Go Mountain Biking

With 11 of the 13 major climate zones right here on the Big Island, there is certainly plenty of variety for the mountain biking enthusiast. You can choose from paved roads and trails to highly technical single tracks, from the peaks of giant mountains to the warm shoreline of the sea.

Bike through the virgin forests of Mauna Loa, the steaming rain forest of Kulani, the moonscape atop Mauna Kea, the grasslands of North Kohala, the crater rim of a volcano, or the sandy beach at Pine Trees in Kona. Most rides are accessible year round.

The Big Island Mountain Bike Association suggests bicyclists pay attention to a list of safety tips, not the least of which is wearing a helmet when you're riding. Other safety tips include:

• Bring plenty of water.

• Wear sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen and lip balm.

•If you live at a lower elevation and plan to ride at altitude, take it easy at first. If you live in a cooler climate and this is your first ride in the tropical heat, take it easy until you are acclimated.

•Keep at least five bike lengths between each rider.

•Familiarize yourself with your equipment and always check it out thoroughly before a ride.

•Be sure your helmet fits properly.

•Carry first aid equipment in your car.

The association also has identified 10 trails and rated them according to type, distance, rider level, ride time, elevation changes and terrain. The maps are currently out of print but can be seen by visiting the association's website at www.interpac.net/~mtbike. John Alford's book 'Bike Hawaii' is another good source of trail information. Go to www.bikehawaii.com for more information.

Biking is a great way to sightsee, and to explore the 4-wheel drive roads that lace the island, particularly down to the mostly deserted white sand beaches on the west side. In the mountains you can get close to the sky, and the animals and birds, but be aware of weather conditions upcountry, for even though 'mud is fun', remember how hard it is on the bike.

When asked about advice for the Big Island novice, the folks at the BikeWorks, who have a lot of combined trail knowledge replied in unison, 'Wear a helmet and gloves, because lava hurts, lava is unforgiving and unyielding!'

Most bike shops in Kona rent mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes. There are more trails in East Hawaii, and the sport is very popular there. If you're looking to rent a bike, try Hilo Bike Hub.

There are guided bike tours available. Paniolo Adventures, located between Waimea and Hawi, offers both novice and advance rides across parts of their 11,000-acre working cattle ranch. Kona Coast Cycling Tours offers one-half day trips for beginners near Kailua-Kona and full day trips for intermediate/advanced riders in other areas of the Big Island.