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!