An Ode to the Central Coast

When we were “planning” our route, Erik and I decided we wanted to bike to our college towns. We were in Chico a few weeks ago, where he attended Chico State. Now it was my turn, returning to San Luis Obispo by bicycle. But the Central Coast is so much more than the university to me. As a child, I spent many days at Pismo Beach with my cousins, including most Thanksgivings. And Morro Bay was where I spent a couple years of college rowing for the Cal Poly Crew. It will always be a second home in my heart.

We left Cambria and said our goodbyes to my uncle, aunt, and cousin after a wonderful visit. We traversed the crazy hills out of their neighborhood and hit Hwy. 1, heading south for a nice ride to Morro Bay State Park to camp for the evening. It took a bit to see the ocean again, but then we rode into Cayucos for a quick bite to eat and breathe in the ocean air.

We had a little time before going to camp, so we took to the streets of Morro Bay. This was the bay where I spent many mornings on the glass-like waters in our 8-man boat. The crew team was full of great times, so many awesome people, and a opportunity to see what I could push my body to do. My novice coach told me that I was one of the worst rowers he had worked with. Brutal, but also a challenge I accepted. I pushed myself to get in the first boat and would soon be one of the leaders of my team. This trip has been a similar challenge for me, and I am just as determined now to conquer every hill.

We camped at Morro Bay State Park that night, beautiful spot next to the golf course and the outskirts of the bay.

The next day would be a short ride through the community of Los Osos and into San Luis Obispo. When we arrived in SLO, I had to take Erik by the famous Madonna Inn. And I encouraged him to check out the inn’s unique bathroom in particular.

Next we arrived in downtown, and explored a bit. So many nostalgic spots like the Fremont Theater, Bubblegum Alley, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa to go back to.

We were lucky enough to connect with my cousin M, who I haven’t seen in ages, and he kindly opened his home to us. It was incredibly special to reconnect with him, someone I have always admired and looked up to. We also shared an incredible breakfast and great conversation with him at the Del Monte Cafe the next day.

Outside of the cafe, we randomly ran into my old high school friend Tera who has been following our journey. So cool to see her and catch up.

The next day was Thanksgiving, and we would have been completely fine on our own. But it worked out that my aunt and uncle were celebrating the day in Pismo Beach. They graciously invited us to stay with them and join them for dinner with my cousin and her fiancé.

We took to the backroads to get to Pismo that morning and spent a little time at the pier before meeting up with the family. I grew up here, playing skee-ball, building sandcastles, and exploring caves.

At the pier we met a few people very curious about our setup and what we were doing. Erik chatted with a man who had traveled across the country 10 times by bike and had led Adventure Cycling bike tours. We also met Jamen and Chanel, the coolest people from outside of Seattle, who are thinking of taking a similar leap into bikepacking.

So grateful for this beautiful place, this trip down memory lane, and for family that continues to support and guide us along during this year on the road. And thank you to Aunt J and Uncle G for giving us a Thanksgiving to remember.

-Cortney