Bike Hugger Visits Maui again!

The blogger Bike Hugger visited Maui over the new year. Specialized sent over a special colorway silver Tarmac Pro Race SL4 for him to enjoy on our amazing Maui pavement. Check out the "Maui" section of his blog to get the skinny on his two wheeled adventures. His Best of Maui 14 post includes a Google Glass walk through of the West Maui Cycles shop which is where this blurp comes from.

“I was in Maui just to ride after a very long season and didn’t take the bait when this Katusha Pro passed me twice. He said something that I think Pros say to each other in Euro pelotons, but I sat up, and just pedaled. Later I worked out a few scenarios in my head of what would’ve happened if I’d accelerated up to him that all ended badly. The Russian National TT champ, probably wouldn’t half wheeled me…

He wasn’t Upcountry when I was, which is good, cause I get angry after tall, thin dudes pass me on climbs. It’s the pleasure of just riding a bike that I was really trying to reconnect with on Maui and not turning myself inside out. Did plenty of that in 13 and posted about it here.

That’s the thing about Maui and why we enjoy riding there so much. You can ride like a tourist, have an epic day, or with their updated infrastructure, an errand ride to stock the vacation condo fridge for lunch.

Maui has also become a destination for cyclists and every year we see more on the shoulders and the roads we’ve ridden for years. The best of those routes I’ve mapped on Google and include

Haiku Loop
Wailea to Paia and Back
Big Inland Loop
It never gets old riding the same loops, like to the end of Makena and back or from Kihei to Lahaina. We prefer to stay in South Maui and for tourist activities, snorkeling with Maui Snorkel Charters who offers a more personal experience with a highly-qualified crew that cater to all dive levels.”

— Bike Hugger

The rest of his adventures include a ride on Lanai, viscious trade/Kona winds, fruit stands and a whole lot more.

“The story was supposed to continue a season of riding Hydro with a trip to Maui, where we’d ride up and down a volcano, but you all know by now with the recall, that got cut. So Specialized and SRAM rushed out a Tarmac Pro with Force 22, Rovals and Zipp 303s. Traveled with the Tarmac in Thule’s new Transition case and after the flight, and arriving at the vacation condo, set up the Thule stand for a impromptu Lanai bike shop.”

— http://www.bikehugger.com/tag/maui

A Little Advice About Biking on Maui

A Vintage Cruiser bike on display at West Maui Cycles Lahaina bike shop.

The joys of biking on Maui over the holidays! Almost as much fun as the memory of seeing your first shiny red bicycle on Christmas morning and riding it around the neighborhood. Just as when you were a youngster trying to decide where to take that first ride Christmas morning, the choices available for riding a bike on Maui offer similar delight and merriment. Keep reading for Maui bike ride suggestions and a little advice to help make renting bikes on Maui easy.

One of the first questions to answer is where to go riding on Maui. We always answer: It depends. Where to ride will depend on the type of riding that will make you happy; your ability with experience level; your fitness and a few other variables. We want you to have a fun time riding on Maui and make the most of your cycling experience. With that said, here are a couple of our favorite ride suggestions, one for road cycling and one for mountain biking:

Bike riding on the West Maui Loop

If you love road bike riding with amazing coastal scenery, most Maui cyclists will agree the West Maui Loop is a must ride! The 65 mile loop can be done in a half day of riding and offers almost as much scenery as cycling the road to Hana. Many returning bike rental customers tell us Mr. Steepy is only slightly less challenging than the ultimate endurance climb up Haleakala. Get more details about the West Maui Loop ride and then rent a bike at West Maui Cycles in Lahaina. When you pick up your bike rental, ask for the latest advice on which way to ride the route or find out how to avoid riding into the trade winds during a ride around West Maui. Looking for a shorter ride, try the Olowalu Petroglyph bike ride.

For holiday mountain bike riding on Maui with the best bet for the fresh smell of pine lingering in the air, you'll want to get up to the Makawao Forest Reserve mountain biking trails located midway up the slopes of Haleakala. Often shrouded in a rain forest mist and shaded by a lush forest canopy, mountain biking in the Makawao Forest Reserve offers cooler weather riding with enough 'over the hills and through the woods' terrain to make grandma want to ride a mountain bike on Maui! But don't forget, after the cool trail rides in the Makawao Forest reserve, its easy to warm up when you get back to the beaches just a few miles away.

