Redwoods Road Trip 2014

[m3dragon]

Redwoods Road Trip 2014

Disclaimer:
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This a pay your own way event. This means even me the organizer pays my own way to attend. As noted in other events I have organized, this is where the insanity of what I do comes in. Don't ask I don't get it either. I recently made a website to help broadcast day drives and these road trips.
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This is a road trip event for anyone and everyone. This is not a race or rally so if you are looking for a Gumball event this is not the event for you. The event does have fun back roads driving and some great stops. For references on past events look up Euro Cars Road Trip Yellowstone and California 500 Miglia.

Register here: http://raddrives.com/catalog/index.p...&product_id=52

Deadline to register is April 5th for decals to be mailed. Final registration is April 14th, decal pickup at event start.

Event details and registration:



Redwoods Road Trip – April 26 - 28

The Redwoods Road Trip is a fun three-day event that takes us through the land of giants. The event starts in Novato and heads north up the Pacific Coast Highway, making stops along the way for pictures and to socialize. The key stop for the first day is the Point Arena Lighthouse Museum and lunch in Mendocino. Day two is all about seeing the giant redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Big Tree Wayside. Day three the group drives home with one more stop to see the Redwoods and ending in Redding for participants to make their way home.

Unlike rallies and road course events, we encourage people to stay in a group and stop at the planned destinations, as this is a road trip not a rally. However, the stops and activities are suggestions, not mandates. Our format is for those individuals, couples or families, who want to have an adventure as well as make new friends with fellow enthusiasts. We mix the day up between driving sections, photo stops and sightseeing opportunities for everyone. This is not a race, so if you are looking for a competitive event this is not for you.

Fees schedule

I worked out group rates for all the activities and two nights of hotels. The hotels also include a full hot breakfast for hotel 1 and continental for hotel 2. The totals below are for the two nights of hotels, event insurance, decals with your number choice and shipping.

- 2 nights with King Bed $282.92
- 2 nights dual queen beds - $284.84

The 2013 Redwoods Road Trip Itinerary: April 26 – 28

Day 1: Meeting Location

Date: April 26th
Address: Starbucks - 132 Vintage Way, Novato, CA 94945
Time: 8:00am
Depart: 8:30am - drive start

Activity: Registration and assist with decal application. There will be several stops along the way north for participants to take pictures of the breath taking California Coast.

The major stop for the day will be at Point Arena Lighthouse Museum
Address: 45500 Lighthouse Road , Point Arena, CA 95468
Time: ~11:00am arrive and 11:30ish departure

Lunch stop will be in Mendocino
Address: Mendocino Cafe - 10451 Lansing Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
Time: ~12:10pm arrive with a 1 hour lunch stop

After lunch, we will drive and make a stop at Mendocino Park for quick photos and then head north to Fort Bragg. On the way to Fort Bragg, we will make a stop at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse for photos and a quick tour of the grounds. Once in Fort Bragg, we will make a fuel stop for those who need to top off their tanks.

Hotel stop for Day 1 – Best Western
- Includes full hot breakfast
Address: 701 Redwood Drive Garberville, CA 95542
Time: ~ 5:00pm
Dinner at: Amillias - 443 Melville Road, Garberville, CA 95542


Day 2: Walking with giants

This day will be focused on making stops at several trails that take you in and around the giant redwoods of the area. These are easy trails and are not that strenuous. Make sure to have a charged camera, as you will be taking lots of pictures. Leave from Garberville at 9:00am On the DOT

Stops on the Avenue of the Giants trail:
- The F.K. Lane Grove
- Founder Tree Grove
- Eternal Tree House (for gifts and souvenirs)

Lunch stop day two will be in Eureka: Brick & Fire Bistro
Address: 1630 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501

After lunch, we will make a fuel stop before driving to the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center for maps and pictures. After the Visitor Center we will head to Lady Bird Johnson Grove to walk the trails there. The last stop for the day will be Big Tree Wayside to conclude a fun day of walking amongst the Giant Redwoods.

