We had a very early morning start…awake by 5:30 am, breakfast and loaded into the bike truck by 6:30 am. We shuttled six miles so we didn’t need to climb the same 1300’ we did on our rest day. We were glad we started early because it was so much cooler. We cycled almost 46 miles and gained about 2200’ in elevation. The road had quite a bit of traffic, but we managed just fine. We also cycled most of the day with my friend Julie Hampton (from my Coast to Coast ride). We only lost sight of her during the last five miles when it was all downhill on a winding road. Our end point was actually at the Punalu’u Bakery (the southern most bakery in the U.S.) in Naalehu. From there we shuttled to the Kilauea Lodge in Volcano. Three of the 22 riders opted for the whole distance of 84 miles. Some riders shuttled to Naalehu and biked to the lodge for about 38 miles, but more climbing. Alan and I had the sandwich station duty on this evening. There was also a happy hour/rider meeting in the same area.
The early group (6:30 am shuttle). There were three start times today. Sue is a ride organizer in the middle.
Julie Hampton and I at the start. For my friends that road the Big Island with me in 2020, the hotel in the background is where we stayed in 2020. The hotel is no longer operating, but the restaurant is still open. I heard it was for sale. I hope someone buys it due to the history of being the oldest hotel on Hawaii.
Julie climbing one of the many hills.
Pretty sure these were coffee plants in bloom. They smelled wonderful.
Macadamia trees were along a large swath of land.
Julie, Alan and I.
Mahana beach way in the background. It is the green sand beach. The sand's green color comes from olivine, a semi-precious stone that's broken down by waves and deposited on the shore.
This hill immediately followed the prior photo. I can’t believe we were smiling!
Me coming down a hill.
The bakery where we ended our ride this day.
We couldn’t choose just one, so there are four: cinnamon roll, bread pudding and malasada.
Enjoying our pastries outside of the bakery.
A mural at the bakery.
Kilauea Lodge.
Our room inside the lodge.
The common area of the building many of the riders are staying.
Alan and I on sandwich station duty.