Bike123

Although the haleakala bike tour has been suspended from the National park, bike tours are still running and operational. They all will have to start from the park gates, but it's still a long ways down with great views.

Sunriders and Haleakala Bike Co. are the only bike companies allowed in the park.
Only these two companies will allow you to do the bike ride from the park gates along with seeing Haleakala NAtional Park, the crater and the Summit. If you want to watch the sunrise from the Summit as well as bike down Haleakala, this is the way to do it!

iamq

First post. Gee...I wonder who Bike123 works for.

janisj

Uh, gee - couldn't possibly guess

spirobulldog

I think Bike123 just didn't post correctly. There was a specific question on here a day or two ago about crater rim rides.

janisj

"I think Bike123 just didn't post correctly. There was a specific question on here a day or two ago about crater rim rides. "

Yes - but this is Bike123's first and only ever post on Fodors. He registered just now to post it. So not very likely he saw that thread. It seems he is just trying to advertise - could be wrong but that is what it looks like.

Bike123

You can see as advertising if you want, but I feel it's important to distinguish between these guys and the bike tours that can no longer enter the park.

There are a lot of people that want to do the bike thing, but also want to visit the summit. This is the only way to do the two together, and it should be known that that this tour is still offered to those that want it. There's a lot of negative feedback about the bike tours because of the media, but I did this so people know that they are not completely shut down.

Ag3046

Bike123- Why don't you describe EXACTLY the insurance your company carries for injury/death while on the rides.

janisj

Bike123: I notice the two things you did not say in your new post. You didn't deny you work for either/both, and you didn't say anything re it being an advertisement. It looks like we were right.

hawaiifanatic

There have been some nasty accidents on these bike rides OUTSIDE the national park. For further information on this, call the vehicle accident division at the Maui County Police Department and ask for Sgt. Barry Aoki. (808) 244-6345

Bike123

Why does it matter if I work for a bike company? I'm just stating a fact that these tours are not completely suspended like some believe. Some may be under the assumption that nobody can offer these services and I decided to take this opportunity to say Not all companies are kicked out of the park. Is this not allowed on these boards? I didn't see a rule

Bike123

There have been some nasty accidents on the Pali. Should we shut down the road? Accidents do happen, there's no denying it, but the numbers are over exaggerated. Besides that it's up to the customers to decide if they want to take the risk. They sign waivers, they understand the risks, and they are responsible for their actions. With that said, still it is a fairly safe ride if all rules are followed.

hawaiifanatic

In an earlier post, you blamed "the media." What I am suggesting is that as responsible consumers we can consult safety agencies directly to get the full facts, something one doesn't usually get from someone trying to sell you something. Call it healthy skepticism, if you like.

Bike123

That is not completely true. Who's to say you don't get full facts from the companies themselves? If you ask them about deaths and accidents, they don't tell you this ride is accident free.

These companies will give you the facts. Give them some credit. It's terrible to see that you actually think that these guys are out there jsut to make a buck without any concern for their customers. Get real, they are not bad people.

Ag3046

Bike123- It isn't as if Haleakala bike ride companies are providing a required service. No one must do a bike ride to visit Maui. It's not a traditional sport, it's not a basic means of transportation. It's a hustle devised to separate gullible tourists from their money. Like all the ziplines, ATV tours, and other "activities" that are conjured up for the benefit of operators and promoters. This group has made overly generous use of the NPS in providing an in-park concession. Seeing the masses of these gullible tourists careening down the road shows me how far out of control it has become. The operators may not think they are bad guys, but they are powerless to stop the money that flows into their own pockets. Their legal disclaimers are just pathetic. It's about time the park put an end to this.

Bike123

It's not as if people HAVE to eat McDonalds, but they do and people profit from it. People don't HAVE to travel, but they do and people profit. This is not communism here. Businesses are free to operate how they want. It is the consumers choice to do these things.

Now to say the customers are gulible is a bold statement. How are they gulible? They think that they are getting a fun experience and a chance to see Haleakala National Park but the "suckers" actually don't huh. Is that what you think? Basically every person that takes this bike ride is absolutely satisfied with what they were offered. How can you say the bike companies rob them?

janisj

"Why does it matter if I work for a bike company?

It matters a lot since the rules on here are spelled out clearly. No advertising allowed. You registered just so you could advertise your company.

BTW - I personally think if you had been honest in the first place no one would have jumped on you.

Something like: "disclaimer - I work for a bike tour company. But just to let you know, there are still some companies that do bike rides down Haleakala outside of the park" [end of message]

If you had posted that - fine. Hiding your connection

Bike123

There is no advertising on this page. There are no price listings, no details of the ride, just and explanation that the two companies mentioned will still allow you to visit the park. I made the statement because there is misconception that ALL bike tours were kicked off the mountain. That is not true, and I made this post to clear that up, not to promote anything. How you perceived it is not my fault.

ps I have never said I worked for any of these companies.

FrankyP

What a bunch of children. Who cares! I'm glad he told us about the couple of bike companies that can go up still. I was curious. I did a bike ride from the top about a month ago and had a great time. I am a resident of Maui, and don't see myself as a sucker. It was fun.

Here's a little useful information (no more moaning about who said what and when):
I did the ride and found that the whole set up was really professional and safe. I can see how an inexperienced rider could get hurt though. One thing that riders aren't told is that the ride is not always 38 miles. Some stop short of Paia to appease locals who've been pissed off about all the bike traffic. Also, with the no ride zone in the park, the ride is cut down even more. It's still probably worth it, just not as long. I think that they should implement these new rules because the people of Maui should come first. I couldn't imagine living upcountry and fighting the bike traffic to get to work everyday. On the other hand, if the bike companies are shut down, that'd be a big blow to Maui's activity industry. Bike the volcano is one of the most popular activities to do.

iamq

I don't see anything childish at all about Fodors posters calling Bike123 on his scheme and pulling his covers. Long time posters can smell a rat a mile away.