Tandem Cycling - Santana Hawaii Tour - A 2nd Perspective

Thanks to Bloomingtoncyclist for his very informative and accurate trips reports about our recent Santana tour to Hawaii. h

I must say it our tour went to some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever had the good fortune to visit. The site of the mule ride to the Leper colony (Molokai) was also used as the movie set for Jurassic Park 3. The cliffs going to the colony are considered the highest sea cliffs in the world. To see them, along with the other cliffs and valleys, and the contrast of the crashing surf and high waves were truly inspiring.

Bill and Jan McCready did a superb job in carrying out this tour. Bill was able to get a special permit for us to go down Haleakala do the Park Service now forbidding any bikers from the top portion of the mountain. Given BIll's previous 5 trips down the mountain with no accidents, they agreed to give him a special permit. Last year two died going down the mountain with a third critcally injured.

Bill and Jan consistently keep a positive outlook, even when things go awry and new plans have to be created. Be advised that Bill keeps a very fast pace on his tours in terms of your staying busy. You typically will also be up early in the morning to take part in the rides. Bill makes himself very available for any questions and bike support. However, during the ride you are on your own.

Bill is also a storehouse for much information and becomes the kindly professor during the trips with the ability to give you a lot of history and information about the history of the sites being visited as well as other trivia. For us it really added to the trip.

In summary, Vicky and I would recommend this trip without hesitation. Know that you are going to be going up some long hills (4-6 miles) but with some great down hills to make up for it.

I will get Bloomingtoncyclist to help me post some pictures. I also have to say that the other trip participants were a delight to be with .
Counselguy

Five years ago (March of 2003, I recall) we flew to Maui with our Co-Motion Co-Pilot, assembeld it in Paia and rode it unsupported to the top of Haleakala and down again. As I understand it, this is the longest paved climb in the world. Sea level to 10,023'. The last mile or so was the steepest of the ride. The ascent took 9 hours (7 hours pedaling). It was the hardest ride we have ever done (& likely will ever do). I almost gave up several times. I don't quit easily. Only with Lisa's encouragement was I able to get back on & pedal for the next several miles. Then stop to share another Power Bar. A car driving tourist would stop at the switchbacks, take pictures & cheer us on.

The descent took about 2 hours. We had an Arai drum on the rear & used it a lot. We had no braking issues. By the time we got back to Paia for dinner at a local fish restaurant, I could barely sit up to put food in my mouth.

We saw lots of "Crusier Bob's" downhill riders but only about 2 others attempting the climb (no tandems).

Intersting that they're no longer allowing the descent. While we were riding, I thought "we'll probably never do this again" for both of the reasons that we rarely get to Hawaii and the age thing.

Truely the experience of a lifetime.

Five years ago (March of 2003, I recall) we flew to Maui ...and rode it unsupported to the top of Haleakala and down again. As I understand it, this is the longest paved climb in the world. Sea level to 10,023'. The last mile or so was the steepest of the ride. The ascent took 9 hours (7 hours pedaling). It was the hardest ride we have ever done (& likely will ever do). I almost gave up several times. I don't quit easily. Only with Lisa's encouragement was I able to get back on & pedal for the next several miles. ...Truely the experience of a lifetime.

Fantastic!! We envy your experience of doing that climb - The descent was wonderful for us but to do both the ascent and the descent together - GREAT!

BloomingCyclist
Bloomington, IN