Started ride in Kalaheo as time was short due to getting to bike store (Kaui Cylcles, $30/rental, Specialized Aluminum frame w climbing gears) later and hoping to return bike before they close as we were departing to Maui the next morning. The route that I took this year was thru Kekaha which was a easier climb as the grade was very consistent to the fork. The difference between (a)Waimea Canyon Dr and (b)Kekaha/Kokee is: (a) 7 miles/2,462' vs (b) 7.3miles/2,251' WaimeaCDr has some really steep sections 15-17% and then it will ease off and then it gets steep again as its stair steps to the fork. the K/K route is more manageable as its consistent grade of 5-7% to the fork. The temps on both climbs gets into the mid-high 90's, but the temps will drop into the 80's after the fork, where the climbing gets easier. As I was getting near the lodge i got some light sprinkles on/off, which felt refreshing. At the end of the road it was really wet and foggy and I couldn't see much. Be sure to bring plenty of water as 2 water bottles is risking it. Only water is at the lodge (near top of climb) which is ~17 miles from start of the climbing.