Hotel for Day 2: Quality Inn and Suites
Address: 3535 Janes Road, Arcata, CA 95521
Continental breakfast included

Lunch will be at: Alibi - 744 9th Street, Arcata, CA 95521

Dinner will be at: Lost Coast Brewing Company
Time: 7:00pm
Address: 617 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501

Day 3: Drive home

The drive home will start for the group at 9:00am from the hotel. We will take Highway 36 over to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. From here, people can either trek back to 101 to head to the Bay Area, or do the full loop to Red Bluff to enjoy an amazing road of twists and turns. We advise you do the Highway 36 run, as the road is amazing.

As with all these events, they are meant to be fun a social so tell others as all are welcome.

Register here: http://raddrives.com/catalog/index.p...&product_id=52

[m3dragon]

The image below will auto refresh as people claim numbers.



Q&A Follow-up.

1. The event is this year 2014. Sorry for the minor typo in the post.

2. The drive will have "drives" sections as in past events and day trips. If you have never been on one of our group drives then you will find out real quick what me mean by this =)

[bjbstewart]

Sounds like a hoot! Going to see if I can get Monday off to join you!!

[m3dragon]

Just a friendly reminder that this event is next month. If you wish to participate please register sooner than later so we can make sure we have a room for you.

[XMetal]

Anyone from So. Cal doing this trip wants to caravan up to the meeting point?

[m3dragon]

Registration for decals and other items to be mailed is:
April 4th

Deadline to participate is:
April 18th

[Finnegan]

I probably won't be going since I'll (hopefully) be in the middle of a move to a place with a 4 car garage if all planets align and such. Finding a place with a small house, land, and large garage has been like finding a low mileage Z4--a long and arduous search. But we may have found "the one". Knock on wood.

M3Dragon runs great events, very fun, and they're highly recommended. (Disclaimer: He's a good friend of mine--one I met on just one such drive a few years ago.) Go, you'll have a great time. And if I can't go, we need to get some other Zs out there to represent Zpost! So sign up already! It's a wonderful drive and area as well--I spend a few days there last November and the roads, scenery, and atmosphere are spectacular!

[m3dragon]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

I probably won't be going since I'll (hopefully) be in the middle of a move to a place with a 4 car garage if all planets align and such. Finding a place with a small house, land, and large garage has been like finding a low mileage Z4--a long and arduous search. But we may have found "the one". Knock on wood.

M3Dragon runs great events, very fun, and they're highly recommended. (Disclaimer: He's a good friend of mine--one I met on just one such drive a few years ago.) Go, you'll have a great time. And if I can't go, we need to get some other Zs out there to represent Zpost! So sign up already! It's a wonderful drive and area as well--I spend a few days there last November and the roads, scenery, and atmosphere are spectacular!

ALL LIES. Mostly about you moving stuff, don't lie I know you are going to call me to move the heavy crap!

Try to make one of the other three overnights I have planned, Lassen, Mammoth or 500 Miglia.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

I probably won't be going since I'll (hopefully) be in the middle of a move to a place with a 4 car garage if all planets align and such. Finding a place with a small house, land, and large garage has been like finding a low mileage Z4--a long and arduous search. But we may have found "the one". Knock on wood.

M3Dragon runs great events, very fun, and they're highly recommended. (Disclaimer: He's a good friend of mine--one I met on just one such drive a few years ago.) Go, you'll have a great time. And if I can't go, we need to get some other Zs out there to represent Zpost! So sign up already! It's a wonderful drive and area as well--I spend a few days there last November and the roads, scenery, and atmosphere are spectacular!

Bummer...as I was hoping to see more Z cars. Good luck getting the 4-car garage home. I don't even think such house exist here in So Cal. I'll be happy just getting a 3-car garage

[m3dragon]

I am sure we can get him and the wifey to come to the Lassen or Mammoth trips later this year.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Bummer...as I was hoping to see more Z cars. Good luck getting the 4-car garage home. I don't even think such house exist here in So Cal. I'll be happy just getting a 3-car garage

Thanks! We've been looking for 13+ months. Not easy to find a small house with a large garage!

Originally Posted by m3dragon

I am sure we can get him and the wifey to come to the Lassen or Mammoth trips later this year.

Rodger that! We need to talk about Mammoth--as you know, I've got a bit of experience driving in that area. Roads so wonderful that BMW does commercials there as we found out driving then last fall.

[Walkurie]

Sounds like a great event with some of the roads featured in Need for Speed, ha-ha. Wish I could go, but will take too much time to get up there from SoCal.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Walkurie

Sounds like a great event with some of the roads featured in Need for Speed, ha-ha. Wish I could go, but will take too much time to get up there from SoCal.

