Taking on a Metric Century (100 Kilometers)!
Are you interested in riding the Hale‘iwa Metric Century ride this year? This 1,000-person ride is happening on April 26th, 2020 (Sunday) and goes along the gorgeous North Shore of O‘ahu. Proceeds benefit the Hawaii Bicycling League and it’s mission to get safer streets for everyone and more people biking.
A “metric century” means a bike ride that goes 100 kilometers (~62 miles) – which is where the HMC course will take cyclists (from Kaiaka Bay Beach Park to Hau‘ula Bay Beach Park and back). There are aid stations all along the way packed with snacks and refreshments, and riders are able to stop at any time and turn around for ride options of 30km, 50km, or 80km distances.
Getting Ready for 100K
If you’re looking to complete the full distance of 100 kilometers, but aren’t quite sure how to start to achieve your 100km goal, or are looking for a group of friendly folks to train with and share bike tips with, you need to meet up with the Red Hot Ladies cycling group!
Don’t let the name fool you though, this group ride is not just for ladies; men are very welcomed as well to this fun ride that meets every Sunday morning. The group rides are posted on the Group Ride Calendar on HBL’s site (HBL.org/calendar) with all the information you need to know like meet-up location, roll-out time, ride leader name & contact, route, and more.
The Red Hot Ladies Roving Ride meets at various locations every Sunday morning to accommodate riders all over the island, so no matter where you are on O‘ahu you will be able to meet up with them. This also allows for you to find new routes and explore places that you might have never got a chance to see or ride before! In preperation of completing the Metric Century at the end of April, the RHL Roving Ride will be adding on miles to the regularly scheduled ride, to build up your stamina and biking endurance and get your feeling confident to fiercely tackle the 100 kilometers with energy left over!
These group rides are “no-drop” rides (for real), which means you will never have to worry about getting left behind, and the slowest rider will always have someone to ride with from the group. Biking is about making friends and seeing new places, and having fun while getting exercise outdoors in paradise! And that what HBL’s group rides are really all about.
What to bring?
Plan to bring your bicycle (in working condition please!), helmet, water bottle, sun protection, and flat kit. If you’re new, it’s a nice courtesy to contact the designated Ride Leader if you’re planning to come out so they know to expect you and can help with any questions you might have ahead of the ride. No matter what experience level you’re at now, or how many miles you have under you belt, the Red Hot Ladies cycling group is sure to make you feel welcomed!
What to expect on a group ride?
Make sure your bike is good to go (inflated tires, lubed chain, etc.) and you’ve got your snacks packed ahead of time. Arrive at the meet-up location with enough time to get rolling at the advertised “roll-out” time on the calendar, and introduce yourself to the Ride Leader there. They will go over some safety basics of group riding and road etiquette that will be helpful for you on the group ride, and at the Hale‘iwa Metric Century (where there could be up to 1,000 other bikers!). If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your Ride Leader or fellow group riders! One of the main things to remember to ensure that everyone has a great group ride is: always scan ahead and communicate with the people around you.
So what are you waiting for?!
See where the Red Hot Ladies Roving Ride is meeting up next at HBL.org/calendar!
(And if you’re not yet registered for the Hale‘iwa Metric Century, click here to get signed up!)
