16.11.13

UJUNG GENTENG UPHILL ADVENTURE


Feeling a bit sleepy, I drove my car in that early morning. It was 03.15 AM, and I headed to our meeting point at Pantai Indah Kapuk.

As I was reaching the Toll Booth, I was taken aback by the long queue. There were approximately 15 to 20 cars in every line. Fortunately, it did not take long and soon I was driving again.

I was the first one who reached the place, and in no time there were 12 others. We loaded our bicycles on a pick up car, and hopped on the bus. Some of us continued our sleep while others were chatting.

Our next stop was Roti Unyil in Bogor, where we met some other friends from other bike communities: "eNTe", which was the abbreviation for Nanjak Terus (Always Goes Uphill), and "Teman Gowes" (Friends for Biking).

It was a pleasure to join them in a bike trip, and we were happy to make friends with other bike groups and communities, who shared the same passion for biking.
At approximately 08 AM, 31 bikers started pedaling to Ujung Genteng, which would be our destination that morning.

The city of Bogor offered a comfortable track with small climbs, but soon it began to be steep in some areas. We passed several wet markets, where the traffic jams were commonly heavy.

After we had finished the first half of the route, the track was getting harder. It started to ascend, but this time it was rather flat for a few meters, and then climbed, flat again for a few meters, and then climbed again. It was not going-up-and-down as before. The bike trip from Bogor to Ujung Genteng was probably one of the hardest tracks we ever tried.
The route was hard, and the speed was low. We were divided into small groups eventually.

We tried to stay close to one another, so that the smallest group would compose of at least two people. This would come in handy if any of us had problems en route. 

We continued biking until it was dark, and the first small group reached Turtle Beach Hotel at 06.30 PM. We had our dinner in the hotel's restaurant, and soon everybody went to their bedrooms and slept.

That night, we stayed in a separate hotel from "eNTe" and "Nanjak Terus" communities. They planned to stay for two nights in Ujung Genteng, while we were planning to spend only one night, and going back to Jakarta the next day.

In the morning, we had our breakfast, and wandered around the beach to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
After checking out from the hotel at 09 AM, we stopped by at Cikaso waterfall. We had a short trip on the boat to reach the place.
Unfortunately, there was only little water coming down from the waterfall. Apparently it had been weeks without rain, and the water level was low. Nevertheless, we took photo for remembrance.
After having lunch, we continued our journey back to Jakarta, and reached the same meeting point at 10 PM.

Our trip to Ujung Genteng was a short one, as the main purpose was to try the 165-km uphill adventure. Nonetheless, if we ever go there again, I think I would love to explore the surrounding beaches, just as our friends from "eNTe" and "Teman Gowes" did.



Written by: Chris Wibisono - GF 71

Baca Selengkapnya ...

27.10.13

MINI TOURING IN BELITUNG (PART II)


Day 2 (Oct 05, 2013)
Our second-day journey started at 6 AM in front of our hotel. That day, we would ride our bike to Manggar, a city made famous by its many coffee taverns.

We planned to stop by at Gantung village to see the set of "Laskar Pelangi" (Rainbow Troops). Apart from the novel that was a major hit and published internationally, the movie was a blockbuster one that won international awards in Italy, Hong Kong, and Iran.

On the road, the air was so fresh, and the tarmac was so smooth. Never did I see holes on the streets. The local government did a terrific job in maintaining the road condition.




Although the roads were smooth, they were not flat at most parts of the route. There were many big and small climbs, and in some areas, it was quite steep that riding my MTB was a challenge in comparison with most of the other members, who brought Road Bikes.

As the sun rose, I started to feel the skin-burning sensation. As we took a long time on the road from morning to the afternoon, we could really feel the humidity and the hot air. Every time I stopped for a while, I felt the vapor coming out of my body. It was hard for me to keep biking without drinking much water every few minutes.

We stopped at Gantung village and took a few photos, including the one in front of the primary school set of "Laskar Pelangi". 

By then, we had ridden 73 km.



We continued riding our bike to Manggar and reached the city at approximately 12 PM. The total distance we covered that day was 97 km.

After we had taken lunch, we loaded our bike and drove off.

We were curious about the taste of the coffee that made Manggar city famous, so we stopped at a coffee tavern and took a zip. The taste was quite strong and delicious.


On our way back to the hotel, we stopped again at a souvenir shop. There were unique souvenirs that I had never seen before.

They were the pieces of meteorites that the local people called "Satam". Some also called them Billitonites. They were shiny, black stones that the miners found while digging the earth for tin.


The price was quite expensive. For the size of a small marble, "Satam" was priced IDR 225,000.

After the souvenir shop, the next stop was our hotel. We took bath and prepared for dinner.

Unbelievably, that evening we went to several places to eat. After having snack in a chinese restaurant, we went to a seafood restaurant, and also ate street noodles. It was our last night in Belitung, and we wanted to enjoy it as much as possible.

