Rode my bike to the top of Haleakala

Biking to the top of Haleakala has been on my to-do list for a few years now. No more excuses, time to get it done. Paddy, Jenn, and Peter Slate did it as well. Here's the finish line (10,023 feet above sea level):

We started in Paia (sea level) and did a very casual pace up Baldwin avenue. Here's Peter and Paddy between Makawao and Seabury:

Once we got on Kula Highway we knew it was going to be good weather for the ascent:

A little further up Kula highway, we could see that the crater was clear. I'd heard a lot of horror stories about the wind and rain and cold up there, so we were feeling lucky at this point. But lots can change up on that mountain in a short period of time:

Just past Kula Lodge, this is the start of Crater Road (3,600 ft above sea level):

Crater Road is where the real work begins. We got to Kula Lodge without much stress. The switchbacks on Crater Road don't let you take it easy:

Paddy and Peter, around 5,000 feet. Still clear and beautiful. It was Paddy's first time doing it too but he didn't show it. He was pedaling like a champ, having regular conversation with Peter and I. Paddy could have gone much faster, but was kind enough to hang with us for the whole time:

Entering the upper part of the park, where the ranger station is located (7,000 feet):

Well above the cloud line, in the lava field switchbacks, Paddy is looking strong:

Here I am, on the final stretch leading to the main summit lot. See the observatory in the distance. The sun and altitude were starting to really sap me:

After finishing. See Mauna Kea in the distance on the right hand side of the photo?

I had a blast and will do it again a few times over Christmas/New Years when we are back. Many thanks to Cam and my dad for being the out crew. And thanks to Jenn, Paddy, and Peter for doing the ride!