The legendary Kaloko Hill Climb continues to be the oldest cycling hill climb event on the Big Island. For three decades, the event that began in 1991 by Sean “Peaman” Pagett and his Frozen Pea Production crew, offered cyclists — and runners — the ultimate challenge of strength, courage, and mental tenacity against a brutal, quad-busting climb.
The legendary Kaloko Hill Climb continues to be the oldest cycling hill climb event on the Big Island. For three decades, the event that began in 1991 by Sean “Peaman” Pagett and his Frozen Pea Production crew, offered cyclists — and runners — the ultimate challenge of strength, courage, and mental tenacity against a brutal, quad-busting climb.
For many who participated in the past, it is better known as “Pedal Till Ya Puke” — a fitting name for obvious reasons — and on August 6, the 6.5-mile cycling hill climb event returns to Kaloko Drive.
Up until 2019, the event also offered a grueling running segment called “Run Till Ya Ralph,” which was held simultaneously with the cycling race. Both events attracted professional and elite athletes from all over the world, all wanting a chance to test their grit against a punishing climb boasting an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet with several sections of 20% inclines.
Those who make it to the top are considered true champions of the climb with the finish line always a remarkable scene — cyclists and runners in agony, bent over and gasping for air, holding back urges to dispel that morning’s breakfast — hence the name for the event.
In 2020, the races were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic with only the cycling event returning last year under the organization of the Hawaii Cycling Club (HCC). Kailua-Kona’s Sean Maynard (41:12) and Anna Thomas (1:07:16), claimed the King and Queen of the Mountain titles.
HCC race director, Tom Solis, shared some valuable advice to those wanting to partake in this year’s event.
“First time participants should know not to go hard at the beginning, save themselves for the six switchbacks on the course that have over an 18% grade, and hope they have enough left to go hard the last 1/3-mile,” Solis said. “The Big Island is blessed with several steep climbs. Climbing Kaloko is similar in both distance and gradient to several climbs in the Tour De France.”
Pedal Till Ya Puke male and female course records still belong to Keauhou’s Penn Henderson, who posted a time of 38:08 in 2012, and Susan Dell’s 2007 time of 45:15.
Registration is open at bikereg.com/PTYP and will close August 3 at 11:59 PM HST. There will be no race-day registration. The event is free to HCC members and K-12 students. Non-HCC members will be required to purchase a one-day membership/insurance waiver for $10.
Total entrants will be limited to 60 participants. Start time is at 7:30 a.m. at the bottom of Kaloko Drive with check-in beginning at 7 a.m. All age groups and bike categories welcomed. For more information email race director Tom Solis at tomsolis@yahoo.com.
