We're kicking this whole shindig off by immediately diving into the glorious backroads out of Rohnert Park. No zipping straight for the ocean on the main drag for us, oh no. We'll be carving through Sonoma County's rolling hills, past vineyards that eventually give way to dense forests. Imagine those winding, little-known county roads, maybe a stretch of gravel popping up out of nowhere, before we even sniff the coast. It’s going to be a proper dual-sport introduction, feeling that cool, inland breeze, smelling the oak trees, and then, bam! – the Pacific reveals itself, but from a perspective only the truly adventurous get to see. We'll roll into Gualala and then Fort Bragg, having earned our coastal vistas. I'm already envisioning us stopping at some tiny coastal joint, scoffing down fresh fish tacos, and trying to spot all the "secret" dirt spurs off these new-to-us backroads that look just begging to be explored. (Don't worry, we'll try to keep it legal... mostly.)

From Fort Bragg, instead of hugging the coast on Highway 1, we're cutting inland via more scenic, less-traveled routes to hook up with the Redwood Empire. We're talking Garberville territory, folks. We'll be riding through the Avenue of the Giants, our tiny CRF300Ls looking like ants scurrying between colossal trees older than dirt. I guarantee there'll be moments where we just have to stop, tilt our heads back so far we almost fall over, and just gasp at the sheer majesty of it all. It’s like riding through nature’s very own cathedral.

But you know us, we don't just look at the dirt; we embrace it. That's why the Garberville Loop is practically circled in highlighter on the map. This is where the Rallies truly shine. We’re talking remote, winding logging roads, maybe a few sketchy river crossings if the water levels are feeling adventurous, and enough dust (or glorious mud, if the weather gods are feeling playful) to permanently change the color of our riding gear. This isn't for the big adventure bike crowd; this is where the lightweight agility of the 300Ls will let us dance through terrain that would have the bigger beasts doing the funky chicken. Prepare for some proper dirtbag grins and enough hero shots (or hilarious face-plants) to fill an album.

Then it’s on to Fortuna and further north to Crescent City, still keeping an eye out for those enticing inland detours. And then, the true test: heading east into the mountains towards Happy Camp. "Happy Camp," I tell you! I'm expecting smiles, rainbows, and maybe a gnome or two. We'll be deep in the Klamath National Forest here, on roads that probably haven't seen a Starbucks in a century. This is where our navigation skills will truly be tested – or, more likely, where we'll rely on the ancient art of "point-and-hope" if the GPS decides to take a vacation.

From there, it’s a full immersion into mountain riding: Etna, with its own delightful Etna Loop promising more glorious dirt, high-elevation views, and the kind of solitude that makes you forget cell service even exists. We’ll wind our way to Hayfork, embracing the remoteness, before looping back to Garberville like homing pigeons, probably smelling like a delightful blend of pine needles, sweat, and whatever wild creatures we inadvertently rode through.

The final stretch takes us through Lakeport, perched on the serene Clear Lake – a nice transition from the gritty mountains back towards civilization. I imagine we’ll roll back into Rohnert Park with that slightly glazed-over look of riders who’ve seen things, ridden roads, and probably shared a few too many questionable roadside burritos.

So yeah, expect thrilling moments (nailing a tricky rutted section!), hilarious events (me trying to pick up my bike after a dramatic, low-speed tumble, probably involving a very small rock), and jaw-dropping scenery that'll make your Instagram feed weep with envy. We'll be riding alongside towering giants, through remote canyons, and over mountain passes where the air just tastes different. The unexpected happenings? Oh, they're guaranteed. That's the wild unpredictability we crave.

The biggest lesson we'll likely learn (or re-learn, because we're slow learners like that) on this trip? It's not about the destination, it's about how much dirt you can collect on your boots, how wide your grin gets when the road disappears into the trees, and the sheer joy of sharing these ridiculously awesome adventures with people who just get it. Get ready to roll, because the Wild North, via the scenic backroads, is calling!

This isn't just a ride; it's a cross-state odyssey. We're going from California's oven-baked eastern edge, through the sprawling saguaro forests of Arizona, into the land of enchantment that is New Mexico, dipping our toes into the thin air of Colorado, and then doing it all in reverse. The theme? Pure, unadulterated, wild unpredictability. And probably a lot of dust.

Phase 1: Escaping the California Furnace & Arizona's Ancient Vibes (Days 1-5)

We kick off with a dash from home straight to Blythe, CA. Picture this: us, clinging to our CRF300Ls, squinting into the setting sun, while the asphalt radiates enough heat to cook an egg. The first mission: survive the desert inferno. I guarantee we’ll roll into Blythe looking like we've been marinated in dust and good intentions, ready to chug questionable motel ice water.

Day two, we shed the CA dust for AZ dirt, heading to Prescott. This is where the landscape starts getting interesting! We're talking pine trees, cool air, and roads that actually curve. It’s a delightful change from the straight-line scramble. Then it’s on to Payson, snaking through the high country, probably marveling at how much green there is in Arizona. We'll pass through the legendary Mogollon Rim country – expect stunning views, maybe some wildlife encounters (hopefully more deer, less Bigfoot), and certainly no cell service when you really need it for that urgent "did I pack enough snacks?" text.

From Payson, we'll aim for Springerville, which sounds like a place out of a children's book but is actually a high-desert haven. Then it’s a quick hop to Clifton, deep in Arizona's historic copper mining country. I'm fully expecting to see some colossal earth-moving equipment, or at least a diner serving "miner's breakfast" big enough to fuel a small army. The roads through here are going to be rugged, probably old mining tracks, perfect for our agile little Hondas. We'll be grinning ear to ear as we bounce over every rock, confident in our superior suspension. (Famous last words, I know.)

