12 months ago today to the day, I had a cartilage transplant in my knee. To celebrate that milestone, I was looking for something different. In 2007, I rode up mauna kea (http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1933942;search_string=13796;#1933942) which was epic. Today was semi epic - I rode from Kawaihae to Hawi but then instead of turning around and going back down I made the right turn and headed up towards Waimea over the Kohala mountains. The road kicks up immediately to about 15% grade and seemed to stay that way for a couple of kms before it mellowed out averaging maybe 5% but seeing the odd 10% section in there. You climb for about 2800 feet above Hawi to 3500 before the road drops down into Waimea. The views were spectacular and there was very little traffic on the road. The crazy fast decent from Waimea back to Kawaihae was a hoot but you have to be watching for fast traffic moving past you and road reflectors on the shoulder. Total ride was about 4000 vertical gain, 78kms and took me 3:31 taking my time and looking around. This climb is on strava and you’ll see a few big names on the list but I didnt see any other riders today. A few pics to give you an idea.
Glad you are back on the bike and able to climb again - That is one of my favorite routes- most bikes turn in Hawi and miss out that great climb up to the mountains - stop for tea at the Parker Ranch and perfect day. Nice job.
I wanted to say, that first of all, I am so happy for you and where you have come from your surgery…and yes, I will add this to my list of everything I want to do in Kona that Graham has already done. I hope next year to make the trip again.
My wife and I were there about a month ago and drove that very route and said “wow, this would be n amazing (and tough), to ride”. Very cool to see these pictures. I passed the link on to my wife. Thanks