The Metric Century run by the Honolulu Bicycling League is one of the more scenic organized rides in the United States.

The first time I did the metric, however, it started in Waikiki, went through Waimanalo, then into Kailua, and came back the other way.

The route changed a few weeks back in honor of John B. Kelley, long time Hawai’i cyclist. The Hale’iwa route is said to have been one of his favorite rides. Interestingly, combining the Hale’iwa route with the full Honolulu Bicycling League Century gives a rider a course that stretches around a large part of the island, from Kapi’olani Park all the way to Hale’iwa.

Hale’iwa is on the north shore of O’ahu, famed for large winter waves. It’s a small town that tries to maintain its rural heritage and is known for its shave ice stores. The course starts out pretty quickly through the small town and given that this is a large ride but not nearly as large as the full century, the riders tend to be pretty fast, because it’s full of experienced riders just waiting for a big ride.

Last time I did the metric, I fell into my classic trap of starting too fast and had to draft a tandem for quite some time to recover. I had a goal of finishing in four hours and I was right on the cusp–then flatted less than two miles from the finish.

I still have that kind of speed in mind, but I’ll try to be smarter about the ride this time, and enjoy the scenery this time out.
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