Hilo Bike Hub

New Website Coming Soon!

2010-03-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

UH at Hilo's mountain bike scene and Fun-Ride results!

2010-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just before 10am on December 27, 2009, 54 individuals of all ages and abilities gathered at the Kulani trails for the Big Island Mountain Biking Association’s 12th annual Poker-Run Fun-Ride.This event consisted of two set courses -- one for beginners at 7 miles, and one a more advanced at 17 ½ miles. There were check points, where riders picked up checks, and were dealt a poker hand once completing their course.

Chris Seymour, owner of the Hilo Bike Hub and a Uh at Hilo student in Hawaiian language, was grateful for Uh at Hilo’s ‘Work Hard Play Hard’ club, who’s members volunteered at the event, “They were super friendly” he states, “they helped with registration, score keeping of the poker hands, and were all in all really enthused and nice people.”

UH at Hilo alumni, Adam Busek, who works at the Hilo Bike Hub and has participated in the Fun-Ride for the past 4 years, commented on his experience, “Although I made good time in the course, I didn’t win anything in the poker run. It was strictly a fun ride with maybe a few races between friends.” With regards to the course itself, Busek confidently states, “I’ve been riding mountain bikes for nearly 26 years, and Kulani trails is the world’s best technical single track.”

Kulani trails is a well-known trail system off Steinbeck Hwy, right at the turn-off to Pana’ewa Zoo. Many devoted riders were grateful for the Fun-Ride, as it inspired Seymour to clear the paths and make it safe for all riders, “The trails were better than ever. All the time Chris and volunteers invested in clearing up the trails really made a huge difference” Says Busek.

Seymour’s passion of bringing cycling into the community is not hard to miss, “I had been busy with school myself, so it was nice to clean the trails up during exam time, get back into the forest, and have our clientele back on their bikes as a community again.”

Ryan Mason, a philosophy major at UH of Hilo and mechanic at the Hilo Bike Hub, was grateful to get out with his fiancée and ride the trails, “Being able to ride on the mac-nut roads, struggling to climb up to near 500 vertical feet, then descend through mist and fog between the pine trees was a very surreal experience.”

To add to the fun there was a bike toss and draw prizes for riders to claim, “A lot of people think it [the bike toss] is about the bounce, but really, its all about the skip. I threw it low and spun it hard, so it hit ground and skipped like a rock on the pond” Busek humorously states. As a side note, Busek de-throned two-time bike toss champion, avid cyclist, and professor of geology at UH of Hilo, Steve Lundblad.

Dr. Mike Tanabe, professor of agriculture at Uh of Hilo and one of Kulani trail’s regular riders, was also at the fun ride. Tanabe teaches a mountain biking course at University, which generally fills up rapidly. Skills, theory, maintenance and course safety around the UH trail system, as well as a technical course he’s made at his house, he later graduates students to the Kulani trails system.

Seymour, gave a pre-ride meeting on the course and the rules of the poker run just before the start gun went off. Saying a prayer and thanking riders for coming out and sharing in his passion, with a blessing to the forest that holds the hearts of so many mountain bikers on this island.

Fun-Ride winners:

Mike Brown, Bernice Hwang, Maureen Vierra, Jerry Lau, Nathanial Fray, Karen Brisson, Jeannie Rusell, and Dale Sales.

Christmas Sale!

2009-12-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

SALE ITEMS both for safety and stocking stuffers

...good through December 17th!!!

All pumps: floor and frame fit -- 10% off

Helmets: influx, slant and variant -- 10% off
Giro ME 2 -- 15% off

All Blackburn lights -- 10 % off

Blackburn racks -- 10% off

Kevlar bead mountain bike tires -- 10% off

All Hydrapacks -- 10% off

Aloha!

The Big Island Mountain Biking Association (BIMBA) presents...

2009-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Poker Run Fun Ride/Kulani Trails
“are you experienced?”

