MTBBill has posted 2 TRs from Hawaii recently so I hope you all can handle another. Me and my wife Megan are in Maui ( without the kids aka the herd) and today we rode from the top of Haleakela at 10,000 feet to about 3,000 feet in 18 miles. This is defintely a shuttle ride. The beginning was insane as the winds were about 40-60 mph at the summit, coming from the west. Aside from having to lean into the wind to not fall off the bike, the top is like riding on the moon. No plants and fresh young rock. Lava cinders are a unique surface, lots of grip, but since the rocks are airlight they give way easily. However, its grippy stuff, so you never feel out of control.
The trail descended quickly and soon we were in an alpine forest environment with technical singletrack and mega rootage, much like the better stuff in Big Bear. There was an almost endo but no carnage and Megan cleared way more then she expected in this section. This part, was the best by far. Further exploration is warranted.
The last section was a fireroad then paved road descent. I had low expectations for this section, but it was way more fun that I ever imagined it coud be. Since it was a one lane road, and not really used by cars much, and the sightlines allowed you to sort of see past the next turn, and it had that wide open feel since the trees were back from the road, we bombed the descent. It felt like I was living some of the videos I's seen of TdF riders descending, like Cancellara.
The ride ended in a lavender garden.
If you're in Maui, check this ride out. It can be expanded considerably easily.
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File comment: Beginning of the single track. Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 037.JPG [ 137.44 KiB | Viewed 16316 times ] |
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File comment: Megan descending Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 042.JPG [ 136.87 KiB | Viewed 16316 times ] |
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File comment: Lava cave, bigger than the crappy picture shows Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 044.JPG [ 145.26 KiB | Viewed 16317 times ] |
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File comment: Megan lining up a steep switchback turn though pine trees Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 049.JPG [ 142.4 KiB | Viewed 16316 times ] |
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File comment: Megan descending Waipoli Road Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 052.JPG [ 136.61 KiB | Viewed 16317 times ] |
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File comment: The views were great Skyline Trail Haleakela ride 1-13-10 055.JPG [ 122.13 KiB | Viewed 16316 times ] |
