KEKAHA — About 30 bikers participated in this year’s Mana Time Trial out on Kauai’s Westside. “It was a very nice course — nice and flat,” said co-race director and participant Binney Williamson. “It was a little windy coming out,
KEKAHA — About 30 bikers participated in this year’s Mana Time Trial out on Kauai’s Westside.
“It was a very nice course — nice and flat,” said co-race director and participant Binney Williamson. “It was a little windy coming out, and faster coming back. The weather was pretty good.”
Participants pedaled 10.8 miles beginning at MacArthur Park in Kekaha to nearby the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana, then back to Kekaha. Riders were sent out in 30-second intervals.
Though this is the fourth year running for the Mana Time Trial, it is the first time the race is part of the Waimea Town Celebration.
“It’s the 39th annual Town Celebration. Our festival is all about building our community, and we love having sporting events being a huge part of our festival,” said Waimea Town Celebration event coordinator Puni Patrick. “Kaumuali’i, the last king of Kauai, was a big sportsman — did all kinds of sports and did it well. I just loved being able to add this Mana Time Trial to the lineup.”
Patrick hopes next year’s Waimea Town Celebration will also host a triathlon, which would include the Mana Time Trial as one of the events.
“We’re working towards making this event bigger,” Patrick said. “We start planning two weeks after this one is done.”
Williamson was first overall with a time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds. Michael Moule of Poipu came in second with a time of 26 minutes and 11 seconds.
“It was good. Standing here (at the starting line) you couldn’t tell, but there was a pretty good headwind on the way out, which meant a tailwind on the way back, which is better than the other way around,” Moule said. “I had my computer on. I think I was averaging 22 miles an hour on the way out and about 28 on the way back. … The wind makes a big difference, obviously. But it was good. It was perfect.”
Moule’s 11-year-old son Chance was the only youth participant. Chance clocked in a time of just under 40 minutes.
“It’s nice to see him out here. Wearing the same jersey and everything,” Moule said about riding with his son. “That’s why I’m wearing this one — because I got him one of these, too. It was a fun day.”
Leigh Drachman of Waimea Homesteads was the top female cyclist, in a group of five, finishing with a time of 31 minutes, 9 seconds.
“It was just a beautiful day to be out and riding,” Drachman said. “It was my first time doing a time trial. I was just really excited to support a local event. All the local races on this island, we should come out and support. That’s why I’m here.”
Following the race, the top five men and women finishers were given Valentine’s Day-themed prizes.
“It’s exciting. I just came out here to have fun and try something new,” Drachman said. “Was able to race with some wonderful women. It’s just a good day.”
Moule added about the prizes: “It was great. That’s something I can bring home to my wife. I can’t complain. And Chance (got a prize), too.”
