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Two years of imagination and expertise has paid off for Friday Friendly Tour Company Cycle Indonesia, headed up by New World Tourist owner and Indonesia expert Colin Freestone. Last January, after 40 years of close association with Indonesia and several years of planning and preparation, I led a 1200 km tour to the spidery shaped Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the island through which the Wallace line runs, separating Asian from Australian vegetation. On that trip, there were 10 BF cyclists, 3 from the US, 7 from Australia. Inspired by the enthusiastic responses of riders plus their constructive feedback I’ve planned a second trip. I want to share, through cycling, my love, knowledge and experience of Indonesian life and culture. Read more about Cycle Indonesia Below are excerpts - sent by cellphone - from the inaugural trip: Subject: Sulawesi Bike Friday Adventurers Greetings from Colin in South Sulawesi. Stop. Having a great time with loads of BF's on 28 day tour. Stop. Thanks for all of your help in making the Sulawesi Adventure a reality. Photo attached. Wish you were here. Colin Watch this space for more reports as the tour unfolds! |
UPDATES FROM THE ROAD Jan 22, 2009: We're all safe 'n' sound and having a well deserved rest in misty, mystical Toraja, land of cave dwelling spiritual ancestors. Day before yesterday the group went to a ritual slaughtering of 168 water buffalo to celebrate the burial of a revered ancestor who actually died some years back. Yesterday the Sulawesi Adventurers went white water rafting and trekking through mountain villages. A splendid day. Today we farewelled four of our group who took the 20 day option. Others in the group are making a donation to a local orphanage, checking out the Torajan weavings, resting by the hotel pool and pedaling the mountains that surround Rantepao. Health in the group is excellent and spirits are very high. Trip cycle shirts, at long last, arrived last night. Day after tomorrow we begin the descent back to Makassar via the hot springs at Lejeand the falls and butterfly glens at Bantimurung. - Colin Saturday Jan 17: The Sulawesi Adventurers have just finished their 12th day on the road, 10 days of cycling and 2 rest days. We've followed the east coast of the main arm of the island of Sulawesi, stayed in the towns of Sinjai. Watapone (actually Palette, a fishing village on the coast), Sengkang (home of the Wajuk people), Siwa (actually near the fishing village of Buntu Matabing). We have now started our ascent thru lush tropical vegetation and waterfalls to Toraga. The group is getting stronger and fitter and has now started leaving at the start of Muslim dawn prayers. We continue to thrive on barbequed fish, local fruits and village cakes. In Toraja Land we hope to see the ritual funerary slaughtering of specially bred water buffalo while sleeping in traditional Toraja wooden houses. Sunday, Jan 11: Sinjai, Southern Sulawesi, indonesia Today was our first 100 km day starting on the coast at Bira and cycling thru luscious green hills and rice paddies. We stopped frequently to savor exotic tropical fruits including the sweetest pineapple ever had, rambutan, durian, papaya, mango, snake skin fruit, custard apple, and many varieties of bananas. Back to the coast tomorrow. January 10, 2009: I am writing this from the southeastern tip of the main leg of the spiderly shaped island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It's windy, and the waves are crashing on the cliffs in front of the traditional bungalows where the group is staying. Today is our fifth day out of Makassar. We've had four cylce days and today is our first rest day. The cycling terrain to date has been mostly flat or undulating with one serious ascent to a waterfall near Bantaeng where the group splashed around and got free massages from the pouring water. We spent some time in Tanah Benu the home of the Bugunese wooden sailing boat industry. (The term bogeyman is from the Bugis - as in 'boogie man'). The group has been getting stuck into the barbequed fish, local village cakes (made from sticky rice and palm sugar) and equitorial fruits such as custard apple. Tired riders have been able to enjoy traditional massages from one of the female support staff. The daily yoga sessions have been a real hit. Tomorrow will be the first of three 100 km days. The BF's are always way up there! Best,Colin Check our sometimes-updated blog for more: www.cycleindonesia.blogspot.com |
"Despite reports of cyclone induced ferry sinkings, the Sulawesi Adventurers are safe and sound (and sober) due to our all day police escort replete with flashing lights and wailing sirens. (see photo).we are back on the east coast in Palette enjoying views, swimming and yoga ..."
This morning we went biking together with Colin: Iwan, Adhi/ (tikit), Bobby (NWT) and Australian guest star, Colin Freestone - Iwan, Onebikes |
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