Kauai cyclists tour Lihue's back roads (& others...)

Please click here if you'd like to be notified of upcoming events.

...also on this page...


Three-Quarters Century Ride

Lihue, March 10, 2013—The lure of riding Kauai's less traveled back roads brought 18 bicyclists out for a 35 mile ride from Kalapaki to Mahaulepu and back. Some of the attractions visited included the Menehune Fish Ponds overlook, the William Hyde Rice monument in Kipu, and the rugged Mahaulepu coast.

At the William Hyde Rice monument in Kipu: back row: Luis Poblacion, Tommy Noyes, Andy Swar, Mary & Del Alexander, Connie Kakalia, Andrew & Kelly Kakalia, Tom Kremer, Rey Agcaoili, Palmer Hafdahl, front row: Charlie Winchell, Ben, Dario Silbolboro, Pat White, Leonard, Alicia Leong, and Stevan Yee.

 As the group pedaled and chatted, they learned that Pat White was celebrating her 75th birthday that day, and so naturally the ride was christened the "Three-Quarters of a Century Ride" in Pat's honor.

Pat White is an inspiration for us all—still up for a 35+ mile bike ridewith plenty of hills, and lovin' it! The route included climbing Omao Road from Koloa up to Kaumualii Highway and back through Lihue.

Here's Pat with her typical big smile as she approached the Marriot's Kalapaki parking lot at the end of the day's ride.

Mary Alexander convinced her husband Del that getting out for a ride on his 1991 vintage mountain bike -- sporting duct tape handle bar grips -- would be a good alternative to surfing. "I've never ridden 35 miles before," commented Del, who impressed the group by lofting extended wheelies while climbing quiet stretches of road.

The riders were stoked to be out on the roads with company.  Check the calendar at Kauai Path's home page for postings of upcoming group ride oportunities. Rides organized by Kauai Path are typically free, and riders of all endurance levels are encouraged to participate. Helmets and bikes in good working order are required, and riders should be prepared to fix their own flat tires.


Father’s Day 2012 bike ride a primer of things to come

Dennis Fujimoto | The Garden Island

Tommy Noyes, Nancy Budd and Dr. Randy Blake lead a group of bicyclists on a Father's Day ride from the upper parking lot of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Photo by Dennis Fujimoto | the Garden Island Newspaper



Garden Island Newspaper Monday, June 18, 2012
NAWILIWILI — Tommy Noyes and Dr. Randy Blake of the Kaua‘i Path led a group of bicyclists on a Father’s Day ride Sunday morning from the upper parking lot of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.

 
 "The best gifts are free!" commented Keith Blake, left, and the cloudy weather was a plus for Randy Blake, "Nice cool day to ride and celebrate Father's Day with my son, Keith."  Photo by Tommy Noyes | Kauai Path, Inc.

“Team Buddly is back,” said Nancy Budd, who along with Roy Yamakawa, sported a bright Team Buddly bicycle jersey. “This is a Team Buddly event in preparation for the 2012 Paradise Ride, a major fundraiser for Malama Pono Health Services.”

The Paradise Ride Kaua‘i, a fully supported two-day bike ride, is scheduled for Aug. 4 and 5.

This is not a race, although some people treat it as one,” one of the Malama Pono office staff said Thursday during a grant presentation from the A&B Foundation. “This year, one of the new aspects to the ride is a Sunday Century Ride to the southwest side of the island. The ‘Design Your Own Ride’ feature continues for the 2012 ride which will be centered at the Island School campus.”

Registration for the Paradise Ride Kaua‘i is currently being accepted at www.paradiseridekauai.com, where more than 50 riders have already signed up.

Kevin Matsunaga, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School media instructor, was using the ride to tune his new ride in preparation for the July 7 Koke‘e ride hosted by the Kaua‘i Path.

“Dirt bike is the only way to go,” Matsunaga said, smiling to himself when Noyes presented the option of either the back road which is dirt, or the paved road circling the Lihu‘e Airport runway with Ahukini Landing as its first destination.

"Great ride today! Got to see and ride different places and I met some new people!" —Kevin Matsunaga  Photo by Tommy Noyes | Kauai Path, Inc.

“I’m doing this to get ready for the Bike Koke‘e Fun Ride 2012 on July 7.”

