I booked the tour way before my trip and have been eagerly waiting for this day! I brought my own jersey, shorts, shoes and pedals while Maui Cyclery provided the most high-end bike I've ever ridden: a Titanium Litespeed with Ultegra gruppo! This was the first time I did a guided bike tour. Even though I lost some bragging rights because the route wasn't as famous, I was still glad that I joined the tour. The leader from the shop was a really good rider so I have never ridden harder than this in order to keep up. Bikers get better by riding with better ones. In addition, I just don't feel brave enough to ride on my own in unfamiliar territory. The whole tour minus the leader and the driver were just me and another couple on their honeymoon (which were nice folks BTW. Both were very fit.) The bikes were loaded to a truck which also serve as SAG (support and gear) at the shop and we were driven to our starting point, Kula Community Center. We actually drove by the town of Kula the previous day as it's on the way to Haleakala. However, instead of biking towards that, we rode down Kula Highway and then Kalama Park Rd towards the south side of Haleakala. It was very windy but we got an awesome view of the islands (Kahoolawe and Molokini) We took the same route back and the final few uphill miles required quite a bit of work. The rewards were pastries at the end point, Grandma's Maui coffee.
I rejoined the family back at the hotel around 1:30pm and started our trip to West Maui. The kids will probably remember Lahaina for the shave ice place.
Maybe the big banyan tree too:
I will remember Lahaina because of Betty's Beach Cafe. I love its signature dessert, which is a huge mud slide (mango ice cream with brownie) This restaurant is probably more well known for being able to watch luau (performed at the restaurant next to it) without paying the price of luau than its food though.
