Morro Bay to Avila

Last night’s sleep was probably the coldest we have had yet. We pulled bike shorts on while shivering, reluctant to crawl out of our warm sleeping bags and change out of fleece pants. The warm tea beckoned and we were compelled to wake up and pedal.

Today the group split. and because of the small group at Montessori Children’s School, half of us visited the School while some ran errands to acquire produce donated by various grocers in San Luis Obispo (a big thank you to Frontier Groceries!) and others biked around Montagne De Oro, a nearby scenic spot. A few volunteers were even able to take advantage of the early morning surf and hit up the nearby surf spot in Morro Bay before we headed off on our bicycles.

Whitney, Danny, Stuart, Meagan, Kamron, Jacob & myself had a nice and easy ride to the school with time to spare before getting started on our projects. We were welcomed by Carolyn, Kit, Andy, and Eric, who were delighted to see us and were full of activity ideas to do with students in the garden.

We started off our visit with a slideshow hosted by Danny who introduced the objective of our outreach, complete with how humans impact the environment. Following the slideshow, we broke up into groups with the students & started our garden projects. Jacob, Danny & I worked in the back garden sifting composted soil, planting lettuce, broccoli, & celery, and helped start a new worm compost bin. Meagan, Stuart & Kamron worked in the front garden-planting natives.

The students and staff were a joy to work with and so enthusiastic and appreciative. As a ‘thank you,’ they fed us a fantastic lunch and we left the school feeling accomplished, welcomed & full. After riding a flat 5 miles to ‘The Avila Hot Springs’ some of us had reservations about our accommodation situation when we realized we would be resting our heads off highway 101 & sleeping on a more gravel ground. We soon focused on other things after realizing we would probably be so tired and relaxed from riding (our bikes) and soaking (in the springs) we would not have any trouble sleeping after all and we headed into the beach town of Avila.

At around 5pm we all met at the campsite and relaxed in the hot springs which was much needed & well deserved for our muscles. In the words of Whitney, it was ‘sulfertastic!!’

Tonight we are all hoping to get a good nights sleep for our 60 mile ride tomorrow to Los Olivos.

Miles traveled today: 22
Flats: Kyla, 1
Written By 1st time bike-tripper: Marguerite Nesteruk

Cambria to Morro Bay

We had a comfortable night at Camp Ocean Pines and woke up to a very sunny morning. Thanks to Camp Ocean Pines, we were able to do some much needed composting. With our decomposition out of the way, we took a little time tending to some oak trees that the camp had planted as a restoration project. Shortly thereafter, we headed out. Our ride was short and relaxing and with the wind at our backs, we felt as fast and powerful as a hawk. After a quick stop in Cayucos, we made our way to Morro Bay—the view was as picturesque as a landscape painting.
Following a brief laundry stop in Morro Bay, the riders split up and found various adventures to occupy our free afternoon; some went surfing, some to a local craft fair, some enjoyed the beach and a local book shop. A handful of riders took to kayaks in the late evening, and as the boats slid across the glassy waters of the bay they encountered brown and white pelicans, a variety of waterfowl, and even a few sea otters enjoying the incoming tide.
Seeing endangered species in the wild is quite a special occasion. The sea otter has historically been hunted for their fur, the densest fur of all mammals. Unlike other marine mammals, sea otters rely on their fur rather than blubber for warmth. Sea otters eat urchins, among other things, and therefore help keep the population of sea urchins under control, which in turn promotes healthy kelp forests too! Sea otters spend 1/3 of their day preening themselves, creating air bubbles in their fur to help them float. These air bubbles are essential to their survival and make sea otters significantly susceptible to oil spills which have also affected their population; an interesting connection to our society and effect we can have on natural surroundings. Our kayakers used human powered energy today; no oil spills happening there!
After kayaking, surfing, and biking around, we caught a magical sunset as we made our way to Morro Bay State park campground. Our friend Owen heads home tomorrow and will be missed until we see him on our way down south!

