Looking for best route from Cape Mendocino to Reno, NV

This summer I will be attempting a "Cape To Cape" ride (Cape Mendocino, CA to Cape Hatteras, NC)

I will have very high fatigue level already, so I am looking for safest route even if it requires a few extra miles.

So I am thinking maybe of riding the 101 to Redwood Valley and taking 20 West to Reno. I have heard stories

of the bad shape of the roads. The other route would be 36 W to 395 S to Reno, NV.

The West route has total mileage: 3239 The southern route: 3275 OR 299 to 44 to 395 ???

Which route? Does someone have a better route?

Thanks, Tony

To Clarify: The starting point is the Cape

Never mind.. misread the start point.

Well you're starting on the Lost Coast, so either direction is a rough road, but heading to Fortuna is a lot easier than heading south. Hwy 36 is a destination road where you've seen the sign for curves for 140 miles and almost no services, It's not a road to catch a nap on, but it can travel fairly fast for a good rider. Hwy 299 would take you north through Eureka and does plenty of curving around. It gets you to Redding but you save a little time on 36 VS 299. If weather is ideal, and I get fuel and food in Fortuna I'm gong to go 36 to Red Bluff, even if it costs a little time. Turning south on 101 and heading to US 20 is probably the fastest. I'm going to say based on my experience, that 101 south to US 20 is the easiest and fastest route off the coast.

101 South of Garberville is mostly multi-lane and fast through Leggitt where it becomes all multi-lane to Ukiah. Running east on 20 is 50/50 multi-lane and good 2-lane to I-5 at Williams. Doug (Bugnator) is your best source to say whether to take Hwy 65 to I-90 out of Yuba City, or continue East through Grass Valley to I-80. 65 gives you fast flat multi-lane, and US-20 is mixed 2-4 lane US Highway with some towns. Scenery is better on 20, but if you want to escape CA, hit I-80 for the exit. The fastest route of all is to head south on I-5 out of Williams and pick up I-80. So Cape to Fortuna, 101 South to US 20, to Williams, then South I-5 to I-80 East.

There is no choice to start except Shelter Cove Road to Redway. That road is in pretty rough shape but its not too far to 101 and the alternatives are worse to non-existent. Once you're on 101 then I'd say down to 20 then east is your best bet if you want to make time and don't care about the scenery. Like Tom said, 36 is a must-do if you've got the time and energy but 20 all the way to the connection with 80 at Yuba Gap is going to be easier, faster, and shorter.

A word of caution though - I was riding with Doug last weekend and he told me that they've had a spate of accidents on 20 between Grass Valley and 80 over the last month or so so you need to be careful through there...

Remember, that once you're on interstates in CA you can split lanes through any traffic from construction, rush-hour, accidents etc. That makes it lower risk than state highways most of the time. I-80 can be extremely congested from the I-5 split on 80 to the Placer County line at Hwy 65 any weekday from 3 PM to 6 PM. Opt for US 20 if you might hit that.

101 to hwy 20 will be the most direct route. Other than the costal roads being a bit rough you won't have any trouble with 101 or Hwy 20. I'm only 10 minutes from hwy 20 in grass valley if you need anything pm me for my cell/ contact info. What is your route across Nevada?

Maybe this duplicates what you've already heard, but just a couple specific comments. There's pretty much no quick or direct way from Cape Mendocino on the "Lost Coast" inland to get to 101, but I'm sure the simplest is to start north along the shore on bumpy, twisty Mattole Road and follow it 20 miles or so into Ferndale, then continue a few miles to US 101. South just a few miles on 101 will take you to Hwy 36, a very twisty road that takes you inland to I-5 at Red Bluff, or stay on 101 another 120 miles or so to Hwy 20, then east on 20 to Williams. Williams is 75 miles south of Red Bluff and you won't have to fight the 150 miles of Hwy 36 to get there. (I know it's sacrilege to say anything negative about Hwy 36 here, but you did say you'll be tired and want a safer route.) I don't think there's much difference in time between 36 to Red Bluff vs. 20 to Williams, but 36 will be more challenging. Good luck.

If'n it were me, I'd go up to Fortuna, across 36 all the way to Lake Almanor, then 89/70 south to Truckee. 299 has more traffic, cops, 'n motorhomes.

20's nice from Lake County east, butt go'in through Lake County can suck; lotsa slow little towns to go through. Haven't bean on 395 from Susanville to Reno, butt it looks boring.

SacramentoMike said:

Maybe this duplicates what you've already heard, but just a couple specific comments. There's pretty much no quick or direct way from Cape Mendocino on the "Lost Coast" inland to get to 101, but I'm sure the simplest is to start north along the shore on bumpy, twisty Mattole Road and follow it 20 miles or so into Ferndale, then continue a few miles to US 101. South just a few miles on 101 will take you to Hwy 36, a very twisty road that takes you inland to I-5 at Red Bluff, or stay on 101 another 120 miles or so to Hwy 20, then east on 20 to Williams. Williams is 75 miles south of Red Bluff and you won't have to fight the 150 miles of Hwy 36 to get there. (I know it's sacrilege to say anything negative about Hwy 36 here, but you did say you'll be tired and want a safer route.) I don't think there's not much difference in time between 36 to Red Bluff vs. 20 to Williams, but 36 will be more challenging. Good luck.