Phase 2: New Mexico's Enchanted Trails & High Altitude Hustle (Days 6-12)

Now for the Land of Enchantment! We'll blast into Truth or Consequences, NM. With a name like that, how can it notbe an adventure? I'm picturing a quirky town, perhaps a soak in some natural hot springs (if our dirt-caked bodies can handle public exposure), and definitely a story or two about how the town got its name.

Then it's up, up, and away to Cloudcroft, NM. This place is basically a mountain hideaway, and we've even got an 83-mile "Cloudcroft Loop" planned. Expect crisp mountain air, dense forests, and probably a few elevation headaches for those of us not used to breathing thin air. The CRF300Ls might feel a little asthmatic up there, but they'll pull us through. This loop promises twisty forest roads, maybe some gravelly climbs, and views that'll make your jaw hit your helmet.

From Cloudcroft, it’s a quick jaunt to Capitan, NM. You know what Capitan means, right? Smokey Bear! I'm hoping for a photo op with a giant Smokey statue, reminding us that "only we can prevent forest fires... by not dropping our bikes in dry leaves." Then it's on to Mountainair and Cuba, NM. This stretch is going to be a classic high-desert ride – vast expanses, big skies, and roads that stretch to forever. We’ll be navigating through ancient landscapes, probably spotting some impressive geological formations and certainly working on our dust tans.

Phase 3: Rocky Mountain High & The Long Ride Home (Days 12-19)

Our brief flirtation with the Rockies begins as we point our bikes north to Antonito, CO. We’ll cross that state line like triumphant conquerors, momentarily forgetting our small bike status as we take on the high plains of southern Colorado. The altitude will certainly wake us up, if the brisk air hasn't already!

Then it's a short, glorious swoop down to Taos, NM. Art galleries, adobe architecture, and the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains – it's going to be a feast for the eyes (and hopefully the stomach, with some fantastic New Mexican cuisine). After soaking up some culture, we'll ride the high road back to Cuba, NM, likely rediscovering a few dirt roads we missed on the way up.

The homeward stretch kicks off with Grants, NM, before a long push through Reserve, NM. This is classic New Mexico, with remote forest roads and small towns. Then comes the monster day: Reserve to Cottonwood, AZ – a whopping 276 miles! This will be a testament to our derrières and the surprising comfort of these little Hondas. We'll be crossing through diverse landscapes, from pine forests to red rock country, probably looking a bit like human raisins by the end, but hey, we did it!

Finally, it’s Cottonwood back to Blythe, a familiar desert reunion, before the last 216-mile push back Home. We’ll be tired, we’ll be dusty, the bikes will probably be speaking in tongues, but oh, the stories we’ll have. Every creak of the suspension, every near-miss with a tumbleweed, every delicious (or hilariously bad) meal, and every jaw-dropping vista will be burned into our memory banks.

So, pack your sense of adventure, your most durable riding pants, and maybe an extra tube of lip balm for all that grinning. Because this trip, my friends, is going to be an absolute riot. The biggest lesson? It's not about the size of your engine; it's about the size of your adventurous spirit. And maybe also having a very understanding chiropractor waiting at home. Let's ride!

Let’s say you’re looking at your map in Google My Maps, but it feels a bit small, and you want to see it bigger. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Look for the Expand Option: When you’re viewing your map, check the top-right corner of the map area. You might see a little square icon. Click that. This makes the map fill your whole screen or at least a larger part of it.

2. Open in Google Maps (Alternative): If you’re previewing your custom map and see a link or button that says 'View in Google Maps' or 'Open in Maps,' click it. This takes your map to the full Google Maps website or app, where it’s bigger and easier to explore.

3. Zoom and Adjust: Once it’s larger, you can use your mouse wheel to zoom in or out, or drag the map around to see more details.

That’s it! You’re just telling the map to take up more space so you can see everything better.

This works whether they’re on a computer or a phone, though the exact buttons might look slightly different. If they’re stuck, they can also hit the 'Preview' button in Google My Maps to see it in a cleaner, larger layout.

How to Export a Track from Google My Maps

1. Open Your Map

   • Go to Google My Maps on your computer and sign in.

   • Select the map containing the track (e.g., a line)

2. Identify the Track

   • In the left panel, find the layer with the line or route you want to export.

   • If it’s not already a line, you’ll need to have drawn it as one (e.g., a path between points).

3. Export the Map or Layer to KML/KMZ

   • Click the three-dot menu next to the map title (at the top of the left panel).

   • Select "Export to KML/KMZ".

   • A dialog box will appear. Check the box if you want to export only a specific layer (e.g., the one with your track), or leave it unchecked to export the entire map.

   • Choose KML (for broader compatibility) or KMZ (a compressed version of KML).

   • Click Download. This saves the file to your computer.

4. Verify the File

   • Open the KML/KMZ file in a program like Google Earth to confirm your track (the line) is included. It’ll appear as a path or shape you can view.

5. Convert to a Track Format (Optional)

   • If you need a true "track" format like GPX (common for GPS devices or apps), use a third-party tool:

     • Online Converters: Sites like GPS Visualizer or MyGeodata Converter let you upload the KML/KMZ file and convert it to GPX.

     • Steps: Upload the file, select GPX as the output format, and download the converted file.

   • Alternatively, software like QGIS or Garmin BaseCamp can also handle this conversion.

6. Use Your Track

   • Once you have the file (KML/KMZ or GPX), you can import it into a GPS device, a mapping app (e.g., Gaia GPS, AllTrails), or another platform that supports tracks.

Notes

• What’s a Track?: In this context, a "track" is typically a recorded path with timestamps (like from a GPS device). Google My Maps doesn’t record timestamps, so your exported line is more of a static route. Converting to GPX might add basic track-like properties, but it won’t include speed or time data.