Miles traveled today: 24
Signing out: Whitney, Owen and Abigail

Kirk Creek to Cambria

What a beautiful campsite we woke up in! We started our morning on the ocean front Kirk Creek campsite and continued riding through the mountains of Big Sur. Some took a quick hike (and dip) to a waterfall,
and then continued up and down the hills. As sad as it was to leave the dramatic cliffs and coastline of Big Sur, it was nice to get into some more “mellow” and flatter rolling hills where we were excited to see castles, cows, zebras, and elephant seals in San Simeon.

Now at Camp Ocean Pines (big shout out to those who have let us stay here!), we sit indoors by a fire listening to the sounds of Travis playing piano. We think about how special and wonderful this bike trip has become. We (Nicole and Kathy) don’t work for CELP anymore, but after a few days of riding, surrounded by new and old friends, we are left feeling inspired by the energy and commitment this mobile community brings to those they encounter along the way.

We think of the bike trip in its first year, 5 years ago, when 10 of us rode our bikes across the desert from LA to San Diego to Phoenix. Our gear was not close to as jazzy as the stuff riders wear these years. But, it’s not just the fancy spandex and racy bikes that impress us…this trip has become impressive in so many ways. Each aspect of the trip has a mini committee behind it- the route, the curriculum, the food, overnights, even this blog. Each rider takes responsibility over the riding, the cooking, the cleaning, the documenting, the exploring and the teaching. Each bin is color coded and labeled- an accomplishment we never could have imagined. And most importantly, more students are being reached with engaging lessons and workshops.

The Sustainable Living Bike Trip--- once a goofy and outrageous idea that came about while chatting and turning compost in the Howland’s Landing garden---is now something real, something huge, and something sustainable in itself. That is inspiring. We go back to our lives in San Francisco tomorrow remembering that with enough passion and determination, anything can happen!

Miles traveled today: 47
Flats: 2, Kyla and Danny
Written By: Nicole & Kathy

Pfeiffer Big Sur to Kirk Creek

Well rested and fed after our Thanksgiving feast, today was all about soaking up as much of the majestic Big Sur coast as possible. With just less than 30 miles to ride to the next camp, we took lots of opportunities to stop, enjoy the views, take short walks, and appreciate the ecology of the area. Some riders were immediately struck by the similarities to Catalina. With hillsides smattered in coastal sage, California fuscia, Indian paintbrush, monkey flower, and lupine, many of the native plant communities appeared very familiar. Another similar feature was the presence of dominant invasive species. Fennel is one of the most widespread on the island, and although we’ve seen plenty, pampas grass fills the role in Big Sur. Every eroded slope we passed bristled with their plumed seed heads; a constant reminder of the pressure exotic species exert on native ecosystems.

A state symbol of changing habitats and communities can also be found along this stretch; the California condor. Once reduced to fewer than 10 individuals, their numbers have grown to 300 with the efforts of the California Condor Recovery Project. While still very endangered, this is one of four regions they inhabit, the others being Inland Ventura, the Grand Canyon, and northern Baja. Currently, the biggest threats to their survival are loss of habitat to development and lead poisoning from unrecovered game animals shot by hunters.

Only a couple of us were lucky enough to glimpse one today, but we were all treated to dramatic bluffs, a windswept ocean, and multiple rainbows through the isolated drizzles before arriving at our cliff side campsite.

Miles traveled today: 28
Written by: Jacob Scheidler

Sunset State Beach to Big Sur

With a full night’s sleep and the bus back and working the Sustainable Living Bike Crew woke to Thanksgiving with a fresh start. We departed Sunset Beach State Park in good spirits heading south towards Moss Landing and were thankful for Kyla’s friend Kim Mayer who took our leftover compost from Almaden Country Day School’s Thanksgiving feast to a local farm. With no schools to visit, our only plan was to put miles under our wheels and enjoy California’s majesty. We were pleased to ride in the safety and ease of the coastal bike route that is mostly well marked from Santa Cruz to Monterey.

