The recent pair of rain events caused flood damage throughout the state. Especially hard hit was the Waialua-Haleiwa neighborhood. Road damage resulted in significant impact on the safety of the annual Hawaii Bicycling League Haleiwa Metric Century Ride, particularly at Waimea Bay. HBL did the right thing by taking the riders safety into account and cancelling this event. But decisions like this go beyond the immediate impact. The decision to cancel demonstrates compassion for and sensitivity to the residents, still digging out from mounds of mud and rubble. Appearance counts. Hundreds of cyclists riding through storm damaged neighborhoods would make a bad impression.
This event is a major fundraiser for HBL. The loss of income is not easily offset by other activity. Let's all do our part to dig and little deeper this year and donate to the group that works tirelessly to improve our riding experience.