The Day Two ride from Volcanoes National Park to the Red Road, through Hilo, up to Waimea, and over the Kohala Mountains and down to Hawi is a 171.4-mile tropical sleigh ride that separates the wheat from the chaff at Ultraman Hawaii.

All photos © Timothy Carlson

Six-time Ultraman women's champion Shanna Armstrong rides along the coastal section of the Red Road - named for the shade of local crushed rock used in the first paved section.

Cory Foulk and crew prepares his bike by headlight.

Racers ready to go just before the 6:30 AM start.

The two eventual winners - Mike LeRoux in red and black jacket, center, and Amber Monforte on the far right, round the corner at the end of the 25-mile fast downhill that started Day Two.

Mike LeRoux eats a banana on the go.

Shanna Armstrong climbs a hill early on Day Two.

Hillary Biscay grits her teeth pushing hard to stay in range of hard-charging Amber Monforte.

By the rollers at Mile 35, the field has spread out.

Amber Monforte turns on to the scenic Red Road section in 7th. .

Kathy Winkler climbs one of many rollers on the Red Road.

Cory Foulk appears to have a sponsor on his race kit that is spelled O-U-C-H.

2009 ESPY winner Jason Lester had an enthusiastic cheerleading squad near Pahoa.

Jonas Colting had a great ride despite feeling a bit under the weather.

Three Ultraman riders framed by Hilo's giant trees.

Amber Monforte climbs the long incline to Waimea on her way to a record-smashing 7:57 bike split for the 171-mile Day Two bike split.

Slovenia's Nino Cokan rides past some horses grazing on a ranch on the road into Waimea.

Riding past an old cactus on the grade up to the summit of the Kohalas.

The faint outlines of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are visible behind the rider nearing the top of the Kohala pass.

Amber Monforte charges up the Kohala climb, backlit by a striking white cloud.

Hillary Biscay appears glad that this day is over.