Cyclist vs. the Mountain. When a fair tropical breeze blows, all is well, but full-scale ocean storms can also roar by, blowing a fierce headwind in your face or turning trails into swamps. While Hawaii makes a good cycling destination, the sport has yet to sweep fanatically through the islands. Therefore facilities like repair shops and lack of alternative means of transportation leave gaping holes in your support network. Some islands, for example, do not have a single bicycle shop, leaving cyclists to their own devices.
Many roads are in poor condition and prices are inflated.
Finally, cycling can be a tiring and uncomfortable exercise at times. No place is perfect, and for all its disadvantages Hawaii can come surprisingly close to the ideal if your attitude allows it. While many tours in this book are extremely challenging, a number of shorter, easier tours give beginners a chance to meet Hawaii as well. Recognize your limits and set reasonable goals, but trust in your capabilities and a little bit of luck as well. With that in mind and this guidebook in hand, you are ready for an exciting tour.