Adam rides down the spine of Haleakala
by Nancy ~ February 7th, 2006. Filed under: Family, Hawaii.
View of the Caldera of Haleakala
Adam before the ride. It was about 50 degrees that morning at the summit. Really pretty mild for 10,000 feet.Earlier this week Adam rode his mountain bike down Haleakala. Most people ride down the road - beginning at the caldera and riding with a guide down the road. You start at 10,000 feet and ride to sea level. In the peak season now you see dozens of groups riding down the mountain.
A group of riders going down the road. There were dozens of these groups going down on the road.
Of course this “forced march” kind of ride did not appeal to Adam. But there is a little known alternate route down the back side of the mountain on the spine.
Adam starting down the “back side” of Haleakala.
This route starts above the caldera at the summit and goes down the skyline drive which is only accessible by 4 wheel drive. Beyond that it turns to trail and I’m sure it was quite a thrill and quite a ride.
Adam didn’t see anyone else on his whole route. A truly unique experience.
Chuck & I dropped Adam off and then picked him up several hours later at the other end. At that point Adam was “flying” down the mountain and enjoying the terrific ride. He did take a few photos along the way - though I think it’s hard to capture the huge vistas.