With Haleakala and most of Mauna Kea down, we’d one climb left, Mauna Loa. Although 4100 metres high, you only climb 3100.

Like the previous 2 climbs we’d agreed to start at 5am. Mark was getting used to these early starts.

The previous day on Mauna Kea I noticed a creak in or around my crank. Today it was more prominent. Every time I put power though my pedals the sound was getting louder, and louder.

After 14km I had to make the tough decision to quit, and ride back to Hilo. Mark was just as devastated me. I told him to ride on and I’d see him back at the hotel. My ride was over in just over an hour.

It was then that I decided that I’d be back to The Big Island to conquer these two beasts.

Mark returned victorious. He’d conquered all. He was an absolute champ. It’s great riding with guys like him. He’d ridden more Kms, and climbed more metres than me, yet he was able to crack all 3 volcanoes. Hat tip to him.

My morning was spent at Mid-Pacific wheels, having my bottom bracket replaced. It was absolutely toasted. Thankfully I didn’t continue and compromise the rest of my trip.

So that evening I left Mark to tour the rest of The Big Island, Hawaii. We said our goodbyes, planned our next trip and catchup, and I headed for the airport, and onto Marseille.