On your Bike: The Art of Riding a Bike in Bali
Photo courtesy of BMTBonline.com
Explore, discover, be passionate
People who ride their bikes in Bali are passionate about biking. in addition to while most do so on tarmac roads, the best way to see the countryside is usually off-road on a suitable mountain bike. that will can be hard work climbing up the side of a mountain, although then there is usually the ride down, which is usually exhilarating at speed.
Kids start learning to ride at an early age on three-wheelers, then graduate to proper bikes with stabilizers, before getting the confidence to ditch them for the speed in addition to freedom of riding solo. although the biggest turn-off to ever getting into the saddle in Bali are some other road users, whether four wheel or two, who seem to think the road is usually there for them alone. that will can be pretty scary coming fast down a hill that has a big truck close on your tail!
Pick your bike well
A Great bike is usually a must for a serious cyclist. in addition to you need to pick that will well. that will should have at least 18 gears, although 28 is usually even better. Wide tires are best in addition to so the picky rider will almost certainly go for a mountain bike with independent suspension, front in addition to back. A proper cycle helmet is usually a must as that will will certainly come off in addition to that will can save your life, not just your head, coming from serious injury. These bikes are not cheap, so a Great quality lock is usually a must.
Here is usually a short specification for a suitable off-road bike for use in Bali.
Banshee Paradox 29er hardtail size M, with RS Reba 120mm, drivetrain X.9 with race face crank, carbon brakes in addition to WTB tires.
High-end mountain bikes can also be hired through a local shop called ‘The Bike Shop’ (BMTBonline.com) in addition to biking holidays can be arranged through several companies, one of the best being Trailblazers, where a bike can be hired for $50 per day in addition to you can join one of their organized rides. If you are planning a riding holiday for a group, they will help you organize that will with some spectacular rides included days on the beach or canoeing down the rapids to break up the days on the saddle.
Bike clubs
There are very few bike clubs in Bali, some being associated with particular schools, although one which has its own Facebook page is usually the Bali Road in addition to Mountain Bike Club. brand new members are always welcome. They are a group of cycling enthusiasts, both on in addition to off road, who are passionate about cycling in Bali. They explore single tracks into the jungles, rice fields, in addition to rivers in addition to invite brand new members to join This particular recently formed (2011) in addition to fast growing club!
One definite advantage of joining a bike club is usually that will you get to meet brand new people who are passionate about biking, who can help you to find Great rides in your own neck of Bali. They also typically help by providing assistance with training or maintaining your bike in addition to sourcing bike equipment.
Great bike journeys in Bali
Ring of Fire tour
Spend a night inside Batur caldera on the slopes of Mount Batur’s volcano in addition to experience the famous Mount Batur sunrise, before riding over the latest lava field! Then cycle the dramatic single track Batur volcano descent! You won’t forget This particular ride!
Try the Lake Buyan rainforest trails or tackle the tricky ridge-top singletrack in Karangasem.
One of my favourites is usually the top end road of Bali, coming from Singaraja to Menjangan dive resort, finishing that will off at the Balai Taman National Park on the north eastern tip of the island. This particular road is usually quieter in addition to a lot safer.
that will is usually a Great idea to have someone in a car or van who is usually trailing you if you are on the road. They can carry your gear in addition to provide support when you burst a tire or break down.
Photo courtesy of BMTBonline.com
Off-road biking on your BMX
There are many footpath trails inside mountains in addition to these can be explored on your BMX singly or as part of a group. There are many Great rides in in addition to around Ubud in addition to Besakih, in addition to for sheer beauty of scenery, try riding inside caldera at the side of Mount Kintamani.
There is usually no Bali equivalent to Jakarta’s Sudirman Carfree day on Sunday mornings, although if you are an early riser, you’ll find many roads are quiet on Sunday mornings. in addition to if you are cycling solo, be sure to wear a dayglo vest to ensure you can be seen coming from afar by speeding motorists.
Stunt riding
Finally, youngsters like to use their BMXs for performing stunts – whether inside air or on the ground. that will can be great fun jumping coming from one level to another. You definitely need a Great helmet, plus arm in addition to knee protectors because you will be spending a lot of time hitting the dirt before you master the finer motor skills that will This particular activity takes.
Watching stunt experts go through their routines is usually impressive, although as such riders will tell you This particular is usually not a sport for the faint-hearted in addition to takes a hell of a lot of practice before you can master the moves.
Whichever way you want to do that will, enjoy your cycling in addition to stay safe on in addition to off the road!
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On your Bike: The Art of Riding a Bike in Bali
On your Bike: The Art of Riding a Bike in Bali