Come cycling with us in Paradise!

Register Now!

INVASIVE RACE MOUNTAIN BIKE RALLY - Get Dirty and Have Fun!
Saturday, May 19th, 2012 

VISION QUEST MAUI CYCLING CAMP – Will Be an Amazing Cycling Experience!
November 5th thru 10th, 2012

Invasive Race Mountain Bike Rally
Saturday, May 19th, 2012

This race will be held near Makawao Town off Baldwin Ave,  rain or shine.  Course will be a really fun 4-mile loop with about 300 feet of climbing per lap.  Mix of single track and dirt road.

The mountain bike race is going to be a great event for all levels of riders. We have added a C class that will have a non-technical course to accommodate beginners and kids.

Eight categories total. Practice day will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 9am to 2pm.  Race day registration is from 8:00am to 9:00am with the First race to start at 9:30am. 

Afterwards the race we will host a BBQ and Awards Presentation. Therte will b lots of fun, food, and swag for everyone!

Click here for more information and Registration Form >

Vision Quest Maui Cycling Camp ~ November 5th thru 10th, 2012

You will get to ride in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. There will be challenging routes each day. Lots of rolling terrain, long steady climbs, and trades winds.

We will help you improve your climbing, descending, cornering and bike handling skills. Our goal is for you to have an awesome adventure during the camp.

We plan on cycling 5 days in different parts of the island. Four of the rides will be 3 hours of saddle time with 3,500-4,500 feet of elevation gain.

One day we’ll do a morning in the ocean that will include surfing and outrigger canoe paddling. Then the same afternoon we will do an easy recovery type ride.

Click here for more information and Registration Form >

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - Makawao, Mau

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM >

Race Summary

Race Location: Near Makawao Town off Baldwin Ave. Rain or Shine.

Race Course: Fun 4-mile loop with about 300 feet of climbing per lap. Mix of single track and dirt roads.

Categories: Seven plus a team relay. Relay must be 1-male, 1-female and must make an exchange each lap.

Practice Day: Saturday, May 5 from 9am to 2pm.

Race day registration: From 8:00am to 9:00am with the First race to start at 9:30am.

Entry Fee: is $25 for Adults and $15 for Juniors. Mixed relay is $30 per team.

Minimum: Tenpeople required to make a category or we may combine with other classes.

BBQ and Awards

Afterwards we will host a BBQ and present awards. Lots of food and swag for everyone!

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM >

These guys all made it to the summit but it was a tough day.

Atop Haleakala It’s Been Wet & Cold

2012 so far has been another great year here in Maui. Lots of cyclists are coming to visit and ride with us to escape the cold. Many from mainland and Canada. It’s been warm down at the beach, but on Top of Haleakala it’s been wet and really cold. The group in the photo went to the top a few days ago. They all made it to the summit but it was a tough day.

It started raining at 8,000 feet and continued to the top. The visibility was about 40 feet, and temperature were in the 40′s as well. They all had to be picked up and driven back down at some point. It was so cold they couldn’t hang on to the handlebars. I get the comment “I’ve never been so cold on my bike before” from most of the people who ride back down from the summit. Crazy that it gets that cold in Maui. I personally prefer to ride at lower elevations where it’s nice and warm!

Forty of us had a dirt bike ride in Baja, Mexico.

California Dreamin’:  Mountain, Road, & Dirt Biking

In February I had an amazing trip to San Diego where I was able to get in three different types of riding. I went for a mountain bike ride with some friends in Encinitas on a Friday. Did a road ride with a group from the Swami’s cycling club on Saturday. Then traveled down to Mexico on Sunday for a dirt bike ride in Baja, Mexico.

There were 40 of us on motos on this trip. It was a blast! The terrain we rode was amazing. We enjoyed some great food, drank a bit of Tequila and Mexican beer. The most fun was riding in the wet sand dunes along the pacific coast of Baja. Totally different riding from the tight dense rain forest we ride here in Maui. It was one trip I will remember for many years!

Click here for You Tube video Part 1 > | Click here for You Tube video Part 2 >

Maui Mountain Bike Race in May

Now Back to bicycles! Up coming events here in Maui. On May 19, I am hosting a mountain bike race. It’ s a fun cross-country event on a three mile circuit. Many different categories for adults and kids. Lots of fun to be had!   You can contact Maui Cyclery at 808-579-9009 for more information about the race.

