I opted for the intermediate route today that was 38 miles long. I felt like a wimp when Sue, our oldest rider (at 80) rode the Challenge ride at about 60 miles. However, ending early meant I was able to spend some time at happy hour with much of the rest of the group and enjoy each other’s friendship! During today’s ride I managed to get photos of four post offices.
We had one great moment, when all 12 riders were together, that Janet captured a photo of the whole group! It wasn’t too many miles forward, when I wanted a coffee and a macaroon, that we all split up again. I rode with Janet the rest of my ride. We added a few extra miles when I forgot my Black Bear bag and we had to ride back to get it. We also came across an ambulance that was called for a rider from a different group that had crashed. We were only able to find out that their friends thought she was going to be ok.
When we arrived at the pick up point for the Intermediate ride, Sue, Fred, Linda and Janet decided to ride the rest of the way into Hilo on their bikes. I decided to jump in the shuttle with the other seven riders.
There were some beautiful views of the ocean today and the ride became much more tropical on the east side of the island. In a few places the road had a layer of green moss which meant slowing down for me. We had a couple of good climbs as well. The 7% ones really hurt! And of course, it was windy!
I could not book a reservation for 12 at the last minute, so most of us took advantage of the great tapas at happy hour. Today was a great day and we all had a wonderful experience!
That is snow on the top of Mauna Kea!
One of several lava tubes we saw along the route today.
Janet’s picture of the whole group together just outside of Waimea.
Where I stopped for coffee and a macaroon and got separated from most of the group.
Phenomenal cookies!
Janet rounding a curve and me holding my handlebars with one hand so I could snap the photo.
Happy Hour!
The view from our overnight location at the Hilo Hawaiian.
