Training suggestions for Haleakala

[Biciclista]

If finances aren't an issue, why try to find something close?

[Wahine]

If finances aren't an issue, why try to find something close?

So that I can go with her without having to take too much time off work.

[maillotpois]

Well, if you do end up heading to the Sierras, I can give you some suggestions. PM me if you like. Roads are dry now and even though some of the passes are closed to cars, I can't imagine they're not clear enough for a bike. I can do some inquiring of friends on the eastern side of the sierra as well.

[Veronica]

Wahine's training camp in the Eastern Sierras? That could be fun! Sign me up for those rides!

Veronica

[lawnchick22]

I climbed it in Aug of 2010.

If you are familiar with the island, you know the weather can play a huge factor.
It did for us. We left sea level around 430am (def still dark out). It would have been a century ride, had we completed the out and back in the same day. Unfortunately, weather stopped us from reaching the summit. It started raining around 930am and we still had a ways to go. We continued on for another hour and with 8 miles to go, I gave it up. The fog, rain, and cold turned my butt around and down to the visitor's center. I stood under the hand dryer for a long time trying to thaw out.
We went back 2 days later, started from the visitors center and did the 11 or so miles... without incident.

The altitude change had zero effect on me..but like others have mentioned, it may be different for your client. I think going at a steady pace (not race pace nor in a car)...is what made a difference for me, anyway, in not feeling the altitude.

There is about 500ft of down hill...yes, that's right, only abut 500ft in a roughly 40mile ride of downhill and even that, you MAYBE get to coast for what equates to about 4 pedal strokes.

It is a slow, steady grind. The pitch is not horrific...until the very very last section...where you can opt to go past the parking lot to the observation tower and that IS a nasty short little section...especially, after having climbed what you just climbed.

So, for training...endurance...without stopping...for a long time.
Weather...be prepared for wind, rain and cold. Bring gloves, arm/leg warmers for the ride down. Gels, water, etc.
Flexible...watch the weather for the duration of the trip and pick a couple of different days as options.