While eating the street noodles, we saw lion dance in a vihara just across the street. Some people were practicing the acrobatic movements on a few high poles. We stayed there for a while and enjoyed the attraction.


Although the night was still young, some of us were a bit tired, so we decided to go back to the hotel and rest.


Day 3 (Oct 06, 2013)
Just like the previous day, we started biking early in that morning. A few friends from Belitung Cyclist Team accompanied us on our way to Tanjung Tinggi.

It was a 27-km bike ride with many small climbs. It felt good breathing the fresh morning air, far from the pollution caused by the vehicles. There were many motorcycles in Belitung, but their population were far less than that of big cities such as Jakarta.

Soon enough, we reached the place. Our Belitung friends bade farewell, and we were on our own, enjoying Tanjung Tinggi.



We saw one boulder as big as a three-floor building. The biggest stone I ever saw. I quickly posed to capture that rare moment.




After taking some pictures, we put our bicycles on the truck and rode in cars, back to our hotel. We packed and checked out, as we had to catch the flight in the afternoon. For lunch, we went to a chinese-food restaurant, "Dynasty", and had a delicious meal.


On our way to the airport, we stopped by at a small tavern to eat ice. "Satam" monument, Tanjung Pandan city's landmark, and the tavern, were in close proximity. Thus, we quickly took our camera, crossed the street, and posed.


By then, we only had a little time to catch the boarding time. So, we hurriedly went to the airport. Our flight back to Jakarta was on time, and we left the island at approximately 4 PM.

It was a memorable trip for all of us, and we looked forward to having another bike adventure soon.


Written by: Chris Wibisono - GF 71

To See More Pictures Day 2 , Please Click Here
To See More Pictures Day 3 , Please Click Here

Baca Selengkapnya ...

21.10.13

MINI TOURING IN BELITUNG (PART I)


Day 1 (Oct 04, 2013)
As our airplane descended to Tanjung Pandan airport, we saw vast vegetation all over the island. Belitung was truly a "green" island, and we felt excited to explore this magnificent place popularized by the novel "Laskar Pelangi" (Rainbow Troops), which had been published in 21 countries by far.

Belitung (Billiton in English), was home to approximately 300,000 people, and was famous for "Satam" stones (Billitonites), which were pieces of meteorites falling down to earth millions of years ago, and large granite boulders, which could easily be found on beaches.

Some said that the large granite boulders were thrown out from the belly of the earth when meteors hit the ground. Some other said, that the cause was the movement of the tectonic slab. It was anyhow miraculous to see such natural wonder.

Our airplane landed at 07.50 AM, and the Event Organizer had been there to pick us up. After the cargo was complete, we went to Grand Pondok Impian hotel to put the luggages and bike boxes, and drove off to enjoy Belitung noodle soup in "Atep" restaurant.



The noodle was delicious and sweet, although the portion was quite small for my stomach. Luckily, I took quite heavy breakfast in Jakarta.

After the meal, we went back to assemble our bicycles. There were mostly Road Bikes, except for three people including I, who brought Mountain Bikes.

The plan that day was to ride our bikes to Tanjung Kelayang, where we would ride on a boat to sightsee several islands.

The distance between our hotel and Tanjung Kelayang was 25 km, and the road condition was so smooth that it was very enjoyable to ride. Nevertheless, it was humid and hot in the afternoon.


After reaching the place, we took lunch before riding on the boat.



The sea breeze was so soothing, and we had passed several groups of rocks including Batu Garuda, before stopping at Lengkuas Island.
 


On Lengkuas Island, there stood a 131-year-old light house. The Belitung icon that was built in the era of the Dutch colonization.



It was amazing to see its 322-step stairway, 18-floor steel construction. A strong building that could defy its age. We went inside the light house, and took photos.





The view at the top was mesmerizing. The sea water was so clear, and there were large granite boulders that made quite an impression.




On this trip, we also arranged a little time to snorkel. Near the Lengkuas Island, we put on our goggles and saw underwater creatures and reef.


We then headed to Kepayang Island to see the turtle conservation.



It was almost 4 PM when we went back to Tanjung Kelayang, where we took another 25-km bike ride to our hotel. Luckily, at that time the sun was already near the horizon, so that it was not as hot as before.


After having dinner in a restaurant, one of Green Fly members, Wie Wie Wen (GF 132) who happened  to spend his childhood time in Belitung, took us to a tavern which served dried squid. We enjoyed the snack with the special local sauce.


We drove back to the hotel and quickly took our rest, as the next day we would go on a 100-km bike ride that would take us across Belitung from west to east.


Written by: Chris Wibisono - GF 71

To See More Pictures, Please Click HERE

Baca Selengkapnya ...

12.6.13

EVERY STORY HAS ITS BEGINNING...


 

Happy 4th birthday to all of us!!

It has been four memorable years of brotherhood, togetherness and adventure, and we have gone to many places unimaginable for us.