Come celebrate mountain biking on the Big Island! All ages, all abilities, all kine fun!

When: Sunday December 27, 2009 at 10am

Where: 1.7 miles past the Panaewa Zoo on Stainback Hwy (follow signs from Hwy 11). Meet at the Quarry in the Waiakea Forest Reserve, Kulani Trails.

What: Follow a set course, stop at check-points, pick up checks, when you are finished the course with all of your checks, we’ll deal you a poker hand, and the best hand wins!

Note: There are two courses. The B Course is approximately 7 miles of mostly jeep roads through a macnut forest and the A Course continues approximately 9 miles through all the trails in the Kulani Forest (Waiakea Forest Reserve).

Helmets required. There will be a bike toss to follow!

Cost: $20 and you receive a t-shirt with your entry if you register before December 18th. You must be there to receive your t-shirt.

There will be $500 in prizes donated by Hilo Bike Hub!!!

Contact: Chris Seymour and staff at Hilo Bike Hub
Phone: 808 961 4452
Email – hilobikehub@gmail.com

Entry forms available at the Hilo Bike Hub: 318 E. Kawili Street, Hilo.

See you in the Forest!

BLOWOUT SALE!

2009-11-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Limited bike models 10-30% off until sold. Don’t miss this deal!!!

All bikes come with professional assembly, custom fitting, lifetime warranty on frames and 1 year on all parts.

2009 specialized Myka women’s mountain bike
Regular: $440
Sale: $369

2009 Specialized hard rock sport
Regular: $440
Sale: $369

2008 Trek Calypso Cruiser Classic
Regular: $449
Sale: $389

Specialized stumpjumper frame 25% off!!!
Regular: $1595
Sale: $1195

2009 Specialized enduro comp over 30% off!!!
Regular: $3300
Sale: $2195

2009 Specialized FSR expert save over 25% off!!!
Regular: $1795
Sale: $1350

ALSO ON SALE:

Garmin edge computers
Regular: $339
Sale: $269

Trek firefly baby jogger
Regular: $439
Sale: $269

All Hydrapacs (2L & 3L) 10% off!

Hawaii Jerseys

We also have girls and boys keiki bikes just in time for Christmas!

2009 FORD IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Big shout outs to:

Brian Yannutz – for being the youngest big island competitor, and raced after being hit by a car 3 weeks prior!

Morgen Bahurinsky – for completing her first ironman distance at 61 years old!

Michael Brown – for completing his first ironman and for being one of the most enthusiastic individuals we have ever met!

Alan Ryan – for tackling the distance along with his incredible running abilities (2008 overall volcano marathon winner)!

Bill Greineisen – for his first ironman and all his tough training up and around the volcano!

We, at the Hilo Bike Hub, are blessed by your presence in our shop. We have seen you struggle, grow and prosper and are proud with all of your results.

IRON WILL

2009-11-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

"Car crash doesn’t stop Yannutz from completing the Ironman Triathlon

By Jessica Kirkwood
Staff Writer
UH Hilo Student Newspaper

Every October thousands of athletes, families, friends, spectators and volunteers flock to Kona for one of the most prestigious endurance events in the world: the Ford Ironman triathlon world championships. This year, UH Hilo senior and marine science major, Brian Yannutz, was one of them.

Yannutz, at 21 years old, was the youngest Big Island athlete to hop into the crystal blue waters of Kailua Bay alongside near 1800 other competitors on Saturday October 13, 2009. What’s more, a mere three weeks prior to his attempt at this 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon run, he was hit by a car.

Rewind three weeks to September 22; Yannutz was biking about 25mph along Route 11 near Honomu, 13 miles outside of Hilo, when a vehicle making a left turn on to the highway cut in front of him. In a matter of moments, his bike struck the car, while the momentum of the collision sent him flying over the vehicle. Yannutz says his helmet saved his life “it’s got a big crack in it.” As for the rest of his body, Yannutz experienced severe pain, mainly from a sprained ankle that left him in a cast for one week, along with swelling and fluid build-up in both knees. He didn't even know if he'd be able to compete in the Ironman until his doctor gave him the go-ahead the Monday prior to the race.