Robert MacDougall had his “friendly” whale to keep him company, the rubber squeaker announcing his bike on the multi-use path.

That’s where the Mayor-a-Thon will unfold this Saturday with registration starting at 6 a.m. and bicycle and stroller judging at 6:30 a.m. before the event goes off at 7 a.m. from the Kapa‘a Beach Park.

Registration for the walkers, joggers, bicycle riders event is being accepted on the Get Fit Kaua‘i or the Kaua‘i Path websites.
Early registration for these event ensure the chance to get one of the limited, free event T-shirts or water bottles. In addition, there will be breakfast, music, dancing, games and prizes following the 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 mile walk, bike or run on Ka Ala Hele Makala‘e, or the multi-use path.

Registration is also being accepted for the Bike Koke‘e Fun Ride, which will be limited to 75 riders and is subject to the issuance of permits by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for the bicyclists to enter a controlled hunting area, the Kaua‘i Path website states.

Check the Kauai Path home page for info on upcoming events.


Dennis Fujimoto, Garden Island Newspaper photographer and staff writer, can be reached at (808) 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.

 


Wailua Homesteads Country Roads Ride
December 17, 2011

 
A suggestion to plan a ride close to home resulted in Robert MacDougall (front row, center in black & red) planning the Wailua Homesteads Country Roads route. Eighteen riders participated, including a few new to the group.

 

Wailua Homesteads roads don't typically have shoulders, so riding as part of a group added to the comfort level for riders unfamilair with the area.

The roads were a bit wet, not unusual for December in Wailua which is one of the island's wetter areas.

Fortunately the wet  conditions did not contribute to any mishaps, and only minor mechanical concerns arose.

Comment: "Tommy, we missed you.  I hope you are feeling better.
   "We had a pleasant ride.  I make a rule not to ride on wet roads, but was glad I made an exception today. We rode safely, but my bike needs a good cleaning.
   "The pot luck was lucky again.  Sushi, wraps, noodles and chicken.  Sumi contributed some cakes."  —Richard
 

Comment: "Tommy, since we missed it, let's do it and invite others who may want to do it again :-) I really want to experience a group ride, I heard it was fun and pleasant, not racing." —Bryan

Comment: "It should be reported that Angelo was found!  Apparently he took a wrong turn and did 2 laps of the course looking for us. That's 50 + Miles in the steep foothills of Kauai.   He is definitely fit.
   Angelo deserves a prize!" —Robert

(right) The base of Makaleha was the far point of the ride.

Randy Blake, the executive director of Kauai Path (in the orange jacket) took the group on a little detour to the top of seldom traveled Moalepe Road (not Moalepe Trail). There he pointed out features of the mountain that his family see daily from their nearby home.

 

(left) Sherman Fong admires Makaleha's waterfalls. "Makaleha" translates as "with eyes of wonder."  

Mahalo to Heatherbell Fong for making these images available.

More of Heatherbell's pictures from this ride are posted on Flickr.

Feedback, please: Where would you like to have a group ride?


PIHI's flyer for the December 4, 2011 Lihue Town Cruise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Kokee Fun Ride on the Contour Road, March 19, 2011

About fifty riders gathered at the picnic area between mile markers 12 and 13 on the Kokee Road for Fun Bike Kokee. We started by dividing into four rider groups: advanced riders, two medium groups, and the relaxed group. Riders started down from the crest of Polihale Ridge Road, dropped about 200 feet of elevation in a mile, and reached the Contour Road. 

Following are the riders' comments and a few pictures.

"The ride was awesome. Thanks for the adventure and fun. I would love to do it again." —Lerma Catiggay

"We were happy to provide access for the Kokee Fun Bike Ride event." — Frances "Bully" Mission, Enforcement Officer, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement ("DOCARE"), Department of land and Natural Resources ("DLNR"), State of Hawaii

"Thanks for the fun ride. I wouldn't have been on a ride today if not for this fun ride. Thanks again." —Mandie Cook

"Delightful. Nice people. Nice bikes. Community event. Do more! Thanks." —Robert MacDougall

