Indonesia Volcano Run day 12

It's very humid: it hits you as you open the door from your air conditioned room. But breakfast is bearable. The tide is out, but the sea doesn't look anymore inviting.

By the time we leave, the sweat has already started to drip from some of us.  Once moving there's a little relief. 

The first stop is at Sekumpul waterfall, where we park the bikes and trek down to a cafe that overlooks the waterfall. We sit and watch across the valley as the water falls 100m or so, all while we sip a coffee. Luwak coffee in my case, which has passed through the digestive system of an Asian palm civet... 😳  Highly prized, but wasn't anything special I would say. 

A tree potentially obstructing the view has obviously been trimmed, but the stumps are trying to regrow.

On the way back up, scooter taxis have been arranged, to ease our fight against gravity. Some of us choose to hike anyway. We're hard like that.... 💪🏽

Durian fruit has been prepared for us. I've never had this before and it has a fearsome reputation for its weapons grade olfactory assault; so much so that many places ban its presence. We can already smell its characteristic odour and watch while it is prepared for us. 

The texture is a firm slimey and the smell is a little off-putting, but it tastes ok. I would not say it's a favourite, but I could eat it again. Miller tells us that it's very popular in Indonesia, where families eat one or more durian together.

There's a lovely set of twisty curves and hairpins as we head upwards on a narrow track towards our next stop. On one steep left hander, Cary misses first gear, loses balance and can't quite reach the ground to support herself. Over she goes, finely executing a 360° rear rolling dismount in the process, ending right way up. Marks out of ten please, judges?.... Sadly no videos were present to capture the event in all its artistic glory, nor photos of the aftermath. 

Bike righted, slightly bent left peg, but just about rideable. It looks like it won't be safe for more than a few km, so Miller takes it to be welded so it can bear weight. Oh, and Cary's fine too... Made of stuff stronger than the bike 

While waiting for the repair, we look out over the two lakes from "twin lake viewpoint" . While filming our usual jump, Christopher drops his camera into the bushes below and we have to climb down to retrieve it.

And Charlie entertains us with his stories.

Back on the road down, it's Stuja Di Danau for lunch. Nah, I danau why it's called that either. It seems pretty posh and the Kopi 28 calibration coffee is the best yet, Melbourne level good. 

It is our last meal as a group and Charlie says a few words about the trip.  Miller looks quite nervous at this point. 

But we actually take the opportunity to thank him, and the support driver/mechanic, Nartho, or 'Narko' as Charlie calls him. Rob says a few words as we give them a little something by way of our appreciation.

It's also five years to the day since Rob got his bike licence. Woohoo.

One more pitstop at an Indomaret store before we finish the ride, and I stock up on KitKat latte.

Last battle through the traffic as we make our way to the Bikerz store to return our bikes, handing over the keys and removing all our things from the bikes. We travelled almost 2100km on this trip, from one end of Java and beyond.

I say goodbye to my Versys-X 250. Not a bad machine: the twin cylinder engine is pretty gutless below 5000rpm, but once spinning beyond, especially a kick at 7k, it's a decent performer in comparison to scooters.  The suspension is fine for roads, but despite the adv styling, is not suited to any significant off-road, jerking heavily over bumps, rather than being compliant. The 19" wheel doesn't help there either, but does make it lively on the asphalt. A version with more low-down torque and better suspension would make an interesting long distance travel companion. This is also the first trip I've been on where I haven't dropped my bike (dropping Steve's bike doesn't count)

Our hotel is a taxi ride away. And it has a wonderful beach at the back. Finally! 

The red flags are flying, but that doesn't stop this group of hardy bikers from taking a dip. Very refreshing! 

Dinner after a lovely sunset.

Another very enjoyable ride completed. 

Indonesia has surprised me with its landscapes and riders. Of all the countries I've ridden, the riders/drivers here have impressed me most. They are considerate, respectful, don't get angry, are accommodating, and very skillful. It's the just right blend of chaos and coordination that makes riding a pleasure.