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I spent several days last year in the Lost Coast area and the northerly path from Shelter Cove to Ferndale is shit. I would NOT recommend that direction even if Pathfinder decides to head north to 36. Ettersburg Road between Shelter Cove Road and Honeydew is OK, but the stretch on Mattole Road between where you leave the beach and Ferndale is some of the worst pavement I've been on. Google maps shows it 1:15 longer that way compared to going out to 101 and then north and I bet its more than that in reality.

Pathfinder - if you decide on 36 then I'd recommend that you head straight out to Redway, then continue due east on Alderpoint Road. That road changes names a few times, but you'll connect with 36 just west of Mad River. You'll avoid all of 101 and it's just about as fast.

Looking at google maps 36 to 395 will be the most direct route to Reno. I'd avoid Alderpoint road due to the road conditions and the pot growers drive like assholes on those back roads in the Emerald triangle. I've had enough close calls with them on my supermoto to just not want to ride Alderpoint road anymore. IMHO

Bugnatr said:

Looking at google maps 36 to 395 will be the most direct route to Reno. I'd avoid Alderpoint road due to the road conditions and the pot growers drive like assholes on those back roads in the Emerald triangle. I've had enough close calls with them on my supermoto to just not want to ride Alderpoint road anymore. IMHO

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I was going to say this exact same thing about Alderpoint road. A few years ago, it was the most scared I have ever been on a motorcycle. By far the worst road I could ever think of to ride if one was trying to make time and was fatigued. At night, do not ever think about it.

I would love to try it again on the KLX in the daytime. With a rotopax in reserve goes without saying.

Bugnatr said:

Looking at google maps 36 to 395 will be the most direct route to Reno. I'd avoid Alderpoint road due to the road conditions and the pot growers drive like assholes on those back roads in the Emerald triangle. I've had enough close calls with them on my supermoto to just not want to ride Alderpoint road anymore. IMHO

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I think the tweakers is worse than the pot growers, butt all them @$$ holes drive down the middle of the road up there.

I wish I had seen this article earlier, being the closest FJR rider to Cape Mendocino, I would start out in Petrolia as that is as close you will be to Cape Mendocino, I would ride 299 East as 36 is being worked on wth only 1 hour road opening at noon with lots of congestion.; I would sure join you for your kickoff start at the Cape!

FWFE

it does not get farther West from here!

OK… Its been awhile since I posted this, but IF there are any updates or new info I would love to hear them.

This ride will happen in July of 2019. I will be riding down from Washington state to start this ride. I will most likely get

a motel in Ferndale, (Suggestions ?) then start the ride from the Cape to Cape Hatteras, NC. fresh. The date will most likely be

the 12th of July if all goes according to plan.

Thanks

Highway 299, 44, 89 then 36 is a very scenic route and safer as the Western End of 36 in Humboldt County kind of sucks, piss poor maintenance by the state and under construction. Hope this helps. I have a place in Brookings, Or. and live in Eureka, and that is a great ride by its self. Best motel to be had would be in Fortuna, Super 8 is across the parking lot from the brewery and you are only a few miles from Ferndale.

FWFE

Tony

Lodging in Ferndale WA -

Super 8 by Bellingham Airport is probably best value.

Silver Reef Casino is probably best pillows/towels.

I am 20 miles north, if you need anything arranged, let me know.

I am leaving the week before for points east, heading for Mt Evans, amongst other spots. (If you mean July 12 is the day you leave Ferndale)

Good Yamaha dealer in Burlington, 35 miles south of Ferndale, right on I-5.

Re-reading post 14 & 17; perhaps I misunderstood which Ferndale was being asked about.

-Steve

You mean Ferndale,Ca not Ferndale, Wa....correct?

There are 4 motels all within stumbling walking distance from The Eel River Brewing ...good food, gas and right off 101

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Eel+River+Brewing+Company/@40.5793662,-124.1551761,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54d40e092e3157df:0x70317589c3beeae6!8m2!3d40.5793621!4d-124.1529821

Bugnatr said:

You mean Ferndale,Ca not Ferndale, Wa....correct?

There are 4 motels all within stumbling walking distance from The Eel River Brewing ...good food, gas and right off 101

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Eel+River+Brewing+Company/@40.5793662,-124.1551761,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54d40e092e3157df:0x70317589c3beeae6!8m2!3d40.5793621!4d-124.1529821

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You got it right Doug. Motels seem a little more reasonable if I am willing to stay a little further away. (Fortuna or Eureka)

It seems Eddie is correct about riding north a little further to 299 before heading west. I have been researching

different routes. Including heading south on 101until 20W. kind of "Not convenient " place to ride from is what I

am finding. The rider that I was reading up on missed the 80 hour mark for a successful ride. I am shooting for

the Gold version which only allows 67 hours.

I would agree with FWFE, 36 is a blast if your fresh. 299 IMHO, can be a bit faster with more sweepers and more opportunity to pass. Make sure to check out the cal trans website at your ride draws closer. 299 is always under construction somewhere. Also, keep an eye for deer, there is a shit ton of them in these roads. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you if you pass through Redding