On the road at 7:45. We pass a man running in a sweat suit being followed by a woman on a scooter. He looks like he's in training for a boxing match and trying to lose weight before a bout.
I know we're on the road to the port because we start seeing lots of posters advertising "tikets" for the ferry.
We stop at the Alfamart opposite the port for a quick break. We're given tickets by Miller and it's off we go. Crossing the road, the motorcycle lane awaits our entry. But, last minute problem, Alan's bike won't start; eventually it starts and he joins us. Our tickets are scanned and we join the queue to board, on the way passing brightly coloured coaches all lined up.
The plan is to catch the first available ferry, and they leave every 15mins. But we end up playing ferry ping pong, going from one queue to another as directed by the port staff... it's a frustrating process, and we're sitting idle in a queue in the sun. I can feel the sweat dripping down my body in various places under my gear.
Wait, where's Charlie and Miller? Alan too, all missing. We see them on the other side of the barrier preventing them from boarding - they'll have to catch the next one.
We wave as we leave them behind
Finally we're in a queue that seems to be moving in the right direction, the long jetty that stretches out into the harbour is now topped with a layer of cars.
The bikes board last, filling the gaps; what a squeeze: but we're on!
The crossing is a slow affair, more a serene cruise. Probably because Captain Cary is at the wheel!
But it's a calm sea and we get a chance to lie down or sit...
and take pictures. The engine room is hot and humid.
The beaches on the Bali side look long and lovely.
Back down to the bikes from the passenger deck, we prepare to disembark.
We group on hitting terra firma, and at least the support truck is with us. We're not going to hang around in this heat, so we agree to meet at the lunch stop. I have the gpx, so I'll lead. The roads are good, nice well kept tarmac and the traffic is light. We make good progress and reach the Sage restaurant.
The others join us before the food arrives and we have an excellent lunch there.
Now the group splits again, some will go with Miller and Charlie to a winery and temple, while others (myself, Shane, Tom, and Alan) will go directly to the hotel. I opt for the latter as I want to sample the excellent Bali beaches I've heard about. Again I lead, and we overtake the other group who left before us. We make 'better progress' compared to them...
Arriving at the hotel, it has a long driveway and a grand entrance,
and then the staff show us to our rooms. These are arranged around a pool, which would be a lovely setting for a pool party - however, my priority is getting to the beach. My trunks are in my topbox, so I'm fitted and kitted and head to the water with manic gusto - only to be severely disappointed by what awaits.
The beach is narrow, not well kept, and the water is murky with lots of detritus floating in it, organic and non-organic; very uninviting. Well I have booked a motorcycle tour, so my disappointment should be tempered, but it would have been a nice bonus to have had a swim in the sea after arriving all hot and sweaty.
At least the pools are very good and I have a swim in both. The early arrivals meet up in the pool outside our rooms.
I decide to go for a run, but it's ultimately unsatisfying as my Garmin planned route let's me down by suggesting a route that doesn't exist. I try to wing it, but am ultimately thwarted by the many territorial dogs who bark at me. I've heard rabies is present in Indonesia, so I certainly don't want to be bitten. Back from the run and I investigate the sea again, but no change: the tide is virtually the same, so no joy there. I jump into the bigger pool and enjoy a swim, but the water feels a tad too warm.
Dinner is a disappointing affair, "family style" but the food seems a bit bland and doesn't appeal. Good for my diet! Ultimately the hotel promises so much, but doesn't fully deliver. The staff are extremely attentive, the rooms a good size, and the two pools are decent; but the beach and the food are below average.
115km today, including the ferry. Last day tomorrow, heading south to Denpasar.
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