Bike Java

Days Until Journey: 56 days

Kilometers Cycled: 0 km

Day 1

"A man who can dream is a man who can truly smile."

- Not sure, but I'm sure someone said this before.

Looking forward to something can be amazing. I've always had trouble with excited anticipation. When I put my nose to the grindstone my eyes can only make out the rough grains of the grindstone without ever really being certain whether I am sharpening or blunting the blade. Starting today, I will officially commit myself to a dream: to bike across the island of Java in Indonesia. I got my idea from reading The Art of Manliness and their article on 5 modern day adventurers. I am a progressive fellow, yet I get a satisfying kick reading about some blatantly gender stereotypical articles. As a male, should I know how to buff my shoes to a high gloss shine? No. Yet, I cannot deny that my future love wouldn't mind seeing my shoes not have mud and dog hair caked on them. And yes, that is the sound of crass realism knocking at my doorstep. I'll acknowledge it, but ask for a few minutes more before I answer the door.

Adventurers take the first step on a journey for themselves, but the ones I admire are the ones that make the last step for others. Reading their desire to bring awareness to certain causes really inspires me to do the same. I love being in Indonesia and traveling here is awesome. At times though, it feels kind of empty, as if the purpose is to lose the "I never game..." with all my empty travels (It's a game where you begin with your hand open and every time someone states something they've never done, but you've done it, you put a finger down until you're left with just a fist - then you lose).

This will require a lot; I'm ready for it.

My purpose:

To bring awareness to health efforts in Indonesia and to... well, cycle across Java!

The plan:

Cycle across Indonesia beginning in Central Jakarta, MoNas and ending in (tentatively) Banyuwangi in East Java. Along the way, I will visit health-related sites that are indispensable to the community, but are underfunded or are progressive with limited exposure.

First steps:

1) Acquire an affordable touring bike or modified bike for touring.

1.5) For a quick start, acquire any bike.

2) Acquire a quality helmet.

Notes:

As you can tell, I'm starting from scratch. Let's kick it into gear!