Haleakala sunrise
 

Thinkning about the sunrise bike ride down the crater but I have a couple questions.<BR><BR>1) Should I go on a guided tour or do it alone? Seems more economical to go it alone but I want to be safe.<BR><BR>2) Is it safe? Especially for my wife who is not real athletic.<BR><BR>3) What is the typical price I should expect to pay? Know of any discounts, etc.?<BR><BR>4) Is it necessary to book in advance? My fear is bad weather the day I'm booked for.<BR><BR>Thanks for any help you could give.

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My husband and I did the trip with a local tour company a few years ago. They picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel. I think it is safer to use a company that does it all the time because you are sure to get the right equipment, ie the bikes with the heavy duty brakes. Also the guide can warn you when there are especially sharp curves coming up.<BR>It's not all that strenuous as you are mostly coasting downhill, but there are a few miles of riding (peddling) on flat road at the end to get back to the company's starting point. You also need a certain amount of coordination since you are operating two sets of brakes and if you use the right one at the wrong time you can pitch yourself over the handlebars. (I saw people do it.)<BR>You should realize that you will be sharing the road with all the traffic headed up and down from the crater....big tour busses, trucks, tourists who are watching the view and not you. It's not well publicized, but a few people have died doing this ride. One was adjusting a shoe lace and drifted into the path of a truck. I understand another was looking at the view and road off cliff.<BR>That said, it was stil a great adventure and I'm glad we did it. Just keep eyes wide open and always be aware of the traffic and the other bikers and you should be fine.

The lady who died adjusting her shoe lace is my co-workers sister. Please be careful.

ttt

Try Aloha Bicycle Tours (http://www.mauibike.com/). They are tops. They do downhill Haleakala and then take you into the upcountry on less trafficked roads with spectacular views.<BR><BR>I would book in advance. Aloha has a 48 hour cancellation policy, so if you know a big storm is coming you can cancel in advance. That said, keep in mind that light showers aren't that rare and bad weather can turn good in a matter of minutes.<BR><BR>Aloha was one of the best things I did on the island! (And I'm not Joe Athlete either!)