Father’s Day 2012 bike ride a primer of things to come

Garden Island Newspaper Monday, June 18, 2012

Tommy Noyes, Nancy Budd and Dr. Randy Blake lead a group of bicyclists on a Father's Day ride from the upper parking lot of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. Photo by Dennis Fujimoto | the Garden Island Newspaper.

NAWILIWILI — Tommy Noyes and Dr. Randy Blake of the Kaua‘i Path led a group of bicyclists on a Father’s Day ride Sunday morning from the upper parking lot of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.

“Team Buddly is back,” said Nancy Budd, who along with Roy Yamakawa, sported a bright Team Buddly bicycle jersey. “This is a Team Buddly event in preparation for the 2012 Paradise Ride, a major fundraiser for Malama Pono Health Services.”

The Paradise Ride Kaua'i, a fully supported two-day bike ride, is scheduled for Aug. 4-5.

This is not a race, although some people treat it as one,” one of the Malama Pono office staff said Thursday during a grant presentation from the A&B Foundation. “This year, one of the new aspects to the ride is a Sunday Century Ride to the southwest side of the island. The ‘Design Your Own Ride’ feature continues for the 2012 ride which will be centered at the Island School campus.”

"The best gifts are free!" commented Keith Blake, left, and the cloudy weather was a plus for Randy Blake, "Nice cool day to ride and celebrate Father's Day with my son, Keith." Photo by Tommy Noyes | Kauai Path, Inc.

Registration for the Paradise Ride Kaua‘i is currently being accepted at www.paradiseridekauai.com, where more than 50 riders have already signed up.

Kevin Matsunaga, the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School media instructor, was using the ride to tune his new ride in preparation for the July 7 Koke‘e ride hosted by the Kaua‘i Path.

“Dirt bike is the only way to go,” Matsunaga said, smiling to himself when Noyes presented the option of either the back road which is dirt, or the paved road circling the Lihu‘e Airport runway with Ahukini Landing as its first destination.

“I’m doing this to get ready for the Bike Koke‘e Fun Ride 2012 on July 7.”

Robert MacDougall had his “friendly” whale to keep him company, the rubber squeaker announcing his bike on the multi-use path.

That’s where the Mayor-a-Thon will unfold this Saturday with registration starting at 6 a.m. and bicycle and stroller judging at 6:30 a.m. before the event goes off at 7 a.m. from the Kapa‘a Beach Park.

"Great ride today! Got to see and ride different places and I met some new people!" —Kevin Matsunaga Photo by Tommy Noyes | Kauai Path, Inc.

Registration for the walkers, joggers, bicycle riders event is being accepted on the Get Fit Kaua‘i or the Kaua‘i Path websites.Early registration for these event ensure the chance to get one of the limited, free event T-shirts or water bottles. In addition, there will be breakfast, music, dancing, games and prizes following the 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 mile walk, bike or run on Ka Ala Hele Makala‘e, or the multi-use path.

Registration is also being accepted for the Bike Koke‘e Fun Ride, which will be limited to 75 riders and is subject to the issuance of permits by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for the bicyclists to enter a controlled hunting area, the Kaua‘i Path website states.

Check the Kauai Path home page for info on upcoming events.

Dennis Fujimoto, Garden Island Newspaper photographer and staff writer, can be reached at (808) 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.