Suggestions for an ADV / Dual Sport ride avoiding the fires?

[N4teTheGreat]

I'd love to get out for a day this long weekend and had been considering the stickied Berryessa/Knoxville/Rayhouse ride, but that appears to be very much on fire. I'm also aware of some fun roads near Big Sur, but, I suspect fire is a problem there as well. thinking I'm outta luck but curious if there's anywhere else I can go ride where I won't be in anyone's way.

 

[matty]

I was thinking lost coast yesterday, but when I looked at the smoke forecast last night, it was unhealthy even at the water's edge, makes me think that we are about to have off shore conditions. Big Sur roads are closed until mid October, regardless of the fires. Mendo is on fire. I'm checking the Sierra smoke reports daily. Last I checked, a couple of days ago, the mountains above Santa Barbara and Ojai looked pretty good, but if you dip down towards Santa Ynez it gets worse and Cuyama (sp?) and Corrizo were both unhealthy.

Edit: Cuyama and Corrizo look better than they did a couple of days ago.

 

[CDONA]

Ferndale, north has been in a sliver of no smoke along the coast here. You can't get too far east though, stick to the fog line.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

Looks like smoke from Boonville to the coast isn't too bad, so I'm considering this [terrible long Google Maps link], not really knowing the area. I suspect this'll be basically gravel roads, probably don't even need to swap my worn out rear for a fresh one. Is this route actually doable and or are there ways to add in more dirt? I may skip 101 and just ride up and back on 1.

 

[matty]

Fish Rock rd. just north of Gualala has about 15-20 miles of gravel/dirt that will drop you down just east of Boonville.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

Fish Rock rd. just north of Gualala has about 15-20 miles of gravel/dirt that will drop you down just east of Boonville.

Thanks! Refined things a bit based on that, lot of pavement for a little dirt but should be a fun day!