Ever thought about mountain biking on Maui? Watch this short Maui mountain bike ride video to see why you should:

Cruiser bike rentals in Lahaina at West Maui Cycles

Where is the best place to ride a cruiser bike on Maui? When we aren't out riding our mountain bike in the West Maui mountains or circumventing West Maui on a Specialized Roubaix, one of our favorite things to do on a Sunday morning is to ride through Lahaina on a retro cruiser from the Electra bike company. After picking up an Electra Cruiser or maybe the Hellbetty Cruiser tandem at West Maui Cycles, ride a few blocks over to Front Street and start with breakfast at Longhi's. After breakfast you'll be all set to explore the rest of Lahaina on a cruiser bike. Another fun option could be the short few miles loop from Lahaina to Kapalua with Kaanapali in between.

Not to be too self promotional, but it is our blog after all so naturally we're a little biased about the best bike shop to rent a bike on Maui or where to get the latest cycling gear on Maui: West Maui Cycles has one of the largest bike rental fleets in the Hawaiian islands and our bike shop is always stocked with the latest bike gear for sale and knowledgeable helpful staff to help. We stock everything from the latest performance road bikes and mountain bikes for sale to bike parts and equipment from the major manufacturers. Stop into our bike shop in Lahaina to pick up a new bike tube, a logo water bottle for a stocking stuffer or to get a bike shipped to Maui tuned up. In addition to logo gear to remember your cycling vacation by, we also carry cycling shoes, bike gloves, protective clothing, complete hydration systems and nutritional supplies. From bike parts to professional bike repairs, you can count on West Maui Cycles bike shop in Lahaina.

Ready to make a Maui bicycle rental reservation?

Get the Latest Bike Gear on Sale at West Maui Cycles in Lahaina

You don't have to wait until Black Friday to start shopping for your favorite cyclist on Maui! Just head into West Maui Cycles in Lahaina to get great deals on bike gear and biking accessories. We've reduced pricing by as much as 50% off on a bunch of great bike gear in our bike shop!

To kick off the holiday season and make room for new inventory arrivals, we want to help our customers celebrate the season with spectacular savings on bicycling gear for yourself or a cycling fan on your list. Stop in and pick up the latest cycling clothing and other bike accessories from Dakine, Pearl Izume, Fox and other leading brands with a 30% off discount on select merchandise.

Need a new pair of cycling shoes? Nows the time! We've lowered our entire inventory of legacy bike shoe lines by as much as 20% off! Don't wait! Many discounted items are limited supply!Head over to our Lahaina bike shop for latest deals and bring your bike in for a tuneup when you come in to shop.

Do You remember the joy you experienced and felt when you saw your first shiny new bicycle sitting under the Christmas tree? Remember how excited you were about the thought of getting on the new bike and riding it everywhere? Relive that experience and share the holiday magic of getting a new bike for Christmas with your own child this holiday season! If you want to put a grin on the face of your child with their first bicycle this year, West Maui Cycles not only has one of the largest selections of kid's bicycles for sale in Hawaii, we also have helmets and other safety gear to ensure your child will have the most memorable biking experience from the start. Stop in and take a look at our huge selection of bikes for sale on Maui! We'll help you choose the best bike and select the size for your child or an adult cyclist. Big or small, we'll help you pick out the right bike for your child's first bike or choose a bike for the biggest cycling fanatic on your list.

If you are visiting Maui for a holiday cycling vacation, be sure to make a reservation for a bicycle rental. We offer one of the largest fleets of bike rentals in the Hawaiian islands! Choose from mountain bikes to performance road bikes and Electra cruiser bikes, then complete the short reservation form. When you get to Maui, just stop by the West Maui Cycles bike shop and your bike will be ready to ride! Make a bike rental reservation NOW:

More Maui Mountain Biking Video from the Makawao Forest Reserve

Mountain bike repairs performed by West Maui Cycle bike mechanic at TriLanai triathlon.

