Metric Century

As I come over the crest near Halemano at dawn, I can see Haleiwa, the gateway to the North Shore. The ocean is relatively mild today with wind generated ocean swells breaking over the reef. I pull into Kaiaka Bay beach park which is the staging area of today's ride. At 7:30, a peleton of 700-800 will invade the North Shore for what is believed to be a great day for riding.

The Metric Century Ride is compromised of a 25k, 50k and 100k out and back ride along the North Shore of Oahu. Known more for it's epic surf, this is country living Oahu style. Rural communities, two lane highways and old beach front homes fighting the progress of newer housing development. I choose the 100k that will take me out just past the Crouching Lion to Swanzy Beach Park for the turn around.

Starting out I was in the first 150 or so riders as we were led out of town with a police escort. Once cleared of Haleiwa we were set free and we all tried to stay with the stronger riders just to get the pull from their draft. I managed to hang with them for around 7 miles until a morning shower dampened the road. With the spray of water & dirt muddying up my glasses, I backed off into a free space. There I peddled solo for another 10 miles before being picked up by a second group. I jumped into the pace line and enjoyed the draft, giving my legs some recovery from working alone.

At the 50k turn around, some broke off the group for a rest or to turn back. I chose to keep going not giving up my spot in a group that was definitely my speed. I'm not sure how many total were left in our group but I know that I along with two others did the pulling for the pace line. A couple of time when I jumped out to pull I went too hard and dropped the group. I slowed to wait for them and did my share. Coming around Crouching Lion we could see Swanzy and we all stopped for a quick rest.

Because the ride started 30 minutes late, I was anxious to get back on the road. Electing to do the return solo, I ventured out before my new friends. Not having to pull or concentrate on being in a pace line gave me time to enjoy the ride and the views it had to offer. With a tail wind now, I could average a fast pace without as much effort. A couple of pace groups passed me by but I stayed solo. I stopped once more to refill by water at the 50k turn and again went out by myself. Past the shrimp farms and Turtle Bay Resort and the final 12 mile stretch towards Haleiwa. Then somewhere between Ehukai (Pipeline) and Waimea Bay I flatted my rear tire. I always wondered why the rear flats more than the front. A quick tube change while vowing never to by Continental tires again, I was again pedaling and praying I don't get that second flat.

Around Waimea, past Chuns and soon the Joseph Leong bypass came into view. It was now just 5k to the refreshments and camaraderie of my fellow cyclists. Eating a few figs and half a banana I rode down the heart of Haleiwa towards Kaiaka Park. It's such a pleasant surf town with wooden buildings and no sidewalks so that you're walking on the roadside. I enjoy coming here and wish I didn't live on the opposite side of the island. But perhaps that's what will keep it special for me.