I’ve been mega afk this season due to continued problems with my left knee and other things (building a new house). I wanted to get a very quick update out about a few things before I post the full 2017 version of the Kona Survival guide. The full 2017 guide will be posted late this week. Here’s my response to a comment posted recently in the 2016 guide.
I’ll have the 2017 version up soon. Later this week most likely. I’ve been a bit preoccupied with other matters and I’m still recovering from a meniscus tear so I’ve been way behind in my Slowtwitch forum monitoring!
There have been a few things of concern in town of late that athletes and their families might want to know about:
Water Restrictions. There are 5 deep fresh water wells out of service on the west side. The Department of Water Services has restricted water use to hygiene, drinking and cooking only. The resorts are on notice about their water use. The restrictions are almost guaranteed to remain in effect through the big dance. It’s possible there may be limited outages or limited low pressure situations during the influx of athletes.
Bike Shops. Oliver Kiel shut down Cycle Station shortly after the Lavaman triathlon this year. He decided to focus on his other businesses. That leaves Bike Works as the only brick and mortar bike shop in town. If you traditionally used Cycle Station, you need to make other arrangements. NOW. In addition to Bike Works you also have the option of using VeloFix Hawaii for your biking needs. Velofix will come to you in their big red Van. Velofix can be reached on the web or +1 (808) 785-5159, +1 (888) 453-2717, or nicknelson@velofix.com. Bike Works can be reached at 1 (808) 326-2453, and http://www.bikeworkskona.com/. Also don’t forget the services offered through Ironman.
Queen K. This should have been the first race with the newly remodeled Queen K all the way out to the airport. Nope. Shortly after last year’s race it was discovered that the new highway design (from the Harbor to the airport) failed to account for registered historic trails and had penetrated these trails in several spots. That meant a halt to construction while a new plan was developed. Construction is on again but will not be finished in time for the race. There are several spots that have very narrow shoulders near the harbor on the south bound makai side of the highway. Ride single file and be careful.
BTW, I’m presuming the resorts I mentioned are the hotels in town and down at Keauhou. The Waikoloa Beach resort area is actually outside the affected area according to the DWS press release.
I’m looking forward to a possible return to Kona for the IRONMAN World Championships for some work with a few clients, this year. Missed last year.
Also looking forward to contributing as I have in the past to the annual Kona Survival Guide thread, that KonaCoffee always puts up.
Wondering if the Slowtwitch Party will be revived??
Should the Slowtwitch Gathering make a return to the Big Island, will the golden voice of Fleck be in attendance?
Inquiring minds want to know…
Bike Works has very, very few bikes remaining at least prior to Saturday (and pretty much <50 and >60 only for road bikes). Anyone have any other suggestions before I hit up bike flights? Not racing, playing sherpa for a tandem…planning on swimming and riding a lot.
What do the water restrictions mean for pools at condo’s. Need to prepare my kids now if they will be dry.
Thanks
The water restrictions are for the North Kona service area only. That area runs from Keauhou (and includes the Sheraton, The Raquet Club etc) north to the airport, mauka from the airport to the Makalei Country Club on the upper highway then back south to roughly Honalo. That’s where a lot of people stay. If you’re staying further north at the Waikoloa Beach resorts, Waikoloa Village, Waimea (Kamulea), Hawi, South Kona etc. you’re ok.
Now the twist from today’s paper. The DWS (Department of Water Services) is going to rob Peter to pay Paul. They’re taking the parts for a Waimea pump repair and going to see if they will work on the Honokohau Well that failed Saturday. If it does, then that mega well will come back online and the severe restrictions will be lifted leaving us with the on-going 25% reduction (be careful in how you use your water type restrictions).
All of which means that if this is ongoing, the pools may be a bit low. Get them excited about swimming with the fish at the snorkeling areas. If they get the well up and running I’ll let folks know in this thread and in the 2017 Survival thread when it gets posted. I’ll get some swimming beach information and snorkeling information in as well.
And now for something completely different:
If you’re in town very early the Kukio Blue water Swim will be held Saturday September 23. 1.2 miles up north. The Ho‘ala Ironman Training Swim (2.4 miles) is on October 7. Both require registration.
What in gods green earth does “afk” mean? My wife and I have been thinking but we can’t figure it out. I hate acronyms.
As SLO pointed out, Away From Keyboard. My former professions was pretty much the king of TLA’s (Three Letter Acronyms), I tend to forget that not everyone has that background. Mostly I’ve been a slug and feeling sorry for myself (more or less) about the chronic knee injury and what it means for my athletic endeavors. But things are looking up, my orthopedic surgeon told me to go run – just not hard. So I’m going to go do that before it gets too hot (almost 6 am here). Aloha.
Bike Works has very, very few bikes remaining at least prior to Saturday (and pretty much <50 and >60 only for road bikes). Anyone have any other suggestions before I hit up bike flights? Not racing, playing sherpa for a tandem…planning on swimming and riding a lot.
Call Nick Nelson (VeloFix Hawaii) today. I know he watches these threads occasionally too but a call would be faster. I dropped Oliver a note (I haven’t actually seen him in ages) to see if the Cycle Station rentals are still available. If they are I’ll let people know. Just remember it’s 3 hours earlier than Los Angeles out here. Do not call right now (6 am HST).
We are staying a few block South of Hugo’s. I think that is part of the North Kona district if I looked at a map correctly, yes?. Me personally I enjoy the ocean, but the kids live at the pool when we are not out and about.
We are staying a few block South of Hugo’s. I think that is part of the North Kona district if I looked at a map correctly, yes?. Me personally I enjoy the ocean, but the kids live at the pool when we are not out and about.
Yes it is. Smack in the middle of it. Stay tuned for an update on the well repairs. My gut feeling is that the serious water restrictions will be lifted, but I’ve been known to be wrong.
Got a couch you can sleep on and a beater bike for the ride to the pier. No excuses.
Believe me I tried to figure out a way to make it work at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately I’ve got to be in Vegas for a work event at 7:30 am on Sunday morning.
