Of course if you don't have the time to get around to Hilo or Kalapana and are based in Kailua Kona here are some options for rides.

IRONMAN COURSE:
 
Of course if you go to Kona and you get a chance to ride the Ironman course or part of it - Just do it!  

The course is fast, exposed, undulating with many long false flats and equally long gentle descending slopes. Of course you also have the heat and wind to factor in too.  It’s a popular route year round for all cyclists.  A majority are on their tri bikes and deep dish rims-with set up’s like this everyone looks like a pro rider.  Come to think of it, when we visited in September 2015 there were many pro triathletes arriving and acclimatizing early for the Ironman.  It’s ideal if you can get there 3 -5 weeks before hand but I really admire those week end warriors who only arrive a week before IRONMAN .
 
With such wide shoulders and smooth roads it is a relatively safe ride out to Hawei and back.  Be mindful of the loose chunks of rubber from truck/car tyre's as they do have exposed sharp bits of wire that can easily pierce your tyres.  Unlike NZ the edge of the lane has deep grouted rivets that are harsher to ride over than riding over our cateye's here in NZ-keep an eye out for these.
 
Be mindful that from the turn run off onto the Akoni Pule Highway to Hawei you are gently climbing and undulations are sharper and shorter compared to the long drawn out undulations you have experienced up until now.
 
NOTE:  You don’t have to ride the full course.  There are plenty of options to turn back earlier and still get a good workout or embrace the atmosphere.  For example-turn back at the airport or Kiholo Bay turn off.
 
Safety: Unlike NZ you must keep right at all times.  Be predictable and use your hand signals.  In built up areas eg Ali’I drive be mindful of cars and people as there are some narrow spots.  If in doubt at intersections slow down and get eye contact with drivers.  Generally drivers in Hawaii give you time and space.  Don’t forget to smile and say thanks-embrace the Aloha spirit.
 
If you don't bring your bike you can hire one. Contact Bike Works Kona.  Connect with them early as IRONMAN Kona week is flat out.  You’d be surprised at the amount of pro riders that take care of everything and leave the bike to the last minute for a check.
 
Coffee?  A must stop is the Island Lava Java.  The place to be for the tri-cyclists etc  Grab a coffee, cold drink, something to eat and watch the world pass you by.  Mind you there are plenty of places.
 
It really is a must ride if you get a chance to do it.

KEALAKEKUA BAY

Here is a hill option as opposed to doing the Ironman ride.  Please note: from sea level you climb straight up then drop down to the cove and then return the way you went out. It is a solid ride with x2 good climbs and some good descending to recover. 

From the town area head out along Alii Drive and pretty much follow the road that links on to Ali'i Highway and then connects to the Mamalahoa Bypass road.  The only turn off is when you turn right onto Napoopoo Road.  Follow this road that drops to Kealakekua Bay.  

The Napoopoo road is narrow and windy with plenty of foliage and natural fauna that can hide you from oncoming traffic-Keep right!!  Keep your wits about you too and scan the road.  Towards the bottom of the cove the road can be quite uneven and rough-watch out for this especially if you are not confident at descending or like to let it go as hitting a bump or a rock can be trouble.  At the very bottom of the road turn right.

The climb back out is gentle but windy similar to Ngauranga Gorge or the Akatarawa climb from Waikanae.  There are spots where you can stop to admire the view too.  You will really appreciate just how tough the ride out is when you descend back along Napoopoo Road and Alii Highway.  It is straight and super fast! Remember to keep right, hold your line and if you are with others keep an even distance between each other.  Be predictable.  If your not too flash on descending regulate your breathing, stay loose and feather your brakes.  Try to ease into it and not use the vice like grip.  Head up and follow the line of the rider in front as a guide

NOTE: A great time to ride is first thing in the morning before the heat kicks in.  Take plenty to eat and drink as there aren't many handy places to stop at for a drink etc.

​#RideAloha #RideAlofa #RideAroha
 

USO Bike Ride has enjoyed many hours cycling, exploring visiting friends and family in Hawaii. Recently I was asked about our experience in Hawaii and to share what it is like to cycle on the Big Island. I have used our visits in 2014 and 2016 to put this story together for the Big Island....
 
Perhaps it is more than a coincidence that there is a connection between Hawaii and Savaii-The Big Island of Samoa.  The well known Upolu Point is also located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Upolu is the second biggest Island in Samoa.  The word Hamoa(another word for Samoa) is also the name given to a popular beach on Maui.  It’s obvious that the Poynesian connection through language, place names and cultures is what ties many of the Polynesian cultures found in the Pacific.  Lets see how things unfolded by bike…..
 