Cycle to the Sun Signup

Registration for Cycle to the Sun opens on April 1. The race will be on August 25. We are limited to 200 racers and have filled the last two years. To register go to www.cycletothesun.com.

Vision Quest Maui Camp

Coming in November will be the first annual cycling camp with Go Cycling Maui and Robbie Ventura of Vision Quest Coaching. Should be an amazing week of cycling with Robbie and myself. We have Dave Kalama as our surf coach for stand-up surf and outrigger canoe paddling. Click here > to find out more.

That’s it for now. Stay tuned for more exciting news from Paradise in the near future.

Thanks,
Donnie

Big Wave Surfing at Maui's Jaws

“Kona Days” –  High Surf, Temps & Humidity

January has turned out to be another amazing month for cycling here in Maui. The weather has been averaging about 82 degrees every day with little to no rain.

We also had what is locally called Kona for a few days. Kona days are when the winds are light and blow in the opposite direction from the normal trades. 95 % of the time here on Maui the tradewinds are blowing 15-25 mph from the Northeast. Keeps us cool, but also makes cycling here always challenging.

The recent Kona weather  changes up the riding conditions a bit. It allows you to ride different directions without battling the winds. The drawback is the humidity goes up and it’s a bit warmer than normal. I think all of us riding here have been enjoying the change in weather, though.

Road Paving Continues Past Ulupalakua

The state of Hawaii has been paving more of the road out past the Ulupalakua Ranch. The state has been adding new pavement over the patched asphalt and gravel for the past few years. They recently added two more miles of fresh asphalt. It feels like butter under the bike tires!

It has made this ride route a bit more demanding to do an out and back ride. It drops from 3000′ down to sea level and then we ride back up to 3000′ again. The total elevation gain is now about 4,500′ in just over 40 miles. If you’re on Maui and want to take this ride with Go Cycling Maui, let me know.

Tiger Shark Sightings Will Sometimes Close Maui Beaches

Surf’s Up … and Sharks, Too

This Kona weather is also welcomed by the surfers. The waves have been big on the north shore lately. “Jaws” has been breaking a couple of times already this month. Me included! I’ve had some awesome surf sessions before work in the mornings. I try to hit the water about 6:30am and be done by 7:30am to get to work before 8am.

It’s always a new adventure every time I go surfing. Saw a small 4-5′ shark on my way out to the surf break 2 weeks ago. I was on my standup surf board just paddling along and there it was. The water is so clear that it saw me and swam away. It does wake you up a bit when you see one even when it’s small. Had a great session that morning, but was thinking more about the shark every time I fell off.

 My Big Wave Wipeout

Then last week I went out on a big wave day to a favorite surf spot of mine and had it all to myself. This is fun but also not the best idea if you get in trouble. I caught a big double overhead wave and was able to ride it for a while, then it started to close out on me.

So I jumped over the back of the wave. My board went down with the wave and got pounded. I went to get back on my board and found that only half of it was there. It had snapped in half. I was attached to the back half of the board by my leash.

The front half was washed away with the wave. So, I laid on top of what was left of my board and paddled it back toward the shore. I found the front of the board and was able to paddle both pieces to the beach. The bummer was it was my favorite board (called “the secret weapon,” because it was so easy to catch waves). It was custom build for me about 12 years ago. No repairing it, but I’ll use if for a decoration or turn it into a chair.

Upcoming Cycling Events

Robbie Ventura

Back to the cycling here in Maui. Lots of upcoming events on and off road.

- April 15: West Maui Metric Century Ride
(contact South Maui Bikes at 808-874-0068).
- April 28-29: Maui Stage Race (http://www.mauistagerace.com).
- In May: (date will be set soon) I will be hosting a cross-country mountain bike race. All levels of racers will be welcome. Looking to do a summer mountain bike race series on some private land near Makawao. More details will come soon.

More Cycling Camps in 2012

Working on two more Cycling camps on Maui for 2012 in, addition to the Ryder Hesjedal December Camp. Robbie Ventura (Vision Quest) Camp in early November, and Jeremy McGrath (Moto Adventure) Camp (date is still to be determined). Details for all the camps will be posted soon.

