It was a perfect day with a combination of sunshine and just enough cloud cover to keep cool while outdoors helping the community, and that’s what Kauai Cycle set out to do in Haena on Sunday.
The Kapaa shop repaired bicycles for free for those living in Wainiha and Haena at Hanalei Colony Resort. Owner Jason Barth along with his staff, including head mechanic Bruce Orth and others from the bike shop, volunteered their time and skills toward the effort and also gave away bikes to boot.
All told, at least 70 bikes were fixed and at least 140 people showed up.
Barth pointed out that this is a great time for people to get back on the road in a different way, on two wheels instead of four. Traveling by bicycle is also one way to help reduce vehicle traffic in post-flood Haena and Wainiha.
Barth adds he is happy to help people to get around in general, ”We know people out here are kind of stuck.”
Sam Chun, mechanic and sales person at Kauai Cycle, first came up with the idea to lend a helping hand by doing the repairs.
”You look around this beautiful place and appreciate it a lot more when you slow down as you’re riding a bike,” he said.
Dana Petcu lives in Wainiha and came to Kauai Cycle’s repair tent at Hanalei Colony Resort with her 10-year-old daughter Isabella. They brought their bikes from home and added one to the collection, her daughter excitedly rode the bike gifted to her around the grassy field nearby the repair tent.
‘I’m grateful for these people,” Dana Petcu said.
With the expensive repairs that need to be done to her house after the floods, from the roof to the backyard, to get a free bike and repairs is a wonderful thing, she added.
Pectu also talked about how things have changed since the flooding.
”Something good has come out of this, compassion,” she said. It brought out the best in us, has brought people together, reminds us what’s important. Your family, friends, community. It’s not just about material things.”
Bryan Rutigliano built the 12 bikes that were given away by Kauai Cycle Sunday. He also contributed to helping to organize and promote the bicycle repair effort.
Kauai Cycle plans to do more bike repairs in Haena, probably in a couple months. Barth shared a few tips to help folks keep their bikes running smoothly until then, recommending that everyone oil their chains and fill up their tires with air once a week.
Barth jokes about the traffic problems on island, ”I have a theory that at one point there will be so many cars on the road everything will lock up and bikes will be king.”
