How I went on a bicycle tour and fell in a ditch, in Bali!

On the beach in Sanur, Bali.
On the beach in Sanur, Bali.

Last week, I told you that I would be back to writing about our time in Asia, and indeed I am.

In the summer, The Music Producer and “The Tall Young Gentleman” and I went to one of my favourite continents for the summer – Asia.

The beauty of Asia - waterlilies!
The beauty of Asia – waterlilies!

We went to Thailand and you can read all about it in the following posts:

"The Tall Young Gentleman" having fun in Bangkok.
“The Tall Young Gentleman” having fun in Bangkok.

But you know, we really had a full summer because not only did we go to Thailand, but we also went to Indonesia. Bali to be precise!

I looooooove Bali. In fact, I’d even go as far as saying that I have a love for it which is far different to the love that I have for Thailand.

Local Balinese men in Ubud, Bali.
Local Balinese men in Ubud, Bali.

I first went to Bali in 1999. I had just left England and was doing my around-the-world travels before moving to Germany and starting a new life as such, I was a rich little girl. I had British pounds and I was willing to spend them. Not only that, but my pounds were worth a lot.

Even now in 2014, a £100 is worth 2 million Indonesian Rupiah or IDR. Imagine what it was worth fifteen (15) years ago!

I'm a Millionaire!
I’m a Millionaire!

I was a millionaire!

Many times over.

Did I spend all my millions?

You can bet your nelly I did!

And some!

A young Balinese man.
A young Balinese man.

Of course, with lots of money, came lots of attractive boys who wanted a piece of it.

Did they get any?

Now that would be telling!

Cue 2014. I was back in Bali. This time with husband and child in tow.

Utari House at Alam Shanti, Bali.
Utari House at Alam Shanti, Bali.

We were staying in a lovely house, behind a rice paddy, in a beautiful Balinese resort in Ubud. I found out about this resort after hearing lots of amazing chatter about it from Australians. On Tripadvisor!

Apparently, these Balinese resorts were so good that there was a two (2) year waiting list.

A two (2) year waiting list!

I had to find out more.

Enjoying the swimming pool at Alam Shanti in Ubud, Bali.
Enjoying the swimming pool at Alam Shanti in Ubud, Bali.

I did.

I wasn’t able to get the units that I wanted with private spaces, but I got one better. They offered me a secluded house, set back in the rice paddies with a full breakfast, tea and cake every afternoon, free shuttle service into Ubud, and a shared swimming pool that was hardly used by others, for only $75.00 or €60.00 a night.

Yes, please!

That resort was called: Alam Shanti and our house was called: Utari House.

Staring at Monkey Gods in Ubud, Bali.
Staring at Monkey Gods in Ubud, Bali.

Bali was truely a paradise and Ubud was a marvel, but you can’t spend all your holiday drinking cocktails and staring at monkeys all day.

Can you?!

At least I can’t.

We decided to do some activities. One of those activities was bicycle – riding.

Ha!

Let me tell you. I’m not a very good cyclist. In fact, I only learnt how to ride a bike in 2011. Yeah, just three (3) years ago!

Of course, that didn’t stop me from booking a cycling tour in Bali. Far from it. I looooooove adventures and the unknown, so I contacted a company in Bali called: Banyan Tree Bike Tours.

A traveller breakfast of banana pancake, chocolate spread, a hot beverage, and freshly-made juice.
A traveller breakfast of banana pancake, chocolate spread, a hot beverage, and freshly made juice.

They were very quick with confirming whether we could join the cycling tour and so the next day, we were picked up at 07:30 in the morning. Because it was pretty early, we had an included breakfast of banana pancakes, chocolate spread, tea or coffee and fruit juice. I don’t like banana or chocolate but I tried my best, and managed to eat the pancake by swirling bits of banana around my plate, in order to be as polite as I possibly could.

Our little band of cyclists in Bali.
Our little band of cyclists in Bali.

