Must you risk your life to bike into Humboldt County?

The North Coast Journal's Cristina Bauss ("Parting the Redwood Curtain") calls Richardson Grove, our gateway to the south, "terrifying" for cyclists. Nevertheless, the Caltrans plan to widen this torturous stretch has met with serious opposition--even though no old growth trees are at risk. Rather than accept a new retaining wall or some temporary construction work, local residents have blithely proposed moving the whole Freeway to the other side of the Eel River.

So much for our southern bicycle access.


Hwy 101, Richardson Grove. Looks idylic, doesn't it. Imagine sharing this lane with a 40 foot semi.

Cyclists attempting to reach us from the north must climb the steep hill south of Crescent City, which has many blind switchbacks and no shoulder at all. I know riders who had to dive into the brush to avoid charging semis. Rte 299 to our East, has similar problems + snow in the cooler months. In the summer the brave cyclist will have to climb thousands of feet through 100+ degree heat to reach us.

Even though we have some of the best rides you can find, we're effectively cut off from the cycling world. Most cycle tourists you do see on Rte 101 will have survived either the Richardson Grove ordeal or the one in Crescent City. Many local riders (like me) avoid both.

(Richardson Grove cycling photo courtesy of Caltrans)