Under the current leadership of Tony Beckman (GF 059), this year alone we mark several achievements we can be proud of: Becoming the first-ever bike club allowed to ride at Kebun Raya Bogor, and having our first-ever online television interview with DetikTV.

Also, this year we welcome our 148th and newest member, Ninardja "Aning" Santasa. We are happy to have all the new members on board, and we hope all of you will have the adventures of lifetime.

Here are some pictures of Green Fly's 4th Birthday Party (June 09, 2013 at Bandar Betawi):
Left to Right: One of GF Founders, Micky Kie (GF 001) and GF President Tony Beckman (GF 059)  cutting the birthday cake.
Left to Right: One of the Sponsors, Juwono Sutrisno (GF 063), GF Vice President Ferry David (GF 023), and GF President Tony Beckman (GF 059) cutting the "Tumpeng".





Green Fly Board of Management and Advisors


The celebration began

The door prize time...

Ninardja "Aning" Santasa (GF 148) getting the main door prize


With the new members coming in, it becomes important to spread the story about how we first became Green Fly, and the values that we hold dear. That way, we all know what it means to become a Green Fly.

Some people say that every story has its own beginning, and this one began in 2008...


Two best friends were on a journey of self discovery to Pantai Indah Kapuk. There were just the two of them, riding their bicycle and enjoying the scenery along the way. They felt happy and serene.

Inspired by the happy experience being close to mother nature, they started asking more friends to join in. They would then become the first two Founders of Green Fly. Their names are Micky Kie (GF 001) and Rheza Raditya (GF 002).

With a few friends, they continuously biked and explored new tracks, and found many interesting places. At Jalur Teduh BBike Bubut track on May 16, 2009, they discovered the name "Green Fly".

Their names, the Founders of Green Fly, are Micky Kie (GF 001), Rheza Raditya (GF 002), Yohanes Donny Triatmoko (GF 003), Mitchell Busono (GF 005), Ignatius Stanley (GF 007), Benny Wardana (GF 008), Sandy Wirawan (GF 009), and Jonni Eko Bincono (GF 010).

That day, was the birth of Green Fly Cycling Team.


The philosophy behind the name "Green Fly" was freedom and togetherness, as green flies always fly freely, and gathered in a group. The togetherness was shown in exploring the tracks, with no man left alone and behind. We would always await, and help each other when having difficulties at the track.

With bike adventure, also came the culinary experience. We liked to explore delicious and sometimes local food along the tracks. It was always an interesting experience to taste what local people considered as their specialty.

And surely, exposed to the magnificent sceneries along the way, we took many pictures for remembrance. There were great photo spots that we found and did not want to miss.

That was how we discovered Green Fly's slogan "Bike Adventure, Posing, and Culinary", which would then evolve to become "Bike, Click, and Munch".

On May 30, 2009, we went on a bike trip to Curug Panjang at Puncak. For new bikers, it was a quite challenging uphill track, but it paid off after reaching the place. Having cold water and nice waterfall, Curug Panjang was a nice place to continuously come.


And that was when we started the legendary tradition. Every Green Fly member should ride the bike to Curug Panjang for baptism. Only then, they could become the True Green Fly, and would be entitled to wear Green Fly jersey.

Over the years, we have explored hundreds of places, some of them can only be reached by foot or bicycle.

There have also been beautiful sceneries which make us feel so blessed, and aspire us to seek more.

and along the way, we make friends, and find a family, unrelated by blood but by the passion for biking.

Here are some of the highlights over the four-year journey:

Green Fly Goes to Singapore (Nov 2010)
Rumah Hutan Cidampit (Jun 2011)
Bali Bike Trip (Aug 2011)
125-km touring to Merak, sending off Henry Yoswara (GF 066) to join Kompas' Jelajah Sepeda Jakarta - Palembang, which was an 820-km bike ride (Nov 2011)
171-km touring to Tanjung Lesung (Feb 2012)
Cianten (Mar 2012)
Curug Malela (Apr 2012)
Green Fly Goes to Mount Merapi (May 2012)
Team Time Trial & Criterium Race at Bumi Serpong Damai (May 2012)
Curug Nangka (Jul 2012)
Mount Bunder (Jul 2012)
123-km touring to Baduy (Aug 2012)
Sodong Water Fountain (Oct 2012)
400-km Bali Audax (Nov 2012)
First-ever Bike Club allowed to ride at Kebun Raya Bogor (Feb 2013)
Interview with DetikTV (Feb 2013)
Green Fly Goes to Mount Bromo (Mar 2013)
Bali Cycling Adventure (May 2013)
There are places we have not seen, but we will reach there.
There are plans we have not realized, but we will make the wait worthwhile.
As long as we stick together, we will build the memories of our lifetime.
And we shall see more adventures in years to come...



Written by: Chris Wibisono - GF 071

Baca Selengkapnya ...