A few weeks ago a bike rental customer, Darrel McGuire, posted a short video of his experience mountain biking in the Makawao Forest Reserve on the slopes of Haleakala. The reserve is about halfway down the dormant 10,000 foot volcano on East Maui. As the short video demonstrates, the Makawao Forest mountain bike trails provide plenty of excitement for even the most avid mountain bike rider. Watch the video below and then take a look at a couple images from last weekend's TriLanai Triathlon over on the island of Lanai. Next time you plan a mountain biking vacation on Maui, think about spending a couple days exploring the bike trails on Lanai too.

We want to extend a special Thanks to Darrel for the complimentary comments he left on his Vimeo page along with his mountain bike video:

What a Great Day riding some excellent single track in the Makawao Forest in Hawaii...:)

Special Thanks to: "West Maui Cycles" for the maps, info, and a well tuned Specialized StumpJumper, to explore the up Country on Haleakala's slopes.... Aloha & Mahalo !!!

After you watch the video be sure to head over to Darrel’s Vimeo page http://vimeo.com/77105642 to leave a comment to let him know you liked it.

Makawao Forest mountain biking on Maui from Darrel McGuire on Vimeo.

Mountain bike rider on Lanai in WMC bike Jersey

Ever thought about mountain biking on Lanai and wondering what sort of MTB trails are available? Watch the XTERRA Adventure video below for a glimpse into a few of the mountain bike trails on Lanai ranging from the lush green Munroe Trail to dry dirt trails closer to shore. The video starts with a short segment spotlighting a local TriLanai participant from Lanai. As riders interviewed in the bike video explain, there is something for all types of mountain bike riders on Lanai! From the most adventurous looking for heart pumping challenging bike trails to the first time mountain bike riders, biking on Lanai provides something for everyone! Congrats to Specialized team rider Conrad Stoltz for repeating as 2013 TriLanai Champion!

And check out the bike jersey on that TriLanai participant pictured. West Maui Cycles is not only proud to be a sponsor of the TriLanai triathlon, we are always pleased to see riders sporting our bike gear in competition!

NOTE on schedule for next year: Next year’s TriLanai has already been moved from it's traditional weekend after the XTERRA World Championship on Maui. Next year, the 2014 TriLanai will be held the weekend following the Ironman competion over on the Big Island of Hawaii and the week before XTERRA on Maui. Take a look at more photos on the TriLanai Facebook, too!

Ready to book a trip to Hawaii for a cycling vacation on Maui? Make a Reservation for your favorite Maui bike rental NOW:

Maui Time Readers Voted West Maui Cycles Best Bike Shop on Maui!

West Maui Cycles Voted Best Bike Shop on Maui by Maui Time Readers

We’re pleased to announce for the third consecutive year and 4th out of 5 years, West Maui Cycles was voted the Best Bike Shop on Maui. The honor was bestowed upon us from the Maui Time annual Best of Maui 2013 Readers Poll. As most Maui cycling fans know, our little Hawaiian island in the Pacific is quickly becoming one of the leading cycling destinations and our competition for best bike shop increases each year. Though we like to consider other Maui bicycle stores as rival cycling colleagues more than competitors, we are a family owned bike shop in business to serve cyclists visiting Maui and the local Maui bike community. You’ll often see all the Maui bike stores collaborating on or promoting and supporting Maui cycling events collectively regardless of which bicycle shop is the primary sponsor or host. In general, what is good for the cycling community on Maui is good for the bike stores collectively. Accordingly, being named as the Best Bike Store on Maui is a huge honor we appreciate and think worth noting. More importantly, we know the readers had many choices from among our colleagues at other Maui bike shops and we our hugely humble for the appreciation you have bestowed upon our West Maui bike store. Thank YOU to all who voted for us and for your ongoing support with confidence in our Lahaina bike store!

You don’t get voted best bike shop on Maui 3 years in a row without doing things right! How do we do it year after year? As the owner of a small family owned bike store, I assure you it hasn’t been easy and it won’t get easier. With over 20 years as a family owned bicycle store in West Maui, we always strive to provide the best cycling experience on Maui regardless of a customer in need of a bike rental, bicycle repairs, looking to buy a bicycle or a visiting cyclist just stopping in to talk story or find out the best bike rides on Maui. We demonstrate our commitment to customer service by employing the best bike mechanics on Maui and providing a friendly fun environment to work in.

