The run out of transition was long. I made it past the Banyan tree and down the chute and finally able to mount the bike. The first part of the bike is a little intimidating and an abrupt uphill on Palani. But, the best advice I received in the lead-in was to sit in the saddle and spin easy up the hill.
My biggest fear was to fall over! But, I had set my gears in the right spot and I was able to get up the first section of Palani with no problem. The first few miles were through town and it was fun to wind through the streets of Kona. It was the first sight of the Queen K….and then you head back down Palani to the hot corner and out onto the Kuakini Hwy.
I saw Maria, Tonya, Neal and Ken just after the hot corner as I headed up to the first turn around, Most of this stretch was a gradual uphill. It was fun because there were so many people out there. Spectators, athletes and volunteers lined the course. It was so amazing to see all the bike and the women - even as they passed, were (for the most part) friendly. I was a little tense - the road conditions here were a little dicey and the crowded conditions made me a little uneasy.
I tried to relax and drink some water. It was so delicious to drink plain water and rinse the saltiness out of my mouth. I ate most of my first waffle in those first five miles.
I made it back into town and was excited to see the crew. The turn up Palani to the Queen K was not as bad as I thought. It was a solid climb, but it reminded me of the climb in France. At the bottom of the hill, Maria, Tonya & Ace cheered me on and at the top of the hill I recognized Nick. I felt a little sad heading out on the Queen K because I knew that I was leaving behind my support crew. It was going to be a long day.
The first thing I noticed was that all of my bottles had thawed. I mean, it had been 3 hours since I took them out of the freezer, but their last few minutes of cool water were past approaching. I drank from my camelback. I drank from my nutrition bottle. I took in salt. I ate more waffle. I hunkered down as the morning sun rose over the lava fields & fire grass.
Up Palani to the first part of the bike.
Off I go! I think this is on the Kuakini Hwy headed to the first turn-around.
I am constantly trying to get my picture taken.