Riding the trade winds

I took the late afternoon ferry to Moloka'i, a choppy 90 minute ride. The moon and stars were out as we bobbed along. I was a bit nervous about getting in to Moloka'i after dark, but past experience has proven that I always figure something out. I waited for the few cars at the dock to leave, turned on the rear blinker and put on my headlamp.

There is next to no traffic on this island so it's ideal for night riding. The stars were out and my headlamp gave enough light to clearly see the shoulder. I rode a few miles and then stopped at the Moloka'i Hotel to have dinner. I talked to the manager who gave me a deal on a room. So, I got to sleep in a gigantic bed after having a glorious shower.

I decided to stay another night at the hotel and ride unloaded out to east Moloka'i, a 60 mile there and back ride. I took off around 8, after a nice breakfast, and rode the flat, quiet King Kamehameha highway. It was flat for a good 20 miles, so I cranked out the miles in no time. There were some great ocean views along the way and it wasn't too hot.


I passed one of Father Damien's churches.


The Father came to the islantoon the late 19th century to take care of lepers who had been exiled to a leper colony on the island. He ended up contracting leperacy and dying from it.

There were some interesting fence posts by the road with a definite Hawaiian flare.


After 20 miles of easy cruising, the highway turned into a single lane road and began a climb over a headland. It was steep and hot but had great views. After the hill, the road ran down to a pretty and isolated beach at the end of the road.


I had lunch, went for a swim, and cranked back up the hill. It wasn't too bad until the last half mile or so where the hill had some pitches that were up to 20%. I pedaled almost all of them but ended up walking the last one.

Once I caught my breath, I cruised back down to the ocean and picked up the gusty afternoon trade wind at my back.

I got back just in time for a perfect sunset in paradise.




-- Post From My iPhone