Runnin’ with Rani: Kua Bay Training Time Trial

WAIKOLOA — The Hawaii Cycling Club presented the Kua Bay Training Time Trial on Sept. 30, attracting 22 cyclists to compete in the 12.19-mile point-to-point race that began from Waikoloa Drive and finished at the Kua Bay entrance.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway, known for its searing heat and unpredictable wind patterns, gave cyclists welcomed gifts throughout the entire route — clear skies and a gentle tailwind.

As each rider departed on 30-second intervals to provide a clean, non-drafting race based solely on one’s own physical strength, Daniel Hill secured the fastest time of the morning in the 12.19-mile race, clocking an impressive time of 24 minutes and 46 seconds, resulting in an average speed of 29.5 mph.

What made this event unique were the performances of the next three finishers who happened to be all women. Melanie Baumann from Switzerland was next to cross the finish line with an amazing time of 26:46 which also gave her the overall win in the women’s division.

Just one minute later, Baumann’s teammate from Germany, Steffi Steinberg, completed the 12.19-mile course with a time of 27.43, with part-time Kona and Alaska resident Rebecca McKee to round out the women’s top three with her time of 28.03.

Continuing his streak of being the most consistent, Volcano’s Todd Marohnic clinched the fifth position with his time of 28.21.

While each of the 22 participants has a unique story to share, it’s worth highlighting the incredible performances of 79-year-old Gerald Gruber, who finished 13th overall with his impressive time of 31:34, and 78-year old Wendy Minor, who finished in a fantastic time of 42:35.

Next up on the Hawaii Cycling Club calendar of events will be a training time trial slated for Nov. 19.