Cycling in Bali

Wayan, here it is…

You need to fill in some gaps for me.

Thanks again, it was great/dm

5 days and 650kms, Wayan and Ketut were with me every inch of the way. I started as an overambitious newbie on the first day. Keen, arrogant and raring to go. Start early – 6am – just in case the sun gets us….

As with every new venture there is a learning curve. Mine was steep, almost as steep as the 23km hill up to [name the place on day #1. As we made our way through parts of Bali that the dreadful and pretentious Luxe Guide hasn’t discovered yet, the air, the views and the people were to be beholden. We racked up kilometer after kilometer and I soon realized that Kutuk
is a celebrity in Bali. People know him, recognize him, love him and cheer him on…..I was his support team (and Wayan in the vehicle behind).

The rides were great – tailored in the company of skilled bike enthusiasts and technicians giving tips and anecdotes on everything from culture to lactose intolerance…..oh, that was the bit I wasn’t going to mention. My embarrassing moment at the summit of (which hill?) where I barfed Accelerate,  Pocari and apple into a rice paddy ….proof on day #1 that there is no substitute for strength, stamina and water….1 liter per hour. The rides on each day were different – flat and fast, steep and strenuous, undulating….Wayan taught me the AUDAK way. We went to the foot of Kintamani, we went to the temple at (where?) and countless other places hidden away in the enchanted Bali. Aside from the obvious benefits of seeing Bali, exploring, training, cycling, and building the all-important stamina, the lads made it social as well as a learning experience in that way that you get when in the company of professionals. They level you and give you the perspective you need to train up. It was also a great thing to do on a family holiday – with time on your hands, properly managed, we eat early with the kids (and my lovely wife of course), lots of crab, bed at the same time as them with a book, up at 5, back by 11 and you have the rest of the day gently recovering with the kids….the eco balance was superb! I honestly felt free on that vacation – like you did as a child; speeding along on your bike for no reason, getting knackered out and then stopping for an ice cream (in our case Pocari Sweat!). Back in time for something else….etc

It wasn’t easy though. And if it had been, I would have
asked for my money back!!

Wayan and Ketut – thank you!

For Riders
1. Make sure that your bicycle is in good working condition. It is your responsibility to have your bike checked and service before the rider. Things to look out for. Brake pads, gear and brake cables, balding tires, trueness of wheels, smooth shifting of gear, comfortable seat height.
2. Bring front/rear light as some rides may start early in darkness. Lights are also a must in rainy/misty conditions.
3. Helmet and gloves must be worn when riding.
4. Wear bright clothing whenever possible, to make yourself more visible to motorist.
5. Do not ride alone. Stay with your group and its guide.
6. When cycling through village, always be on the lookout for children, chickens and dogs. Slow down on approaching a village.
7. Do not follow too closely behind fellow riders, especially when going downhill or in the dark (early morning or evening).
8. Avoid riding abreast other cyclists. Rider in a single file as par possible.
9. Turn around regularly to make sure the rider behind you is within sight; slow down if otherwise.
10. Be alert and attentive while riding. Establish. Eye contact with motorist and pedestrians if you are about to cross their path. Do not hesitate call out to warn other road users of your approach.
11. Look out for vehicle in front of you even if they are going in the opposite direction. Oncoming vehicle attempting to overtake the vehicle in front of them may swerve info your path.
12. Check back regularly and listen for vehicle coming from behind you, even if it sounds like a motorcycle. Be prepared for inconsiderate drivers who blast their horns as they are passing you.
13. A friendly wave usually goes long way. Don’t forget there are other riders in front and behind you and aggravating motorist may endanger your fellow riders.
14. Be cautions when you rider past parked vehicle (doors may be flung open in your path); and be extra cautions in school areas or where there are children playing, or animals grazing.
15. Use hand signals to warn you riders behind you of hazards ahead and for making intention clear. Point to road hazards (eg potholes) as you pass them.
16. If you must stop (for a break or for repairs), make sure you and your bike get off the road completely. Avoid stopping at bends a round blind spots that put you at high risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
17. Should you stop for a toilet or drink break, look after your bike and belongings.
18. If you should choose to rest at location that is not visible to passing vehicles, please indicate your location (perhaps by parking you bike by the roadside) so that the passing support crew can sport you and render assistance if necessary, or simply to account for you.
19. Warm up stretch well before stating a rider and warm down after it.
20. Wear padded short. To avoid nasty abrasions, you might want to bring some Vaseline or similar lubricant. Please approach one of the organizing committee members if you do not know where to apply this. Padded seats (foam or gel) might help.
21. Wear gloves and shock. To might experience numbness on your hands an feet on long riders. Make sure you change handlebar positions frequently, sit up and stretch while riding or pull off the road to a safe spot to do it you have to.
22. Pace yourself according to the distance to ride.
23. Protect your eyes-it could be a hot and dry ride. Use eyewear-shaded or clear.
24. Apply sunscreen and lip balm as required and protect the exposed parts of your body from sunburn with arm covers, tight, etc. the cheeks, nose and back of your neck are particularly vulnerable parts.
25. Arm protectors are highly recommended. For cheap and simple pair of arm covers, buy a cheap pair of women’s tight. Snip of the leggings and use those for arm covers.
26. You may want to bring a light raincoat or wind-breaker for cold or wet days.
27. Hydrate. The night before, during and after a ride, have a sip of water every 15 min or so; never you wait till you are thirty-that usually to late.
28. Try to carry some basic essentials with you luggage: see the list in section c above.
29. For mountain bikers, it is advisable to use a pair opt slick tires instead of you knobblies for are more comfortable and easier ride.

Bali Cycling Operator is an entity in the field of service has been operating a bicycle tour from the date of 05-05-2003. All members of our team work come from Bali Cycling Federation members. We serve the activities of a road bike, mountain bikes and funbike. Locations that we use throughout the island of Bali and will be expanded to other areas. We serve with our experience during the operation of Bali Cycling Federation. We’re happy to serve with the standard UCI (International Cycling Union), because our members already have a license from the (UCI-Indonesia Cycling Federation). Locations that we offer have been at first so that proper surveys are used for bicycle tours. Accommodation, meal, refreshments and cycling can we provide appropriate program your request. We of the team work to provide good service so that the activities of your cycling and running well and returning home with happiness.

Cycling Holiday, Sport and Training Program

BALI STIFF VIDEO -  video clips are right here