Carmel to Kirk Creek Campground, California

Monday, May 19, 2014
Carmel to Kirk Creek Campground, California
55 miles

Bridges, tunnels and RV campers - oh my!

We felt happy, confident and strong as we left the Carmel Mission Inn.

Pampered and well rested we were excited to for the ride ahead to Big Sur in central California.  Big Sur has to be one of the most spectacular coastlines you can find and today we were blessed with clear skies and warm temperatures.  Perfect conditions.

Our guide book warned about the upcoming day.  I quote, "riding the steeply rolling terrain is strenuous, both physically and mentally."  We didn't pay much attention, after all we survived the Crescent City Hill and Leggett Hill.....and then we found ourselves humbled.

It was an incredibly difficult day as we faced numerous long climbs and descents.  However, it was also one of the most scenic and thrilling sections of our ride.  Rugged cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other.

The road was challenging with shoulders ranging from great to non existent and the tourist camper traffic was definitely increasing making some of the corners really nerve racking.  We crossed numerous bridges - all with the most incredible views.

We stopped at almost every turn out and scenic view point, to catch our breath and to spend time taking it all in.

The mental challenge was an interesting battle as we both struggled with fatigue.  The spirit was willing but the legs were questioning the decision to cycle this section.  At times we wanted the day to just end, and at other times we never wanted the day to end.  There is something about Big Sur that captivates.

Our hiker/biker campsite is amazing - beach front and as I write this, the sun is setting.

Ocean view hiker/biker campsite at Kirk Creek

One of the cyclists we are sharing the campsite with is a professional photographer.  He told us that this campsite has been featured as one of the best places in the world to capture sunset photos.  He spends his vacations cycling between campsites in Big Sur and doing nature photography.  His "real" job is in Boston....but, Big Sur calls him back every year.

Giggle of the day.

Exhausted, we stopped at a convenience store in Lucia to restock supplies and purchase a little "treat" to help us get to the campsite.  A teenager approached us and asked if we found the road scary.  He told us that his family was from Ontario.  They had just rented a 40 foot RV camper and were driving the coast from Santa Barbara to Monterey.  He said his Dad was really, really scared to drive on this road.  He was scared?  We did not share our biggest fear with him.....