Even as a native Hawaiian, racing the Mauna Kea (which means “White Mountain”) 200 is an experience I will never forget. I’ve participated often in the 30-plus years that the Rock Island Riders have held this event and yet each race is an entirely different experience that refreshes my soul and renews my love of Hawaii nei—“beloved Hawaii.”
I have raced in 36 different countries, but there is no place like the White Mountain; it is truly unique. No other venue offers the spectacular scenery or the experience of racing tapped-out to the top of a 13,000-foot volcano.
The Rock Island Riders Motorcycle Club has been doing an outstanding job of putting on this event, given the roadblocks and obstacles they have had to deal with. Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources and Na Ala Hele—a trail advisory council—are vigilant in their efforts to preserve native plants as well as historical and sacred sites. It is a credit to the Rock Island Riders that they have been able to work with both agencies and continue to promote this annual race. Due to this, the once two-day, 200-mile event is now a one-day show that covers only 56 miles.
It was still a great event. This year’s race day was cold, crisp and incredibly clear (temperatures ranged from 45 degrees during check-in to about 85 degrees, depending on elevation); we were able to witness views of all of the Hawaiian islands. This year there were over 150 riders of various skill levels from motocross racers to trail riders and even some ATVs, including both genders, kane (men) and wahine (women) and even keiki (children).
The Mauna Kea 200 uses an enduro-type start where each row starts one minute after the row in front. I started in the fifth row, four minutes after the first row roared away. I was able to lead my group off the starting line. The race was great, considering the amount of lava, soot and pohaku (rock) there was. There were sections where you could go as fast as the bike could go, and then there were slow first-gear sections with a lot of switchback uphill turns and steep downhills. My stock Honda CRF250X handled well, but it was challenging to keep up with the 450s, especially when the air got thin at the higher elevations.
About 20 minutes into the race I thought that I was really kicking butt. I caught a couple of riders who had started in the rows prior to me. I started feeling triumphant and with my race face on I became determined to pass all of the riders in front of me.
Suddenly, “Hollywood” Phil Overland passed me through a rutted uphill section full of lava rocks. He waved and smiled at me like it was a pleasure ride. Unbelievable! How could Phil just cruise past me with an aloha smile? Phil was the overall winner, finishing in 1 hour, 46 minutes. It took me 2 hours, 3 minutes to complete the 56-mile course.
At the finish line, a typical Hawaiian-style greeting with everyone hugging and congratulating each other was waiting. In every conversation there was mention of the incredible views and the challenging course. The consensus was that it was a great time and the awards ceremony was like a luau; everyone was welcome. All who finished the race received a certificate.
The way I see it, every participant—first or last—was a winner: it was all about that aloha spirit. I left feeling proud to have been a part of the Mauna Kea 200 for 30 years.
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