Photo Peter Milne
If you've always wanted to ride through the hills and rice terraces of West Java on a bike trail, no longer dreams. It is now possible. Not only that, but, as I discovered when I have a friend who was a complete novice bike with me on my second visit, even beginners to bike riding can become proficient in a weekend. A small operation, called Totally Wild Tours, Weekend offers ATV trail in the foothills of Gunung Gede, near Sukabumi. One of the great things about the weekend is that you look at your home in Jakarta on Friday. You should not worry about driving through traffic at peak hours; instead you just sit back and enjoy the ride. In a few hours you are in the air Ubrug fresh hill, the village is the base for the weekend, which is a few kilometers from the road down to Pelabuhan Ratu on the south coast.
TWT is led by a young and energetic Indonesian called Joko. Set in a small area of land, its operations center has the most beautiful views of a verdant terraced valley looking towards the dark volcanic outline of Gunung Gede on the horizon. There are four small but tastefully decorated bungalows (for up to 8 people) overlooking the valley, a small pool, and a comfortable joglo, to relax and enjoy the view.
After a wonderfully peaceful night's sleep lulled by the sound of cicadas, we were up and ready for the first race the next morning. All protective equipment is provided, including knee and elbow-protectors and boots too, if you need only bring appropriate clothing for yourself. After settling in the gear, we were introduced to our track bikes, in my case, a measure Kawasaki KLX 150. And with Joko in mind, we were off!
After passing through the edge of Ubrug, with villagers Sundanese going about their daily tasks of preparing food, hanging out the washing, and caring for small children, we headed into the sawah (rice fields) on a rocky trail. Having never done this kind of bike before, we concentrated on getting used to the bikes. But that did not prevent us to enjoy the beautiful landscape and terraces dotted with small Desa.
We had a short break after half an hour, how Joko informed us that we had just completed the "warm". He was right: we then began attacking a steep hill called Bukit Cilutung, through the small Desa Sundanese and rubber minyak Sawit (palm oil) plantations above. He had exciting things; the rocky trail was so steep that I doubted the bike's ability to pull me up the slope, but what was missing was that my faith in the power of the bike. Remarkably forgiving yet powerful track cycling has managed to cope with all the challenges and rock in my way to the top of the hill. But it is physically tiring things, so another rest was in order once we had done that. We then headed on, through a development zone, with recently finished golf, half-finished hotel, and still largely empty plots housing - a sign of things to come. These hills are likely Sundanese a luxury resort for elite Jabotabeka a decade from now.
Photo by Peter Milne
After passing along a trail overlooking the small town of Cibadak, we made our way back to Ubrug early in the afternoon, triumphant after overcoming the challenges of the road of 40 km, but also happy to get a mandi, and a little back relaxing in the joglo. In the evening we were treated to a traditional Sundanese dinner served on a large banana leaf 'table-cloth "prepared by the wife of Joko.
On the way to the second day, we went further into the valley instead of scrambling in the hills. Surprisingly, this is quite difficult for riding because the tracks were very muddy, and it was hard to stay on the bike at a time. We suffered some spills unworthy, but no significant damage was done. And verdant rice terraces, tiny villages and friendly locals made for injuries. As explained Joko, these rice fields are not on the tourist trail, and most residents have never laid eyes on a westerner. So, dressed in our protectors and our Robocop rather odd grunts bikes we got a lot of thumbs-up as we passed.
Outside bike weekend, Joko also organizes three day trips down to Ujung Genteng on the south coast of West Java. The only caveat is that you need a group of at least three runners to make it viable, so I'm looking for another couple of adventurous souls to join the next trip.
But it is not enough about bike course. If you are not in the bike thing, then Joko can also take you on mountain bike trips. Or, if you prefer to walk, then just day trekking through the hills is also an option. Ubrug the base is also a great place to relax for a weekend away from the stresses of Jakarta, reading, writing, or just take things easy.
The pick-up from and drop-off return, cost Jakarta Rp 300,000 per person, while the trail-bike riding costs Rp 250,000 for the first hour of the day, and Rp 150,000 for each next time, all gear, fuel, and instruction included. Not bad for a totally wild city break
totally wild Tours
Contact :. Joko Sutiyono 0817 847 039
jlandungsutiyono@yahoo.com
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