Gear and a bit about food and drink

Gear and a bit about food and drink


GEAR

After a month of traveling the conclusion on gear is that it all worked well luckily we had no major problems/mechanicals during the trip.  (the first post that covers 'gear')

Things can always be improved and next time I’d make a few changes, these being:

• Riding single speed is ok but changing the wheel around in the 34degree heat was hard.  Next time, I’d install a three-speed hub gear on the rear.This gives you some flexibility but doesn't give potential for mechanicals that gears open you up to.   The bikes really get battered!
• Take less stuff. We were travelling light but you can always go lighter (eg. I didn’t need a fleece and I’d review tools I packed).
• The handlebar bag was great as it had loads of pockets. Pockets are good for ordering stuff.
•  Nancy’s cycling SPD sandals were great, versatile and gave her some awesome tan lines.
•  Long sleeve white jerseys are great for riding in the sun.
• Take a few extra cycling caps. They tend to go walkabout and would make good gifts.
• Learn more Indonesian.  My 6-months studing beforehand were invaluable.

FOOD


I should also mention the food, as it was amazing.  It is a pity that a lot of people go to Indonesia and only eat at hostels as the food around the place is simply amazing, if not fucking spicy.  We ate amazing fresh fish, drank fresh topical fruit juices and sipped strong coffee with donuts.  One thing for certain, with the exception of when we rode of the volcano, we were never very far from excellent food, friendly people and cheap drinks.

road was varied and interesting. this was BBQ corn with sticky hot chili sauce!

Food stops are everywhere. sometimes not the prettiest but this one had awesome fresh donuts!

Pocari Sweat - the drink of champions.