Cyclist Goes Missing After Planned Big Sur Ride

Eoin 'Owen' McLoughlin, 28, has not been seen since parking his vehicle in Monterey over the weekend.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A 28-year-old cyclist named Eoin 'Owen' McLoughlin, who speaks with an Irish accent, has gone missing after planning to ride down the Big Sur coast from Monterey. McLoughlin parked his vehicle in a Monterey parking lot on Saturday and intended to pedal approximately 60 miles along Highway 1 to Kirk Creek Campground, camp there, and then continue across Nacimiento-Ferguson Road to King City. From there, he planned to either cycle or take a bus to Salinas, then cycle back to Monterey. Friends and law enforcement are now searching for McLoughlin, who is described as 5'11", 180 lbs, with brown hair and eyes.

Why it matters

The Big Sur coast is a popular but remote and rugged area for cycling, and McLoughlin's disappearance raises concerns about his safety and well-being. Law enforcement and his friends are actively searching for him, hoping to locate him and determine what may have happened during his planned ride.

The details

According to an informational poster on social media, McLoughlin parked his vehicle in a Monterey parking lot before setting out on his planned ride down the Big Sur coast. He intended to pedal approximately 60 miles along Highway 1 to Kirk Creek Campground, camp there, and then continue across Nacimiento-Ferguson Road to King City. From King City, he planned to either cycle or take a bus to Salinas, then cycle back to Monterey. However, McLoughlin has not been seen or heard from since parking his vehicle in Monterey.

  • On Saturday, McLoughlin parked his vehicle in a Monterey parking lot before setting out on his planned ride.

The players

Eoin 'Owen' McLoughlin

A 28-year-old cyclist who speaks with an Irish accent and went missing after planning to ride down the Big Sur coast from Monterey.

Paddy White

A friend of McLoughlin's who is assisting in the search efforts.

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What’s next

The Monterey Police Department and McLoughlin's friends are continuing their search efforts to locate him and determine what may have happened during his planned ride.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks and challenges faced by cyclists exploring remote and rugged areas, and the importance of thorough planning, preparation, and communication when undertaking such adventures. The search for McLoughlin is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.