Today’s ride, stats, route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/393279373.
I have always wanted to do this ride. But the roads in Waimanalo weren’t ever up to standard. Plus, I always worried about wild dogs and lawless humans who would attempt to take down a hot chick on a bike (me). When we did the Honolulu Century Ride last month, we discovered freshly paved roads in Waimanalo — the ones we always train on. Mahalo Mayor Caldwell. Can I suggest another little street?
As my husband and I were riding in the Century, I thought how training in this direction instead of toward Diamond Head just might work. Today I decided to give it a try. My first climb was up Hanauma Bay. The timing of the traffic for me going through the swirly curves around the Ka Iwi Coast was perfect. The last truck behind me turned into the Koko Head District Park shooting range and the road was all mine until I passed Sandy Beach.
I headed toward Makapuu, took a little break, a lousy picture, sucked on a PowerGel and decided to throw caution to the barely there Kona winds and head toward Waimanalo. I spotted the Hokulea resting offshore at Waimanalo Beach Park. So that was cool. 
No dogs, plenty of free-range chickens. An old Hawaiian dude waved to me from his garage. Other cyclists had the same idea as I was never 100 percent alone. The skies were gray, the air was still and the birds deep in the valley cathedral sang quite heavenly. A very nice contemplative ride. The Perfect Ride.
Lavagal 