As the agriculture lands surrounding the areas of Sunset State Beach and the adjacent state parks faded the Moss Landing (natural gas) Power Plant stood in stark contrast to the surrounding threatened coastal wetlands that are critical to the path of migratory birds and home to numerous other plants and animals. Originally a whaling village, Moss Landing has retained its sea faring sensibilities and is also a popular with tourists en route to Monterey Bay or Big Sur.

After a quick snack stop in Monterey we headed to Point Lobos. California’s Coast Highway 1 does not offer the same amenities to cyclists that we had experienced during the previous half of the day. As cyclists, today we were often relegated to a small shoulder and speeding cars but that was a small price to pay for the view of California’s rugged coastline. Finally we wandered into Big Sur and marveled at its natural beauty as our fifth day on the road came to an end and we prepared for the night’s Thanksgiving feast.


What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving? Morgan gallantly captaining the sag (support and gear) wagon, the green shortbus.

Miles Rode: 65
Flats: O
Broken Buses: 0
Written by 1st time bike-tripper: Kamron Sockolov

Big Basin to Santa Cruz to Sunset State Beach

We woke at Big Basin after a crazy night's sleep and still had no bus. With more help from friends, Travis and Sara were able to borrow a car to return the warm layers supplied by Nicole's cousin in Felton. They then headed up to the broken bus to get all of our stuff in case the bus wouldn't start any time soon.
Riders left the campground and cruised on into Santa Cruz. With time to spare, we treated ourselves to the fruits of civilization. Some sipped coffee at a rootsy cafe, others sat and got waited on at a Thai food joint. We hit up a bike shop, a health food store and checked out the cozy city. So much to see and do in too little time. Santa Cruz is a close, open, bike friendly community, with lots of beautiful parks and nooks, florishing farm and garden projects, entertaining people, and quality establishments. Though they have their share of issues, they have a lot of regard for the environment and for the health and well-being of the people.

At 3pm we met up to continue riding towards Sunset Beach State Park, still 20 miles away. We arrived to the campground at sunset and what passes us on the way in but a glorious, shining, purring bus! Thankful and excited to have the group back together again, we enjoyed a delicious meal and some well deserved, warm, peaceful rest.


Miles rode: 47
Flats: Travis, 1
Written By: Abigail & Kyla

Los Altos to Almaden to Big Basin

We woke up in the recreation room of Foothills Congregational Church ready for another early start. We rode a chilly 20 miles before arriving at the Almaden Country School in San Jose at 8:30am. Upon arrival, we were greeted by some of the seventh graders who were so enthusiastic and welcoming. They gave a great tour of the school by means of a scavenger hunt introducing us to where each of us would be volunteering our time for the next few hours. They had even created some amazing signs all over the room we were given to put our stuff, change, etc. Almaden is a K-8 school so we spread ourselves out in order to visit and interact with as many of them as possible through games, interactive lessons, slide shows and working in the garden.


The students were so enthusiastic and it was great to see all the familiar faces. We were lucky enough to arrive on the perfect day at Almaden- the day of their Thanksgiving feast! The decorations were amazing and we ate delicious food after a song from our own Travis, Jacob, and Kyla.


After we ate plenty of delicious food- enough to power us for the next big push up the Santa Cruz mountains, we waved goodbye to many kids as we pedaled onward and attempted to make it up the big hill before sunset. We made great timing and everyone finished strong. We made it to Big Basin Redwoods State Park campground and learned that the bus had broken down. After a generous ranger let us stay in the lodge an extra hour, let us use the phone, and then gave us wood, we made our way to a raging campfire started by a few of us still dressed in spandex. Nicole was able to call her cousin and Emily and Nick arrived with food and warmth for 15 hungry, cold cyclists. After the bus made it up the hill, it gave out again, but Morgan and Sara were grabbed any warm clothes or sleeping bags from anyone's bag and sent it to the campground with a kind stranger and Sara. Some of us were then already asleep on a tarp with all the amazing layers Emily and Nick brought, others were just telling more stories by the fire and enjoying each others' company. Tents were assembled, layers were dolled out, some sleeping bags were shared, almost no sleeping pads were around, and we did the best with what we had, in a very sustainable fashion. It was an amazing night, regardless, and we are thankful for all the help we had along the way.