Yannutz, who has been running consistently for five years, is naturally drawn to endurance events, and was a recent competitor in both the 2008 Big Island International Marathon and the 2009 Hilo to Volcano Ultra-marathon. He also ran cross country with UH Hilo for 3 years and during his last season received the most dedicated athlete award. “Jaime Guerpo, who coaches the UH Hilo men’s and women’s cross country teams allowed me to run with him. I was never on scholarship, nor did I travel with the team, but I always showed up to practice. He [Guerpo] really cares about every single runner on the team.”

Yannutz chose to study on the Big Island because it was surrounded by water, “I laid my eyes on the ocean for the first time at 14 years old while snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea. Observing the fish as they swam around me inspired my interest in protecting and preserving the marine environment. Since then I have dedicated my life to learning about the ocean and how I can help prevent its exploitation. I moved to Hawai‘i to study marine science at the UH Hilo in order to see that goal to fruition.” He further claims that choosing to study on the Big Island has been the best decision of his life, “There have been so many opportunities given to me because I chose the Big Island – including the Ironman.”

The first Ironman Yannutz witnessed was back in 2007, “I thought it was so amazing. The energy in Kona was electrifying and seeing the people’s faces as they crossed the finish line along Alii Drive inspired me to do it one day. I thought it would take me 10 years to train for the event, but I qualified to race it only 2 years later.”

Yannutz admits that he loves to road bike most out of the three disciplines because of the freedom and scenic routes, “Biking is the closest thing I can get to flying. It is the most exhilarating feeling. I can’t image my life without a bicycle.” And as far as swimming, he began taking to the freestyle stroke only one year ago, “I wanted to take a marine science course called QUEST (Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques), and the class required that I swim 400 yards in less than 10 minutes. This was a big struggle for me, and so I went to the Kawamoto Pool every night to practice my swim and get under that cut-off time.”

Although family members traveled from his hometown of Berthoud, Colo. to support and bask in his accomplishments on race day, Yannutz says his biggest support leading into the Ironman has been his girlfriend and fellow UHH student, Brittany Dolan, “Since the first weekend I arrived back in Hilo after summer break, Brittany and I went to Kona to camp every weekend so that I could train on the Ironman course. Some of the days I would be training for 8 hrs and Brittany would wait and have water and Gatorade ready for me when I came back. And when I was swimming in Kona she would always watch me to make sure I was safe.”Prior to his crash, Yannutz had hoped to complete the Ironman in under 13 hours, but after the accident, his new goal was to get to the finish line before the clock struck midnight, giving him the finisher's medal he had wanted ever since he was a spectator back in 2007.

As he ran in the dark along the infamous Ali’i drive, crowds upon crowds of people cheering him on, the clock read just under 16 hrs, one hour before the cut-off time. Running through the finishing chute, he was amazed to be welcomed by the top finishing professional female and three-time winner, Chrissie Wellington, as she handed him his much-deserved finisher’s medal. But perhaps more honored, was his being greeted by his number one supporter, Brittany.

Yannutz, who humbly admits that he doesn’t see himself as a ‘super great athlete,’ says that training for the Ironman has been, above all, more of a spiritual journey for him. He claims that the sport has taken him further past his limits of physical strength and speed, and allowed him to meet and confront his own will-power. “Now that I have accomplished the Ironman, it has really given me the confidence to pursue new goals in my life.”

Yannutz dreams of eventually living in Australia and studying sharks, and expects many more triathlons in his future, "If I can finish an Ironman at the age of 21 after a car accident, I have a lot of room to grow."

Every person who completes the ironman has a story, and those who know Yannutz, are proud to be apart of his.

Future Cycling Meeting with Billy Kenoi

2008-08-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hello cyclists!

