Did an early morning ride to
explore downtown Hilo. It's a very laid back town
and a good place to unwind. Too bad we were leaving
today. Rode to the old Suisan Fish Market where
they used to auction newly caught fish. Today, its
just a hangout for old timers. Breakfast at the hotel was the
basic toast, coffee, juice and papaya. Left the
hotel about 9 am. for this 40 mile ride. Bridge Warning Just out of the city, we
encounter one of the first of many bridges along
this route. The first bridge has a metal grated
roadway where walking your bike is mandatory. This
is the only "must walk" bridge on the island.
Leaving Hilo has its own share
of traffic as the locals go to work. But still the
shoulders are adequate and wide. Traffic is
definitely more and faster than the Naalehu to Hilo
stretch. As you approach the bridges, you
definitely have to look back and check traffic from
behind. Bridges have narrow or non-existent
shoulders. One thing not to do is ride your bike on
the raised bridge walkways. They are narrow with
short guiderails. If you approach it too fast, you
may fall of the bridge. Some bridges are about 10
stories above the river below. When in doubt, walk
you bike over the bridges. You also get the best
views and camera opportunities as you walk over the
bridges.
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The bridges were our favorite stop for photo ops. There are also postcard perfect scenic points of the coastline along the route. A definite "must do" detour. The Hawaii Botanical Garden is located on this route. Further down the end of this route are roadside stores. It's a good time to taste some of those rare tropical fruits. Had a taste of starapple, a fruit I last saw and tasted 30 years ago. |