Mahalo,

Donnie Arnoult

Maui Cycling Camp - 2011

We hosted a cycling camp the first week of December with Ryder Hesjedal and friends. We had an amazing group of clients and the rides were awesome. This year’s special guests were Tyler Farrar and Andy Hampsten. All the clients had between 20 and 30 hours of saddle time during the week.

Our big epic ride was around the East Maui loop. Six hours in the saddle with 8,000 feet of elevation gain. We finished the ride in Paia at the beach and all went for a swim. Our one rest day was spent in the ocean riding standup paddle boards and outrigger canoes.

If your interested in joining us next year you can pre-register online at www.mauicyclingcamps.com.

Keokea Benefit Ride for Will Smith Foundation

Last weekend we hosted our annual Holiday Bike Ride in Keokea. It was really nice day and a bit cold for Maui at the start. It was about 56 degrees F, but it warmed up to about 75 or so at the finish.

The ride was about 40 miles with just over 3,000 feet of climbing. After the ride we served up a few hundred of my wife’s pancakes and homemade syrup! They were both Ono! (means good in Hawaiian). We gave away a bunch of cool cycling swags to all the participants. I think everyone had a great time. And it helped support a good cause – the Will Smith Foundation.

Mucho Mahalos

To close this month’s (and this year’s) newsletter, I want to say thanks to all my store customers and tour clients for all your support. I have been blessed to come in contact with so many amazing people because of cycling. At first my business was about the bike and the rides, but then I realized that its about the people I get to meet, visit, and ride with is what drives me.

One final note …

… I thought was appropriate for this time of year was sent to me from a friend of mine – Paul Wood with Black Bear Adventure Bicycle Tours: ”I wish for you to have peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, and joy to fill your holidays!” - D.M. Dellinger

A Favorite Toast for the Holiday Season

May the wind be always at your back, And the sunshine warm upon your face, May good luck find you at your worst, And back luck lose you at your best, May your days be rich and full of wealth, And your nights be long when you need rest, Before the devil knows you’re dead, May you be in heaven my friend. - Delta Spirit

Have a Wonderful New Year!
Donnie Arnoult

Saturday, December 17th — Start Time 7:00 am

COURSE SUMMARY

The ride will start at the Keokea Park on Highway 37. The route will go from Keokea Park heading South on highway 37 and descend down through Ulupalakua to the 27 mile marker near Kahikinui, (where the pavement turns to patched asphalt). Turn around and ride back to the finish at Keokea. Total distance will be approximately 38 miles, with 3,000 of elevation gain. All levels of bike riders welcome. We will separate into two large groups at the start.

RULES

A helmet must be worn while on bike at all times. No neutral support, you need to supply your own spare tube and tools incase of a flat or mechanical problem. We will supply water at the turn around area.

RIDE ENTRY

$25 donation, includes pancake breakfast and prizes afterwards at the Keokea Park. Fill out bottom of this entry form and mail it to the address below, or stop bye Maui Cyclery in Paia. A release from must be filled out and signed day of the event. NO ENTRIES ON RIDE DAY.

INFORMATION & ENTRY FORM

• Maui Cyclery, 579-9009 or email: mauicycling@aol.com
• Print, fill out and mail an Entry Form (PDF) >

About the Will Smith Foundation

Will Smith was 8 years old when he lost his life in a tragic car accident while visiting Maui in 2007. The Will Smith Foundation was formed to further causes that were close to Will’s heart – providing positive life experiences for children through education, art, music, sports and acts of compassion.
Visit the Will Smith Foundation >

Aaron Lisco, our Maui Cyclery master mechanic, began his “Journey of Discovery Around the Blue Planet” on June 10, 2010.

To date he has logged 11,347 miles (18,262 km) after 533 days of adventures, trial and tribulations in around the globe.

Aaron is back in the shop here in Paia for the next 6 weeks ready to service your bike, before he hits the road again for Hong Kong.

Come by and say howdy!

You can follow Aaron’s adventures through his online journal, “Beyond the Great Divide.”

