When I tell my friends in Indonesia that I want to ride my bike from Jakarta to Bali, they usually respond, “You MUST be joking!” Keep in mind these same friends, whom I love dearly, are consistently surprised when I chose to walk further then the 5 steps to the motorbike parked in my driveway. There are always exceptions to the rule (shout out to my Bike 2 Work gals! Nenden and becek drivers! :) but generally speaking Indonesians prefer motorized transport. My friends from the states are not quite so surprised, still I thought I’d start my BikeJava blog with…
Why?
In September 2008 I moved to Claremont CA and gave away my car. Having owned a car for nearly 10 years I was a surprised how easy I found the transition from driving to riding. For two years I led a wonderfully active life, exploring the world on two wheels and becoming an expert at utilizing public transport to visit friends all over the southland. I would also join with other bike enthusiast to take quick paced rides through the urban/ suburban sprawl east of Los Angeles; I quickly learned that 20 or 30 miles was not such an outrageous distance to ride in one evening.
However, I must admit that while I love my bicycle I am a Jill of all trades and find that art rather than wheels has consumed my time and attention here in Indonesia. I have devoted countless hours learning traditional arts such as Jaipongan, batik, and even a bit of gamelan. In addition I have discovered playing guitar, singing and painting to be wonderful tools in building relationships with the people around me regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. Through these mediums I have had the privilege to develop deep connections with my Indonesian friends especially the women in my life.
Now after experiencing the beauty and complexity of Indonesia I am thrilled to combine all these passions into one adventurous project. I will get to explore the Island I have come to love while support small organizations that share the same passions I do and provide invaluable service to their own communities. Besides I’m itching to be back on a bicycle!
Guest post by: Heather Halk
Southern route, eh? Ballin' hard. How long do you suppose it will take you to get to Bali? I'm kinda of jealous, but then also kind of not...I'm more a walking than a cyclist. =)
ReplyDeleteOur goal is Banyuwangi, and if things run smoothly then off to Bali! 17 days total, including 3 days for volunteering and a day for absolute rest before Bromo.
ReplyDeleteMau ikut? (This should be our tag line; jaius, but fun)