Racing a bike for more than 60 miles up steeply graded hills and around dizzying curves in the searing tropical heat may seem like a challenge to most. But for the bikers participating in Paradise Ride Kaua‘i, it’s nothing more
Racing a bike for more than 60 miles up steeply graded hills and around dizzying curves in the searing tropical heat may seem like a challenge to most. But for the bikers participating in Paradise Ride Kaua‘i, it’s nothing more than a leisurely jaunt.
That’s because the uphill battle for these riders doesn’t involve a bike, but rather time. These bikers are racing to fight the spread of the HIV/AIDs virus. And with every new infection, their fight becomes that much tougher.
“I have lost close friends to AIDS,” biker Ross Martineau said. “So every grunt and pain pales in comparison to what they went through.”
At 8:30 a.m. this morning, about 40 bikers will begin a 68-mile ride from Aloha Beach Resort in Wailua to Hanalei Pavilion and back as part of the second day of Paradise Ride Kaua‘i, the biggest fundraising event of the year held by Malama Pono, a nonprofit
organization that provides HIV prevention and educational programs to the island community.
Malama Pono was started in 1987 when the HIV/AIDS virus began spreading to Hawai‘i.
Yesterday, bikers rode from the Aloha Beach Resort to Kukiolono Golf Course and back. Although the 8:30 a.m. start was briefly delayed by rain, by 8:40 a.m. the clouds parted and the bikers were able to begin their 62-mile journey.
More than 50 volunteers showed up to help out and cheer the riders on, including Maxine White.
“I used to run, so I appreciate volunteers,” she said. “It’s my way of giving back and it’s fun.”
Although this is the seventh year of the event, this is the first year it hasn’t been statewide.
“Putting on the event this year was definitely a challenge, but it wasn’t insurmountable,” Jeff Demma, head of Malama Pono, said. “It just took a lot of people and a lot of hard work.
Malama Pono exceeded it’s goal of raising $35,000 the night before the event, Demma said.
“This has been the most successful ride ever, even compared to when we were working with the other islands,” he said.
Individual bikers raised anywhere from $300 to $3,000.
Even with the success of Paradise Ride Kauai this year, Jason Yaris, the event’s assisting coordinator, believes public awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus is lacking.
“People don’t think about AIDS, even though it’s a prominent issue,” he said. “I think there’s still a stigma attached to the disease.”
To donate to Malama Pono, send a check to P.O. Box 1950, Lihu‘e, HI 96766, call 246-9577, or visit www.paradiseridekauai.com and click on “Make a Donation.”
• Steven Stein, editorial intern, can be
reached at 245-3681 or sstein@kauaipubco.com.
