Cycle to the Sun Mahalo

Aloha Supporters of Ka Lima O Maui’s 2006 Cycle to the Sun!

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your generous support of this event and of me, the dummy who agreed to do the race. In reality, it was only a race for a handful of genetically gifted cyclists; the rest of us mere mortals were just along for the ride in an attempt to make it to the top before the “deadline.” I must admit, the event hosts were kind enough to phrase it as a “cut-off time.” However, we all know that a cut-off time is, essentially, synonymous with “deadline”. Now, I have to tell you, this notion of “deadline” got stuck in my head about half way into the ride. The first two hours went very well for me and I felt quite comfortable riding and chatting with other riders from Colorado, California, Alaska and Honolulu. Then, out of nowhere, I felt as though someone poured red hot iron into my legs and I suddenly became acutely aware that the remainder of the ride would be yet another lesson in physical suffering and psychological torment. The notion of a deadline became poignantly real. I concluded that riding up this mountain to reach a finish line within a defined time constraint may possibly cause my death. “He died trying to make the deadline.” An ambulance passed me and it did not even phase me. It seemed entirely appropriate that an ambulance should be in the vicinity, as physical symptoms of the effort vacillated between feeling hypothermic, feeling like heat stroke may cause me to pass out, feeling light-headed, nauseous, tired, stupid and altogether moronic for having signed up for this torture. And then it occurred to me that I have been through this sort of torture hundreds of times in my past and I could survive a couple of more hours of it. Then around the bend I would see Gwen, Big Boy Miles, Chris, Melissa, Annie and Little Miles cheering me on and I’d think to myself, “these people are more insane than I am; to hang out on a mountain and watch a bunch of lycra clad bike geeks ride uphill.” But the encouragement was wonderful and much appreciated….just as your support of Ka Lima and my ride is much appreciated as well. I can tell you, in all sincerity, that I graciously thanked each of you in my own silent way as I rode those first two hours that were fun………..and then cursed each of you relentlessly during the final painful 2 hours. It was an experience I do not care to repeat by myself, which is why I am encouraging each of you to pump up your tires, pull on some lycra, abandon your rational mind for a few minutes and sign up for the 2007 edition of Cycle (with psychos) to the Sun. I need some comrades in a race to meet a deadline. It’ll be a trip to remember……….and champagne tastes a dozen times better than usual at the finish line. Trust me.

Thank you all again for your generous support, kind encouragement and for participating in my near death experience.