Up to the top of Haleakala and back...
by Rick Schultz
posted 2006-03-10
Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii
THE DESCENT
The park rule is simple, if you ride by yourself, you are allowed to ride both up the volcano and back down from the top. If you are with a group, you are not allowed to ride down from the top because there have been too many accidents and deaths.
Photo by Amy Schultz
The van took us back down to the area just outside of the park entrance called Hosmer Grove. We unloaded the bikes and the tour guide gave us a safety briefing. I told my daughter that what ever she did, stay directly behind the guide. There was one guide in front and another that brought up the rear. I told her that this would be the safest place and if someone crashed, it would be behind her. I added, if the guide started braking, she would have to match his actions exactly. I rode in third position and my wife rode directly behind me. The rest of the group was lined up behind my wife. The entire group put on the thick rubber-like jackets since it shad tarted to rain. Motorcycle-style crash helmets also were used. I wore my regular helmet that I brought with me from home.
We started down the road and almost immediately there was a crash. One of the tourists brought along their 9 year old daughter and she went down in a turn, taking out 2 other riders. Since the tour van was following, they asked the group to stop so the guides could provide First Aid care to the 3 that hit the road. I looked at my daughter and I said "See? Dad was right." She replied. "Dad, you're always right!" The little girl that crashed was pretty banged up pretty bad and had a serious road rash on her knees and legs. The other two riders had some road rash as well. Two of the three "survivors" sat in the van as it sped away down the road. The rest of us got back onto the bikes and continued down the road.
Photo by Mitchell Silver
Wet roads caused by the clouds that form in the late morning can make the road at the middle elevations damp and slippery. We kept at a slow pace through the rain, and at about 4,000 feet, we finally broke through the clouds. I was bright and sunny below. We rode down, down, down, until we made the right-hand turn onto Highway 377. It was getting warm so it was time to remove the rain gear.
Almost all of the ride back was downhill. There were only 2 or 3 places where there was a slight hill. All you need to do is pace yourself and brake frequently when in the rain or when you start going a little too fast. After we made it back to the bicycle shop, we turned in the rented bikes and I took mine back with me to pack it for the trip back home.
Since I was riding 65-70 miles each day on the weekends, I told people that I was training for a 35 mile bike ride!!! You should see the expression they give you when they ask "WHAT???" Tell them "Ohhh, did I mention that it starts at sea level and in 35 miles, it ends at more than 10,000 feet!!!"
This was by far the most beautiful ride that anyone could ever make.
And a special thanks to Go Cycling Maui, Photographer Mitchell Silver, Cruiser Phil's Volcano Riders and Luke Chao for allowing us use some of their photos in the article...
NOTES TO CONSIDER
Only those in great shape should try the ride up - I spent 2 months training for this ride, and I trained 5 days/week. I work full time so if I could train like this, you could too. This was my training schedule:
- Sunday - 65 to 70 miles working moderately hard. This will help you get used to the time in saddle so you will not start cramping half-way into the climb.
- Monday - Light and easy spin - 45 minutes or so.
- Tuesday - Extremely fast group/club ride. Preferably the faster and harder the better. 23+ MPH average for 90 minutes. Doesn't matter if it is hilly, flat or mix. This will help add power. You can interchange this Tuesday workout every other week, instead, do hill repeats for 90 minutes. Pick a hill 6%-7% grade.
- Wednesday - Rest day
- Thursday - Extremely fast group/club ride. Preferably the faster and harder the better. 23+ MPH average for 90 minutes.
- Friday - Rest day or, depending on your schedule, you can swap with Monday.
- Saturday - 65 to 70 miles working moderately hard.
This should help you get to the top with energy to spare. Of course, the more hills you can climb, the better off you'll be. Use the training above as a minimum.
Other people might see you - Lance has trained on this "hill" during his preparation for the Tour de France. Other pros such as Andy Hampsten have also shown up to ride this on their vacations. Most of these celebrities ride with a cyclist named Donnie Arnoult. He owns and operated a bike shop named Go Cycling Maui, and is a racer from Las Vegas. The bike shop is conveniently located on Kokomo Road which is one of the main roads to Haleakala. Look him up to rent the higher-end road and mountain bikes.
Photo by Amy Schultz
Fees to fly - Airlines generally charge an "oversize" fee to take bicycles along. When flying in the states, this fee is around $140-$160 (round trip). But, please check with your airline, and ask them what their fees are. You can also check with your travel agent when you're making reservations. Also check to see how taking the bike along can affect other bags you plan to carry. There might be a limit to the overall number of items you are allowed to check.
The good news is that there are ways around many of these fees if you are willing to join a cycling organization. League of American Bicyclists and USA Cycling offer fly-for-free programs to members. Check with these organizations to review any limitations to this program.
Rentals - For those that do not want to take their bicycles all the way to Maui, currently there are 4 bike shops that rent bicycles. Remember, time of year, etc. will affect pricing and availability.
Weather - Normally, the earlier you go the fewer clouds which means less rain. The best time to summit is 2-3pm as this will be the warmest at the top. Take some warm clothing since it can get into the 40's with 30+MPH winds. At a minimum, be sure to take arm warmers, leg warmers, vest and a light jacket with you.
Other things to consider - There is an annual race to the top - http://www.cycletothesun.net - Be sure to check it out.
And most of all, take plenty of food and water to keep your energy up!
