Sat Bike Ride up Kohala Mtns.

Wake to a dismal damp mossy morning as I prep for my bike ride up Kohala Mtn (North side of island.) Drive about 35 minutes to Kawaihae and plan to bike from sea level to summit via Hawi.

Driving North past Hualalai resort the sky starts to open. Not a cloud in the sky and slight SW breeze. Perfect conditions for riding North!

The following reads like a small story. I hope I can bring you along for the ride!

Start the ride with a new saddle.(thinking of E with her new saddle and refit, wonder how she's doing?) Few cars on Pule Hwy this early in the morning. You can hear every bird chirping and the occasional rustling of trees as the SW winds try to wake. Morning rides are the best! Your senses are sharp!

Kawaihae Harbor area has a distinct aroma. Mix of salt air, dry weed grass, kiawae trees and the slight scent of plumeria as I pass by a cluster of homes along the coast.

My senses are awake and I find myself in a day dream of sorts. I can taste, hear, see, smell and feel the exotic island coming alive as I slice through her gentle breeze. The warmth of the golden sun peaks around the fire dried hills as I continue on a northward bound journey to Hawi. I've been down this cement path before. Many Ironman training days and the two races float in my mind as I pass certain points. Landscape seems the same but it's not. Dusty moon scape slowly turns to fire burnt crust exposing hidden layer of earth not often seen. Suck in a deep breath & you can smell old soot rotten trees naked in the morning sun. No signs of life surround my sights. Lava rocks find themselves sprinkled across my path. My bike seems to steer itself sensing its own danger. The hum of my wheels search for a hint of breeze. The click and clack of my gears change the audio landscape for moment. Climbing past Mahukona Park 7 miles to Hawi Town. Heart rate increases, salty drips slide across my sunglasses, body rises out of saddle on cue, breathing different air now, deeper breaths calm my heart, path steepens in front of me. Deep blue sea to my left, green pastures to my right. Morning breeze at my back as a helping hand up slope into Hawi. Sky is void of any puffy clouds only displaying her true colors, fitting for a perfect Hawaiian morning. Tour into Hawi town refresh my drinks. Push past town a few clicks turning towards charming old sugar plantation cottage style homes. Audio levels are different as morning takes on new meaning in this Hawaiian path towards summit. Dogs barking, doors slamming, cars starting, lawn mowers roaring, kids playing and the quintessential rooster proudly announcing morning is in full swing. Steep roadway leads to entrance of thick forest as I exit the heart crunching climb through the village. Road narrows as I pass over old Kohala Ditch thirsty for her morning drink which does not produce.

Surroundings squeeze in around me as leaning tree branches reach above my winding path searching for their companion on my left. Winds wisp past my ears with crisp moisture following. Sweat meanders its way across my face minus predetermined routes jumping from cheek to cheek. Legs begin to resist gravity cranking the easiest gear. Body jumps up again walking on my pedals now as I push past green laden moss.

I am grabbed by the scenery on this long and winding postcard road. My mind is awake, my legs are on auto pilot, my arms are my branches to handlebars while my fingers act as roots spread open clasping for a grip. Heart beat is pounding like marching band drums riveting your chest cavity as they pass by. Body is slick with moisture.

Ground begins to bubble in narrow shoulder. Road spreads in vein like cracks toward mogul field of boils. Tree roots looking to break through blanket of tar searching for slightest drink of fluid cause me to bounce left and right. Tighter now the roadside crumbles to me. Thick forest and tropical scents drape in around me. Two then three butterflies gather in a hectic dance as they escort me around turns. Ten inch pine needles open up a whisper of stories of ancient past as I glide through their fresh scent. Summit will meet me soon as I interpret the whispering stories.

Road drops her right shoulder to reveal open grass land flowing to the sea below. Glancing left tells of an incline worthy of only four legged creatures. Slow motion perception overtakes my vision as I pass nothing to which would judge my speed. Summit is in view. I reach for it like a small child extending his arms to be lifted out of his crib. Once again, I'm embraced by the summit and one of my favorite bike rides.

The silence is overwhelming as I gaze left then right then slowing rolling my eyes down slope to the sea. This is were I should be. This moment should last forever. Inhale the silence, the smell, the vision, the feel & the taste of an exhilarating ride.

I nod my head to mother nature and her lesson to me this morning.