Thanks to GU for hosting the Slowtwitch Kona Gathering at these palatial digs on the sunny Kailua-Kona shore.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

The Slowtwitch Kona Gathering at the GU compound on Alii Drive was sold out. Merriment was rampant on the lava shore.

Devashish Paul arrived by bike after a jaunt up to 5,000 feet on a nearby mountain road.

Beneath a Slowtwitch Kona Gathering sign, this invitee cools off in the shade while enjoying the food.

Emcee Sean English mans the microphone from the balcony, distributing prizes to the crowds below.

Pro competitor Jocelyn McCauley made an appearance.

Mark Johnson stands close to the beautiful sculpture of a woman on the main floor.

ST ad man Lars Finanger made an appearance.

Random revelers.

Basking in the late afternoon sun.

Slowtwitch honcho Dan Empfield chats with Hector Torres.

Left to Right: USA Triathlon CMO Chuck Menke, CEO Rocky Harris with wife Liz, and Scott Miller.

Intense conversation while properly hydrating.

Renowned coach Neal Henderson (right) chats with a friend. Henderson, the former coach of Flora Duffy and current coach of rising star Taylor Knibb, is now recovered from a nasty bike crash.

Wattie Ink was well represented at the party.

Two cool gals.

Anxiously awaiting the drawing.

Enjoying the sunny show along the rock wall.

Bren Wilhite (Left) won a Garmin 945 in the drawing – with Cat Elvert.

Making a connection with one of the youngest members at the fest.

Ignoring the giants to commune with his iPad; probably looking at our recent bike galleries.