I purchased two Aloha Bicycle t-shirts. (TWO! That tells you how much I want to remember not only the physical accomplishment, but the emotional and visual experience, as well.)
Thanks for an experience that I will always remember.
Please give my best to your wife, Karen. Her charm and warm hospitality provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience!
If you are in SW Georgia, please let me know. I'll give you an experience through a true "Southern Plantation" that I think you just may enjoy as much as I did my bike ride down Haleakala!
ì
Aloha!
Jonathan Carroll and Family
Bob and I had not been on bikes in about eight years, and while I'll was a little nervous about not riding for so long, you made it all go so smoothly.
We miss Maui already. The next time were back, we'll do your tour again!
Thanks,
You have a wonderful company with a wonderful concept! Hopefully, we'll back on Maui soon and we'll definitely book the trip again.
Sincerely,
David and Lisa Adams
Alan and I had a fabulous time last Tuesday. I'm certainly glad that I chose Aloha Bicycle Tours for our ride down the mountain. We took all the time we wanted coming down and stopped when we wanted to. And we saw much more than we would have with some other tour.
Karen, lunch was wonderful and a nice way to relax and unwind after coasting 30 plus miles!
We will book again if Alan can get me to make that flight from North Carolina again!
Mahalo,
Shannon and Alan Martin
We will tell everyone to look you up when they make there plans to visitMaui.
Thank you for a job WELL done!
Scott, Sue & Steve Hanson
We will and already have recomended your tour to any of our friends who are planning to visit your island. We really felt ripped off if we had gone on that tour instead. Being a small busness owner my self I can appreciate the personal touch you gave each and everyone of us that day. May you continue to have great success for many years to come.
Jim and Marilee Buxton
I wrote you months before our trip because I really wanted to do the Aloha Bicycle Tour but am extremely out of shape and the thought of 33 miles really intimidated me. You wrote back with words of encouragement and also reminded me of the fact that the Van was always there to climb in if I needed it, put my mind at ease. I am so glad we did this tour as both my husband and I had a wonderful time. You are very informative and your relaxed pace really provided for a nice enjoyable ride. I felt very sorry for the other guys (dressed in the hot yellow and blue power ranger outfits) who zoomed past the beautiful flowers at our second stop, in fact, I'm not sure how they were able to take in much at the speed they were going! Poor people, they are probably the ones who really needed to end their ride at the Winery, and their tour took them in the opposite direction.
I have two sets of friends who will be on Maui in the next couple of months and they both plan on going on this tour with you! We really enjoyed ourselves and know our friends will too!
Mahalo!
Chuck McCormick
Mahalo,
Aloha & Mahalo!
We particularly enjoyed the personal attention. Thank you Marc for sharing your knowledge with us of the area, the crater, the island flowers and backroads. The ride was fun going at ones own pace while enjoying breath taking views. Thank you Karen for the well prepared and delicious lunch. It certainly satisfied our apetite after a morning workout. The setting was serene and enjoyed by all. We will definitely recommend your tour above all to all our friends. Thanks again for a most memorable day in Maui. You make a great team !!
Aloha & Mahalo!
Mahalo for the experience!
Again thank you for a memorable day in beautiful Maui. I would do it again if I should make another visit and I certainly would recommend you to anyone that I might know that would be making the trip. Again, many, many thanks for a very special and memorable day.
Aloha & Mahalo!
The trip was a beautifully smooth day from beginning to end. It felt awfully worry free because of the fact that you provided the equipment that ensured a comfortable trek down the volcano road, all the way down to the morning gloves and peppermint scented hand towels at the end. The knowledge you had for the area and the experience of riding that you shared left us to be concerned only with enjoying the day and experiencing the beauty of your "backyard". The stress you put on keeping our own pace made the ride achievable for all of us even when reaching the optional mile uphill jaunt. I was happy the day was as clear as it was and we could take in all the magnificence before us. The stops at the Protea Flower Garden and Winery were spots that we ended up taking my Mother, Aunt and Grandmother back to a few days later.
Thank you for introducing us to such breathtaking scenery and making it such an impressive biking experience for both my Father and I. The intimate atmosphere of the tour makes it undoubtedly a place to revisit on our next Hawaiian vacation. We very easily plan on recommending your Aloha Bicycle tour to friends and family going to Maui. I wish the best of luck to you and your business.
Sincerely,
The T-shirt is really cool, and the other t-shirt you sent was waiting for us when we returned home. Thanks!!
