We were rewarded with another climb and fantastic change in scenery. In the morning we were dropping down from yesterdays camp into lush vegetation and large rice fields fed by the waters of a big river, before we had to re-climb all of the early descent. The climb felt stepper and hard than yesterdays, although it was not as long. On top a fresh and cool headwind help to cool down the almost boiling blood.

Paul is racing down the first descent of the day

We were riding through numberless villages and the friendly ‘Hello Mister’ and ‘How are You’ calls did never end. Not only scholars and kids, but also adults were greeting us with big smiles in their faces.  Hard to believe that just about 100 years ago the last cases of cannibalism were reported from this area of Sumatra. Today there is a friendly mix of different religions: Islam, Christians & Buddhism live in harmony and peace next to each other. Why can’t this be in the Arab countries, too?

Here Muslim women wave you a ‘Hello’ with a great smile, as if this is the most normal in their religion. This night I even heard a supposed to be female voice doing prayers at the Mosque.

And this will obviously continue throughout Indonesia.

Dan, Shirley and John ‘chasing’ the racers

before pulling into lunch. Their faces speak for themselves how they like todays ride.

The rain that set in yesterday evening never stopped. Everyone showed up in more-or-less rain gear. Even Cristiano (freshly shaved) could finally wear his new ‘dry sack’. After a wet 40 km ride along the shores of the Samosir Island we crossed on a bridge back to the ‘main land’ where shortly after the expected ‘rewarding climb’ should start.

Guess what, not only the climb was rewarded, but the complete ride was rewarded more than once.

1. The waterfall at Tuk Tuk, which yesterday could only be guessed that it exists, was running in full power.

2. The climb was fantastic. Steep, countless switchbacks, still drizzling rain, low clouds and stunning views! If it wasn’t supposed to be a long riding day, I would have been tempted to stop more often, to enjoy the scenery and the incomparable beauty of the valley.

3. The food at the summit lunch stop. In addition to the usual fruits, veggies, white bread and peanut butter, we got fresh cooked baby potatoes. What a treat!

4. The long rolling downhill. A 90 km long drop from 1800 m to 900 m, with a few more minor climbs, which added another 500m to todays total. However, the strong head wind on the last 50 km to Taruntung was a bit challenging with the legs and body getting more tired with every kilometer.

5. The afternoon monsoon rain shower that finished as fast as it appeared. The dark sky could be seen from a distance, but little time was left to jump into the rain clothes. I would have been soaked wet, if the little shop wasn’t exactly were I needed it. Downside: My bike wasn’t naturally washed and I had to clean it myself at the hotel *)

*) Our rooms for the night are booked in the Bali Hotel in Tarutung. Read more in my soon to come Bali Hotel post …