Dooooooit We can caravan up together.

[m3dragon]

Just a FYI I have 4 rooms left. I try to keep the groups small so we can be social at the stops.

[XMetal]

Looks like it's gonna be a wagon train!

[XMetal]

"m3dragon", Thank you again for hosting such a fun weekend...I enjoyed it very much as I'm sure others did. Appreciate the massive effort of planning and coordinating such a large group Loved all the planned routes and the drives were epic! Very glad that you kept the open invitation "enthusiast" format where we get to see a large array of cars (like that awesome Arial Atom and Caterham 7). You guys did an amazing job of keeping the group together during the entire trip while letting us "lesser" driver run at our own pace Oh...and "The gang" was a hoot to hangout with. I will definitely try to make any future drives whenever my schedule will allow. Now...time for some decompression.

[m3dragon]

Originally Posted by XMetal

"m3dragon", Thank you again for hosting such a fun weekend...I enjoyed it very much as I'm sure others did. Appreciate the massive effort of planning and coordinating such a large group Loved all the planned routes and the drives were epic! Very glad that you kept the open invitation "enthusiast" format where we get to see a large array of cars (like that awesome Arial Atom and Caterham 7). You guys did an amazing job of keeping the group together during the entire trip while letting us "lesser" driver run at our own pace Oh...and "The gang" was a hoot to hangout with. I will definitely try to make any future drives whenever my schedule will allow. Now...time for some decompression.

Hey buddy,

Glad to hear you had fun. Will need to get more of these Z guys out so they can see the epicness of the drives they miss =)

And you sir are not a Lesser drive by any means. You run at the pace that is fun for you. I am working on my images and I got some great driving shots of your car.

Have a safe travels south and see you on a drive in the future =)

[alfredoporro]

I think I should check the California section more often! I live in San Rafael, I could have joined! I hope you all had fun

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by alfredoporro

I think I should check the California section more often! I live in San Rafael, I could have joined! I hope you all had fun

We all had a blast...wished there had been more Z cars out there as I was the only one on this trip. You guys in NorCal are so lucky to have "m3dragon" organize these types of trips I would do every single one of them if I live up north! For future drives, go check out his website => http://www.raddrives.com/drives.php

That Ariel Atom is insane in corners

[alfredoporro]

I'm glad to hear you all had a great time . I lived in Novato for 8 years and I still go there every week. I'll check his website and hopefully next time I'll be able to join. Maybe by that time I'll have a M roadster or coupe . Nice pics, post more!

[m3dragon]

The Redwoods Road Trip is now over.

For those who missed the weekend of activities, you truly missed one great adventure. Below is the recap and some of the highlight images from the drive. To see all the images, please see the website link to them, as including all the images here would take up way too many threads.

Redwoods Day 1:

The group met in Novato at 8:00am to do introductions as well as sign waivers and receive their map and dinning location packets. While everyone was being introduced, the topic that was on everyone’s mind was the epic rainstorm we all survived the day before. Thankfully, Mother Nature decided that she wanted to keep things interesting and provided the Northern California coast a deluge so we could have a clear weekend.

The group started off 23 cars strong for the first days of activities. As with all these drives, it was an eclectic mix of cars from Opel, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Caterham, Ariel, Mini, Focus ST, GTR’s and FRS duos. This is mix of cars is what makes the event fun.





The first day of the drive was a trip of the California coast, where we stopped for photos at an overlook, two lighthouses and lunch in Mendocino. The weather for the drive up was a mix of high wispy clouds and perfect driving temperature. Apparently the request for a great clear weekend reached the desk of Mother Nature, so there was no need for the rain ponchos.

Our first stop one was at Salty Point for a bio break and to take some group photos. When we first got there I was able to negotiate for everyone to get in for free, as we were not going to be there very long. As we were taking photos, the head ranger came down and said we had to pay now. Welcome to the CA state parks. As it was not worth the arguing factor, we were able to compromise with the ranger at a flat price for the 23 cars to save everyone money. Things like this, while frustrating, also make for great stories and are part of the adventure.



After Salty point we went off to Point Arena Light house to take photos. This time we were not able to work out a deal to drive up to the light house for photos, but it still was a great view of the CA coast and the light house.