Chris and Pauline Clifford
Thought you might like to know - your web-site on the internet is very valuable - that's actually how we got interested in your tour, since Frommer's only mentions your phone # (we read Frommer's an awful lo in preparation for our trip!) If not for that web site so full of info., we probably would have ended up on a "Power Ranger" tour, since we wouldn't have known any differently.
We've told so many people about your tour; most people are only familiar with "Power Ranger" tours. If any of our friends or colleagues make a trip to Hawaii soon, you can be certain that they'll call you!"
Thanks again,
Mahalo!
We got some fabulous pictures during our ride. The professionalism and knowledge of the area displayed by Marc and the delicious food prepared by Karen made the entire tour that much better. Finishing off the tour at the winery adds a very nice touch.
We will highly recommend your company to our friends!
Thanks for making our honeymoon that much better."
Jeff & Grace Twietmeyer
Scott, Jeanna, Stephanie and Katie Sabicer &
Remember its not how you ride ... its how you look! I read you customer comments and found them all so appropriate. But best of all I applaud your humility and gentle ways. It was only after we were all snug back in our own van and hurdling toward the Grand Wailea that someone noticed your riding & racing exploits. Most people would have crowed about that all day, the rest of their lives. But they also would have put us in a herd making life easier for themselves but less enjoyable for their customers.
Keep up the great work. You made our trip grand!"
Mahalo!
Just a short note to thank you once again for a great tour. In looking back at the 18 days that we spent in Hawaii, all of us are unanimous in saying that your tour was the highlight of our vacation. Your informative drive up to the crater was very interesting and your
extra effort in making our daughters Katherine & Sarah, comfortable with their experience was greatly appreciated. We have recommended your tour to anyone who asks about our trip and wish you well in your business. Nicely done! Your tour was personalized, relaxing and a whole lot of fun!"
Jim, Susan, Katherine and Sarah Barchyn
Mahalo!
Best wishes for the continued success of Aloha Bicycle Tours."
Aloha!
All the Best!
Lynne & Wayne Hamilton
Mike & Sara Gibbons
This is one of the few organized activities that appeals to residents of Maui, as well as Tourists (it was fun getting to know the visitors in the group!). I know I'll be calling you to do this again!"
Mahalo and much Aloha!
Charlie Young, Lucy Fox & Justine Fox-Young
I want to express our thank you's from the two of us, Larry McCall and Lee Ellis for the wonderful experience we had on our bike tour down Haleakala. From the initial contact with Karen, to the final farewell at the park, we were fully pleased with the day of adventure. We thought it would be helpful to you by listing some of the areas the we felt were so personalized. Granted, we have not been on other downhill services on Maui, but we do recognize professional service, through our past business activities. For me, it is easiest to just list the items that we felt were distinguished on our trip.
1. The realization that your guide, owner, equipment manager and tour director was one-in-the-same person who lives there, knows the roads, can give personal experience to the day and cares about the local community.
THANKS FOR THE FUN EXPERIENCE AND A THUMBS UP TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL TOURS."
Lee Ellis and Larry McCall
P.S. Our wives will go on the Tour next time.
Dan Weisberg
Dr. Jeana French
Thomasville, Georgia
Dear Marc & Karen,
Just a line to let you know we had a terrific time biking with you guys in May! We have been to Maui a number of times but had always put off cycling (or should I say 'coasting') down Haleakala. So our expectations were very high to begin with. But you blew us away! The views were breath-taking, the bikes were great, it was a very personal experience, and I know each of us in the group that day felt confident that our safety was the foremost concern in your mind, followed very closely by your doing whatever it took to help us each have the best time we possibly could. Pity the poor Power Rangers and the homogonized trip down the volcano! It was refreshing to be able to go at our own pace and stop for photos when a Kodak moment presented itself. Speaking of, the Tedeschi Winery was probably the most beautiful part of Maui I have ever seen and is not to be missed! Lunch was great and I cannot say enough how much the tremendously fun time we had with you guys contributed to our best vacation ever. Thanks so much!
Fort Worth, TX
Dear Marc:
Just a note of thanks for the fun and fantastic ride. The breakfast was excellent, the equipment was more than comfortable, the scenic route was breathtaking, and the lunch at the Tedeschi winery was a fine, finishing touch.