Since the very first IRONMAN event in Kailua Kona back in 1981 the Big Island Hawaii has become known as the Mecca of Ironman.  It’s the home of the Ironman World Championships. Most Hawaiian local’s we meet on this side of the island have had some form of experience in the iconic event.  Many people you meet and talk to have experienced Ironman supporting or completing the event. The old skool stories about completing Ironman back in the day when it first started with no cut off times, and when it was sponsored by a brewery were revealing to say the least.  The locals are friendly and the ethnic mix of the population reflect's the growing numbers form the mainland/abroad who have found the Big Island, fell in love with the place and stayed.
 
Today the Big Island is also host to the Ultraman-a triathlon event x2 the distance of Ironman, Lavaman Triathlon, 5km runs and through Lavakids there are a number of Biathlons, run clinics, events for Keiki.  There is also the Hawaii Cycling club based on the Kona side of the Big Island who also run cycle races.  If you want to hire a bike go to the number one bike shop Bike Works Kona-a huge range of bikes and the wheel sets on display are awesome.
 
From a cycling and learning perspective I urge you to venture outside of Kailua Kona.  Cycle around the island.  You will get to appreciate and experience a hidden mecca of endless smooth roads and an abundance of climbs that reach high up into the clouds-even higher than many of the peaks at the Tour de France.  You will experience communities, people, beaches, historical sites that will remain untouched if you stay in Kona. So if you’re coming to support someone doing Ironman and you are a runner, swimmer, cyclist- set some time aside to check the Big Island out!

​Enjoy

T Taufale
​#RideAloha #RideAlofa #RideAroha #uso4life 

In Hawaiian mythogy Mauna Kea (White Mountain) was an ancient site sacred to all but ranking tribal chiefs.  Today at the very summit of this dormant volcano are 13 telescopes that are also popular with visitors. These telescopes were first built in the 1970’s for scientific and so called economic benefits.  However it was the prospect of building a gigantic new thirty meter telescope in April 2018 that led to a wave of indegenous protests throughout 2015. 
 
Lets face it, with a natural site perched so high above sea level with unobstructed views it is a perfect site to view the skies. The claimed economic benefits would continue to flow back to the community. However, the success of this development needs the buy in of the local indegenous people. World History is littered with stories of colonised takeovers by European powers of pre occupied land.  As is obvious with this story, the locals will fight to the end.    The Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory group appears to have severely underestimated the connection of the people to their land and the cultural identity that comes with it.  See this article for more…or do a search.  There are plenty of stories and videos on this important subject.

THE CLIMB

Mauna Kea stands 4,200 meters tall- Climbs like the world famous Alpe D’Huez and Mount Ventoux are easily overshadowed by Mauna Kea.  Five of us took this beast on.  Kelly, Nigel and I started us off.  We were joined later on for the bulk of the middle section of the climb by Jemma an Deb's-Kelly and Nigel's wives. We needed all the help we could get today.  We left from the small township of Waikaloa and cycled to the Mauna Kea visitor center a total distance of 64kms.  Heres our course 
 
The gearing on my bike was a 36 x25 set up.  Fitness wise I felt I had enough form to get up, it wasn't a race and we could take our time.  We also had a support vehicle with food, drinks and a change of clothing.  However it is a hot virtual non stop climb for the first 3/4's.  The last 1/4 the temperature drops and the density of the air starts to thin out.
 
For this climb there are different spots around the base of the mountain like Hilo or Waikaloa where you can make a start.   We started from the Waikaloa Village.  The first 56kms of the ride was non stop climbing- a gentle false flat for the first 4 kms and then it starts to pitch up.  Most of the elevation for the climbing is like Ngauranga Gorge- steady but sure climbing. Find your rhythm and spin. Aim to conserve your energy-it is a long day in the saddle.  We made a point to eat and drink plenty as it was hot. You are also exposed to the elements and really need to get into a good head space and spin away.  The roads are nice and smooth with wide shoulders-plenty of room.  Traffic is minimal.
 
The length of the climb means we climb at our own tempos we are comfortable with-we stay within distance of each other and regroup at drink breaks.  The loud bang of the big barreled military guns echo around the valley as we head up Saddle Road past the Pohakuloa Training Area with a small military airstrip - Bradshaw Army Airfield.
 
We take our final rest stop at the Saddle Road turn off to the Mauna Kea Access Road. This road leads to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center.  We pull over here, fuel up, eat, put on a few layers of clothing etc and are ready for the final assault up the climb.
 
