Category Archives: Photos

Masterpiece of Road Design

The road architects and engineers did a wonderful job to design and layout the road to Bajawa. It is more like an artwork, than civil engineering that the long stretch of tar paints into the scenic landscape. On 25kms it gradually meanders from sea level along a scenic valley, formed by a giant volcano and its satellites to find it way to Bajawa in 1200m altitude. It is a constant up, no intermediate drops into valleys cut by creeks or rivers, no bridges to cross followed by steep re-climbs. Every corner of the numberless switchbacks revealing a fantastic view – back to the ocean in the south, the giant volcano to the east or the mountains to the west. What a treat, even after a long day in the saddle. Enjoy- and unforgettable. We are soon going to miss the diversity of the Indonesian landscapes!

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3D areal view of the road meandering up the hill to Bajawa at 1200m.

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Birds view of the road builders artwork.

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Like a giant snake crawling through the dense forest, the roads finds its way up.

DSC_6218revealing fantastic views in the afternoon light of the sinking sun.

Who volunteers to count the switchbacks and corners?

Business Club Express

Today Cristiano released the long feared information about the toughest cycling days of the tour. Partial information had long leaked before, but details were being kept a secret until today.

The next tree days from Labuan Bajo to Ende will cover 388 km and 6580m accumulated elevation gain – with the maximum of 3240m of climbs in 128 km, tomorrow, the first day after the rest in Labuan Bajo. Temperatures in the upper 30th or higher will make these days a real challenge.

Having received this scary data, our ‘French Couple’ immediately decided to use Gerald’s shuttle service, which right at that day arrived to deliver another box of the best French Burgundy Wine for the two.  Bikes and duffle bags packed and soon they disappeared into the afternoon sun of Western Flores waving us a friendly ‘Hello’, ‘Good Luck’ and ‘See you in Ende’.

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Well, ‘Ende’ is the German word for ‘End’.
Will it be the end of the EFI dreams of the last 2 remaining cyclists – Chris & Brett – who have not yet been sick, injured or too tired to always ride their bikes to the camp ground?

Eric, who is a trained pilot, with a valid license, is Gerald’s personal pilot and they have probably spent more time in the air to get from A to B, than on their bicycle.  How else can you explain the difference in tanning? legs

Angry Little Joe and Captain Hook

Today my Galaxy S4 Active ‘died’ … it was working in the morning on the ferry, and I could upload all my delayed posts, once G3 internet connection was available on Sumbawa. The phone went into ‘black’ mode somehow during the day, and now does not restart anymore.
Research says, it must be sent to, e.g. JTAG Brick Repair Service, or have it replaced. Until I get a replacement (I probably need to buy one and resolve the warranty issue, once I am home) I can’t provide live updates from the road. :(

Tomorrow is a 192km day, with a 4:30 wake up. I have to pack and get ready for some rest …

I used up all my energy to get the phone back to work, with no success, thus I will not be able to post any news of a very exciting cycling day on Sumbawa. We’ll have a 6 hour ferry ride to Flores the day after tomorrow, which hopefully allows me to work on my backlog of updates and photos, via my PC … sorry folks …

DSC_5524Me, and my ‘Angry Bird – Little Joe’, which accompanied me today as a successor of late ‘Sponge Bob’

Later ‘Captain Hook’ arrived at camp to take revenge on the 2 ‘French Bandits’ which kidnapped the nice German guy two nights before in Senggigi. However, the 2 cowards must have heard about their destiny in advance and disappeared from the island minutes before Hook’s arrival. The search for revenge continues …

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Wedding No.???

Stopped for another community festival on Lombok. Traditional Lombok drum music and more facebook friends  …

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Rain + Rain

First rain after 6 week of burning sun. Today, just after returning from my scuba diving trip, a heavy downpour set in. It washed away the dust of the past months from roads and plants. The island will probably look much different tomorrow, when sun rises again.

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It will be a very scenic stage, all day along the coast. Hidden beaches, white sand and palm trees for miles.

Kidnapped

At 1am there was a ‘Tsunami Alarm’ and 2 members of the ‘French Legionaires’ evacuated Stirling and me from our room and pulled us into the Senggigi nightlife.

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There is more to report, but local authorities were closely watching us and … [censored] … ;)

update:
7:08am. I wished I had 3 hours more sleep before I got up for my scuba diving trip …

Leaving Bali for Lombok

It was a short, but wonderful cycling episode on Bali. Now I am already on the ferry to island no.4, Lombok, a 4 hours cruise from here.

Leaving behind the lovely rice terraces of Ubud and heading into new adventures on an islamd I haven’t been before..

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Honeymoon Spa

The Suly Resort * Yoga * Spa * U B U D  /  B A L I

We are placed in Paradise for our Rest Day in Ubud.

Suly-1With a blend of Balinese and a hint of modern architecture, surrounded by lush gardens in the tranquil village of Ubud, the rest day location provides us with an unforgettable atmosphere and relaxing experience.

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The Welcome Statues at the entrance immediately indicate that this is the perfect retreat for our ‘French Honeymoon’ couple, which immediately formed when Mr. G. joined the group in Java.

All over the Top

Henry & Erik complete today’s riders mastering the climb …

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Leaving my new Balinesian Home

After just ine night I have to leave from my new home in Indonesia. The tour doesn’t want me to stack back, but finish the last day of the ‘Temples & Volcanoes’ section.

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One day I will return!

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And my little Garmin Smiley is following me again … soon over the top

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