I have been getting a lot of requests lately from bicyclists and others about the use of the trail that is being constructed partially by locals for locals through a closed area, and I would offer this observation: the community does not think this (the use of the trail by bicyclists or others) is a good idea. It is narrow and steep, and full of steps. We are trying to heal. The path is an emergency measure for those who live here who are trying to survive – separation from loves ones; separation from work and home; and separation from children and their schools. It is our way of surviving, not a way to welcome guests. We would ask the bicycling community and others to honor and respect the healing we are trying to obtain in a difficult situation and time. I know you would love to experience the coast without all the cars, so would we. However, it is not just the bridge, it is the other two problems – Paul’s Slide and Mud Creek, one of which will be closed to visitors all of April and probably May as well. So the trail will not get you down the coast. There are other closures preventing a through passageway.
We want visitors, our community makes most of our living off of visitors, but we want them when it is safe for all. Please, we will welcome you when the road is open, but not when it is not open or safe. If you love Big Sur, honor her. She is saying she has had enough for now. Let her rest and recover. Let us rest and recover, we spent all summer fighting fire; we have been burned out of our homes; and winter has brought us floods that have ruined our roads. We are fragile, as a people and as a land. When the road is open, completely, or only just from the south or just from the north, we will welcome you. Right now, it is only open on the north from Carmel to the MAF – Big Sur Ranger Station, and not at all on the south. Bring your tourist dollars to the area and businesses that are open, but … Please. Honor Big Sur and the people who live here and the land and the people’s need to heal. If you love Big Sur, you will listen to what she is saying … give her and us time. Please.
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thank you Kate. Much Gratitude for your words which resonate deeply. We all (Big Sur) need time to heal. You are amazing and so Appreciated.
Caltrans is not so good at telling people when a bicycle/walkable path is open. Their priority is always cars over all else. So of course we depend upon locals to prod out if there's ways to walk through.
I really wish we could change their priorities - it would make our roads alot safer if there were always a way to walk/bike from A to B. Especially if it were using a different path, different qualifications.
My favorite road up here in Santa Cruz is still closed until May, too. Luckily the old alternates are still there, if badly beat up.
Amen and thank you!
Thank you Kate! Well said and well balanced. I would add that emergency medical response is extremely difficult within the closure. We have had three emergencies on the South Coast that required helicopter life flights as the only option to get people out. The residents of Big Sur will always step up to help in any emergency, but we don't need to strain our limit resources and put people at risk.
Excellent point, Ken. Thank you.
bigsurkate
Beautiful Kate. This post is so perfect and gives me a new sense of our community and where we are at this time. I love that we are healing and Big Sur is resting. Big Hugs to you for who you are for all of us.
Ah, Pam, thank you.
bigsurkate
Also, should they attempt to ride their bikes down the slope and on the "level" portions, they may well destroy the trail. Now I'm sure there are those that would carry, or roll their bikes the entire time, but there will be those who ride. The same ones that ride four abreast and block the road.
I am a cyclist. I live here, on Big Sur Island, and I am not going to ride my bike on the trail. Please, just don't ride your bike on the trail.
Please keep us posted on what businesses are accessible and struggling. Some cyclists, and others, will go out of their way to visit and support them, when the time is right.
Thank you Kate. It's great you write this. People need to understand the situation and the reason for the trail.
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