Maui bike tour-advice
Apr 22nd, 2002 | 08:37 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Jane,
I did the sunrise/bike tour trip in 1999... can't remember the name of the tour company now. It was one of the most memorable activities of my trip. I remember researching about things to do on Maui before I went and thinking how unusual and exciting this one would be. It never occured to me that I would be scared out of my mind when I got there. I don't know what came over me ... heights don't usually affect me. I felt like I was having a panic attack... trouble breathing and sick to my stomach (altitude sickness could have been the problem). On the van ride up the guide kept emphasizing how everyone has to keep up the pace on the bikes, I think he said 30mph was the average rate of speed. I kept looking out the window at the drop off with no guard rails and thinking I wouldn't be able to do this. It is a very windy road.
I'm not trying to discourage you even though it may sound like it. Once I decided I had to go ahead with it or I would regret not trying, it was not bad at all. If you decide riding the bike is not for you, you can ride back down in the van.
Maybe don't look out the window of the van on the ride up... that's what put the fear of God into me.
Hope you go. Have fun!
Sandi
I did the sunrise/bike tour trip in 1999... can't remember the name of the tour company now. It was one of the most memorable activities of my trip. I remember researching about things to do on Maui before I went and thinking how unusual and exciting this one would be. It never occured to me that I would be scared out of my mind when I got there. I don't know what came over me ... heights don't usually affect me. I felt like I was having a panic attack... trouble breathing and sick to my stomach (altitude sickness could have been the problem). On the van ride up the guide kept emphasizing how everyone has to keep up the pace on the bikes, I think he said 30mph was the average rate of speed. I kept looking out the window at the drop off with no guard rails and thinking I wouldn't be able to do this. It is a very windy road.
I'm not trying to discourage you even though it may sound like it. Once I decided I had to go ahead with it or I would regret not trying, it was not bad at all. If you decide riding the bike is not for you, you can ride back down in the van.
Maybe don't look out the window of the van on the ride up... that's what put the fear of God into me.
Hope you go. Have fun!
Sandi
Apr 22nd, 2002 | 08:54 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I rode down the volcano last Thanksgiving. Didn't do the sunrise thing - too cold. Left my hotel @ 7:30 a.m. Wonderful experience and look forward to repeating it. I'm not normally a biker; but never felt danger or out of my element. I highly recommend the trip and I think all the tour companies are pretty much the same. Have fun.
Apr 22nd, 2002 | 10:25 AM
#4
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Posts: n/a
Hi Jane. I have done the bike thing a couple of times and I'm not much of a cycler 
It's all downhill on the road though so really very little pedaling involved. There are several different tour companies, the main difference is in how you get down the volcano. Most companies take you up to the parking lot at the top and then you cycle down from there in a group or convoy with a guide in front and a van behind the group. The company we used both times takes you up to the parking lot, lets you out to have a look around and then when you're all ready they drive out of the park to a pullover on the side of the road and then we started cycling. There was no guide, we were able to cycle at our own pace and with whom we wanted, stopping wherever we fancied for the views. The van stayed back behind the very last cyclist - whoever that may have been - and of course we had all the safety gear and waterproofs that the other companies also provide. We stopped at our choice of restaurant and ate breakfast at our leisure then carried on down back to the bike shop. Their only request was that we got the bikes back by closing time that day.
It's all downhill on the road though so really very little pedaling involved. There are several different tour companies, the main difference is in how you get down the volcano. Most companies take you up to the parking lot at the top and then you cycle down from there in a group or convoy with a guide in front and a van behind the group. The company we used both times takes you up to the parking lot, lets you out to have a look around and then when you're all ready they drive out of the park to a pullover on the side of the road and then we started cycling. There was no guide, we were able to cycle at our own pace and with whom we wanted, stopping wherever we fancied for the views. The van stayed back behind the very last cyclist - whoever that may have been - and of course we had all the safety gear and waterproofs that the other companies also provide. We stopped at our choice of restaurant and ate breakfast at our leisure then carried on down back to the bike shop. Their only request was that we got the bikes back by closing time that day.
Apr 22nd, 2002 | 12:57 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
We used Maui Downhill last Sept and had a great time. I am not an experienced cycler, so I felt more comfortable with their style of tour (we had a guide/leader and the van followed immediately behind our group). I would not have been comfortable with an at-your-own-pace tour. On those winding roads it was nice to know that no cars could pass us without the guide signaling for us to get over. She did a great job making us feel safe. It was one of the neatest things I have ever done and I recommend you do it no matter who you use.
