Cycle Day 2 : Parigi to Poso

Another early start- 5:15 today. We stayed at a smaller family run hotel so a little harder to get early morning service. Indonesians love sweets. Sweetened juices and cakes abound. Curries are sweet as was this morning - accompanied by turmeric infused rice. Coffee is black, tea is sweet.

The van is carrying our luggage making it a light ride. I have an under seat bag with my jacket and a small handlebar bag with sunscreen etc. and of course a water bottle.

Started the day off through green rice fields, ocean on one side mountains on the other. I stopped to take a pic of one particularly attractive field and the nearby shed emptied of workers for the requisite photos.

So far the roads have been pristine, traffic light. Most Indonesians ride motors scooters so this is the bulk of the traffic along with miniature trucks sized for these narrow roads. A good portion of today's roads were brand spanking new and searingly hot. A bit of a trade off for a smooth ride. I've never done group riding before - biking has always been my alone time. I've found that it's actually quite nice. Everyone is supportive, always checking that you are okay if you pull over, making suggestions on bike adjustments, reminding you to drink more. There is a big gap between front and back cars - many kilometres at times so it is easy to either cycle and chat or break apart on your own. 

Houses became more Balinese in style with those flamboyant Hindu roofs, rice fields gave way to hills and more jungle-y trees. Even though It was mostly flat today (so a relatively easy ride,) the sun took its toll by the 100 km mark and I decided it was best to stop and get a ride in the van.

I pulled over at the first shady spot after I hit100 km. It turned out to be a well shaded house with a garage situated close to the road. It was closed up so I didn't think I would be disturbing anyone if a stopped and waited for the follow car.

There was a bench at the front door which I availed myself of and in no time the owner came out all smiles. He shook my hand and we exchanged introductions "Nama saya Rooth." Then his young son came with a camera and his mother, and a cold drink for me! They were so thrilled that this stranger from outer space landed on their doorstop. After a photo shoot around my bicycle, the van appeared and I cruised the next 34 in much appreciated aircon.

I passed on dinner in favour of fruit and crashed at 8:30. Due to road works in the area we leave a 10a tomorrow.

Happy to have ridden 100 km in this heat!

Distance: 100.29 km

Time: 5:13

Average speed: 19:22 km/hr

Maximum speed: 49.77

Elevation: 400 +/- meters