Eileen & Bob Smith
Dear Marc and Karen,
We're back home and fully immersed in reality once again but we would be remiss if we neglected to write you and tell you what a great time we had on your bike trip. Gregg and I greatly dislike anything that is "touristy" (fear of being trapped in a "touristy" activity ranks
right along with the fears of public speaking and death) and it's difficult to plan activities on the mainland if you don't have any strong recommendations from friends that you can trust. However, your website truly captured the essence of your trip and when we got to
Tedeschi Winery for the picnic lunch, we felt like guests rather than tourists who had been herded through one more rushed activity. In fact, we loved your trip so much, we told a couple that we met a few days later to cancel their bike trip with another company and to book with
you.
Gregg & Joan Renegar
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dear Marc and Karen,
We just wanted to tell you your bicycle ride was THE highlight of our trip to Hawaii. We enjoyed it thoroughly, and the lunch was seriously one ofthe most enjoyable meals we had. Anyone we meant who were on their way to Maui we told them about your ride. Thanks for one of the "times of our lives"!!!
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dear Marc and Karen,
I wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful morning of biking.
Charlotte, NC
Marc,
I wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on our bicycle trip in April. We had taken a trip with one of the other outfits (Power Rangers) 10 years ago and thought we had a great time then. We had no idea what the trip SHOULD have been like. Having had the opportunity to start at the summit and at the location you start, there is no doubt that your method is MUCH better. Starting at the top is very windy, cold wet and dangerous. Starting where we did on your trip was COMFORTABLE. It was very nice to have the opportunity to travel at our own pace, never being rushed. We really enjoyed the opportunity to pedal the bikes to the winery. The lunch at the end was perfect and it was nice to be able to meet Karen.
Corcoran Minnesota (on the edge of Minneapolis).
Marc and Karen,
Having finally recovered from "enviromental shock" (We had two feet of snow when we returned) I wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had on March 5th when we took your tour. Please continue to provide this wonderful experience to all of us "mainlanders".
Ionia, MI
P.S. We are already planning on returning next year we will see you then.
Dear Marc,
We are back home now and just getting used to not hearing the waves crashing outside our window lulling us to sleep... What a great island you live on and I can't think of a more pleasurable way to enjoy it then cruising from the sky to the sea on a bike with Aloha.
Laurie & Dana Baker
Lake Forest, CA
Hello Marc and Karen,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what a great time we had on your bike tour. We had a group of 4 which the girl in our group, Joanie, called "The Knuckleheads". Being 38 years old, I hadn't ridden a bike in at least 20 years. After we booked the tour with you some days before, we actually went around checking out pamphlets, flyers and information centers to see what we were getting into. While doing this we noticed that your company was not mentioned or advertised in any of these tourist type info centers. Upon arriving on the morning of our tour I have to admit we were curious as to why your company wasn't advertised anywhere we had been, as we had only come across your company through the internet. We asked this question to you and you gave us your reasoning of keeping it small and more personal and not getting caught up in the politics of what some companies do while promoting themselves. We took your word and just decided that we would end up being the judge of the tour ourselves. Let me tell you, our group spent 10 days on Maui and your Bike Tour was the absolute highlight by far. That says alot for your whole operation because we did something different everyday. We couldn't stop talking about the great time we had and what kind people both you and Karen are. Your insights, stories and informative biking instructions were fantastic. We loved going at our own pace, which was fast (except for the uphill myself, but I did it!! ). It was something I'll never forget. I will recommend it to anyone and everyone who visits Maui and is looking for a great time and adventure. Not only are you true professionals but your kindness and caring for everyone on the whole tour is second to none!! Thanks for the EVERLASTING MEMORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"The Knuckleheads"
Cherry Hill, N.J.
Dear Marc & Karen:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
We really enjoyed,
The bike trip with you.
The breakfast was yummy,
It made us both drool.
And the rainbow we saw,
Was really quite cool.
You taught us the safety,
Of riding our bikes.
Then downhill we rode,
To see beautiful sights.
First to the place,
Where they grow pretty flowers.
Then to a vista,
With magical powers.
We ended our trip,
Where they make some good wine.
And ate Karen's lunch,
Till our stomachs felt fine.
The whole trip was fun.
It was great! Yeah, a blast!
The memories in our hearts,
Forever will last.
Thanks guys for everything (including the
"Top Ten list"). We ate at Jacques Bistro our last night, at your recommendation, Marc, and Kevin thought he saw George Harrison, who we heard lives in Hana. The food was great, and the place had great ambience. This should be
on the top ten!