Lance Armstrong on Maui

Oracle sent of group of their top sales people from all over the world to Maui for a week. They were able to take part in some really cool activities. We were fortunate enough to be able to put together a bike ride for 235 of their people. It took the entire Maui Cyclery crew and and some help from a few others others to pull this off. (See bottom photo.)

Oracle brought in Lance Armstrong to lead the ride, which was a big surprise. I didn’t know he was going to be there until a couple of days before the event. It turned out to be a fun activity for everyone involved. The ride was short and sweet, but it was cool that everyone who rode got to spend some time with Lance. Check out my SlideShows to see more photos.

Andre Agassi & Sting on the Beach!

They also brought in a couple other celebraties. Andre Agassi was here to play tennis with some of their people. There was also a private concert with Sting on the beach one evening.

My wife Mischelle and I were invited to attend. It was 1983 the last time I saw him perform with the Police. He still sounded great! Man I’m getting old!

Interbike Trade Show

The middle of the month I went to the Interbike Trade Show in Las Vegas. It’s always nice to see all the new products and see the cycling industry people. You can check it out at www.interbike.roadbikereview.com to see some of the new cycling products for 2012.

Coming Up in October

Looking forward to October here in the islands. We will have lots of world-class athletes hanging around. The Ironman World Championship will be held October 8 in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island. Then two weeks later the Xterra World Champiuonship will be held October 23rd  here on Maui at Kapalua.

Plus, there are always a few pro roadies hanging around this Island after their racing season has finished.

I will update you again next month on all the happenings here in Paradise.

Aloha,
Donnie

The top 3 finishers will cross the line atop Haleakala Volcano only 0.06 seconds apart. (Photos by Mike Adrian)

A Record-Breaking 205 Racers!

It’s been a busy past couple of months for the crew here at Maui Cyclery.

We just finished hosting the 2011 Cycle to the Sun bike race last weekend. The race went really well. We had another record number of racers this year at 205.

(L-R) 3rd - Tadashi Mori, Japan, 2:49:10; 1st - Giel Denijs, Holland, 2:49:04; 2nd - Eric Lau, Honolulu, 2:49:05.

An International Field from All Over the Planet

The race had an international field. We had guys and gals from Australia, Holland, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, England, Brazil, and all over the US. Pretty cool that we are attracting racers from all over planet.

Race Director (that's me)

The top three finishers battled it out in a sprint to the line at 10,000 feet!

The winner, Giel Denijs from Holland (2:49:04), beat second-place Eric Lau from Honolulu by a mere 1/100th of a second (2:49:05), while Tadashi Mori from Japan finished in third-place, only 6/100ths back (2:49:10); fourth was Tim Smith from Washington (2:56:23), and fifth was Ray Brust from Honolulu (2:59:01).

The women’s event was won by Gabriela McClure from Colorado (3:21:45). All the results and photos can be viewed at www.cycletothesun.com.

I want to thank to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff who made this event a huge success. We look forward to next year’s race!

The 2012 Cycle to the Sun will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Registration will open on April 1, 2012. We hope to see you there!

Will be back with more cycling adventures next month.

Mahalo,
Donnie Arnoult

Post Race party with winners, grinds & drinks at Maui Cyclery in Paia

Below are the two time trials that will be held in July – one Team on July 3rd and and one Individual on July 17th.

July 3rd – Team Time Trial

Three person teams and the time is taken on the second person to finish. The distance is 23K and the course will be from Waikapu towards Laniopoko. Meet at Starbucks parking area in Kahului at Dairy road at 7:00am. Group ride to starting area. Then 2 minute intervals between each team. No Entry Fee

Winner’s team will get a round of coffee at Starbucks. We will do two age groups and women’s. Age will be cumulative of all three riders. Under 125 years and over 125 years. If you don’t have a team still show up and we can put together random riders. It’s all about having fun.

July 17th – Individual Time Trial

Second Time trial is July 17th and will be an Individual time trial. It’s 42.5K from Ulupalakua to Kanaio and back to Keokea. Meet at 8:00am in Keokea near Grandma’s Coffee House. We will ride to the starting area at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Winners will get cup of coffee and slice of pastry from Grandma’s. No Entry Fee

Mahalo,
Donnie