We were able to spend time in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which is the first State Park in California, founded in 1900. Redwood trees are unique in that only 5% or less of the Redwood forests in California still exist today due to excessive logging. Much of this logging happened after the San Francisco fires to rebuild the city. Species like the marbled murrelet bird depend on old growth forests for nesting sites. The decrease in redwood forests has led this species of bird to be labeled as a threatened species.

This bike trip has given the riders a great opportunity to learn about not only the students' communities who visit us on the island, but also gives us a glimpse of many other unique and diverse communities. The knowledge we gain from these experiences will surely help improve our ability to learn more about the areas our students are coming to us from as well as make us better educators.


Miles rode: 60
Flats: none
Written By: Abigail & Danny

First School Visit

We awoke at 5am with visions of being ready to head out by 6. At 6:30am we finally left, after the bus was packed, our water bottles were filled, our daypacks set with clothes for our first school visit at Claire Lilienthal, and we had eaten enough to sustain us for at least a couple hours. Right away we got an amazing view of the city at sunrise, with skyscrapers showing through the Golden Gate bridge. With fingers frozen we pedaled on, through tunnels and back across the bridge in order to be changed and ready to facilitate program with 8th grade students (almost all of whom visited Catalina this Fall) by 7:45am. Whew!

Upon arrival we noticed potted plants in sections of the parking lot. The plants were not there in previous years, and it was great to visit this school and see its progression, getting greener every year. Each area even had a sign that identified which classroom had worked on what area. This commitment to the students' roles in changing the school's natural asthetics in a very urban setting helps us understand just how students can take our lessons on Catalina home with them. Their dedication to our program, their support for the bike trip, and responsibility to the environment are inspiring to us riders. Seeing ecological principles and values we talk about in action are an indication that we have willing and listening ears for the message of bettering our world, for everyone.

One aspect of the visit focused on the decrease of open space, particularly in the bay area. Claire Lilienthal is located just a few blocks from the water and where it stands used to be wetlands. From the mid 1800s through the late 1900s more than a third of the original bay was filled in and often built on. Through planting native plants at the school we are able to open up a dialog with students about how our actions can leave a positive impact. With a little time and energy students will continue to see the creation of new green spaces in their communities.

San Francisco serves as a fabulous example of how to make being environmentally aware a city wide expectation with green trash cans for composting. Convenience is often a factor in society's choices, and with city wide composting some environmental choices just got a whole lot easier to make.

Tomorrow we are looking forward to another early departure to make a 20 mile ride to Almaden Country School where we will visit with students who attended CELP last month and some who will visit us in years to come.

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein

Written By: Abigail & Danny

Miles rode: 56
Flats: none

San Fran to Point Bonita!

Today was an eye opening experience as some of our riders found themselves part of their first large group ride through the city of San Francisco. We woke to a light rain, but didn't let it dampen our spirits. We packed the bus and geared up for a short ride through the mission district to the Sports Basement. Past murals and cafes, cars and weekend walkers, we shook the dust off our helmets, or for some- made our debut to the streets.

At the Basement (a giant warehouse that sells quality sporting goods at outlet prices), a charismatic mechanic named Jeff gave us an abridged, yet entertaining and informative Bike 101 class. He spent several hours going over road safety, adjusting your bike, how to fix flats, true your wheels and perform other road side repairs. We left feeling prepared and ready to ride! Big thanks to Jeff and the Sport's Basement crew!

