Dexter Sear from Boise, Idaho competed for the first time this year, finishing just short of two hours.
By: Melissa K. Ha’o
(Kaua`i)– Those of you from Kaua`i, and those of you who have visited our tiny island, and have made the trek up to Koke`e, surely remember how perilous the road can be. There are many that will not drive to the top let alone contemplate riding a bike. Not that the dangers compare to the road to Hana, or is as sharp a climb as making it to the top of Haleakala; but, the road to Koke`e is a crazy one filled with steep climbs, breakneck corners, blind turns, and breath taking beauty.
The race begins about a half a mile up from Kekaha’s Neighborhood Center and ends just before the entrance to Koke`e State Park, where the cyclists can then enjoy the festivities of the Banana Poka Round-Up. With an altitude gain of just about 3900 feet over 15.75 miles, this journey allows racers the opportunity to experience the hot and dry sea level, that is Waimea, and ride through the changes that ends with the cool wet uplands of the forests around Koke`e.
Audrey Valenciano and a fellow rider at Pedal to the Meadow.
Racers come from all over, not just Hawaii. The furthest racer came from Texas. One sailed here from the mainland. In all, just over 80 individuals competed. This included four couples who have been married less than a year, one former pro cyclist, eleven from the mainland, and seventeen from the other islands. According to Mary Williamson, one of the many people who helped to put on this event, “amateur cycling doesn’t look at age or gender [to determine how well you will do]; but, rather just on the ability of the rider.” Anyone can ride a bike, and while there were a few who didn’t show up, everyone finished. Not only did they all finish, no one took longer than just over two hours and twenty minutes.
Dexter Sear from Boise, Idaho competed for the first time this year finishing just short of two hours. “I did it to support Binney and Mary [Williamson], because I was going to be here anyway, and for the simple love of biking.” He, like many others, looked exhausted, but elated to be at the top.
This was the third annual race for Pedal to the Meadow, or P2M. Several of the racers have competed in all three years. Tad Jackson, who competed in the Golden Masters men 50+, was one such rider. When pressed why he did this for the third time this year he explained that, “its good fun, and I am a slow learner.” With a wicked gleam in his eye and a smile on his face he went on to explain that, despite how tired he was, he was going to do it again next year, and probably the year after that.
Jackie Taylor, the current Miss Hawai'i Teen Beauty, helped to award all of the winners.
Over and over riders of all age groups and genders were overheard saying how beautiful the ride was. Whether it was their first time or their third time, they were all planning to do this again.
One of the female riders, Audrey Valenciano, who came in tenth in the Women’s category with a respectable 2hours, 11minutes also raced in all three years. While waiting at the top for others to finish, cheering each one on as they crossed the finish line, she was walking/stretching out her calf muscles. Despite being in obvious pain, she still managed to laugh and joke with her friends. When asked why she chooses to “torture” herself in this manner she laughed and replied, “nothing else to do on a Sunday morning. I wanted to support Binney (Williamson), and of course I’m going to do it again next year. I already have the bike.” Brave words from someone who also commented that she might need new legs before doing just that.
Eric Lau, the new record holder, completed the race in 1:03:47.
This year a new course record was set by Eric Lau, who completed the race in one hour, three minutes, and 47 seconds. It takes some people longer than that to drive to the top of Koke`e. Listening to the buzz of the riders who watched the awards ceremony, it seemed as if Eric was sparking a new goal in the competitors. Just as breaking the four minute mile was the goal of runners everywhere, the new goal of cyclists seems to be breaking the one hour mark to the top of the mountain here on Kaua`i. With the dedication and heart that was observed by so many cyclists, this admirable goal will be reached in no time at all.
Just as the winner of the Tour de France is given a stuffed lion, the winners of Pedal to the Meadow were given stuffed roosters. Those of you from Kaua`i, or who have been to Kaua`i will understand how truly significant the rooster is. Jackie Taylor, a 16 year-old, Waimea High School junior and the current Miss Hawai’i Teen Beauty, helped to award all of the winners. Eric Lau, much to the enjoyment of the crowd, pulled Miss Taylor, up on podium to share his moment of glory.
Binney Williamson was the race director and Tradewind Cycling team sponsored this event; but, it would not have been possible without the dedication of a very special group of volunteers. Everyone working the event was a volunteer. This included the security, those handling registration, the people handing out water along the route, those stationed to cheer on the racers, and (perhaps the most important) the men and women from the Kalaheo Cafe who provided food for the riders.
More information about the event, pictures, and how you can join them next year can be found at their website http://pedaltothemeadow.com/
Results for all competitors in the race.
Results for all competitors in the race.
Results for all competitors in the race.