2014 Specialized Roubaix Comp Performance Road Bike Rentals on Maui

Along with the top notch mechanics performing bike repairs and keeping our bike rentals in top condition, our bike shop employees love cycling on Maui and bicycling in general! From our professional bike mechanics with years of experience supporting professional cycle racing teams around the world to the person ringing up your new replacement tube we simply eat breathe and sleep biking on Maui! Contributing to our success with cyclists visiting Maui is the fact our bike rental fleet is second to none on Maui and with more than a 100 rental bikes is one of the largest bicycle rental fleets in Hawaii! We keep our bike rental inventory current with the latest high performance road cycles and mountain bike rentals updated annually. As the closest bike shop to the annual XTerra World Championships at Kapalua, professional cyclists know they can always count on us for the support and the bike repairs they need during competition or while preparing to compete on Maui.

Speaking of keeping the latest road bike rentals up to date, I’ve been at the Specialized Dealer Demonstration days at Copper Mountain Colorado this week! And, we’d like our reader’s opinion of our new performance road bike rentals available later this year. Head over to our Facebook page for larger view of the 2014 Specialized Roubaix and let us know if you like the red or the black and why. Or, leave an opinion below in the comments. We anticipate these new bike performance road bike rentals will arrive in time for holiday vacation cycling rentals.

Have a Maui cycling vacation planned and need a bike rental? Hit the button below to pick out a bike, select your size and then provide the dates for the bicycle rental reservations. Or, give us a call for any help or questions about our bike rentals. Reserve a Maui Bicycle Rental:

TriLanai and 2013 XTERRA World Championship on Maui Highlights Video

Tri Lanai Triathon

The XTERRA World Championship last weekend and TriLanai this weekend! Wow. A dream come true for Maui county cyclists and fans of biking on Maui! In addition to Halloween at the end of October, Maui is quickly becoming tradition for West Maui to celebrate with not one but two offroad triathalons. So you have to cross the channel to get to TriLanai on the beautiful island of Lani - it’s only a short ferry ride away and with luck you’ll spot a whale or three along the way. Here’s an idea: Rent a mountain bike from us here at West Maui Cycles and take it on the ferry over to Lanai so you are all set for the triathlon. Expeditions Ferry only charges a small $10 fee for bikes on the ferry.

Watch a highlight video from the 2013 XTERRA World Championship and then read on for more details and signup information for the 2013 TriLanai:

2013 XTERRA World Championship Highlights from XTERRA TV on Vimeo.

With a 3 mile run on the legendary Challenge at Manele Golf Course, a half mile swim in Hulopoe Bay and 10 mile bike ride swinging by the La Ola Solar Farm, the race combines challenging scenic areas of Lanai with a little competitive fun. Certainly a little shorter than the XTERRA at Kapalua, arguably the TriLanai Triathalon event is only slightly less competitive than the XTERRA World Championship.

The 2013 TriLanai is Saturday, November 2, 2013 and begins at 9:30 am. Come out to Lanai and play with us – the event can be accomplished by individuals or team relays. Anyone can participate and this is billed as a fun event for experienced as well as first-time or casual triathletes. West Maui Cycles is pleased to sponsor this event and we’ll be on hand again with our satellite bike shop to help any Tri-Lanai participants in need of repairs or bike gear.

Who do you think will win the 2013 TriLanai? Will Specialized Team Rider Conrad Stoltz repeat his win last year or will there be a Maui Double with last weekend’s XTERRA World Championship winner Ruben Ruzafa and combine with a win on Lanai? Share your winner predictions in the comments section below.

Visit the TriLanai website or signup online before Friday at 8 pm HST on Friday, November 1st. Take a look at the 2013 TriLanai event flyer for this year's route.

Illusions Shattered of What Can be Done on a Mountain Bike

Mountain bike trail in West Maui.

