Bike Tour in the USA (2007), Part 33

Thursday, Sep. 20, 2007

Back to Humans

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park → Monterey

Distance: 97.56 km, Time: 7:11:52 Std., Total: 1.036 km

   As the sun finally broke through the clouds I cycled over the historically and for the traffic important Bixby Creek Bridge, 13 miles of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design, “graceful architecture and magnificent location”. The bridge is 714 feet (218 m) in total length, 24 feet (7.3 m) wide, with 260 feet (79 m) of clearance below, and has a main span of 360 feet or 110 m (wikipedia).

Bixby Bridge (early morning), wikipedia

   With the bridge (built from Aug 24, 1931 to Oct. 15, 1932) started the tourism in Big Sur from the north; for me the construction was, coming from the south, the end of this part of my trip. Especially living in hectic and bustling Taiwan I often think about these few days in quiet nature only disturbed occasionally by noisy people. I wish often that I had a place like this to retire from my busy daily life…

   With some sad thoughts I continued on Highway one and arrived at 11:00 at the city limits of Carmel-by-the-Sea. I turned right into an industrial area and found a branch of the Bank of America. My dollars were running low so I tried to cash in some of my American Express traveler's cheques. Except that had to explain the bank employee that in Europe we have only a European passport and that I had to show her the country name Germany in the passport it went surprisingly smooth. At that time (2007!) there was no credit card from which I could withdraw US dollars in cash so I prepared travellers cheques in advance.

   As the sun finally broke through the clouds I cycled over the historically and for the traffic important Bixby Creek Bridge, 13 miles of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design, “graceful architecture and magnificent”. The bridge is 714 feet (218 m) in total length, 24 feet (7.3 m) wide, with 260 feet (79 m) of clearance below, and has a main span of 360 feet or 110 m (wikipedia).

    Back on Highway 1 rode on a beltway crossing the steepest mountain on my whole trip which nearly overcame me. On the top I got off my bike to cross the very busy street and cycled into town. Carmel-by-the-Sea, or short Carmel, was founded in 1902.

   In 1905, the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club was formed to support and produce artistic works. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake the village was inundated with musicians, writers, painters and other artists turning to the establishing artist colony after the bay city was destroyed. The new residents were offered home lots – ten dollars down, little or no interest, and whatever they could pay on a monthly basis.

   Already in 1910 it was reported that 60% off all houses were inhabited with citizens who dedicated “their life to work and aesthetic art”. Maybe because of this background the actor Clint Eastwood was mayor from 1986-1988 in this town with a population of 4.000 citizens.

   In 1905, the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club was formed to support and produce artistic works. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake the village was inundated with musicians, writers, painters and other artists turning to the establishing artist colony after the Bay City was destroyed. The new residents were offered home lots – ten dollars down, little or no interest, and whatever they could pay on a monthly basis (wikipedia). Already In 1910 it was reported that 60% off all houses were inhabited with citizens who dedicated “their life to work and aesthetic art”. 

   Maybe because of this background the actor Clint Eastwood was mayor from 1986-1988 in this small town with a population of only 4.000 citizens.

   I cycled to a very clean living area and directly to the shopping center of the town. Here there are many famous brand offered in a relative small town and, around noon, all parking lots were occupied.

   Through a forested district I came finally to the beach of Carmel. In contrast to other beaches is was rather empty, even in the water was no one. I could only discover a young beach boy sitting in his opened door VW Bus Type 2, or Volkswagen Bulli, with loud Heavy Metal music. He did not use his surfboard, it leaned on his vehicle.

Carmel - San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

   
   I continued to ride and discovered accidently the Carmel - San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. Am June 03, 1770 Father Junipero dedicated a holy cross which should actually establish a 2nd Missionary Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Monterey. But the Spanish soldiers mistreated the Indians who saw the land of the mission as their own the Father moved on August 24, 1771 to Carmel. He worked here with his Indian friends until his death on August 28, 1784.

   Some readers might note that today I rode totally over the 1.000 km on American soil - a nice record for me. My purpose was not to make a bike race but to find the direction, time for photos, time for knowing people, time for relaxation. Sometimes the road is hard but more often it is easy and joyful. May the Lord continue to protect me and my equipment, may He let me have an interesting and great time...Thank you!  

(to be continued)