The climb to the Visitor Center is unlike anything I have ever experienced before.  This is when the reality check really ramps up.  The climb itself starts to pitch up 10+ percent.  You think its ok- and try to settle into your rhythm, manage the breathing BUT you find yourself breathing even heavier with each pedal.  Then you hit the 2km stretch with an average gradient of 14%+ Now you feel like you are virtually crawling. It feels like everything is in slow motion and your lungs are bursting.  You try to stay relaxed but it’s a real struggle and then you virtually hit a brick wall.  I came to an absolute stop! Breathing heavily I jump off and walk the bike to the side of the road.  I wait for the heavy breathing to subside. The mind is all good but I couldn’t seem to get out of 1st gear. I’m standing there regretting that I had underestimated the density of the air at this height.  I'm also regretting that I should have put a 34x32 ratio for this climb!
 
Once composed I start off again.  Further up the road the support crew are set up encouraging and calling out  “only ¼ of a mile to go!”  It actually felt like 5kms lol.  I finally arrive at the visitor center and notice x2 things.  It’s a lot cooler now compared to when we started and the air is thin.  Kelly and then Nigel arrive shortly afterwards.  We congratulate each other and then Nige starts to attempt the last section and I follow.
 
From the Visitor center to the summit there is a gravel road and a short sealed section to get to the Observatories.  All up about 10kms.  As I follow Nige my tyre's start to slip and sink into the sand, loose gravel.  I am crawling and sliding and thinking this will take forever!  We make a decision to stop return to the visitor center- A good call!
 
Nige puts on some warm gear and then proceeds to bomb the descent back to the turn off.  He is literally flying..
 
All up a great climb not to underestimate.  Obviously if I did it again I would go with a 34-32 combination and do some training.  The support crew is essential-plenty of food, drink and some warm clothes.  Support crew must be weary that sitting in a car and then getting out at altitude can have a dizzying effect.  The support crew would also need a 4x4 vehicle and take spare mountainbikes for the last 10kms!.
 ​

AROUND THE MOUNTAIN-Taranaki Funride

Eric Shaw shares his inisght into this funride around Mt Taranaki.  It comes at the very beginning of the year and always attarct a great turnout.

​The distance was 148 km 
Elevation  1216 mtrs
 
 The weather on the day was great.  There was very little wind but a cool start.  As the group went out and we got into our work we soon warmed up.
 
On the day myself, Tama, Nic and Reon started in Group 3 along.  Simon started in group 2 .
 
We got ourselves into a good group and between myself Tama  Reon and a few of the Sarbez riders we all worked well together.  The bunch split a bit after turning left at Opunake  but still had a good team to work with to the end. I managed a 4.30.13 which was awesome better than I  expected .
 
Not as hilly as Taupo but depending on the wind on the day could be a challenge in places around the course
 
Some of the challenges on the day mostly was the inexperienced riders in the group who had not done much bunch riding experience  1 of which caused a crash luckly only a minor crash
 
I thought it was a great day and will go back again next year and hope a few more USO riders are able to come along .
 
Accommodation we had was great just 5k out of New Plymouth and if booked early enough can probably hold around 15  

IRONMAN 10th March
 
Tessa Haig was one of many amongst the throng of first timers at this years Kellogs Ironman in Taupo earlier this year.
 
It was arguably NZ’s toughest Ironman yet with the strong westerly winds causing havoc for many swimmers. Up to 20 swimmer were pulled from the water.  The wind followed them onto the bike course. As we cyclists know, riding into strong head winds is like riding hills non stop. Many commented  how the affects from the swim lingered and stayed with them for a good portion of the day.
 
Congratulations to everyone who got out there to take on the challenge.  This is Tessa's raw and inspirational story
 
Ironman March 4th 2017
3.8 k swim
180k cycle
42.2k run
 
MAKE A DECISION

I'd been supporting friends/whanau who were doing Ironman for the last 6 yrs and remember thinking EWWWW I'd never do an Ironman...haha that was up until last year when I thought, hey im gonna do it
 
PRE EVENT SNAPSHOT
 
Cost just under $1000 for entry fee
$800+ for accomodation for IM week
Ironmaori Toa camp $180
Plus all your nutrional, petrol and other event costings (HEAPS)

YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO TRAIN

Training for the 1/4 Ironmaori and 1/2 Ironmaori first, and my 1/2 Ironmaori time for me determined whether or not I was going to Ironman 2017.

My time for the 1/2 was  6hrs 50mins.  I was happy with this.

Training for Ironman then goes up 20 notches.  It is a very selfish sport to train for, lots of hrs put in and lots of other things you miss out on because of cost and you don't want injuries etc.Training with peeps is always better than training by yourself.