While events surrounding the 2013 XTERRA World Championship are already underway here on Maui, a little further away the Red Bull Rampage competition took place in Southern Utah a few weeks ago. As always, Red Bull captured plenty of videos from the event and is already sharing a few for mountain biker riders to enjoy. Watch the first two time winner in this 5 minute Best of Rampage 2013 bike video and then let us know if the footage of the biggest backflip in history changed your impression of what you thought could be done on a mountain bike:

Still not impressed? OK. As would be expected, a few of the riders attached GoPro cams to their bike helmets. Watch Kelly McGarry's ride to see why it was good enough to win the Silver Medal with a flip over a 72 foot long canyon gap (at 1:14):

Catch more of the event when it airs on NBC on Dec 21st as part of the Redbull Signature Series. What do you think? Use the comments below to let us know if you would do those jumps?

On Maui for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship at Kapalua? Review our XTERRA Tips for advice on parking and more info. Look for us onsite at the races in Kapalua all weekend with our satellite bike shop ready to help with bike adjustments, bike repairs and more! Have a great race and stop by to say hello at XTERRA! Or, stop by the Lahaina bicycle store for jerseys and other bike gear or to get advice about where to ride on Maui.

Need a bike rental on Maui? Pick a bike and select the days you want to rent the bike. Then, when you arrive, your Maui bike rental will be waiting at our bike shop in Lahaina! Make a reservations for performance road cycles, hybrids or cruiser bike rental now:

$105K Purse Up for Grabs at 2013 XTERRA World Championship at K

XTERRA World Championship at Kapalua

Barely a week to go until XTERRA World Championship returns to West Maui for the third time in as many years. Though difficult to imagine what more could be done to improve upon the success of the off road triathlon at Kapalua, it's no surprise the organizers continue to strive for perfection.

As the routine entails before important race days, the organizers have been busy fine tuning the running course and bike trails for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship to ensure everything is ready for the athletes competing and fans attending next weekend. We'll let the organizers surprise you with the particulars of the official schedule as updates happen. With the XTERRA athletes and fans already arriving and picking up bike rentals on Maui, we'll be keeping our ears to the coconut wireless to let you know the latest info. In the mean time, enjoy a few images from last year, watch the video showcasing XTERRA World Championship and then catch Specialized team rider Conrad Stoltz video from the XTERRA bike course at Kapalua. And, take a look at our tips for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship too.

On the XTERRA mountain bike trail course at Kapalua in West Maui.

Theres plenty of opportunity to participate even if you aren't competing for the World Championship on Sunday! Saturday, thanks to the 4 Maui TS Restaurants, the following XTERRA Trail Runs are open to the public:

• Hula Grill XTERRA Kapalua 5km at 9 am
• Duke's Beach House XTERRA 10km at 9:20 am
• Kimo's XTERRA Keiki Run at 11 am (FREE for kids 10 and under)

XTERRA World Championship mountain bike course Razors Ridge section.

Onsite registration is available at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua beginning Weds and Thurs from 9 am to 2 pm or on Friday between 9 am to 5 pm. Or, sign up at the race start area on between 7 and 8 am just before the events get underway on Saturday. Check XTERRA Trail Run Kapalua for more details. For those in the races on Sunday, remember to go for the Leilani's Run Prime Awards for the fastest time on the Leilani's XTERRA Run Course.

Which athlete do you think is the favorite to win the race this year? Look no further than to "Kahuna Dave" Nicholas, managing director of the XTERRA World Tour, for his in-depth analysis with prognostications based on his more than twenty years of attending World Championships. Share your favorite and keep your eye on xterraplanet.com/maui or follow the event with @XTERRAOffroad using the #xterramaui hashtag on Twitter. Watch a short 4 min 23 sec XTERRA highlights video and then read on for my picks:

XTERRA World Championship from XTERRA TV on Vimeo.

As promised, my 2013 XTERRA World Championship predictions: On the local side of the XTERRA World championship, we are rooting for the inspirational family competition between Kim Mufalli and her son Tony. On the women's side, I think Heather Jackson has a great chance to win at Kapalua and looking forward to see Specialized Team Rider Conrad Stoltz earn his fifth XTERRA World Championship. Watch this short bike video of Conrad 'Caveman' Stoltz riding the bike course at Kapalua last year:

Ready to go for the 2013 XTERRA? Stop by the bike shop in Lahaina and talk story about Maui bike rides or pickup a new bike jersey and water bottle. Get last minute details in our 2013 XTERRA World Championship tips. We also have hydration gear and nutrition needs at our Lahaina bike store. Our professional bike mechanics are ready to tuneup or make last minute bike adjustments for XTERRA racers.

