9TH JULY - Cycling tour
With Hubby's toe packed in securely in his protective sneaker we set off for our cycling tour at 6:30 in the morning. Off we went to collect 4 other couples on our way to the Lake View Restaurant for breakfast.
I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I saw these young, athletic and gorgeous bodies pile into the van. How on earth was I going to keep up with them on a bike? I reassured myself by remembering that they say that this is a downhill tour for all ages even little kids.
The view of the volcano and the lake on this particular day was spectacular. The restaurant was great. I spent ages gazing out at this stunning view.
On the cycling tour I was a bit surprised to encounter so many pot holes and patches of loose gravel on the roads. By the end of the tour I felt as though I had just finished a race. The racing pack seemed to move swiftly over these pot holes.
Perhaps I was extra cautious as I had flash backs of my stay in hospital as an 8 year old as a result of me tearing down a hill at full speed and crashing my bike.
One guest on the tour was even doing wheelies and riding without touching the handle bars whilst I held on to my bike for my dear life. The pack even seriously considered continuing on to do the rest of the tour on their bike which involved a 15 minute bike ride up hill!
Personally I would have preferred a more leisurely ride. I was on holiday after all, one where I could enjoy the scenery and sunshine without my eyes being glued to the road anticipating the next obstacle which could appear at any minute at full pelt. I cannot imagine how a young family would have coped.
It was heart warming to hear the h'ellos' as we passed by from the children and even most of the adults.
I must say that the guide was a very friendly, entertaining, informative and enthusiastic young man. The bikes and in particular the brakes were in great condition. We stopped to see how the bamboo is cut and woven, saw a family compound, took some great photos of some rice paddies and had a fantastic lunch at their restaurant.
Overall we both had a great time on this tour. I just wish that I was more prepared for the swift pace and rough conditions let alone the 3 uphill sections where we had to cope with pot holes, other traffic and other cyclists as we struggled to make it to the top of the hill.
I should mention that we did a leisurely private cycling tour in 2003. However, during the 2009 cycling tour the volcano view and restaurant were far superior. The bikes were also in much better condition. I appreciated the stops and information provided on this tour by the helpful guide. Also the actual route in terms of sightseeing was much better on this latest tour.
Check out our photos at http://smedley.id.au/BaliSpoilers3
MY HASSLE SAVING TIPS FOR BALI NEWBIES BEFORE YOU GO...
TIP: On the cycling tour be prepared for the possible following
questions. Do you want to go to the coffee plantation? What are your
interests on this tour? Information? Photos? Cycling?
The tour is designed to suit the majority of the group. This means that you had to put your views forward which might influence what the group did. I think that most of the people on our tour were reluctant to speak up and determine the tour for the other strangers.
Think about how you would answer this question beforehand and speak up or you might miss out on some of the things that you wanted to get out of this tour.
TIP: Try to find a cycling tour that deals with tiny groups or is private. Otherwise you might have to adapt to the interests and pace of the others in the group. A tiny group size may also make the drop off route to your hotel A LOT shorter.
TIP: I would strongly recommend that you go on the cycling tour when you are staying in Ubud. It is a long trip there and back if you are staying in Kuta especially when you are stopping to drop off others along the way.
Did anyone else find this tour to be a bit faster than you expected?
Can anyone suggest a more leisurely online cycling tour for me for next time?
Has anyone else done a private cycling tour? Did it include a cultural tour?
Thanks to everyone who has sent healing messages regarding my husband's toe. He seems to be managing quite well now but it is still an awful sight! :)