How Tough Is the Kona Bike Course?
The bike course is a combination of two out-and-back portions. The first is in town with very short, steep segments. Be cautious here, however, as it’s tempting to ride aggressively and the roads get clogged quickly. The second out-and-back is the real deal to Hawi. For the most part, you should have a slight tail wind out to Waikoloa. The crosswinds usually kick in just before the road starts to kick up as you head to the turn in Hawi. Enjoy the free speed and do your best to eat and hydrate well; both become extremely hard to do when you are holding on to your bike in 25-mph gusting crosswind. Due to the course layout, your halfway point isn’t actually in Hawi—making a physically challenging ride very mentally tough, as well. Add to that the fact that the winds increase in the late morning, making that gentle tailwind you had on the way out into a nice headwind on the way back. Suddenly, hills begin to appear that you never noticed on the way out. Kailua-Kona, just like any other Iro
