Pedal to the Meadow takes off Saturday from Kekaha

KEKAHA — Registration for the Pedal to the Meadow bicycle hill climb race is open online by visiting www.PedaltotheMeadow. com. Entry fees vary by deadline, and the required one day, or annual racing license can be purchased during the online registration.

Racers will start the 16-mile climb from the old cane haul road in Kekaha on May 27 at 8 a.m., follow the rim of the Waimea Canyon, and finish at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in the uplands of Koke‘e — an elevation gain of more than 3,800 feet.

Koke‘e Road, from the Kekaha Mini Mart to the intersection with Waimea Canyon Drive, will be closed to all vehicles from 7:30 to approximately 9:30 a.m.

A traffic advisory issued by Pedal to the Meadow organizers ask motorists from 8 a.m., May 27, to watch for bicycles from the intersection of Koke‘e Road and Waimea Canyon Drive all the way to the Koke‘e Lodge and Museum area.

Passing should be done with extreme care due to the winding mountain road with many blind corners.

Cyclists are advised to obey all rules of the road. However, they will be focused on racing, may move quickly to avoid deep potholes, and may be in clusters. Race organizers ask motorists to be patient and avoid “leap-frogging” vehicles around tight groups. The race is expected to end at 11 a.m.

Organizers anticipate about 100 cyclists from Kaua‘i, the neighbor islands, and the U.S. continent to participate in the annual hill climb race. The Pedal to the Meadow is open to trained riders from age 10 and older. To accommodate the field, there are age categories through 80-plus years old.

“The 80-plus for both men and women is a new age category this year,” said Mary Williamson. “We already have two very fit 80-year-old guys registered.”

In addition to the mountain race, a more casual group ride is planned for Sunday along Kaua‘i’s eastside and North Shore. The active weekend on wheels is organized by Bicycle Racing Kaua‘i and is sanctioned by USA Cycling.

“Pedal to the Meadow was born in 2010, and was held annually until COVID-19 forced a pause in 2020,” said race director Dr. Binney Williamson. “Then, there was a virtual challenge in 2021. It was great be be back in person last summer, and we look forward to an even bigger turnout this year.”

The course record is 58 minutes — about 15 minutes long than a typical car trip up the mountain. Participants are encouraged to train to finish within three hours.

“Our goal is to encourage more folks to get out, train, get fit, and have fun,” Williamson said. To that end, groups regularly train on weekend mornings, and new riders are welcome.

Race packet pickup will take place on May 26 at Briggs Bicycles in the Harbor Mall shopping area in Nawiliwili.

For those wishing to volunteer, or for more information, email p2mKauai@gmail.com. Race updates are posted on social media — Facebook “Pedal to the Meadow,” and Instagram “Bicycle Racing Kaua‘i.”
Source: The Garden Island