The risky downhill bike tours from 10,000 feet above sea level are being evaluated for safety by the National Park Services. A Haleakala National Park spokesperson told the Star Bulletin that they are evaluating the risks of the tours and how to reduce injury. They declined to say whether a ban was being considered.
Quite honestly, I’ve never understood the appeal of these downhill bike tours from Haleakala. I’ve been up to Haleakala a couple of times to star gaze and watch sunrise. So, I’ve seen these tours in action and I thought they looked dangerous and I honestly didn’t see the fun in them. It would seem that you would have to spend a lot of effort concentrating on keeping the tour bike under control rather than taking in views. Let’s hope that the National Park Service implements measures to prevent further injuries.
Sheila Beal
2 comments
I totally agree that it seems more scary than fun. I have been up to Haleakala several times for the sunrise, and the trick is to leave BEFORE the group of bikes followed by their van leaves, or else you are stuck following them at their pace.
Oh yes, you are right! It is annoying getting stuck behind the bike tours. Though, I do have to say that it seems that they try to be mindful of people in cars and pull over from time to time. But still you may be stuck behind them for a while before they get to a safe place to pull over. And by that time, I’m starving for some delicious pancakes with coconut syrup from Kula Lodge. 🙂
I was just thinking back about seeing these tours and the people on them actually didn’t look like they were having fun.