I was never much of a bicycle rider as a kid. I’m not exactly sure why that was, because I grew up in a suburb that seemed to be the ideal landscape for kids to get home from school, hop
I was never much of a bicycle rider as a kid. I’m not exactly sure why that was, because I grew up in a suburb that seemed to be the ideal landscape for kids to get home from school, hop on their bikes and pedal the neighborhood until dinner. One of my best friends lived just around the corner and would ride all the time, so it had to be a conscious decision on my part.
I’m not going to psychoanalyze why that may have been at this moment, but the point is that I wish I had ridden my bike more, if only because now it doesn’t instantly register on my list of activities when I’m thinking of something to do.
That’s certainly not the case for everyone who will be lining up on the Westside a week from today for the fourth annual Pedal to the Meadow cycling event. The Tradewind Cycling Team again presents the race that traverses 15.75 miles and climbs 3,835 feet of elevation.
As ideal a landscape as I might remember my hometown to have been, it certainly pales in comparison to what the P2M riders will get to bask in on May 26. Starting at Koke‘e Road in Kekaha, competitors will head up the open course and gaze into the heart of Waimea Canyon from various vantage points before arriving at Kanoahuluhulu Meadow in Koke‘e State Park for the annual Banana Poka Round-up Festival.
Leading the organization effort for what is becoming Kaua‘i’s signature cycling race are Mary and Binney Williamson.
“He is everything that’s to do with the cyclists’ point of view,” Mary said. “I’m the one that does all the publicity, permits, race-packet pick-ups,T-shirts” and all the administrative duties.
Typically in these events’ infancies, they experience some hiccups and unexpected road blocks, which makes subsequent efforts easier in comparison. Having use of county roads, states roads and state parks can make the red tape pile up, but the fact that people know it’s happening, from riders to permitters, has made this particular ride a much smoother one.
“You do get in a groove, people know about the event and trust that you’re going to do it again,” Mary said.
Those returning to compete will be joined by some new registrants who are making Pedal to the Meadow an international event. Philippine Island Hawaiian Island Cycling Club (PIHI), located in Hanamaulu, has arranged to have a group of four participants from Roadbike Philippines (PH) take in the amazing ride. Filipino national cyclist Mark John Lexer Guevarra Galedo will be joined by PH team owner Pablito “Bong” Mendoza Sual, administrative director Gary Tatlonghari Advincula and consultant Froi Sumanjit Dayco.
Women registrants are already in double digits and Mary pointed out that P2M is a “women-friendly race.” Usually, women are grouped into larger age groups, but there will be the same women’s categories as the men enjoy.
Many of the top riders from around the state have already signed up, with the total tally currently residing in the fifties. That figure is expected to rise dramatically and possibly double in these final few days of registration, which concludes on Wednesday.
For further details, information and interaction, prospective participants can visit PedalToTheMeadow.com, as well as the race’s Facebook page for some pre-race trash talk.
• ‘My Thoughts Exactly’ appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays in The Garden Island. Email David Simon your comments or questions to dsimon@thegardenisland.com. Follow David on Twitter @SimonTGI
