Cycle Day 5 : Pendolo to Tando Bone

For the past few months I've been going to a 7a spin class before work for three times a week - today it paid off. Finally felt like my body and mind have arrived fully in this time zone thanks to the cool temps at Lake Poso. Not taking the doxycycline has also helped immensely. 

We left our resort at about 6:30 in almost jacket weather on rough roads skirting the south end of the lake. Newly planted rice fields stretched out into the lake on the left and mountains rose sharply on the left. Very few people this morning to shout "pagi!" to so concentrated on my cycling form. 

Each night after supper Colin hands out our ride plan for the next day so we know what's in store. Today was billed as a "personal best" day for most and, that it was for me. The distance was shortish at 80 km but the climb was high at 1200 metres. Daunting, but I have stubbornness on my side I also had Kate Bush singing in my ear.

Once we cleared the construction area and started the first climb I dug out my earphones for some musical motivation. This something I would consider suicidal in Toronto but after almost two weeks here I developed a enough confidence in the consideration of drivers, along with the sparse traffic, to feel safe with some low volume music.

I seemed to have found my place in the pack as well. There are a group of regular serious riders who speed ahead then Colin, our trip leader, Bev & Chris and me bringing up the rear. I either drop back to the of the rear pack or pull ahead when I want some solitude. Was on my own for the most part today.

Never thought I would say that I enjoyed hills but today I did so immensely. One benefit is that I'm going slowly enough to enjoy the scenery. Had a mixed bag of jazz, blues and soul and 80's music playing and particularly enjoyed flying down one hill to Kate Bushes "Big Sky." This was on a straight downhill where you can see the road condition far in advance. On switchback descents I turned off the tunes and paid very close attention to the road and my speed. Mike wiped out today going +30 km/hr and was very fortunate to have not done so at a precipice.

Most of the ride was inland of the lake and there were more than one sharp unguarded drop-off to the left. Roads are narrow but so far have been in excellent condition apart from the landslide/construction zones. I think it's safe to say that width wise the roads are somewhat narrower than on Toronto Island. Most cars are small Asian models - Toyota is popular - and most trucks are those miniature Mitsubishis. The majority of vehicles though are the Honda motor scooters. These often carry entire families, food stands, baskets of chicken and as you saw in Toraja, trussed pigs. All are patient and considerate of us Lycra clad invaders.

Shade, breeze and altitude meant a cool ride. The bike which I rented is a light weight Giant hybrid with front suspension - lighter than my bike. I brought my own flared hand grips and saddle (very important.) One difficulty I'm having is that the suspension is very limited in its adjustment making the front tire very bouncy. It wastes a lot of energy when standing, starting and pushing.   Used my low "granny gears" today for the most part and took my time. Alex said I was doing well. In retrospect I'm surprised I survived the first day!

Pulled in to lunch only about a 1/2 hour behind the others and wolfed down a bowl of noodles, two o.j.'s and a papaya. My appetite is definitely back as  I snacked on cookies, buns and a rice concoction wrapped in banana leaf at the two intermediate pit stops.

After lunch it was a short climb to the summit and a wonderful twisty descent back to Tentena town completing a full circle of the lake. Our bikes were left at Victory Hotel for two nights. The owner told me he has a friend working in the oil fields in Alberta who has difficulty with snow and I told him we all do! Our boat for two nights ago appeared to take us and luggage to the tiny town of Tando Bone where we are staying at lake side cottages. The place is run by a Dutch woman and her Indonesian husband which meant more "European" level of spicing at dinner.

Cottages a spacious with kitchenette, living and dining area plus verandah on three sides. A lovely sandy beach surrounds the place and the water is clean and clear.  Was thinking this would be a good getaway place for Vicente! 

My garmin tells me I burned 3067 calories today - no worries about falling asleep tonight :-)

Distance: 80.55 km

Time: 5:47

Average speed: 13.91 km/hr

Maximum speed: 44.72

Elevation: 1220 +/- meters

Ps thanks for the comments - I have spotty internet connection so can't actually load the blog that often. I'm just mailing it in.