Registration is open for the 9th annual Pedal to the Meadow on May 26.
Pedal to the Meadow is the signature event of the Kauai Omnium, which is comprised of three USA Cycling-sanctioned races over Memorial Day weekend.
The Mana Time Trial and the Cycle on the Strip Criterium on May 27, round out the competition schedule. A group fun-ride is planned for May 28 along the Garden Island’s east and north shores.
“Our island geography presents a challenge to local cyclists,” said race director Binney Williamson. “Flying over, bringing a bike, renting a car and paying for lodging add up. … So a few years ago, we added the Time Trial and Criterium to help justify the journey for Oahu and neighbor island racers.”
About 100 riders from Kauai, Hawaii and the U.S. mainland are expected. The hill climb and time trial are open to trained riders age 10 and up. The criterium is open to adults age 20 and up.
In Pedal to the Meadow, riders start the 16-mile climb at 8 a.m. at the old cane haul road in Kekaha, follow the rim of Waimea Canyon and finish at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow at Kokee State Park.
“Every other island had a hill race except us … and Kauai certainly has a hill,” said race operations director Mary Williamson. “The course elevation gain is over 3,800 feet.”
Pedal to the Meadow was born in 2010 after almost a year of planning.
The course record is held by Mark Galedo, who is a professional cyclist in the Philippines. In 2014, Galedo finished in 58 minutes, 2 seconds — about 15 minutes longer than a typical car journey.
“Of course not everyone can turn pro. … Our real goal is to encourage more folks to get out, train, get fit and have fun,” said Mary Williamson. “To that end, regular group training rides are organized each spring.”
Pedal to the Meadow is part of a new Hawaii Hill Climb Challenge series that includes steep races on other islands: Cycle to the Sun (Haleakala, Maui), Sea to Stars (Mauna Kea, Hawaii) and the Tantalus Time Trial (Oahu).
“As race season progresses, we’ll learn who’s competing for King of the Mountain and Queen of the Mountain titles,” said Binney Williamson. “And we’ll see who’s battling whom for the coveted polka-dot jerseys.”
On May 27, cyclists and triathletes will race against the clock in the 11-mile Mana Time Trial. Participants set out at one-minute intervals from MacArthur Beach Park in Kekaha and ride to the former Mana sugar camp area and back.
After a lunch break in Waimea town, everyone heads to Kauai Raceway Park for timed sprint laps in the Cycle on the Strip Criterium.
Pre-registration is required at www.PedaltotheMeadow.com.
To volunteer, sponsor or for more information, email p2mKauai@gmail.com.