2013 XTerra World Championship Returns to West Maui

2013 XTerra Bike Courses Run

Returning to West Maui for the third time, the 2013 XTerra World Championship will again be held at the famed Kapalua Resort and surrounding areas. Being the closest Maui bike shop to the event we are already gearing up and very excited to support this year's event. Whether you are an athlete competing or a spectator attending the XTerra event, you'll be sure to have a great time and we look forward to helping you with all of your Maui cycling needs.

Hear what West Maui Cycles bike shop owner Jamie has to say about the upcoming XTerra World Championship at Kapalua in this 1 minute 16 second video:

XTERRA World Championship from XTERRA TV on Vimeo.

Cycling jersey with West Maui Cycles logo and Hawaiian flag graphics.

Already have your tickets and entry secured for the 2013 XTerra World Championship at Kapalua Resort in October? Be sure to stop by the bike shop in Lahaina. We're right on the way and you'll pass by our shop when you cruise through Lahaina on the way to Kapalua. Pick up a bike jersey, new tires or any bike parts you need for the XTerra races! Located in Lahaina just 8 miles south of the XTerra race courses, West Maui Cycles is the closest bike shop to the race course and we'll have extra mechanics and staff ready to help you with anything you need for the race or to get ready for XTerra on Maui! We'll also be at the races and have our portable bike shop stocked and staffed ready for bike repairs or to help with all your cycling needs.

Maui Biking Path Updates and Trail Building News

Public bike paths on Maui.

Now that Maui’s North Shore Greenery bike trails are well underway with at least some funding allocated, it looks like the Maui County Council and other public entities may be starting to seriously look at other areas for bicycle path improvements and finding the funds to develop more riding trails for cyclists. On that positive note for both local and visiting cyclists to Maui, the county has announced council member Don Guzman, who holds the Kahului residency area council seat, will be hosting a community meeting at the Lihikai School Cafeteria on Wednesday, October 23 starting at 5:30 pm. The Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is going to be presented at the meeting. Council member Guzman is also the chair of the Council’s Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture and Recreation Committee. In the announcement Guzman claims "A healthy and happy community significantly improves our quality of life in Maui County" and we couldn't agree more! Keep reading to find out how a couple lucky kids could go home from the meeting with a brand new bicycle and bike helmet!

Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan meeting poster.

In addition to presenting the Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, topics to be discussed include the ‘Complete Streets’ program which was used when the master plan was completed back in 2012. A goal of ‘Complete Streets’ is to encourage bicycling and walking in Central Maui communities. Fitting well with the intent of the Healthy Hawaii Initiatives, Complete Streets describes a set of design principles promoting safe access for public users of all ages and abilities. Per council member Guzman’s’ statement in the county announcement "Having streets that encourage active living is a powerful way to address not only getting safely to our destination, but also much larger issues such as child obesity and energy-related impacts to our environment".

Maui County Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC) is co-hosting the meeting with council member Guzman and the meeting is being held in cooperation with the YMCA’s Pioneering Healthier Communities project and the County of Maui Department of Public Works. Two children’s bikes with helmets will be given away to two lucky kids attending! Read the county announcement for the latest updates and more details. Add the important meeting to your calendar now and then make plans to attend on Weds, Oct 23rd, 2013. The meeting begins at 5:30 and will take place in the Lihikai School Cafeteria.

Conrad Caveman returns for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship.

Heading to the 2013 XTERRA World Championship on Maui in a couple weeks? Then be sure to take a look at these tips for the 2013 XTERRA World Championship. Remember to make an advance reservation if you need a bike rental for the XTERRA races! Just choose a bike from our bicycle rentals page, share a few details and complete the reservation! Your bike rental reservation will be confirmed for convenient fast pickup after you arrive on Maui. Then, just stop by at the West Maui Cycles bike shop in Lahaina to pick up your bike rental on your way up to XTERRA at Kapalua!