Another Mt. Haleakala Success Story
 

Set out from Baldwin Park this morning at 5:50. A steady headwind and lots of clouds to the east at the start made me question my decision to choose today. (It turned out to be one of the best weather days in weeks, according to a tour guide at the summit.)

Bike is a rental from South Maui Bikes. 2011 Trek Madone, with a triple crank, which came in handy at the end of the ascent. Total rolling time from beach to the peak was 4:35. 3 stops for photos/water/stretching &/or toll paying and one for the repaving crew 3 miles from the top extended the time to 5:00. Return time was 1:20.

Impressions: awesome scenery, varying from lush forests to a Martian-like landscape near the top. Pavement quality is excellent, once you are on Crater Road. Most of the grade is between 4% and 8% (with a steep stretch at the end, between the visitor’s center and the observation area.) Ordinarily, climbing that range of slopes is unremarkable; however, when it lasts for ~35 miles, with nearly no let-up, it becomes quite a challenge. (The route calculates out to approx. 280 feet/mile.) The descent is a blast; I was able to max out my spinning in 52/11 for most of it. There are some 15 hairpins that allow cyclists to outpace the cars.

The ride was one of my most enjoyable ever. I definitely recommend it to anyone traveling to Maui. I have a few more days here to explore other routes, but I suspect this one will be my favorite.

Welcome to the club!

Heading there in 2013; what was your experience with the bike shop? Was the auto traffic easy to deal with? I live in FLAT Florida with no ability to train on hills, do I have any chance of actually making the summit?

patrick, if you're still there, the hiking at the crater is also very good. Drive up there and spend time just doing the hike.

Recommend the west Maui loop. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/202620635

It's a bear, isn't it? Congrats!

Thanks; yes, quite a ride. Did nothing today, other than a leisurely mile swim at dawn...

Various replies:

I recall another thread from someone who had never climbed much, yet reached the summit; maybe try a search under "Haleakala." My rides at home include lots of climbing, which probably helped with the ride and definitely with the fast descent. (I'm actually surprised that the general public is allowed to coast down on cruisers and MTBs.) Sustaining a moderately high output for several hours, regardless of terrain, is probably what counts, in preparation. Having a small climbing gear to help with fatigue doesn't hurt, either. I was a bit disappointed to find my rental had a triple crank (52/39/30, with 11-25), until I started using the small ring for most of the ascent. Had I had an even less manly gear for the final 300 yards, I would have used it. :)

Bike rentals are a bit pricey here, but lots of high-end gear available. I may swap for a MTB or 29er for a couple of trail rides, including one on the volcano.

Yes, the Maui west loop is planned for Saturday. Thanks for the link. I've been told by two local riders that it is the best route on the island.

Thanks for the Haleakala hiking tip; I'll check it out. If it allows you to enter the crater itself, I'm in.

You'll be glad you have that triple. One of the climbs out of a canyon is about 18% for 500m. It's pretty dang steep. Plus, you may even get a headwind (onshore breeze). Other than that, it should be a piece of cake. :thumb:

Always appreciate another Haleakala story. Pics? Congrats and thanks for sharing! On my short term bucket list the next time I get a chance to get to Maui, but the last couple of trips have been to the Big Island as that's what the family prefers.

Haleakala is great but West Maui Loop is awesome. Go clockwise, don't overload yourself with too many supplies, two bottles is plenty there will be places to refill them, and buy goodies to eat. Where will you start from? The loop itself is about 60 mi.

Maybe you're thinking of my thread?

A Flatlander Climbs Haleakala

As a flatlander also, my hill training is more aptly described as " highway overpass training."

Congrats, that must have been an awesome ride.

Maui Rides Update
 

Rode the West Maui Loop Thursday with BF's own Mauigirl, who was an excellent guide/host. We rode counterclockwise with perfect weather, except for some nasty headwinds from the harbor area back to Kahului. Made several stops for gazing at the beautiful scenery and to buy banana bread.

Rode the WML alone today, this time going clockwise, starting and ending in Kihei. Intermittent rain, faster pace, and no stops for scenery made for a much tougher ride, although no direct headwinds. ~72 miles; 4:45 rolling.

Highly recommended.