Renting a bike on Kona?

Triathlon Forum
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Hey guys, I’m headed to Kona for a family vacation next week. I’m staying at the Hilton, which isn’t too far from the Ironman course. I’d like to run/bike/swim parts of the course.

So does anyone know a good shop that will rent a tribike or roadbike for a couple of days? I’d rather rent then go through the hassle of packing and shipping my bike.

Also, does anyone know whether the swim course is “swim-able”? ie, are there going to be boats going through the harbor…it is otherwise safe?

Thanks in advance!

2

Try B & L Bikes or Hawaiian Pedals (my choice). Both are good shops. Yes you can swim much of the course, just pay attention to the buoys and HAVE FUN!

Plan a day just to tour the grounds of the Hilton. It is a museum, not a hotel. Go for a run on the Lavaman course, it is on the Hilton grounds. Ask one of the workers for a map.

Aloha,

Larry

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B&L Bikes is (808) 329-3309
Hawaiian Pedals (part of HP Bike Works) (808) 329-2294
When cycling on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, be cautious to stay on the shoulder, and not hover near the line seperating you from cars whizzing by. Also take plenty of fluids (ask the bike shop for two bottle cages), it’s warmer than you realize. From your hotel north to Hawi, it’s almost a perfect 56 miles, or the middle half of the Ironman course.

The Ironman course is swimable, there is a buoy at the turn around but be very carefull of the shallow reef just after the Royal Kona Hotel. It would be best if you swam with someone who knew the course. If you get to The pier between 7 and 8 a.m. you will meet up with locals who swim there regularly. Call the masters swim coach Steve Borowski, at 808-334-0083 to see if he can hook you up with someone who swim with you.

Have a great time! Aloha!

4

Thanks guys. I think I’m going to rent a softride from HP. I’m pretty excited about going…it looks like it’ll get a ton of training in.

Any other “can’t miss” sights to see on the island, either training or otherwise?

5

Thanks guys. I think I’m going to rent a softride from HP. I’m pretty excited about going…it looks like it’ll get a ton of training in.

Any other “can’t miss” sights to see on the island, either training or otherwise?

The Big Island is just that. Be sure to take the trip around South Point and to Volcano National Park. Take time to hike to the lava flow. It is a once in a lifetime experince for most people. Everyone has seen a mountain or valley or waterfall but very few have seen a lava flow. It is worth the time. On your return trip go the rest of the way around the island. This will take you high up in the mountains to Parker Ranch and Waimea. Stop for lunch. Have your camera ready for the view on the way back to Kona. If you want to make that a real loooong day you could take the upper route and go to Hawi. The bike turn around for Ironman. But you could save that day for the Softride (or is that hardride) :~). Go snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay if you have time. Just enjoy the island.

Aloha,

Larry