During breakfast, we also met the other members of the group: three (3) older German ladies, one (1) young Italian couple, an (1) English girl from London, and ourselves, a family of three (3).

Our guide was a well-travelled guy called Nyoman. He told us about Bagi, who was one of the partners of the company and spoke a million languages which he picked up during his time on ships. After retiring from his travels, he decided to set himself up, offering bicycle tours to visitors and tourists.

I chose this tour as I heard that it was a tour with a difference in the sense that they went off the beaten path, and also that they had people to assist if you were tired, or not as experienced as you thought.

The Music Producer with his shiny helmet, bravely smiling.
The Music Producer with his shiny helmet, bravely smiling.

I was impressed by the look of the shiny new bikes with brakes which we had to test before we left the premises. We were also given helmets and bottles of water, which we could put in the pouch-like bit of the bike.

On testing my bike, I had a bit of trouble actually getting on and I could see the face of Bagi slowly fall as he thought I couldn’t ride at all! Happily, I changed bikes and managed to get it together, so that we could get started.

Some of the refreshments that the group got to sample - I can't remember the details except that it had coconut in it!
Some of the refreshments that the group got to sample – I can’t remember the details except that it had coconut in it!

Remember, how I said that I only learnt how to ride a bike a few years ago. Well, what I didn’t tell you was that after my cycling lessons, I went to Poland, rode a rented bike, and promptly had an accident!

Nobody was hurt, but I was a bit shaken, and didn’t ride for a while as I had been on a busy road.

Now, before we got to the unbeaten path in Bali, we had to ride on the roads and they’re busy. Very busy. Ubud is a small place, with very narrow roads, and lots of traffic which the road was not really suited for.

Gulp!

Nyoman and and the young assistant - Kode - assigned to me on the Banyan Tree Cycling Tour, Bali.
Nyoman and and the young assistant – Kode – assigned to me on the Banyan Tree Cycling Tour, Bali.

I bravely rode with our group until we got to the entrance of the forest and after fifteen (15) minutes, I realized that I was completely out of my depth! I hadn’t really ridden for a year, I was riding really slowly, and I began to get upset because I thought that the other riders would dislike me as I was keeping the group back, and they had to wait for me.

The Music Producer had been ill and wasn’t at his peak, but he was to ride with “The Tall Young Gentleman” as he was the only child present, and I didn’t want them to lose the enjoyment of the day.

I had insisted that they rode on ahead.

Thankfully, the management of Banyan Tree knew what to do. They assigned one of their assistants to me – a young man called Kode – and we rode at my very own slow pace.

They were really lovely and even offered to carry my bike for me when I was really tired. I loved that they asked, but I rejected their offer as I really wanted to reach my goal of cycling the tour myself. As a result, I got a lot more respect from the tour assistants for that, and the ice was broken.

Local children and myself (can you see me?) squatting in Bali!
Local children and myself (can you see me?) squatting in Bali!

For the mere fact that we were slowing down gave me more opportunity to look around at my surroundings, and marvel in the glory of its untouched beauty. At one point, we ran into a bunch of children outside a local school. I asked that we stop and began to chat with them. They were very eager to talk to me. I stayed a little and asked for their names, did a little small talk, and showed them some photos on my phone.

They found my photos hilarious!

Local cows from the rural villages.
Local cows from the rural villages.

We went through the remote back roads and met some of the local farmers.  We saw a few scarecrows, and a couple of local people discreetly bathing in the streams. We saw statues of local gods and we went through the rice fields, the rural villages, the local jungles, the green plantation, and rural communities. We respectfully also went through ancient Hindu compounds and ceremonial temples.

As we went further and further into the rural community, the roads began to turn into paths, and the paths began to turn into stones and dirt. We also got further into the rice fields which had streams and rivers flowing by. I had been very careful as the way was extremely narrow and in my mind, I had just congratulated myself on my prudence, when my bike began to stumble over the rocks on the dirt path. I was very conscious that there was a river parallel to where I was riding, and in my panic to avoid falling off, I swerved to the opposite side of the river.

