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