Transalp goes through Eureka, CA, Fortuna and Redwood Forest

Описание: Eureka, CA to Reno, NV
Rolling into Eureka felt like coming home for a moment. Two of my daughters live there, and that alone made the stop worthwhile. The plan was simple—camp or grab a hotel, rest up, enjoy the evening—but Eureka had other ideas. Every campground was full, and every hotel either booked solid or priced like a luxury resort. One of those moments on the road where plans quietly fall apart and you’re forced to adapt.
So instead of forcing it, I did what riding has taught me to do best—I kept moving. I pointed the Honda Transalp south on Highway 101, letting the coastal air cool the day as the miles slipped by. Just 17 miles later, Fortuna appeared, calm and welcoming, with a hotel that felt like it was waiting for me. Two nights there turned into exactly what I needed: solid rest, quiet evenings, and time to reset before the next stretch of the journey.
When it was time to roll again, I turned the bike west onto Route 36, and everything changed. The road cut straight through the heart of the redwood forest, towering giants rising on both sides like silent guardians. The scenery was unreal—deep greens, filtered light, and that unmistakable stillness you only find among old trees. The road itself was a rider’s reward: endless twisties, smooth sections broken up just enough to keep you alert. Of course, it wasn’t without its challenges. Construction zones narrowed the two-lane road, logging trucks thundered past, and freshly cut trees reminded me this forest was still very much a working landscape.
Still, that contrast made the ride even better. Beauty mixed with grit, serenity interrupted by the raw sound of industry. The Transalp handled it all without complaint, carving corners one moment and standing steady the next. It was one of those stretches that reminds you why you ride—not just for the destination, but for these unexpected chapters that write themselves into the journey.

The ride on Route 36 didn’t end with the redwoods. I stayed on it longer than planned, letting the road unwind beneath the tires as California slowly gave way to Nevada. By the time I rolled into Reno, the reason for the detour was clear—it was time for a scheduled oil change. Long trips demand discipline, and maintenance days are just as much a part of the adventure as the scenic ones.
I pulled into Reno Motor Sports on Terminal Way, and right away it felt like the right choice. The crew was quick, friendly, and treated both rider and bike with respect. The oil change was handled efficiently, but what really stood out was the extra care—they cleaned and oiled the chain without hesitation. Small details like that mean a lot when you’re thousands of miles into a journey. I rolled out of there confident and refreshed, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any rider passing through Reno.
With the Transalp running smooth and ready for more miles, the next morning was an early start. I pointed east, leaving Reno behind and aiming for Salt Lake City. It wasn’t a push day, just a steady ride meant to clear the mind and reset for what lay ahead. By the time I reached Salt Lake City, the bike was tucked in for the night and I was already looking forward to the road calling again in the morningNew content coming on road trips and friends. http://www.youtube.com/c/FACELopez?su...
My 2020 Indian Challenger Limited videos with opinions, reviews and rides.