Kirk Creek to San Simeon, California

Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Kirk Creek campground to San Simeon, California
41 miles

WAWSOME (that is WOW and AWESOME combined)

Today was an epic day and probably one of the best cycle touring days we have ever had.  It rained during the night and we woke up expecting to be fogged in.  To our surprise, we opened the tent door to a beautiful, sunny and windless day.  Excitedly, we packed up camp ready to attack the hills during our last day in Big Sur.

Leaving Kirk Creek campground

Our goal was to put some miles behind us, but we are convinced this is nearly impossible to do when in Big Sur.  There are just too many opportunities to stop and explore and observe, and we couldn't bring ourselves to pass these opportunities by.

The first 22 miles were once again challenging, but the riding conditions were perfect.  Having an early start, we managed to get ahead of the RV traffic and at times we felt that we were the only people on the coast.  It was magical.

After fighting up one long, last climb we began the descent to Ragged Point and toasted Big Sur by stopping and having lunch - burgers!

After Ragged Point the terrain changed dramatically - a welcome relief I must confess.  We found ourselves on the flats.  Like magic our bikes felt at least 20 pounds lighter and we seemed to fly along the road.

Once again, we thought we would make up some miles, but then to our right we saw the whales.  Four grays were feeding.  We stopped, memorized and lost all track of time.  We were lucky enough to see two whales breach.....what a thrill.  Rob joked that if the whales knew how excited I got every time they breached, they would do it more often.

The whales moved on, and so it was time for us to get moving.  In the distance, we could see a few sandy coves ahead.  They appeared to be littered with drift wood, but something seemed odd.  The drift wood appeared to be moving.  As we neared, we saw one of the most amazing sights of the trip.  Hundreds of elephant seals basking in the sun on the sandy beaches.  They were massive!  We learned that an adult male can reach 5000 pounds.  We observed the elephant seals for what must have been hours before we could pull ourselves away.  According to Friends of the Elephant Seals, the Piedras Blancas rookery is home to approximately 17,000 animals.

Elephant seals as far as the eye could see

Finally, we pulled ourselves away from the Elephant Seals, got back on our bikes and pushed on to San Simeon.  It was now a race against time, in order to get off our bikes by dark.  We will never forget this day in Big Sur.....a touring cyclists dream!

Giggle of the Day:

MEAT