Kevin & Rachelle Fisher
Woodbridge, VA
Dear Marc & Karen,
This is Karen Gregory the 50 yr. old birthday girl from Dallas. Just wanted to send you a note to tell you how happy I am that I found your website. It was the best thing we did on Maui and we did it all. You are a true student and teacher of Maui and that is the type of environment I like on vacation. I like to relax as much as the next person, but I also like to learn. You and Karen were a real source of information about your island. Karen's advice on activities were of great help to us too. I will never forget this trip and you two helped make it so much better. Thanks again.
Karen Gregory
Dallas,Texas
Dear Marc & Karen,
Margi and I want to thank you for a fantastic bicycle tour. The ride down from the mountain towards the vineyard was an added pleasure, especially after seeing the "Power Rangers" go by in s single line wearing full helmets and rain gear and ending their bike
excursion at the bottom of the mountain.
Roger & Margi Schelling
Salem, New Hampsire
Marc and Karen,
I just wanted to thank you and say what a wonderful time I had on our tour Monday, July 27. I was scared to death to even get on the bike, since the last time I rode (in Boulder, CO) I fell, (and like and idiot I didn't have a helmet) and hit my head pretty bad. My parents and brother had gone on your tour last year, and they convinced me that you would be sure everything was
safe, and that with a helmet, and your instruction I'd be fine. Still when we got out of the van and started getting our bikes, I was certain I'd end up seeing this tour from the inside of the van. However, your confidence, and constant harping on safety regulations gave me the confidence I needed to take off, and once I got started, there was nothing that could convince me there is any better way to see Haleakala. I even considering going back to Boulder and
tackling those hills again (with a helmet this time). Thank you for all of your patience and concern, and keep up the good work. I'll be seeing you again next year, and this time I'll be ready to tackle that 1-mile uphill without walking.
Carrie (Cadwallader) Crawford
Denver, CO
Dear Marc and Karen,
On behalf of myself, my husband Tom and I know that I can speak for MaryEllen and Richard Mastromatteo, I want to thank you for a wonderful day. Your tour is very well planned and orchestrated. Your knowledge of the area is terrific and your concern for bike saftey and enjoyment for the group is very visible. Allowing everyone their freedom with guidance was terrific. Seeing the other groups just riding in a steady stream made me very happy that our choice was Aloha Bike Tours.
Shirley McHale
Newtown, CT
Dear Marc & Karen,
On February 19th my Dad and I took part in your Aloha Bike Tour down the volcano. It was a truly memorable highlight from my first Hawaiian vacation. It also turned out to be the first good father-daughter excursion that my Dad and I have shared in quite awhile.
Kristina Zardiackas
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Marc,
Pauline and I really enjoyed our bike trip down Haleakala. We were very fortunate to have a great day for sightseeing. We knew we picked the right tour from the start because the breakfast we had at Rice Park was excellent. It was a great opportunity to get to know everyone on the trip. The small group and ability to ride at our own pace was greatly appreciated after we saw the other "power rangers" bike tours. Your personal stories about the area added to the enjoyment of the trip. Your instructions about the bike and how to ride made us feel very safe during the whole trip. The "echo forest" was really cool! Pauline really appreciated the ride up the small hill in the Van. Shari and Bob were equally impressed. Keep up the goodwork, I would definitely recommend you to anyone considering a bike trip
down Haleakala!
Fredericksburg, VA
clifford@ahoynet.com
Marc & Karen!
" I know that we're quite tardy in writing to you, but my husband & I wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had on your bike tour (Monday, October 27th). It definitely was the highlight of our trip to Maui. We were so grateful to see upcountry Maui - I'm not sure we would have seen it had we not taken your tour - it was beautiful! The protea farm & winery were great stops, too! I am going to write to Frommer's & let him know what a great tour you provide!!! (You deserve a whole paragraph in his book, not just mention of a phone #!!!!!!!) Also, the small tour size was great - we had fun meeting the other couples, but also enjoyed spending some biking time just as a "twosome".
Robin & Ed Anthony
Nazareth, PA
Marc & Karen Friezner,
" We have been back in the land of snow for (5) days now and already miss Maui. On behalf of Todd, Lindsay and myself we wanted to express our sincere thanks for a wonderful day. It truly was one of our highlights. From the suggestion of the Sunrise and timing to miss those pesky buses, to the breakfast(where oh where did you get those Muffins says Todd) to the
variety of biking legs", we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The bikes were in great condition, which added to success. We have already passed on our recommendations to some others while in Maui, and wish you continued success. This Bike Tour did not seem like a commercial venture, rather a personal and relaxed experience. Keep up the good work. We will be sure to look you up again when we return to Maui."
