We took a week to ride up and down California, from Orange County to Redding before heading back.

One of the amazing things about traveling California is that you can get a little of everything: Ocean, desert, mountains, cities, and small towns. We traversed highways, back roads, canyon twisties, and off-road trails at a State Vehicular Recreation Area.

Motorcyclist standing between two adventure bikes on a hilltop overlook during a ride from Orange County to Redding, California, arms raised, dry golden hills stretching to the horizon
Five motorcycles parked in a row in front of Weaverville Market in Northern California during a group ride to Eureka
Rider in full gear on a white and red Honda VFR Interceptor sport bike giving a thumbs up on a California roadway
Group of motorcyclists in helmets and riding gear stopped on a highway pullout, pine-covered hills in the background

The Adventure

For this trip, I was on a KTM 390 ADV. My partner was on a Yamaha Tenere 700.

Part of the trip was enjoyed with friends, and sometimes, it was just the two of us.

Two motorcycles parked on a dirt path among giant redwood trees at Redwood National Park, text overlay reads Felt like we might see dinosaurs
Close-up of a large orb-weaver spider centered in its web, with a blurred forest background
Motorcyclist standing next to two adventure bikes beside a massive split redwood tree trunk on a dirt forest road
Bull elk with large antlers resting in a meadow beneath leafy trees
Man in motorcycle riding jacket standing in front of two adventure bikes and colorful Victorian-era storefronts on a small-town main street
Rider in helmet standing on motorcycle footpegs with arms raised in a peace sign, two loaded adventure bikes parked on a coastal highway above a rocky shoreline
Motorcycle passing through a tunnel carved into the base of a giant sequoia tree
Basket of fried fish and basket of prawns with chips, a cup of chowder, and a Coca-Cola on a tray, text overlay reads Fish and chips and prawns in Fort Bragg

Our week-long ride through California was an incredible experience: amazing scenery, the best of friends, and delicious food.

Four people looking up at the dome of Lick Observatory on a clear blue-sky day, building labeled University of California
Four riders posing with adventure motorcycles at a hilltop overlook, rolling brown hills and blue sky stretching to the horizon

We’re already looking forward to the two-wheeled adventure!

Follow me on Instagram to see our adventures and where we ride next!

Safe riding makes every adventure better. I share more about motorcycle safety in my Dayton 24/7 interview.