just over 500 mls on the bike we would not have managed much more with the steepness of the roads and the vastness of this country.
It’s been a trip to remember.
We’re at the airport waiting to fly to San Francisco.

I know Dyl is so looking forward to his time in the USA on a motorbike!

The Hauraki Rail Trail

Wednesday 1st April
We stayed last night in Waihi, the trail is about a mile away, so after crossing the railway, which has no gates, lights or barriers!

We’re ready to start the trail, we intend to cycle out to Paeroa and back.

The trail runs alongside the railway, road and river.
Plenty to see, passing a disused gold mine.

Over bridges

Through tunnels

The countryside is lovely, riding through the gorge.

We also pass Waikino station, there is a cafe on the platform and railway memorabilia.

On reaching Paeroa  we explore the main street, there are plenty of Antique and charity shops.
We have been on the lookout for motorcycle clothing for when we get to San Francisco, we’re lucky to find 2 waterproof oversuits for only £10 each in the Salvation Army.
Paeroa is famous  for a drink.
Good Lemonish stuff…

There are a couple of these that stand over 2mtrs tall in town.
Arriving  back at Waihi we take a drive to the beach, apparently it’s famous for surfing, but all had finished when we got there.

Thursday 2nd April
We’re driving to Thames, the largest town on Coromandel Peninsula.
Height of the gold boom in 1880’s.
We are intending to ride the trail the other way Thames to Paeroa.
We find a coast trail before starting The Hauraki Trail.

Starting the trail we once again wish we were on mountain bikes.
The trail is through dairy farmland so plenty of cows and after yesterday’s route it’s a tad dissapointing.
Although the ice cream stop at the Convenient Cow was delicious!

So back to the camper and drive to Hamilton where we intend to stay a couple of days.
Apparently there’s a rugby match on Saturday between The Chiefs and The Blues, can’t be in New Zealand and not take in a rugby match!

Friday 3rd April
We’re in Hamilton, exploring the cycle routes.
The Te Aura river ride takes us alongside the river Waikato.

It’s a lovely route through parkland and the ground is smooth and in places wooden, excellent.
Its about 20km so we do it both ways.

The end of the route is at Hamilton Gardens.

Not sure what this is……
A pebble blanket?

Return to campsite and get admin done.

Muddy Holes!!

Monday 30th March
This is the view I awoke to this morning, Dyl had made a cuppa so I sat in bed in the camper and watched the ducks.

It promises to be a nice day so after packing up we park the van on the street and set off to cycle around Lake Rotorua.
The route is ok, although in places little hard shoulder and you’re sharing with massive trucks.
Easier to get off the road and let them pass!

Returning to our site we cycle through thermal ground.

It’s quite weird to see these puddles bubbling up.

We met a guy, Evan Freshwater who is manager for New Zealand Cycle Trails and is responsible for the trails we have been on.
Great talking with him and we gleaned a lot of local history as well as recommendations for trails we should try. Hence tomorrow we will try
The Hauraki Rail Trail.
We told him we were surprised there wasn’t a trail around the lake but as he explained there are quite a few landowners and you just can’t make a route regardless.
Returning to the camper we had managed to clock up 29mls.
So as we’re off to Hobbiton tomorrow, today is my treat and we’re going to Hells Gate for a mud bath and sulphur dip.

This was absolutely fabulous, although after I could have done with curling up and having a snooze!
Our destination tonight is Matamata, this is where we will book to go to Hobbiton.
We book a tour at the Info centre and tomorrow we will get the bus to
Hobbiton Movie Set.

Info centre

Matamata has a population of 7000, it has no traffic lights, and no parking meters or wardens so tomorrow our van can stay parked all day.
It’s mainly dairy farming and horse racing and now massive tourism with Hobbiton.

Tuesday 31st March
We pick up the bus outside the Info centre, I’m not a fan but Dyl is a massive fan having read the books from a youngage & watched all the films as soon as they are released with Lee.
Anyway the story goes that in 1998 Sir Peter Jackson discovered the Alexander farm during an aerial search for suitable film sites.
39 hobbit holes were created with untreated timber, ply and polystyrene.

Thatch for the roofs of the Green Dragon and the mill were cut from rushes around the Alexander farm.

When they were rebuilt for the hobbit trilogy in 2009 these structures were built out of permanent materials including an artificial tree which was made of steel and silicone.

This process took 2 years.
The tour starts every half hour and you are herded around by a very informative guide who tells you everything about the filming etc.

Filming for the Lord of the Rings trilogy at this set began in 1999 and took 3 months.
The Hobbit Trilogy began in 2011 and took 12 days.

This is a major tourist attraction run by the Alexander family but in partnership with Sir Peter Jacksonandthefilm company .
Whilst we were there it was very busy and we only had 15mins in the Green Dragon pub to finish our drink ( ginger beer) and our pork pie.

Dyl says the whole set has been  meticulously planned, for instance even having someone pegging out washing for 2 wks so the ground looks trod!

So we return from the tour having purchased bits from the shop and decide to take the bikes out for a poodle, passing Firth Tower which was originally built as a lookout.

We are travelling this evening to Waihi as this is where the Hauraki Rail Trail starts and we intend to ride it tomorrow and Thursday.