Day 2: Just a Helmet, Sir

Days Left Before Journey: 55 Days

Training Kilometers Cycled: 0 km

Current Weight: 67 kg (beginning weight, 67kg)

Current Pulse @Rest: 60 bpm (beginning pulse @rest, 60bpm)

Sponsors: None yet

Planned Route:

1. Central Jakarta (Monumen Nasional), West Java

2. Banyuwangi (East Java)

3. (Maybe) Ferry to Bali

4. (Maybe) Finish in Denpasar or somewhere in south Bali

Day 2:

The Pot-o-Gold at the End of the Rainbow.

I can't believe how many people I've asked about bikes - “Where can I buy a bike with gears?”; “Is it possible to rent?”; “What about a decent used one?” I just want to hit the pavement and get those kilometers in! I'm told to ask this person, or that person, or contact this organization. It's all so frustrating, but I'm thoroughly grateful for the leads. Right now, I do not have an “in” into the Indonesian cycling community so I spent my post-work day contacting friends via texts see where I can get this illusive dream bike. As for my night, although I was doubtful I'd find a bike shop open after 5pm I had my friend take me to a nearby city to search out shops.

Waiting by his motorbike while my friend went to pray.

We found two bike shops all closed up tightly for the night.

I really didn't think about how I'd get a bike back home at 9pm, 30km away. I was just hoping to get my hands on a helmet. I even lost that battle. On my way home though, I didn't feel defeated or sad. In fact, I felt refreshed. Instead of sitting at home rationalizing that making such a journey would be pointless, I went and I tried.

Biking on a Budget.

After much consideration I've realized the unlikely possibility that someone will just show up at my door with a decent touring or cross country bike, and so I've decided to cancel my diving trip and hiking trip to Sumatra. Using the money I would've spent on that week long vacation should be enough to get me going. As such, biking on a budget is tough – it's not the cheapest hobby.

My “Hello Kitty” knock-off Yoga Mat for Exercises.

Training.

So as to not waste “Day 2”, I spent an hour doing Exercises for Cyclists: The Bodyweight Exercise Guide. Oh how bad my core is...

Nutrition.

What the hell am I doing? Today, I made due with what I had in my fridge: half a cabbage and 3 cups of cooked brown rice. I also had some broiled chicken, rice, tofu, and veggies from the school canteen and a mini pizza for dinner. Seriously? Who eats half a cabbage? Apparently, I do.

Inspiration.

Two guys biked across the United States, 3300 miles in 53 Days.

Thoughts.

Humility is usually important; now is not the time to quietly undertake this ride. I need to let people know what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and if others can help or are interested. I do not doubt that I will sound like a broken record player to those around me. “I want to bike across Java to raise health awareness... awareness.... awareness.... to raise health awareness...” I also don't doubt that I will sound arrogant or cocky in a society where it is looked down upon. Why not just shut up and do it? That's my usual modus operandi. Yet, the slight potential of being able to make some difference in this world won't let me undertake this ride as the “silent cocky son-of-a-bitch who biked Java”. When I finish, I'll feel great personally, but if my seeming arrogance makes an ounce of difference to a good cause then let me appear as such.

“Step-by-step, Mr.”