Craaaaash! @leviathyn.com
Craaaaash!
@leviathyn.com

I crashed.

One leg was in the river and the other was in the ditch!

My pink shorts were no longer so pink, my trekking socks were drenched and soaking wet, and blood was pouring down my right leg.

I was bleeding! @fanpop.com
I was bleeding!
@fanpop.com

OMG!

My guide – Kode – came running and gave me the once over. He wanted to call for more assistance, but I insisted on going on, once I had calmed down.

I realised that I had probably taken on more than I could effectively chew, but I really wanted to continue on the rural bicycle tour.

So I did!

I'm looking at you my girl! The eyes! THE EYES!
I’m looking at you my girl! The eyes! THE EYES!

Here’s the info:

WHAT IS THE BANYAN TREE BIKE TOUR?

The Banyan Tree Bike Tour is a Balinese owned and operated business dedicated to showing visitors Bali’s amazing culture and countryside.

WHAT IS THE BANYAN TREE CYCLING TOUR ABOUT?

The Bali Cycling Tour is a spectacular Bali adventure of mountain cycling away from the hustle and bustle of the regular tourist path. The tour takes you cycling through the natural hidden beauty and spirit of the real Bali where you can meet villagers, cycle through rice terrace and mountain farms, and learn about the spiritual and philosophical background of the Balinese people.

Phew!

DO I NEED TO UNDERSTAND BALINESE?

Nope!

These tour are in English. If English isn’t your native-language not to worry, as most of the staff members spoke a multitude of languages, and are dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy your time and experience with Balinese nature and culture.

The Hindu god - Lord Ganesh or the elephant god.
The Hindu god – Lord Ganesh or the elephant god.

WHAT DO I NEED?

A pair of good walking shoes, a pair of sunglasses, a hat, toiletries, a camera, mosquito spray, sun-cream, and a huge smile!

ANYTHING ELSE?

Yes, this cycling tour includes a healthy breakfast, as much bottled drinking water as you want, and a buffet lunch.

The cycling tour costs:

  • IDR 550,000 or $65.00 for adults.
  • IDR 350,00 or $40.00 for children under 12.
  • IDR 150,000 or $20.00 for children under 5 using a child-seat. I recommend bringing your own child-seat.

Return transport is included and they will collect you from Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. Don’t forget to tell them about your bicycle level!

I know my level mummy - the best level!
I know my level mummy – the best level!

MY VERDICT:

A wonderful day. I really learnt more about the hidden beauty and culture of Bali. It was lovely to meet local farmers and members of the community.

I also learnt a lot about myself.

I shed tears a few times, my chest hurt from the strain and struggle of going up those hills, and my legs ached and burned, but I’m not a quitter!

Everyone should go on a cycling tour of sort every now and then, if only to make sure that you’ve still got it!

Highly recommended.

WHAT IF THE BANYAN TREE CYCLING TOUR ISN’T MY CUP OF TEA?

Keep reading my blog. There is more to come!

For more information please contact: Banyan Tree Cyling Tours.

Yay! I made it! Phew!
Yay! I made it! Phew!

This article is not sponsored and even though I received a discount, all opinions and the wonderful lunch that I throughly enjoyed, are my very own!

I have so much to share with you so next week I will be continuing our adventures in Indonesia, and Qatar and you can read what happened to me on that volcano……!

Christmas is coming, with more exclusive productions, and merry-making at German Xmas Markets. Whoop! Whoop!

Last week, a British company contacted me and asked me to contribute my expert knowledge on Germany and Britain. You don’t need to ask me twice. Here it is: The 5 best differences between Germany and Britain.

Additional National Theatre Live productions are also coming up and can be seen at the Cinestar Berlin – Original such as:

For the rest of the year, Berlin will be celebrating and marking the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

Berlin Fashion Week is coming up and will take place between January 19th and January 23rd, 2015. Save the Date!

December is going to be merry!

Watch this space!

Happy as Larry!
Happy as Larry!

