Missed your comment about the climb to Bristlecone, which I've also done. This was much harder and less forgiving. Riding uphill for that long with constant muscle tension is really a unique thing. I used spd cleats and knees are trashed today, and not just because I'm old.

I am heading out with the crew from Trainerroad tomorrow to climb Kaloko. The route the posted has us going up Palani then coming back down Hina Lani, but I will probably suggest just doing the ride as an "out and back" using Hina Lani both directions. I will let everyone know how it goes

After coffee with Slowman this am we rode Kaloko. Hard but beautiful climb, well worth it. It's surprisingly varied with false flats and then longish rampy pitches. We were lucky to have a clear view all the way to ocean from top.

Awesome, did you guys get any pics. Glad to hear all the riding exploits from the big island! Kaloko is a very cool climb. The weirdest thing for me is how the steepest parts are the switchbacks and the false flats in between....this is the opposite of every other roadway engineer's designs, so it makes the switchback descents a bit more dicey!

I definitely got that impression when I was driving towards the visitor center. It reminded me of some pitches around the 8000-9000’ mark up to Bristlecone, only worse. Hearing some stories from Neil about someone we’ve both coached woulda been nice as well, but honestly I doubt I’d have lasted more than 2 hours with you guys before the beach cruiser seat woulda have made me tap out. Those seats make no sense to me.

I’ll have to check out Kaloko tomorrow. If Dan can do it I’m sure I can too!

How you summed it up is pretty much my feeling too—weird road. But very cool.

This is Strava file with couple pics (includes an earlier ride in am) https://strava.app.link/UTCl6YUbVQ

Thanks, pictures look awesome. Hoping to get back there next year this week based on my rehab progress. So far, so good.

Great riding with you Alex.
I took a couple of my mates around that Captain Cook loop on Sunday too. Was soo good.

Will hit up Kaloko again next year when back.

We ended up sticking to the original plan of riding Palani all the way up to Kaloko, but I think we all said next time go to Hina Lani and start the climb from there.

I pushed hard right from the base of Kaloko to see how I would compare to everyone else and felt like I faded a bit in the last 15 min. I wish I would have had a powermeter for the climb because it did not seem like the type of climb that you can settle into a rhythm. Heart rate would spike every corner just trying to get up and around (50-34 with 11-25) then drop a bit in-between. We did see Kienle going the other direction which was slightly unexpected even though people mentioned he does it every year.

Here is the Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/1896781019

i'd like pics from all o' ya'll for a front page story. moana kea. kaloko. captain cook. mana road. you too chris. and whatever it is any of you want to write up.

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Dan Empfield
aka Slowman

Right after we met Wednesday am we did Kaloko with Matt Lieto and Joe Gambles (he had to turn back early). Was a little worried when Matt rolled up with Crowie, thankfully he turned even sooner. https://www.instagram.com/...-by=ouroutdooroffice. We didn't push it other than acting like typical cycling idiots attacking each other over last two ramps.

Friday we rode to Capt Cook with the TrainerRoad crew and added Mamalahoa for good measure. Might have been my fav ride of the week: https://www.strava.com/activities/1900763456. Painted Church out towards Capt. Cook is also cool too.

I'll email you a DB folder with loads of good photos from Mauna Kea.

I'll leave you with this nugget too: that's 36x42 gearing at ~250 watts (9500ft elevation) with a 32c tire for perspective... https://www.instagram.com/...?taken-by=chrislyman

Did you have to paper boy at all? I did a fair amount of paper boying on the road section above the gravel in my 34x32.

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Kevin

http://kevinmetcalfe.dreamhosters.com
My Strava

Had to walk some of the nasty gravel pitches between poor grip and cramps, but was able to pedal the last section above. Next time I'd do 34 up front or 44 out back for more spin.