I’ve recently returned from a brief “Destination wedding” in Bali. We had a couple of extra days to try some of the local tourist activities outside of Denpasar.

My son organised a downhill mountain bike ride for us with a local Bali surfing mate whose family runs a company called Sepeda Bali. Of course, I wondered whether I was capable of doing it. Fortunately, I had a wonderful time and my only injury was from the spike on a mandarin tree.

We were picked up at our villa early in the morning and driven up to the eastern side of Lake Batur /Mt Batur (a live volcano) stopping along the way to check out the Ceking rice terraces.

Cycling began close by in the forest near the viewing point of Mt Batur.  Bicycles were in good condition and helmets and gloves were provided. The ride started off cycling through the forest then into an area of narrow paths between small mandarin and coffee farms. We stopped off at a coffee plantation and tasted the coffee; a coconut plantation for morning tea and sampled a number of the local tropical fruits.

We then continued downhill on quiet back roads and motor cycle paths between the rice fields and irrigation ditches. Breaking off again to visit a waterfall that provides much of the water for the local rice farms.

We cycled around 35klms mostly downhill and the day concluded with a late lunch in the guide’s family compound.

 A great day and a company I would highly recommend. The route we completed was the easiest route (Green route) but they can tailor rides to suit all types and needs of cyclists.

Lyness Beavis – Bike North member