Within the next two weeks the Hilo Bike Hub will be holding a cycling meeting with input from mayoral candidate Billy Kenoi. His objectives will be covering cycling as transportation, commuting routes, bike lanes, and cycling in the school systems.

We will be holding this meeting only if enough people are in attendance. If you are at all interested please contact: hilobikehub@gmail.com and we will decide on a date and time.

Remember, if Hilo is to become a bike safe community, we need as much support as possible. We hope you’ll join us.

The Staff at Hilo Bike Hub

May-August 2008 Newsletter

2008-07-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

A Quick Congrats

The staff at Hilo Bike Hub would like to congratulate all of those who competed at the Honu Half Ironman in May, over in Waikoloa. A quick shout out to Casey Francis, Ben Pappas, Lee Collins, Neil Sampson, Billy Weaver, Joe Wedeman, Ty Blechta and Tim Marr for representing East Hawaii and making us all very proud. A quick mention to Morgan Bahurinsky for her first attempt at the half ironman distance – its all apart of the learning experience! We look forward to many more exceptional results from all of you in the future.

Flats 101

We will be offering a quick course on how to change flat tires on Saturday August 2nd at 11am. The class will offer an overview on how to properly take your front and back wheels off, removing the tire and tube, and correctly put them back on. This groundwork is crucial for your overall knowledge and safety of your bicycle. Classes are limited in size so hurry and reserve a slot for our August class. Bring 3 levers, a spare tube and either a hand or floor pump. Classes are $10. To sign up call: (808) 961 - 4452 or email: hilobike@gmail.com

High Gas Prices Equals More Commuting

For those of us who have enjoyed being in the saddle as a way of life, this is not much of a change or a burden. But to the rest of Hilo, the high gas prices have changed many people’s views on cycling. They have either began taking out their old bikes from the depths of storage, to purchasing new machines. Our store has seen a dramatic rise in commuting and cycling awareness as a whole.

An incredibly wide demographic of people are no longer afraid to ride in the rain, nor are they afraid to ride on Hilo’s busiest streets. Our East Hawaii residents are realizing that, not only is cycling is good for their health, but that they can save money, namely on gas and insurance.

Therefore, as more and more bike commuters are hitting the roads, drivers must learn to treat cyclists as other vehicles; just as cyclists must follow and understand the rules of the road. Essentially, separate routes for cyclists would be the ideal situation, however this is not a reality at this moment in time. It is therefore essential that cyclists and cars learn how to share the road.

Here are a few rules to follow in order to make your next ride/commute a safe one:

1. Always stop for red lights and stop signs, along with any other sign.

2. Ride on the same side of the street as you would drive in a car.

3. Before turning, look behind you and signal your turn.

4. Any vehicle moving slower than the normal flow of traffic should drive as far in the right hand lane as possible, except when preparing to turn left. Steer clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of motorists behind you.

5. Make sure your brakes are working properly.

6. Make sure you have the proper reflective gear and lighting when riding early near dusk or dawn.

7. Always be aware of your surroundings and predict accidents that may arise, before they happen.

8. Always, always, ALWAYS wear your helmet.

9. Carry your registration, along with another form of identification.

10. Remember to come into the Hilo Bike Hub if you have any questions with regards to your bike or to bike safety in Hilo.

Let’s exercise safe awareness… our community will greatly benefit in the long run!

Chris’ Commuter Route Suggestions

*Use Kino’ole St. instead of Kilauea
*Use Haili St. or Mohouli instead of Waianuenue
*Remember you can still get to places on these roads by using alternate sideroads
*Stay off the sidewalk as much as possible – sidewalks are more dangerous to cyclists than actually riding on the road!

New Jerseys

University of Hawaii Jerseys are in stock in all sizes. Wear these stylish, race-cut outfits to show your support for our Hawaii community.

New Blog Up and Running!

2008-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Testing, testing...1,2,3.