Next stop was lunch in Mendocino. The restaurant we chose apparently forgot to tell the staff we were coming, which made for a bit of a scare. However, the staff stepped up to the challenge and we had a great lunch, even though it took a while.

After lunch we headed to the last light house before making the fun drive to Garberville for the overnight stop. This was also the last stop before Fort Bragg and a much needed fuel stop for some of the participants.



After the fuel stop, it was the 50-mile hoof to the hotel. This drive though was not without its fun factor. The section of HWY1 is known for its tight twists and turns which makes it a true driver’s road. Many of the people had a blast carving the turns and were even chased by a few tag alongs. The group picked up two Lamborghini’s and a Ferrari that were in the area to enjoy this last section of HWY 1 before getting on the 101 to Garberville.



Everyone made it to the hotel okay and it was then off to dinner at a great New Orleans Bistro. While most of the participants had a great dinner and turned in for the night around 9:30ish, some of the gang went off to the bar and shut the place down as we say. As you can tell, these drives are an adventure both on and off road. HAHA.

Redwoods Day 2:

The following morning the ground was a bit damp from an overnight sprinkle. We picked up two extra two cars in the morning to make the full 25 car group. The two new members to the drive were a local Focus ST owner and another GTR who made the trek from Reno. The group left from the hotel promptly at 9:00am. By this time, the clouds had parted and there was a mix of sun here and there. The group drove to the Avenue of the Giants where we made several stops to see the amazing redwood forests. In addition to the nature walks, the group stopped at one of the drive through trees to allow participants to get their customary photo of driving through a living redwood.



After the sightseeing at the redwoods, the group headed to Eureka for lunch. Apparently, Sunday afternoons in down town Eureka are pretty calm until our our group rolled through with decals and loud exhausts. After lunch we picked up another local GTR who just happened to be in the area and saw the group. We seemed to be gaining cars as we went along, which was fine by us.



The group then headed up 101 to the Redwoods Visitor center so people could hike to the beach as well as get history or souvenirs of the area. This is more of an inside joke but to those who were on the drive, watch out for those sneaker waves, that are sneekyyyyyy…..



After our time at the beach, we were off to Lady Bird Grove to take another hike amongst the redwoods. This was the longest hike of the day and a chance for people to chat more while they stood amongst the giants.





The group called it a day and took off for the hotel to un-wind before heading to dinner at the Lost Coast Brewing Company. We were able to arrange carpools for people so those who wished to drink could enjoy the great beer selection on tap. This was also the last time the group would be at full strength.



Redwoods Day 3:

The following morning the group headed for the last leg of the drive up HWY 36. On the way there, members peeled off as some of them had to decide to head home directly down 101. Those who were in for the full planned adventure made their way to Grizzly Creek for a quick bio break and to re-arrange the group into an order according to what speed people wanted to drive. This allowed everyone to go at their own pace, as well as enjoy the long EPIC drive ahead. Now when we say EPIC, we mean EPIC. This was truly a great driver’s road with such a diversity of turns, straights and amazing vista overlooks. The road was very long, so by the end of it you felt as if you should have been awarded an achievement badge from the Forza racing game. As the group was split into different speeds, the drive leader of the spirited group did a great job of picking relay points for everyone to regroup.



After the last regroup and bio break, the group finished the last 50 miles to Red Bluff down HWY 36. The last half of HWY 36 should be called Roller Coaster Alley. Along with some great turns, the road goes up and down and if you are not carful you will be in the air when you need to be turning. This section of road was worth the price of admission in and of itself.





After lunch, the group split up so everyone could make their way home. This was the end of a very fun three days where people shared stories, made friends, and most importantly had an adventure. I hope after reading this you will join me and others on the future drives we have planned.

Our next drive is the Lassen Road Trip in August, followed by Mammoth and Devils Post pile in September and then the 500 Miglia in October. If you are interested see the thread posted for these drives or the website made for organizing these adventures.

See you on the road.

http://www.raddrives.com/drives/albu...014/index.html

[mtrhed]

Just drove hwy. 36 by myself, in the middle of the night...Crazy road! Definitely some puckered moments! Spent the whole night driving the twistiest, most deserted roads on the way down from the BA to Temecula. What a blast!