"Beautiful scenery. Great place to work up a sweat." — Steve Penner

"If I can do it, anyone can!" —Ian Penner, age 12

"It was a great rough road Fun Ride—my first one. Aloha." —Dario Silbolboro, president of the Philippines Islands Hawaii Islands Cycling Club ("PIHI")

 "Great trail, good challenging hills, but loved the down hills. Let's go further next time." —Tyler Carvalho

"Great day! Good organization into different skill levels. Lots of fun, no pressure to 'perform!' Can't wait for next time!" —Jessica Matsuoka

"Great ride! Earlier start would be good! Shuttle from the bottom would be good :-)" —Keith Blake

"Super fun! Thanks for putting this together for us all. Beautiful country, great people. Thanks!" —Holly Cook

"Great Ride. Should organize trail rides more often and experience more trails with different skill levels." —Jerry "Jay" Lagazo, Jr.

"It was so fun! Thanks for the great opportunity to ride up in Kokee!" —Megan Ellis

"Very well organized ride. Super fun for all levels of riding. Thank you." —Tyler Justice

"We had a wonderful ridge in Kokee. It was fun and met a lot of great people!! We'd love to ride again!" — Brett Ishida & Leanne Padasadao

"Great ride, longer but smoother than I expected. Very well organized. Thanks" — Steve Westerberg

"Perfect weather, dry road, cheerful group." — Bob Nishek

"Great ride—a stretch for me. [I rode with the] middle [endurance level] group 12 miles—beautiful. Thanks Thomas [Noyes, ride coordinator] A-1 leader." —Sharon Geiken Nesterberg

"Well organized, fun ride. Boy, those hills were killer." —June Tada

"Great gathering even if we /I had to walk up the hill—will have to camp for a week to get acclimated to the elevation!" —Pat White


Mahalo to Kawika Smith and Galen Kawakami of the DLNR for their assistance with securing the permit for this event.

 

 Fresh Air Sea Side Ride February 20, 2011

Long Route:            Medium Route:  


Dennis Fujimoto of the Garden Island Newspaper submitted the following article for publication on January 25, 2011:

Cycling enthusiasts choose the road over football

PO‘IPU — Instead of watching football on television, Mark Tanaka unlimbered his bicycle, Sunday [January 23, 2011].

“This is the first time I’m doing something like this,” he said, aware that just down the street, people were already gathering at the Po‘ipu Kai eatery for the morning game. “But I need to spend some quality time with my wife Joey, so I’m doing it.”

The Cycle Po‘ipu event was a three-stage bicycling event where cyclists had a choice of a long distance ride from Po‘ipu Beach Park to Kalaheo and back, a shorter run out to Maha‘ulepu and back using mountain bikes only, or an even shorter six-mile route to Spouting Horn and back.

Mark Tanaka, in the center of the medium length ride crew and wearing the blue shirt, passed on arm-chair quarterbacking to attend the free Cycle Poipu Fun Ride with about 60 other cyclists.

The Kalaheo loop took in 36 miles  and an 800-foot elevation gain when combined with the Spouting Horn jaunt. The Maha‘ulepu loop was eight miles, or 14 miles when combined with the Spouting Horn run.

“We’re just weekend riders, so we’re just kind of cruising,” said Joey Tanaka, who signed up for the Maha‘ulepu loop.

Thomas Noyes, leader of that segment, said earlier there were about 40 riders taking off for the Kalaheo loop.

“Everybody meets back here and we all do the Spouting Horn loop,” he said.

Recently, there have been several bicycling events geared to get people involved in the sport.

This began with a New Year’s ride where cyclists started from the Kaua‘i Lagoons parking lot for a spin through Lihu‘e, up through the Menehune Fishpond and returning back to the Kaua‘i Lagoons.

More recently, the Philippine Island Hawai‘i Island club organized a ride from Hanama‘ulu Beach Park to Moloa‘a Ranch and back for more serious road riders.

During the Sunday event, a hand-scribed sign announced the next ride to be Feb. 20 at Lihi Park in Kapa‘a.

Kaua‘i Cycle and Tour is organizing a group road ride on Jan. 30 to Princeville Park. Details on the Kaua‘i Path website state this is a group ride, ride at your own pace, bring your own flat kit, food and water because the rides are not supported.

