Riding
If you're coming to Kauai on vacation, it can be real “hit and miss” with weather conditions for offroad riding. Even if you reserve a bike, sometimes it’s just not rideable in the dirt and you may be road riding instead. I recommend stopping by the shop or calling to check out the trail conditions and what’s going on when you get here. Remember, everything on Kauai is pretty extreme. From Na Pali kayaking, hiking, swimming, surfing, and most definitely biking – the most extreme things give the best rewards.
What to Bring
Due to the pandemic, I have no mountain bikes available at this time so you have to bring your own.
Bring as much of your gear as you can. 1 each of: Pedals/Shoes, shorts/jersey, gloves, socks, helmet, glasses, camelbak. If you can't fit it all, then prioritize.
VISITING
Trails
Kauai offers a variety of mountain bike trails, from beginner to expert. Trails don't have signage however, nor will you find them on a map. Unfortunately, the weather dictates when and where we can ride on any given day and Kauai being the ‘Garden Isle’ means its very hard to plan a ride in advance. Some trails will tolerate a little rain, most will not. The dirt turns into sticky mud that will stop your bike and force you into walking back. Auwe!!!
If you'd rather venture out on your own, the easiest trail to follow will be the Nounou (a.k.a. Sleeping Giant) trail in Wailua. Otherwise, come talk story with me and I can give you directions to the best riding based on daily conditions.
Road
Kauai has some of the sketchiest road cycling from the North Shore to the West Side. Roads are very narrow with too many cars. One of the best road rides is from the bottom at Kekaha to the Kokee State Park. The climb is approximately 15.75 miles and climbs 3,800 feet in elevation. Or you can continue the ride to the top at Kalalau Lookout another 400ft. in 3 miles. In May there is a race called Pedal to the Meadow. Do it early to beat the heat and traffic.
If you're looking for something a little more leisurely, try a ride from Hanalei to the Haena Beach Park. This roughly 16 mile out and back and doesn't gain or lose much elevation, so it will be much easeir than the Kokee ride. And the scenery is breathtaking!
Private Rides
So sorry, private rides not available at this time
GROUP RIDES
Group rides start at roughly 4 pm on Fridays and 8:30 am on Sundays. The ride is basically for my fellow local riders and is a great opportunity for us all to get together and ride/train/race. So if you are an avid mountain bike rider/racer, this might be the best way to see the trails. The Friday rides tend to be a little more fun and leisurely. The Sunday ride is gonna be a little harder and longer. This is usually an 'A' team ride and will require more gear. Notice: group rides have been suspended for the time being due to landslide on Hanalei Hill and lack of bikes due to pandemic.
Bike Path
The Kauai Bike Path is located on the East Side, starting in Kealia and ends in Wailua at the Lydgate Park. This is an easy path that's great for beginners.