KAILUA-KONA — Under beautiful sunny skies, cyclists gathered at the bottom of Kaloko Drive on August 18 for the annual Pedal Til Ya Puke 6.5-Mile Hill Climb, an event that has become synonymous with grit, endurance and sheer determination.
Hosted by the Hawaii Cycling Club, this legendary ascent has been testing athletes since 1991 when it was first organized by Sean “Peaman” Pagett and his dedicated Frozen Peas Production crew.
Over the last three decades, as competitors who undertake the challenge come and go, nothing about this climb has changed. Kaloko Drive remains as formidable as ever with riders facing a grueling 6.5-mile climb that defies gravity at every turn. The course, notorious for its 3,000-foot elevation gain, average gradient of 8.9%, and punishing hairpin turns with grades that soar between 18% and 22%, offer little respite as competitors inch their way toward the summit.
But what has consistently made this race truly a bucket-list event over the years is its simplicity. One starts at the bottom and finishes at the top. Riders choose their form of mobility best suited to their strengths: road, mountain or a triathlon bike. And to anyone who asks how many hills one must conquer to get to the top, the answer is easy. There is only one hill.
Yet, Kaloko’s brutality is matched only by its beauty. Those who have ridden up know that Kaloko Drive — a picturesque ribbon winding through a lush, verdant cloud forest — is lined with beautiful hydrangea and ginger plants, with their vibrant colors and fragrant scents a welcomed distraction from the physical toll of the ascent.
This year’s event saw an exciting race with Waikoloa’s Daniel Hill claiming the “King of the Mountain” title in a fantastic time of 44 minutes and 48 seconds. Hill’s winning time is not too far off from Jeff Castro, who won the inaugural road bike race in a time of 43:11 on April 14, 1991. Oahu’s Tony Lang put up a valiant effort, crossing the finish line in 51:30 to secure second place. Meanwhile, Peaman, the man behind the event’s inception, demonstrated that he’s still a force to be reckoned with, rounding out the top three with a time of 56:02.
Beyond the overall podium finishes, the real victory lay with the 11 courageous cyclists who completed the climb, congratulations! Next up on the HCC calendar of events is the Kua Bay Time Trial on September 22. Start time is 7:30 a.m. for the 12.19-mile course that starts at Waikoloa Beach Road. For more information or to register visit www.hawaiicyclingclub.com.