Team Sheeper Hawaii Big Island Circumnavigation Bicycle Tour
April 2-5, 2012
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Tour Overview
Team Sheeper, which has had several team focus races on the Big Island of Hawaii, is going back to explore the Island in a more comprehensive and relaxed way with a bicycle tour. We are planning a circumnavigation in April, 2012 with 4 day, 3 night tour beginning and ending in Kailua-Kona. We will be staying overnight in Volcano, Hilo and Hawi and riding 40-95 miles per day. This route follows the same course used by Ultraman, A 3-day, 320-mile (515-kilometer) individual ultra-endurance event which takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The Big Island is the most ecologically diverse of all the Islands and one of the best places on earth to see active volcanoes. The Big Island Hawaii is twice as large as the other islands combined and with two volcanoes still active, one which is the most volatile in the world, the island continues growing.. Mauna Loa is the world’s most massive mountain and Mauna Kea volcano is considered to be the tallest mountain in the world, measuring a total of 32,000 feet (9,753 m) from its base on the ocean floor to its summit. Literally divided in half by a mountain range, the eastern part of the Big Island is hit by southwest trade winds bringing an onslaught of rainy Hawaiian weather and making Hilo the wettest city in the world (100 inches annually). The clouds can't reach the west side making the Kohala coast is the sunniest place on the Islands (less than 10 inches of rainfall). Athletes will see and experience this remarkable diversity on this unique tour.
We are announcing and opening this tour now so athletes can build this event into their 2012 plans and so you can take the first step in securing lodging on the tour. We will be staying in very small towns, some are no more than a junction in the road, with very limited accommodations. It is essential that any athlete comtemplating this tour book their accommodations as soon as possible in Volcano and Hawi (Hilo offers a large hotel and is less urgent). We are holding rooms for up to 20 athletes which expire on September 15. You may continue to book after September 15 but the hotels have not guaranteed us availability. There is no difference in rates.
Team Sheeper will provide meals (3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, post ride snacks and end-of-tour celebration picnic), transportation for your gear, maps and route sheets and coach leadership. Athletes are responsible for their own accommodations booking and payment, flights to the Big Island and accommodations in Kailua-Kona before and after the tour. The tour begins on Monday, April 2 and ends on Thursday, April 5, to allow athletes time to travel and enjoy the Big Island.
In December 2011, we will publish more details on the tour, but this posting contains the information you need to secure lodging.
Route Descriptions
Note that distances and elevations are approximate.Day #1: Kailua-Kona to Volcano
95 miles, 6,000’; From Kailua-Kona we’ll ride south through small coffee growing towns overlooking scenic beaches, including black sand Punaluu Beach as we ascend 5,000’+ to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Our lodging, Kilauea Lodge, is a favorite of upscale bicycle tours companies that visit the Big Island.
Day #2: Volcano to Hilo
30 mile or 95 mile options; You can visit Volcanoes National Park and take the shorter route to Hilo or take the less traveled longer route with rolling terrain that runs along the hills and cliffs of the ‘wet side’ into Hilo. Hilo features lush gardens filled with orchids and wild ginger which were built to honor the Japanese immigrants who cultivated the plantations on this part of the Island.
Day #3: Hilo to Hawi
80 miles. We’ll hug the rugged coastline before turning inland to vast green ranchland before climbing the Kohala Mountain summit. Read Lance’s twitter about cycling the Old Mamalahoa Highway near Waimea. We’ll stay at the tiny community of Hawi, a picturesque community with art galleries, small guest houses and now ziplining. The village is the turnaround for the bicycle portion of the Ironman Triathlon that begins on Allie Drive in Kona.
Day #4: Hawi to Kailua-Kona
60 miles: Our last day is along the famously windy, often scorching, black lava lined Queen K highway.
Registration and Fees
Tour cost is $1300, $500 due by January 15, 2012.Cost does not include hotels or return transportation for you or your bike.
Please register with our Menlo Swim and Sport registration system. If you have not already done so, the first step is to create a new Account on the Menlo Swim and Sport system. From there you will choose the Registration link and then choose the Palo Alto to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour from the drop-down.
Refund/Credit Policy: Registered participants are entitled to a full refund minus a $50 processing fee with cancellation 30 days before the start of camp. Registered participants are entitled to a full refund minus a $100 fee with cancellation 14 days before the start of camp. Refunds will not be given to registered participants with a cancellation 14 days or less before the start of camp. You may opt for a 100% credit in lieu of a refund which is good 2012 through 2013 and is transferable to another family member for any Team Sheeper Camp or Tour.
We 13 person minimum to go ahead with the tour. If we do not meet the minimum, we will fully refund any fees paid.
Hotel Contact Information HOTEL NOT INCLUDED IN FEE
You need to book and pay for your own rooms. Here is the information you will need to make your own hotel reservations.
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Day #1, Monday, April 2, Kailua Kona to Volcano Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant |
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Alternative Day #1, Monday, April 2 Hale Ohia Cottages |
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Day #2 Tuesday, April 3, Volcano to Hilo Naniloa Volcanoes Resort |
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Day #3, Wednesday, April 4, Hilo to Hawi Kohala Village Inn |
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