biking down Haleakala
Apr 5th, 2007, 05:42 PM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Here are my two cents...
We really enjoyed seeing the sunrise on Haleakala. Very beautiful.
My problem with the bike ride was that we got to the top of Haleaka about an hour before sunset (by that time we had been out and about for about two hours...first they pick you up in the van, they you go and get your bikes, helmets, pants and jacket, load up and head drive up).
We did not head down Haleakala for about three hours after sunrise (which was rougly six hours from the time we were picked up in the van). They only send down one group at a time - space 10 minutes (??? I don' remember exactly) apart. There is not much to do up there after the sunrise. And it is cold.
We finally got left the top, biked down, had breakfast, biked some more. Back in the van and back to our hotel thoroughly exhausted (sleepy more than physically tired).
I thought it was a long day for what it was - and a lot of sitting and waiting. In the cold.
I would not do it again.
The danger part? We saw several crosses on the side of the road where bikers were killed. Yes, lots of things are dangerous, but the risk reward was low on this one (low reward that is).
We really enjoyed seeing the sunrise on Haleakala. Very beautiful.
My problem with the bike ride was that we got to the top of Haleaka about an hour before sunset (by that time we had been out and about for about two hours...first they pick you up in the van, they you go and get your bikes, helmets, pants and jacket, load up and head drive up).
We did not head down Haleakala for about three hours after sunrise (which was rougly six hours from the time we were picked up in the van). They only send down one group at a time - space 10 minutes (??? I don' remember exactly) apart. There is not much to do up there after the sunrise. And it is cold.
We finally got left the top, biked down, had breakfast, biked some more. Back in the van and back to our hotel thoroughly exhausted (sleepy more than physically tired).
I thought it was a long day for what it was - and a lot of sitting and waiting. In the cold.
I would not do it again.
The danger part? We saw several crosses on the side of the road where bikers were killed. Yes, lots of things are dangerous, but the risk reward was low on this one (low reward that is).
Apr 7th, 2007, 07:55 AM
#22
Join Date: May 2003
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Elaine and everyone,
We are home in Maine. About 5 hours before we were due to fly out we were kicking ourselves for not staying at least a couple of days longer. The condo owner was gracious in letting us stay until it was time to drive to Kahului (we were taking the red eye). The airline was great, flight attendants all very concerned and helpful. The wheelchair waiting in Phoenix was a godsend (we had to go from Terminal A to Terminal B...quite a hike!).
He is resting as we speak. He is fine, except in pain of course. Sleeping is the hard part.
We are definately going back to Hawaii to do the things we missed...but no more bike rides!
Thanks to all for your good vibes! Thanks, also, for your support of my posting. I would never suggest banning the rides, but just wanted the information out there for people to make their own informed decisions regarding doing the ride or not. Maybe we have saved a vacation or two, with our stories!
We are home in Maine. About 5 hours before we were due to fly out we were kicking ourselves for not staying at least a couple of days longer. The condo owner was gracious in letting us stay until it was time to drive to Kahului (we were taking the red eye). The airline was great, flight attendants all very concerned and helpful. The wheelchair waiting in Phoenix was a godsend (we had to go from Terminal A to Terminal B...quite a hike!).
He is resting as we speak. He is fine, except in pain of course. Sleeping is the hard part.
We are definately going back to Hawaii to do the things we missed...but no more bike rides!
Thanks to all for your good vibes! Thanks, also, for your support of my posting. I would never suggest banning the rides, but just wanted the information out there for people to make their own informed decisions regarding doing the ride or not. Maybe we have saved a vacation or two, with our stories!