Todd, Lindsay and Cass Sloane
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Marc & Karen,
"Grace and I wanted to thank you for a fabulous ride down a beautiful mountain. After watching the "power ranger bike tours" go by in a single line of red, blue or whatever color in their full motorcycle helmets, we definitely knew we made the right choice in going with Aloha Bicycle Tours.
Mt. Prospect, IL
jeffrey.twietmeyer@ac.com
" Thanks for a great adventure, Marc. The Sabicers and the Martinezes had the ride of their life. Unfortunately we are all home now. Our entire trip to Maui was perfect. I am going to call this trip the "3 Ladies of Adventure Vacation", because my 2 daughters and my wife enjoyed everything I could throw at them, including your great downhill bicycle ride. We are certain
that we picked the right tour. Your route to the vinyards is the only real way to see Maui. To see all those other riders in neat little rows, all going the same speed, like a bunch of sheep, was the final convincer that we had the better adventure. I've already told 5 fellow bikers at work about this excellent variation on the downhill tour. Thanks again for a great ride."
Steve and Jodie Martinez
Sacramento, CA
"I and my 7 compatriots from Northwest Cable Advertising want to say thank you for the great Haleakala Tour. So glad we didn't join one of the assembly line tours. Maybe they are OK, but would have died to have had to wear matching outfits.
William Victor May
Stonemark Corporation
WilliamMay@aol.com
"Greetings from Canada!
Winnipeg ( winterpeg ), Manitoba, Canada.
"I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for being so considerate and cancelling the bike tour because of the weather. My husband, Anders, and I made the drive up to the crater and witnessed many other miserable tourists being forced to ride down the mountain in the rain. We were very thankful you chose to cancel. I'm sorry it didn't work out for us to reschedule
during out stay in Maui. I hope we can do it on another trip. And of course we will choose Aloha Bike tours. I've already recommended your company to everyone I've talked to about our trip."
Susan Stone
Los Angeles, CA
"Our bike ride down the mountain was a highlight of our Maui trip. Thousands bike down Haleakala, but the real tour is with Aloha Bicycle Tours!
Del & Beth Wallace
Tucson, AZ
"The highlight of our trip to Maui was your bicycle tour. Thanks so much for allowing our son, Matthew, to ride in the van. Not many people would look out for a 6 month old. We have highly recommended your tour to others."
Alanna, Brent & Matthew
Victoria, B.C.
"We had a great time last week on your tour. We will recommend you to our friends who are going to Maui. It was nice not being part of the herd heading down the volcano."
Woodinville, WA
"We wanted to write and thank you ever so much for one great bicycle tour. We recently developed our last roll of film and the pictures turned out fantastic. We particularly enjoyed the personal attention (great breakfast), and your knowledge about Maui. We'll recommend you to our friends"
Beaverton, OR
" Thank you for the fun-est adventure day we've ever had! Your bicycle tour was so much fun because you let us go at our own pace...no rush, no pressure...no group herding...just a morning of fun and laughing + riding + stopping to catch up with each other...or to enjoy the scenery. It was a blast!
Debra Merle & Friends
Olinda, HI
"Just wanted to let you know our trip down the mountain was the best part of our week in Hawaii. We plan to be back!
Placitas, NM
Dear Marc & Karen;
2. Your price for the day was a full bargain in consideration of other tours. Marc's approach of not touring on days with inclement weather makes more sense than the other competitors that outfit you with full storm gear for weather that you should not be biking down the mountain.
3. The choice of bikes and equipment was something that we could not originally judge, but by the time the day was over, our confidence would have said "if Marc uses it, it must be good."
4. I and Larry have previously gone to the top of Haleakala, and yet we still learned more personal and local items that were, off the cuff rather than canned lingo.
5. Including the Winery as the final stop was an added plus for us to stretch, talk to the other bikers and tour the facility.
Apple Valley, MN
"I wanted to send along thanks for the wonderful time we had with you on tour on New Year's Day. Both my signif other (David) and his mom (Patty) have expressed the hope that I would do so, and
(although I needed not much encouragement), I am doing just that. I too loved the entire experience. You deserve much credit."
"Best wishes for success and happiness. Glad we got a t-shirt, we love them."
Chicago, IL
dvweis @ aol.com