For the more adventurous, there is a Cycle Oregon kickoff party Feb. 8 at the Tiger Woods Center, Nike Campus in Oregon. This serves as the launch of the Cycle Oregon Week Ride, Sept. 10-17, which is limited to the first 2,200 cyclists who sign up. The Weekend Ride, July 15-17, is limited to 2,000 riders.


 

Dennis Fujimoto of the Garden Island Newspaper submitted the following article for publication on December 27, 2010:


Bicyclists take time to tour Lihu‘e area

NAWILIWILI — Stevan Yee said he expected about two dozen bicyclists for Sunday’s ride, the day after Christmas.

Yee served as the lead rider for the informal group of bicyclists that included at least two visitors for a ride in and around Lihu‘e.


Stevan Yee leads an informal group of bicyclists out of the Kaua‘i Lagoons parking lot, Sunday morning. Dennis Fujimoto | the Garden Island Newspaper 


“Our main goal is to get bicyclists used to riding on the road, and to get motorists aware of bicyclists on the road,” Yee said.

Thomas Noyes, riding sweeper for the group that swelled beyond the two dozen mark, said the idea came during the Malama Pono Century Ride earlier this year.

Since then, he took the lead to organize an October ride that went from Lihi Park in Kapa‘a to Kilauea and back. That event was labeled the Fresh Air Seaside ride and featured a staggered start with the longest distance riders leaving as early as 7:30 a.m.

Other riders staggered start with the shortest distance riders leaving last, but everyone making it back to the Lihi Park at about the same time, Noyes said.

“We had about 40 riders for that event. We followed that with a Turkey Trot that drew more than a hundred people, some being runners,” he said. “But this event, Steven Yee took the lead to organize.”

 
  Stevan Yee, aboard a tandem bike, leads a group of bicyclists up the Ahukini Pier landing, Sunday morning. Dennis Fujimoto | the Garden Island Newspaper


Yee, who rode a tandem bike for this event, said following the Lihu‘e ride which featured members of the recently-organized Philippines Islands Hawai‘i Islands riders joining the group, another ride is being planned for the Po‘ipu area headed by Sherman and Heatherbell Fong.

“I’ve been riding here by myself and getting into trouble,” said Lyndee Richmond, a visitor from Calif. “When I found out about this ride, I thought I would join them since I shipped my bicycle here from California.”

Yee said he loaned one of his bikes to Adrian Fernandez, another Californian from the Bay Area, who found out about the ride and wanted to participate.

The Sunday ride featured about 25 miles covering different segments leading out of the Kaua‘i Lagoons parking lot. First stop was the comfort station near the Kaua‘i Marriott guard shed by Lihu‘e Airport where the group picked up the PIHI riders.

 
Thomas Noyes, center, sweeps the pack of informal bicyclists during the Sunday ride. Dennis Fujimoto | the Garden Island Newspaper
 


From there, it was a loop to the Ahukini Pier and then making its way down Nawiliwili, up through the Menehune Fishpond and out to Kipu before returning to the Kaua‘i Lagoons parking lot.

“We were going to loop through more areas, but with the rains, Saturday night, I think this is a good start,” Yee said.

Click here for details on the Po‘ipu ride on Jan. 23.  Sherman Fong said that event will also have a staggered start depending on riders.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
 

 

 

 

Riders on the December 26 Fun Training Ride, Thomas Noyes photo


October 2010 Fresh Air Sea Side Fun Ride

Following are comments from the folks who participated in the October 2010 Fresh Air Sea Side Fun Ride ("FASS Fun Ride") sponsored by Kauai Path and Communities Putting Prevention to Work. Please click here if you'd like to be notified of upcoming events.

Lani Kawahara: A great group activity that truly encourages active, fun & healthy lifestyle. Please keep it going!
    I especially like the way organizers allow for different riding abilities and distance abilities! Very flexible and yet safety conscious when people peel off.

On October 30, 2010 Fresh Air Sea Side Fun Riders in the long (35 mile) event from Lihi Park to the Crater Hill Lookout in Kilauea and back got together at 7:30 AM at Lihi Park. Left to Right (back row): Vincente Tanicala*, Kerry Blaine, Alex Cadiz*, Joseph Ballesteros*, Leo Defonturom*, Roland Tanicala*, Rey Agcaoili*, Lem Soria*, Roy Yamakawa, Angelo Catiggay*, and Allen Matias*; front:  Jessie Obiano* and Dario Sibolboro*; missing Archer Obiano*, Eddie Obiano*, and Leiola Kamalani-Oliver. *members of the Philippines Island Hawaii Island  Cycling Club ("PIHI").

