Malama Pono Health Services will host the annual Paradise Ride Kauai, a two-day bicycle tour of the Garden Island, Aug. 2-3. Participating in the ride helps Kauai’s only HIV/AIDS service organization continue important community outreach education as well as the
Malama Pono Health Services will host the annual Paradise Ride Kauai, a two-day bicycle tour of the Garden Island, Aug. 2-3.
Participating in the ride helps Kauai’s only HIV/AIDS service organization continue important community outreach education as well as the overall effort to end transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
“The first weekend in August is a time for all of us to increase awareness of HIV, infectious hepatitis and STDs on our island, while raising vital funds to test and support those affected,” said Mistee Bailey-Myrick, executive director at Malama Pono. “Whether you are riding, or supporting riders, you are helping save lives.”
The event is a fully supported bicycle ride, not a race, through some of Kauai’s most beautiful areas.
“Riders need bring only their bicycle, helmet and personal items,” said organizer Mary Williamson. “The event supplies meals, snacks, beverages, mechanical assistance, safety escorts, and post-ride massages and showers so everyone can enjoy their two days on two wheels.”
Paradise Ride Kauai 2014 is designed as two metric century routes of about 100 kilometers (roughly 62 miles) each day. Shorter options are offered on both days of the weekend.
Saturday’s route begins at Island School, follows along our Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path, passes through rolling hills of Eastside neighborhoods, and pauses for lunch and the turnaround at Na Aina Kai gardens. Sunday’s route heads to iconic South Shore landmarks such as the Tree Tunnel and Spouting Horn, cruises the historic Hanapepe Town main street, loops back for lunch at the lively Kauai Coffee Company visitor center, then heads back to Island School via rural back roads.
Less experienced cyclists can choose to ride only one day, and will appreciate the many rest stops set for Moloa’a Sunrise Juice Bar, Anahola Café, Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Aqua Engineers, and county neighborhood centers and beach parks.
Each rider receives a T-shirt, water bottle, and other goodies in their registration bag. They also can wear a commemorative cycling jersey that they either buy or earn through fundraising. This year’s jerseys feature scenic images donated by Boynton Photography. The front depicts the mountains and ocean of Kauai’s eastern shore and the back features a Westside beach and Niihau.
“It will look as if cyclists are riding off into the sunset,” Williamson said.
To join the ride as an individual or a team of friends, co-workers, or cycling club members, visit www.paradiseridekauai.com.
With about 90 cyclists expected, many volunteers are needed to help along the route and at ride headquarters.
To volunteer, sign up at paradiseridekauai.com or email paradiseridevolcoordinator@gmail.com.
Paradise Ride Kauai launched in 1998, and became Malama Pono’s biggest annual fundraiser. Over 70 riders from Kauai, neighboring islands, the U.S. and Japan have signed up, each one committed to raising at least $300 toward a $75,000 goal.
To join as a sponsor, call 246-9577.