TRAINING WEEK EXAMPLE (Before Taper)

​Swim 3.5km as per program and one outdoor swim of 3.5km
200m warm up
All with pull buoy no paddles
20 x 100m (25m 75%, 25m 100%, 25m 50 %, 25m 100%)
10 x 100m (breathing like this, 3, 5, 7, 9 you may not get to 9 but relax and you will eventually get it)
200m 100%, and 100 warm down.
 
BUT always remember if you are sick just rest up and if you have an injuring let it rest. 

3 of us had ankle/foot injuries after the 1/2
2 of us (women) just saying lol rested our injuries and used our ears. One guy kept running on his injury (no matter what we said) and in the end he could'nt do Ironman cos his foot was wasted. So in other words listen to your tinana and don't worry because you've done the training

FINAL WEEK BEFORE THE BIG DAY

I was feelIng sIck In the car drIvIng to Taupo on Wednesday haha was just nerves!
Have your maIn support person wIth you for that week cos your mInd Is thInkIng 1000 thIngs.
Go shoppIng In the IM tent, It makes you feel better lol

Deff recommend goIng to the 1st tImers semInar on FrIday mornIng wIth Verna Cook-Jackson, puts your mInd at ease a lIttle, go wIth your mates and take your support person too.
Make sure you get to bed early especially Wed, Thurs nIght.  Get some decent sleep as you mIght not get much FrI nIght.

I dIdnt have a tIme In mInd as I just wanted to fInIsh, It was lIke goIng Into the unknown so to speak.

SATURDAY MORNING

Alarm went off at 3.30am
Breakfast at 4am Ish, I wasnt hungry but forced myself to eat porrIdge and toast.
Down to transItIon at 5am to pump up tyres, check bIke, settle the nerves  and everyone wants to hug you and wIsh you well that mornIng, I would suggest you do all that before you go down to the lake as It can get quIte emotIonal (Is that just women)? lol thats what I dId anyway, cos I dIdnt wana cry and get foggy goggles lol

Have karakIa wIth the IronmaorI Toa whanau cos Its beautIful and It just feels rIght!

The swIm was the hardest for me, ( and I LOVE swImmIng In choppy water) BUT that was out the gate!!  It was as rough as guts. I know I wasnt  the only one who felt sIck, It was lIke there was no end In sIght.  I just kept thInkIng I was gonna eat that bIg elephant up 1 bIte at a tIme!!  I stopped about 6 tImes just to try get my bearIngs lol 3.8 k was the dIdtance but I thInk we all swam atleast 4.3k haha
 
Scoffed a banana down In transItIon even though I felt Ill as from the swIm,

RIde was tuff BUT I was every so grateful for all the rIdes Pete and Owen took us on (NIhera and I)
The second lap....hmmm tough but not once dId I thInk I was gonna gIve up.  About 3-4 tImes I just thought to myself #fIghtlIkethehammerhead  and I eventually got to the end, and yes It was a joy to get off that bIke onto the run.
 
Felt good on the run and I knew that was because my nutrItIon was on poInt on the bIke...eat every 1/2hr drInk every 15mIns no matter how your feelIng.

My knee started playIng up on the fIrst lap to the poInt of, If I keep runnIng, Im probably gonna wreck It...soooo got my power walk on, and I knew I had enough tIme up my sleeve. Support on the run course was amazIng!! whanau and frIends everywhere, was just massIve. The volunteers In transItIon, bIke and the run course are just bloody AWESOME, treat them wIth respect and I was always thankIng them for the wonderful (FREE) job they were doIng.

3rd lap on the run Pete came wIth me whIch Im glad he dId or It would of been lonely, dark and hard as I started to feel It on the way back In. Got the wobbles a couple tImes on the way back.  GettIng closer to town round by the pubs etc the crowd was pumpIng...what a buzz!, then I could hear MIke RIley In the dIstance...I could smell that medal lol.

RED CARPET MOMENT....Whatttt a buzz!!! Can't even explaIn the feelIng EVERY ache goes out the door (my feet were blIstered up bad).  

To hear MIke say Tessa HaIg YOU ARE AN IRONMAN, was truly awesome..and the crowd Is just roarIng, everyone was goIng off! My maIn traInIng buddy NIhera put my medal on me (that was very specIal).

​Make sure you take your tIme In the tent, (kaI,relax,massages) your whanau wIll waIt for you, they've waIted all day whats another 40mIns hahaha.

DId I enjoy It? YES
Was It hard? YES... the body achIeves what the mInd belIeves!
Would I do It agaIn? hmmm for me It was always a tIck off the bucket lIst....but never say never