KALIHIWAI — Fifty-two bicyclists set out from Lihu‘e recently as the Kaua‘i segment of the statewide Paradise Ride opened its two-day run on Kaua‘i. Leiko Someda, executive director for Malama Pono-Kauai AIDS Project, said that of the 52 total riders
KALIHIWAI — Fifty-two bicyclists set out from Lihu‘e recently as the Kaua‘i segment of the statewide Paradise Ride opened its two-day run on Kaua‘i.
Leiko Someda, executive director for Malama Pono-Kauai AIDS Project, said that of the 52 total riders involved in this year’s ride, nine from Kaua‘i rode on all three of the islands (Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i), and, locally, 17 day riders joined the event in Lihu‘e.
Someda noted that one of the bicyclists who traveled the farthest to be part of the ride hails from Connecticut, and others from other parts of the continental United States.
Bikers trekked out to Black Pot Park on Hanalei Bay, where they could spend a few hours of swimming and enjoying the beach before making the ride to ‘Anini Beach Park, where the cyclists camped overnight before making their return trip back to the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort yesterday.
A finish ceremony took place once the cyclists reached their destination at about 2:30 p.m.
Someda said the return leg took the cyclists up Kahuna Road for a lunch stop before making their way to Keahua Arboretum (loop road) and the final stretch back to the Radisson.
Bicyclists donned their various year’s jerseys as symbols of their past participation, one cyclist noting “You can’t wear this year’s (jersey) every day.”
He had on a jersey from the 2004 year, while another day rider finishing from Kapahi had on a jersey from the 2003 event.
Anna Meyers was one of the many volunteers involved in hosting the event here, and while waiting for the bicyclists to appear at the Kalihiwai Road junction, noted, “My husband Tom is on the bike this year. We didn’t participate last year because they didn’t come to the North Shore. This year, they’re out here, and this is a worthwhile cause.”
The statewide Paradise Ride is a fund and awareness-raiser for HIV/AIDS programs.
Many motorists peered anxiously while studying traffic at the busy intersection, with some asking about the ongoing event that was clearly marked with “Paradise Ride” signs.
“From here to Hanalei, there are a lot of signs,” Meyers said. “They did a good job marking the route.”
As the riders made their way to the encampment at ‘Anini Beach Park, they were welcomed by a finish banner that was created by local real-estate professional Ron Fleet.
“They (Malama Pono) always needed a good banner, so I just did what I used to do (make signs professionally), and donated it.”
Fleet, who was one of the nine Kaua‘i riders who took part on the other-island segments, said that when the finish-line banner was unfurled on O‘ahu, there was rousing applause.
“I cried when he gave us the sign,” Someda said. “It was really chicken skin.”
- Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
