Posted on: Friday, January 7, 2005

RECREATION
Good access, big thrills make 'Aiea trail a hit

By Steven Neumeier
Special to The Advertiser

Steven Neumeier photo/Advertiser staff graphic

It is a rush dropping into the small gully at the beginning of 'Aiea Loop on a mountain bike. The dropoff leading into the gully is approximately 1 1/2-feet high with a landing that is very narrow.

With embankments on both sides, having enough speed to clear the drop while not veering too far to the right or left is key. My riding buddy wiped out on this section the last time he went, though he avoided serious injury.

This is the introduction to the 'Aiea Loop Trail. Of course, one could also opt to dismount and bypass the dropoff. This is not as much fun, but definitely safer.

'Aiea Loop is in Central O'ahu, above the town of 'Aiea, and starts at Keaiwa Heiau State Park at the top of 'Aiea Heights Drive.

Each time I've been at the loop, there has been plenty of parking. I always park at the lot nearest the entrance. The reason is that I would rather minimize the amount of uphill riding back to the parking lot once I'm done with the trail.

Even though the trail is a loop, it doesn't begin and end at the same place.

To get to the trailhead from the park parking lot, pedal toward the left of the fork. There will be a considerable uphill ride on a paved road. However, this will save you a quarter-mile uphill ride at the end of the trail if you were to park at the other lot.

Intermediate trail ride

'Aiea Loop is a really fun, intermediate trail that is 4.5 miles. It's nice because the single track is a one-way loop, so you're always seeing something new. And, a large amount of the trail is downhill.

Even though it's ranked as intermediate, there are a fair amount of technical areas where dismounting is necessary. Many sections of the trail have roots and other obstacles such as fallen trees.

The loop zigzags through a lot of shaded areas, which means that mud puddles won't evaporate as quickly. Even if it hasn't rained in a while, the mud tends to stick around in certain areas, especially while nearing the peak of the trail.

The uphill lasts for about 1.6 miles. There are some decent views of surrounding valleys along the way. If you are not a big fan of riding uphill, the downhill makes it more than worth it. The downhill is probably one of the longest on O'ahu.

My riding partner, Gene Bishop of Salt Lake, called it "a good, long ride. Fast, challenging and an overall awesome ride."

There are some cliffs on the sides of the trail, so ride with caution.

Some sights to be seen on the way down are of the H-3 Freeway as well as pieces of a C-47 cargo plane that crashed in 1943. The remnants are about halfway through the trail. Fortunately, all three crew members survived the crash.

'Aiea Loop continues downhill until a stream-crossing at the valley floor. From there, a short uphill portion will return you to the paved road.

Use caution

Some dismounts may be necessary along the way. When the paved road is reached, go left. The road goes downhill and eventually levels off, which brings you back to the parking lot.

Ride with caution as your mountain biking experience will be more satisfying that way. Wear protective equipment, bring plenty of water and try to ride with a friend. Cell phones are a good thing to have.

Also, remember to share the trail and yield to hikers. Have fun and enjoy.