Dear Anne,

Yes, we do have a bus system that crosses the island. Also, there's no problem
riding back. The northern route through the town of Waimea is probably easier
than the southern route. Waimea itself is about 2800 feet elev so it will be
quite a climb to get there. Coming from Kona, you can either travel the coast
road to Kawaihae or the upper road. The coast road has wide shoulders and lots
of cyclists (triathletes, as it's where they hold the Ironman.) The upper road
has no shoulders at times. I've never ridden it and I never see cyclists on it.
Both roads have traffic at 55 mph +. The highway through the windward side has
wide shoulders. Lots of climbs in and out of gulches. All in all more traffic
than the southern route but not as much climbing (the climb Hilo to Volcano is
4000 feet.) On the windward side you can try to find the old road through
Ahualoa coming out of Waimea going to Hilo and certainly the "scenic drive" from
Pepeekeo to Papaiko near Hilo.

For a longer ride you could ride up the coast all the way to Kapaau on the
northern tip of the island and ride the Kohala Mountain Road back into Waimea.

Waimea is the center of vegetable farming here. There's a good farmers market at
the Hawaiian Homes complex in Waimea but I'm not sure of the dates.

Kohala and Waimea are the center of ranching here, but "ranching" has largely
become real estate development. (Don't let they cowboys hear that...)

Lots of small farms have sprung up on the Hamakua coast after the demise of
sugar ten years ago. More as you approach Hilo. Hilo has the best farmers
markets in the state, Saturday and Wednesday.

Honokaa has transformed from a plantation town to a viable diverse community. A
nice ride would be out to see the Waipio valley lookout 7 miles north of town.

I would not recommend Saddle Road unless you're a real adventurer in top shape.
A 6,700 foot climb and a road with fast traffic and no shoulders.

Be prepared for rain on the windward side of the island.

Good luck,

J. B. Friday



----- Original Message -----
From: Anne Kluznik <akluznik@...>
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2007 3:58 am
Subject: [bfclubhi] touring the big island
To: bfclubhi@yahoogroups.com

>
>
>
>
>
> Hello,
> I'm participating in a sustainability bicycle tour on the big
> island
> from december 15-22 starting in Hilo and ending in Kona via the
> southern
> route. We will be visiting farms all along the way, which is of
> great
> interest to me as we have a nursery/farm in Ohio. I'm hoping to
> come
> home refreshed and with some new ideas to put into action here in
> Ohio.
> The tour ends in Kona and I am tentatively planning on riding my
> bike
> back to Hilo via the northern route although I have heard that
> throwing
> my bike on the bus is a possibility. Any route suggestions, places
> to
> visit, and not to be missed sights would be greatly appreciated. I
> have
> from the 22 to the 28th to get back to Hilo. If any other Bike
> Friday
> owners would care to get in some cycling it would be fantastic to
> share
> the experience. Anne Kluznik(pedaling a purple air glide)
>