We met at Rice Park in Kula for a continental breakfast and to get to know our host, Marc, and the other bikers. Marc was very nice, and safety was on his mind. On the ride in the van up the volcano, Marc pointed out mistakes some of the bikers on their way down were making. This was done in a lighthearted way, yet seriously enough that you knew where it was safe to ride. Non-riders and young children may ride down in the van, children should be 14 before they are allowed to bike down.

Once at the starting area for the bike tour at the entrance to Haleakala National Park, we were fitted to our 24 speed comfort bikes and helmets. If it has been awhile since you have ridden a bike there is an area there for you to practice before you take off.

We were sent off in small groups and allowed to go whatever speed we were comfortable going, and to stop and enjoy the views whenever we wanted to. Wow, you can get going fast biking down a volcano!! The brakes were working well, though, so the ride was exhilarating! The van is close behind, so if there were any problems, Marc would be there soon to help out.

We rode by the Haleakala Ranch founded by the missionary’s descendents, eucalyptus tree woods, and pasture land. It was nice to be able to stop and go as we pleased. We took lots of pictures on the way down.

We ended the 33 mile ride with a deli-style lunch at the Tedeschi Winery. It is the only winery in Hawaii. The grounds of the winery were pretty, and we just had to try the pineapple wine!!

Taking a bike tour of Haleakala Volcano was a great way to spend a morning. The tour company picks you up at your hotel early in the morning and whisks you to the top of the Volcano with panoramic views of the island that will take your breath away. After a brief and somewhat boring safety lesson we hopped on our bikes and zoomed down the mountain with brief stops to take pictures along the way.

We stopped at a small lunch counter for a sandwich and drink and while there we took a walk around their nice garden which included a large Avocado Tree full of ripe fruit. There was almost no peddling the entire way down and the vans picked us up in the valley bellow. We plan to do this again on our next trip to Maui and I recommend you try it as well.

There are two types of bike trips down the volcano. One takes you to the mountain top, 10,000 feet above sea level, then escorts your group down through the national park back to the bike shop or other meeting spot. In the national park no unescorted groups are allowed, there is no passing, and groups leave at five minute intervals on a first come-first served basis. The other type of tour takes you to the 6000' level just outside the park, cutting out about eight miles. From here you can be escorted, guided, or go at your own pace, depending on what you choose.

The classic trip from the top gets to the summit before sunrise, allows some time for looking around, especially if there are 10 or so groups ahead of yours, then coasts 33 miles downhill with one short section where you need to pedal.

We went with Aloha Bike Tours. Mark met us at Rice Park for a continental breakfast, (good muffins - my daughter recommends the chocolate-chocolate chip with hot chocolate) then took us up to 6000' before turning us loose. We went at our own pace, but stopped at check points for guidance, snacks and drinks from Mark. His route is different from most: it goes from Kula to the Tedeschi Winery instead of going to the Paia area like the others. Toward the winery, the scenery looks like Ireland or Scotland - rolling hills and grassland with grazing horses and cows. It looks like Ireland and Scotland, that is, if you overlook the occasional cactus. At the winery, Karen met us for a make your own sandwich lunch. Time's allowed for the winery tour and tasting. Aloha does one tour a day, with a maximum of 14 people. His only advertising these days is on the internet.

This seemed pricey, but everyone really enjoyed it, so I shouldn't complain. We got continental breakfast, snacks, lunch, the bike and gear (gloves, helmet, jacket if you need one). Oh yeah! With the gear we looked like real pro bikers! We also got a guided tour up to 6000', transportation back to the meeting site, bike adjustments, and guidance. Having gone on a guided trip, I'd have no hesitation going on my own, although others in the group would prefer to be guided again. An escorted trip where everyone goes at the same pace, stays in line and stops when the escort pulls over seems too regimented but is the only way to start at the top.