Part 3–2012 Girly Ride

We arose to morning fog and cold and coffee seemed to be in order, before considering anything else. The Curly Redwood Lodge was the perfect motel, clean and comfortable with parking right in front of our room and fresh coffee in the office! They even provided a tray so that I could deliver fours cups of the bronze colored addition to my room mates! After coffee, Bonnie reappeared saying everyone was getting ready to leave. Ok…well, guess I should get dressed! 😉

We layered up, knowing it was going to be less than warm on our coastal journey and headed south. As it warmed up, layers were shed.
Our group…Photo compliments of Bonnie Lampley.

It’s funny how riding groups shake out of a group ride. Like minded and paceed riders seek solace together and what a fun group we had! We chased each other down the CA coast stopping only for gas until we arrived in Fortuna for a lunch stop and a jaunt around town.

We had what I could consider a formal lunch at the Victorian Cafe. It was lovely.

Another photo courtesy of Bonnie Lampley.

I ate homestyle Macaroni and Cheese…uh yum!!
Another Bonnie photo!

After lunch we walked around Ferndale, which is a really cute little Victorian type town. We spotted this, a BMW. Someone had fun with this design.

Awesome gate

Love the reflection shots!

I was trying to figure out how they made this tree grow like this…it’s way cool.

When Gary and I were in Ferndale several years ago, we visited the Blacksmith Shop and were fascinated. It didn’t change this trip either. What a wonderful store.

After perusing the streets and realizing the time, we parted ways and some rode straight down to Shelter Cove while Dona, Bonnie and I rode the Avenue of the Giants, the scenic redwood route.

Grrrrr…shooting into the sun!!

Some large trees!

Had to do it!

The road into Shelter Cove was fraught with challenge. It was rather late in the day and the sun was low and we were riding straight into it. The road seemed unusually steep in places and I was tired. I was glad to have arrived safely in Shelter Cove at our amazing motel, The Oceanfront Inn.

One of the hairpin turns into Shelter Cove.

View from our room at the Oceanfront Inn.

Carolyn in the room above.

We snacked, some ate at the restaurant below our motel and others went without preferring an evening of libation and laughter. We ended with an awesome fire on the beach.
Photo by Bonnie

This ride was not only attended by one of the most fun groups of women I have ridden with, but every inch of the journey was amazing. I adore this gathering, even though I have little interest in group riding, and I find it difficult to believe it could possibly get any better than this.

I snapped a few shots in the morning before we all parted ways and headed home. It was a wonderful time had by all and for those interested you can see all the photos here on pashnit.

Marion’s beautiful wing