From there, we enjoyed a beautiful ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Point Bonita YMCA where we are staying the night. The contrast of wild, gorgeous coastline and dramatic city skyline was a symbolic view for our first day of riding. After a delicious meal we divided into small groups to go over curriculum for our first school visit at Claire Lilienthal in the Marina neighborhood. Suddenly the lights dimmed and in came a flaming cake to celebrate the birthday of Kamron, one of our beloved riders and first season CELP instructor. We indulged in decadent, organic, vegan carrot cake, and got ready for tomorrow's ride and school visit. We are looking forward to seeing students who attended CELP earlier this season and working with them in their home environment. We are curious to see if and how they have integrated what they learned at CELP into their school and home communities.

It's been a great first day and everyone is settling down to get some rest before our early departure.
Day 1 miles rode: 16
Flats: Kyla, 1
Written by: Danny, Kyla, and Abigail

On our Way!

The riders of the 5th annual Sustainable Living Bike Tour, after weeks of preparation, have finally set sail for the mainland. The riders have been working hard to accomplish the laundry list of tasks needed to be completed before our departure from the island, amidst a busy CELP season.

Our mission to teach sustainability to the schools we visit and the folks we meet on our way down the coast starts at Howlands Landing. The small community we live in requires us to work closely with one another and make choices that will ultimately have impact on our surrounding environment. Each CELP staff brings a variety of skills, knowledge, and expertise to the table. The diversity within our staff is a key factor in bringing successful programming from the island to the larger communities we encounter on our way down the coast. In order to complete the lengthy list of tasks needed to prepare for the bike trip responsibilities were spread out amongst the staff.

Routes have been finalized, food has been packed, the final touches have been put on curriculum, gifts have been made for donors and home stays, and all the while staff were facilitating programming with our last few schools of the season.

As we study and observe the CELP forest with students on Catalina Island we learn about the importance of the roles that each organism plays in maintaining a successful community. As a CELP staff we strive to mimic this effectiveness by drawing on our different strengths and talents in order to maximize productivity and add value to each task. In short, we are exhausted after a successful CELP season, but are invigorated by the prospects of reconnecting with our students as the journey unfolds.

We look forward to getting to San Francisco, ready to ride. Stay tuned!


Written by Danny and Abigail

17 days to padded shorts!!!!

With less than 3 weeks before the start of the 2009 sustainable living bike tour, riders are dusting off their shoes, pulling out their jerseys, and maybe even doing some training rides. We are adapting our curriculum for a new crowd, finding sponsors and donors (a huge THANK YOU to everyone who's already donated), asking loved ones on our route for shelter, getting the food gathered to feed 14 hungry cyclists for 3 meals a day for 3 weeks, booking schools left and right, reserving campsites, and maybe even finding a surfspot or two along our route. We are doing research about ecological issues. We are putting our goals for this ride at the forefront of our mind as we think about what to bring. We are finding the motivation to work out in the midst of a very full work day, if only because we are encouraged by the knowledge of these workouts paying off during those first few long days and mountainous rides through Big Sur. There is still much to be done, but the anticipation is building as the number of days until the start of the bike trip are decreasing.

The schools who leave the island at this point in the season might just likely hear a "see you soon!" and not a "goodbye." We've got 14 schools booked in our itinerary and plans to revamp or even build gardens and compost bins at as many schools as will put our hands to work.

We had a bike trip meeting tonight, to remind us to (again) work out so that we don't just survive the bike trip but we actually enjoy it. We were updated on the itineraries, the schools added, and the understanding of what all we needed to bring with us (as little as possible to save some room in our Support and Gear vehicle, our SAG wagon, the shortbus): biking gear, camping gear, warm clothes and layers for the evenings, and "school"clothes for presentations.

We have been lucky enough to have enough gear, across almost all of these categories, donated over the years.

Our staging area looked strangely like a bike shop! The first job is looking the part, I suppose.

We are eager to ride, both to teach those schools a lesson and those hills one too! 17 days to padded shorts!