Spring on the Hammond Trail

Spring on the California coast is bike weather. And since we do not have an abnormal number of seasons, you don't have to worry much about rain after May 1. November to May is the rainy season, May to November the dry season.

In the Arcata Bottoms near the Mad River, wild mustard grows to the horizon.

I pressed on to the abandoned railroad bridge over the Mad River. Happily, it was still there.

But for how long, nobody can say. The cost of repairing it exceeds the cost of rebuilding it, so the state gave it to the cyclists. It's too narrow up there for cars.

The bridge marks the beginning of the incomparable Hammond Trail, a car-free bike path that runs for miles. Good luck trying to find it if you approach from the South.

Where the trail crosses School Road The State of Califonia insists you take a right turn. You're supposed to ignore the two upright--and inviting-- yellow metal poles and the protected path beyond. Turning right takes you to Rte 101, a four lane freeway. Cyclists are asked to stay well to the right of semis which barrel along at 65+ mph, spewing diesel fumes in their wake.

But if you go straight between the two yellow poles, in about two blocks you come to another sign that contradicts the first sign.

A few miles up the Hammond you can see the freeway in the background. Interstate cycle tourists often end up on the freeway which turns cycling through Humboldt County into an ear-splitting, diesel-fumed ordeal.

And once on Rte 101, they tend to hunker down and miss not only the entire Hammond Trail but a turnoff not far from the north end of the trail to Scenic Drive.

Scenic Drive, May 2009

To the east steep green cliffs, waterfalls, Redwoods.

To the west just a few feet from the road's edge...