On The Road

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I've finally got the message. It's the wetter season not the drier one as I thought. That explains the rain I've been peddling in for that last 2 weeks! I'm now in Bander Lumpung near the eastern tip of Sumatra. Having crossed the mountain/volcano range south of Bukit Tinggi the scenery has been pretty dull. Mostly rubber plantation which is not remotely attractive or tropical in aspect. The resulting latex also has a bit of a pong. So the decision to cross the mountains was probably a bit of a mistake in hindsight. A dutchman on a bike I met in Bukit Tinggi, Eric, took the coast road south, stayed in beach huts and swam in the Indian ocean. Well, next time.....

Diet: Nasi and Mei Goreng. twice daily with or without chicken or a boiled egg. Not inspirational. And not a little constipating. 'nuff said.

Have ridden a shade short if 16,000km so don't feel too much of a whimp in getting a train across Java to get to Bali. Also my 30 day visa needs topping up soon. Excuses, excuses. I've used them all up now!

Tech Stuff: front brake pad seizing so needs sorting soonish. Another excuse to train Java. Cycling shorts seam opening up after 8 months; could turn 'critical' any time so get re-sewn or bin, Not sure about sewing shammy to lycra.
Mrs Unwin please hop on a plane as soon as....

Looking forward to a few days on Bali then move on to Flores for scuba and Komodo dragons.

Retirement? Yes I could have been learning golf or a 2nd language. This trip is really an excuse to postpone the tricky decision and answer the question: What are you going to do when you retire Nick/Dr Bloom. Buggered if I know but this'll do for now.

Regards,

Nick B/ Cyclopath

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