Maui Mountain Cruisers - Ride Down Haleakala
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Maui Mountain Cruisers - Ride Down Haleakala
Tom Barefoot's Tours has been around since well before the beginning of what was to become an island industry of bike tours taking island visitors down the slopes of Mount Haleakala to the sea below and so you might correctly surmise that we have had our share of opportunities to experience these rides. In many ways the various companies that provide these tours are somewhat similar but in November of 2009 I was introduced to a different type of bike that was used to descend the mountain slopes courtesy of Maui Mountain Cruisers. Although, Jon, the owner of Maui Mountain Cruisers, had implemented the use of his "chopper" bikes a couple years prior I was oblivious to this adaptation and thoroughly enjoyed coasting down the mountain on this newer (to me) type of bike. Do you remember the cult classic movie "Easy Rider" with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper? In some ways they introduced the high handlebar and laid back Harley choppers to the general public during that film. I was totally amazed to see what was essentially a pedal driven bicycle version of that "chopper" unloaded out of the back of the Maui Mountain Cruiser van used on our tour. I could hardly wait to grab mine and get onto it. This was truly a "cruiser" vehicle. Your whole body sort of leaned back on the seat as you relaxed and held the hand grips. It wasn't as though you were situated parallel to the ground but you were not quite simply straight up and down either. You were in control but you were "laid back" and the "Easy Rider" analogy was easy to apply. It was a fun little treat! Our guides, Ron and Chuck were old hands at this game. They had both been a part of the industry when it was just originated by Cruiser Bob Kiger back in 1983. They were there to see those very first riders make the descent and have been their ever since. They have seen the bike industry develop and evolve and it was fun to hear their stories. Everyone felt they were in capable hands and one extended family complete with grandparents and four year old granddaughter were even in the van for the whole ride down as the parents of the youngster enjoyed the ride. It was wonderful to see a whole family experiencing the same adventure and I'm certain they'll have many stories to share for years to come.
