Cyclists Set For Sept. 30 Ride Via East Oahu

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Cyclists will enjoy the amenities of the East Oahu shoreline Sept. 30 during the 26th annual Honolulu Century Ride. Photo from the Hawaii Bicycling League.

More than 4,000 bicyclists from Hawaii, the Mainland and Japan are expected to roll through East Oahu Sept. 30 when the 26th Honolulu Century Ride makes its way from Kapiolani Park to the Windward side and back.

“It’s something for the community to be aware of all day,“said Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board chairman Greg Knudsen, adding that traffic or safety issues regarding the race haven’t come up recently before his board. The bikers will include families and children, and his message to area residents is to make accommodations and practice good safety measures.

“It could also be said that a lot of East Oahu residents also participate in those events,” he said, adding that the ride tends to go smoothly.“It is a benefit not only to our community, but the community as a whole.”

This year’s ride will offer something new for participants - an after party at Kapiolani Park with entertainment, vendors and food.

More than 500 volunteers will help along the course, and police officers will monitor traffic flow. For cyclists, refreshments and mechanical support are at seven aid stations along the course, including Kuapa KCAA Pre-School and Sandy Beach. Medical and additional mechanical helpers will patrol the entire course,which offers routes of 20, 25, 40, 50, 75 and 100 miles. The furthest turnaround point is Swanzy Beach Park.

The event is Hawaii Bicycling League’s biggest fundraiser of the year. To register up through the morning of the race (including online at the park), visit http://www.hbl.org. Registration forms are also available at bike shops. Fees apply.