"Cycle to the Sun"

I miss placed this video clip over a year ago and thought I lost it for good. Today, I found it, "Yippee!!!" I wanna share with with all you guys.

The Haleakala Hill Climb, or "Cycle to the Sun" as it is commonly known as. Is considered the toughest and steepest paved road bike climb in the world. Considered a "Beyond Category" because of the length and elevation gain involved. You go from sea level to over 10,000 feet in about 34 miles, a fit athlete {(like myself) He-he-he}. can make it in a time span of just over four hours. An elite athlete, a little less than three. The average couch potato? Well, lets just say they should not attempt this one. Hope you find it worth your while. Aloha, Ted.

Update for week 5 of march - to week 1 of April

Aloha on this cold and windy over cast morning here in Kualapuu.

What a week it has been. 108 miles this week, but 76.2 of them were fully loaded. Actually over loaded. Pardon me for the affluency of my posts, but since time is important to everyone, I try to keep things entertaining for those of you seeking artificial stimulation without the actual use of artificial stimulation.

Our big pre-ride, over night rehearsal.
(Click on images for better view)

Okay, where was I................? Oh, and 38 of those were either against the wind, up hill, or both. If you weren't at home in front of the TV all day on Thursday, you would have noticed that the wind was howling. I would say in the 35 maybe 40 mile an hour range. Head wind all the way. Lisa and I started our ride from her place at Kenani kai. Right off the bat I had a problem. I forgot to bring my bike shoes. I haven't ridden a bike without using them since 1995. I felt naked without them. I was tempted to go home and get them, but time was ticking. I could have gone home, and met them along the way, but that would not have been according to plan. Besides, this would give me a chance to improvise. Notice I said them in the previous sentence? We met up with Fern at the top of the climb from Kalua koi. Fern had ridden from Mauna loa, and would accompany us to Pukoo where we would be spending the night camping. Or so we thought. Anyway, after a short break, we proceeded on our way to Kaunakakai approximately 15 miles east. No problem, down hill right? Well, when the wind is blowing stronger than you are going down hill, it makes for an interesting bike handling experience. Especially pulling an over loaded trailer. The bike wonders slightly from side to side before you have a chance to correct it. Partly from the wind, and the weight imbalance fore and aft. And you don't slow down as fast either.

After a grueling 15 mile battle with the wind, we stopped at the Pizza Cafe for lunch. I took this opportunity to catch a ride with my mom and sister to get my shoes. I couldn't resist. After over eating, we continued east. By now it was after 4 in the PM. I wasn't sure if we were gong to make it before dark. We kept a steady pace, bucking the constant head wind all the way. Occasionally we stopped for a minute or two to regroup, and break the monotony, and use the (you know what). It was after 6:00PM by the time we reached Manae Goods and Grinds. There we stopped for a few minutes knowing the we had less than a mile to go. I went in and bought the biggest can of ice cold juice that they had. It hit the spot so well, that I wish I had a bigger stomach so I could drink another one.

Peter Ward (Part owner of MGG along with his wife Kehau and son), happen to be there when we pulled up. I knew he wanted to join us, but since we were just about done for the day, I didn't invite um. By the way. Peter is my boss at my regular job. Good thing I didn't call in sick for this one.

By the time we pulled up to our destination, the sun was nearing the horizon, and we were in no mood to set up camp. Actually, there was no room in the yard for my set up. The latter is a better excuse than the prior. We ended up living the good life eating and sleeping indoors where it was nice and warm, and protected from the ever persistent wind.

Because of the lengthy nature of this post, I won't bother with the detail of our return trip. However, it was every bit as exciting. Here are a few pictures from our ride:

Lisa Davis completing the first climb.
"Hi Lisa!"

Fern and Lisa discussing strategy.
Ted realizing he has too much stuff

Ted and Lisa, partners in crime.

Close up of these criminals.

Final rest break before calling it a day.

All in all it was a great preview as to what we might expect on our journey.
Lessons learned: Carry less stuff. Double check equipment list. Stay with the plan.

Thank you all for joining us on this one. It's only 5 more weeks and we are really excited.
Aloha till next time, Your cyber host, Ted.