Have you been on a cycling tour? Have you ever been to Bali?

See you in Berlin.

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36 Comments on “How I went on a bicycle tour and fell in a ditch, in Bali!

  1. Bali – yes!!!!
    Bike tour? – No!!! 🙂
    I can ride a bike, on a flat road or little hill, but l can never coordinate shifting gears, end up stopping, and have to go back down the hill and start again..lol! The guest house looks lovely and such a great bargain. Glad you trudged through though! Good for you.

    • You and me both baby. You and me both!
      Bali was fabulous though and we were so, so lucky to get the house. It was such a lovely bargain! Thanks kemkem. 🙂

  2. Sounds like challenging fun – the kind where you feel really accomplished after! I guess you really earned some relaxing on the beach after this one 🙂

  3. Oh man, I’d enjoy somewhere tropical right now. Just got back to Moscow from London – where the foot tour was all sold out :(((((

    • Me too Anna. Me too!
      Aaaaaaah, I miss Looooooondon sooooooo! Oh no, the food tour was sold out. How come? On the plus side, now you know that it must have been one of a kind as Londoners don’t suffer fools! When are you going back again?

  4. This is a really embarrassing confession, but I am petrified of cycling. I think it came from inner city living in Australia where road cyclists are mental, and the attitude towards them is equally mental (seriously, it’s like a Mad Max style warfare in Sydney between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists!). I used to be able to ride a bike as a child, but I seem to have proven that old saying wrong and not only have I forgotten, but I’m now afraid!

    • Not at all Jess and thank you so much for sharing. We are not alone. 🙂 And the good news is you used to be able to ride. You’ve got the motor skills! Basically, it’s like learning a language that you haven’t used in a while. People say that they have forgotten. Not really! It just depends on a new, friendlier, atmosphere and the right teacher, to bring it all back.

      I used to have a BMX as a child. It was the thing then oh, and I lived in a household of boys so, you know! I too was afraid so a few years ago, I went to a cycling school for adults. You can’t believe the variety of people there and some of them had ridden for years until an incident or something personal had taken place in their lives. I was the youngest person there and with the least experience. 🙂 It was a six week course that we went to once a week and by the end, I could ride a bike with a lot more confidence.

      I lost it a bit after that accident and I’m still a little nervous with heavy traffic but Bali showed me that I could do it and that I definitely have the potential LOL! Besides, if you live in Germany, Holland, France, Denmark etc and you can’t ride a bike. You’re pretty much done for as everyone rides LOL! Lessons are good for you. Try it and good luck. 🙂

  5. I would have been back there right with you! I am not the best bike rider, but I think it is damn awesome you powered through! You rock!

  6. Pingback: How I went on a bicycle tour and fell in a ditch, in Bali! | operation CDL

  7. Hilarious! Thanks for the laughs, and the tips! This sounds like it’s something I would do (mind you, I’m into cycling, so I know it’s not for everyone). I’m glad you don’t have to speak Balinese for the tour. Did you find that a lot there? Good English there? (Or direct me to a part of your site where you already discussed that; that’d be cool).

    • You’re welcome @theworldinyourpalm! Cycling is a great activity to do in Bali, and English or Dutch (as an ex-Dutch colony) is the norm. And if you speak German, it shouldn’t be a problem as Dutch is pretty similar! I also noticed a lot of Chinese tourists around so I guess Chinese is spoken too. 🙂
      I’ve just started writing the Bali posts so watch out for the next few weeks!

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  10. So sorry for the fall into a ditch, but glad you picked up and continued to the finish line,
    I have no problem riding short pebble-free non-hilly distances but take me on a long ride with bumpy landscapes and I will definitely turn back, so good on you for finishing! Yay!

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  20. Love this post, thanks for sharing. Makes travels even more real when you talk about things that don’t exactly go to plan, just like life 🙂

    • Thanks very much Nathan! ‘Glad you liked it. 😀

      Yep. It certainly does. And it happens far often than people think! 😉

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