I am appalled at the current surface condition of Highway 1 north of Cambria due to Caltrans work done last fall. My husband and I have lived in San Luis Obispo for nearly 40 years, and cannot remember a time when this stretch of road was anything less than pure joy to traverse, especially by bicycle.

Not only is it officially an All American Road — it is part of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route. Now it is ruined. If this was a cost-cutting measure, it fails, because a significant loss of revenue to local communities will occur as bicycling tourists learn of the situation and choose to go elsewhere.

We are longtime members of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. Each year the club puts on two century rides — one is the Lighthouse Century Ride, attracting 1,400 bicyclists. The road features prominently in the route. I cannot fathom how we can put on this ride in September unless the road is restored. It is unsafe now. The loss of revenue to local communities from lodging and restaurants will be significant, as will the loss of funds from entry fees that we donate to local charities and scholarships.