WAILUA — Larry Schoen of Baltimore said the closest thing he had to an aloha shirt was the Baltimore Bicycle Club jersey Sunday at the Wailua Homesteads Park. “A couple of people said they went out looking for aloha shirts,
WAILUA — Larry Schoen of Baltimore said the closest thing he had to an aloha shirt was the Baltimore Bicycle Club jersey Sunday at the Wailua Homesteads Park.
“A couple of people said they went out looking for aloha shirts, but the ugly ones cost $100,” said Tommy Noyes, one of two certified instructors at the Ugly Aloha Shirt fun bike ride.
“It’s alright for them to have their cycling outfits. The aloha shirts just make it fun.”
About a dozen people, including Schoen, and couples from Massachusetts and Alaska made up the greater part of the group. The group set off on an approximately 30-mile route which would take them to the scenic upper parts of the Wailua Homesteads and Kawaihau areas.
“We’ll be crossing the historic bridge on the way,” Noyes said. “This is the only bridge in the country that was made in Scotland.”
Jim Madison of Boston was thrilled with the idea of being involved in a bike ride in Hawaii.
“What are we racing for?” Madison asked. “When my friends see the post, they are going to be impressed that we got to ride in Hawaii.”
Jim’s wife, Leah, roped in the Alaska couple, registering them online for the ride which ended with a potluck gathering at the starting point.
“We’re here for Laci’s birthday, which is on Tuesday,” said Landon Bodin of Alaska. “We met Leah while they were in Alaska, and now she registered us for this ride so we’re here.”
Schoen said he brought his Breakaway bicycle which breaks down and gets packed with his luggage when he travels.
“It takes 45 minutes to break down,” he said. “Then it takes another 45 minutes to put it together. If I get a good ride out of this, it’s all worthwhile.”
