At sports events around Hawai‘i, age categories often end at 50-plus or senior masters. For a bicycle race on Kaua‘i, enough older cyclists come out to participate each Memorial Day weekend that 60-plus and 70-plus age groups had to be added.
“Pedal to the Meadow” is a USA Cycling–sanctioned hill race on the Garden Island that climbs from hot, dry Kekaha to the rim of Waimea Canyon and cool forests of Koke‘e. This challenging course gains 3,800 feet in elevation over 16 miles.
It took Barry Masuda, 71, of Honolulu only one hour and 39 minutes to finish, placing first in 70-plus, and 34th overall in a field with riders as young as 13. The next day, Masuda saddled up again with Cambriamento D’Andaturo Team Core Hawai‘i for the Mana Time Trial and the “Cycle on the Strip” Criterium race.
These road races are organized by Bicycle Racing Kauai, a not-for-profit hui. Race director Binney Williamson likes the senior divisions. “It’s inspiring. We younger riders hope to stay that fit.”
According to experts, riding a bike four miles a day cuts heart disease risk in half, is aerobic, but puts minimal strain on joints and muscles. Like all sports, it is good to start out slow. Biking is fun! To learn more about clycling and clubs on your island, visit your local bike shop.
To learn more about “Pedal to the Meadow,” visit: www.PedaltotheMeadow.com and www. Facebook.com/BicycleRacingKauai
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