Leiola Kamalani-Oliver: I love biking & would like to see more of these biking events. No pressure, take your time if you want & I like the three different bike ride distances. I didn’t want to take my picture with the 7:30 group just in case I was going to be a drop-out, but I stuck it out.
    I just wanted to say thank you for a fun bike ride today with everyone. I will try to learn how to bike with a helmet by the next ride, but no promises. I must be a rookie rider because there was no way I could eat (other than fruits) after that bike ride, but it did look scrumptious. 
    Mahalo nui loa!
[Editor’s note: Leiola is a grandmother who rode her exercise bike on the 35-mile route with some serious and much younger cyclists on light road bikes, and she finished in the middle of the pack! Hats off to Leiola-she’s an inspiration to us all!]

The medium length ride (20 miles) started at 8:30 Am from Lihi Park, and the turnaround point was the Moloa`a Fruit stand.

Kurt Rutter: Twenty mile ride—great ride. Nice to have a bike lane along Kuhio Highway in the future as part of Complete Streets. Thanks for hosting the ride.

Kerry Blaine: The ride was great! The bike path is the best improvement for recreation on Kauai in twenty years. It should be completed ASAP. Kauai needs more bike awareness and bike paths! Drivers on Kauai are not aware of bikes and need to be educated to watch for them. Thank you for your hard work Thomas [Noyes]!!
l to r: Joey Tanaka, Pat White, and Alicia Leong did the 20 mile ride, pushing their endurance levels.

Tomoe T. Rutter: It was a wonderful ride. I don’t ride on the road (Highway) by myself. But with other riders, it wasn’t so bad. I will join anytime.

Tim Bynum: Beautiful day, good company, good fun.

Jeff Demma: Generally, this was a good & simple opportunity for riders of various levels to get out there on the path & on the road. There were some “very fast” and slightly aggressive truck/car drivers on Kuhio. Some heavy overgrowth made the shoulder mauka very narrow. Wish the shoulders were better maintained. Mahalo!

Dario Siborboro: Great fun ride for a new comer. We’ll do it again. We will keep the wheels rolling.

Luke Carney: Use the path almost every day. I run and push my baby boy Dylan in a jogging stroller. He naps and I get some exercise in a very beautiful location.

Brad Fong: Today’s ride was very fun. I’m looking forward to the path being built longer and I’ll definitely be back for more rides to come.

Tiffany Guidalin:
I really enjoyed today’s bike ride. The scenery was beautiful. I would like to do it again during my next visit. Thank you!

Troy Arnold: Riding bikes is fun.

Alex Cadiz: Good ride, will do it again!!!

Rey Agcaoili: Perfect, great ride and would like to do it again.

Heatherbell Fong: The short ride [eight miles] was very low-key and scenic. We could have accommodated at least twenty more riders, and hope more will come next month [Editor’s note: the Kapaa Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, 2010, see the www.KauaiPath.org calendar for details.]
Potluck at 11:30 AM at Lihi Park.


Sherman Fong: The short [eight mile] ride is always rewarding. It is beautiful and very scenic. It is a good ride for beginners to biking and avid riders. Perhaps we should encourage parents and children to ride on future fun rides.

Jo Manea: [At] Ahihi Point: use small rocks to designate paths from paved road out to the point, so ilima plants can grow. Post sign about letting ilima grow.

Susan Hoerner: I wanted to thank you and all the organizers of [the] ride, I enjoyed it immensely, especially since I’m sure I rode away having gotten the most exercise of anyone on my little Beach Cruiser. It is now possible to tell people, “sure you can do the 20-miler on a beach cruiser, no sweat...well, a little sweat.” I’m looking forward to the next one, with a different bike, and Charlie [Susan’s husband] will have his tuned up by than and be able to complete the ride.

This event was made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and sponsored by Communities Putting Prevention to Work-Hawaii—improving healthy eating and healthy activities, creating jobs, and promoting sustainability on the islands of Kauai and Maui.