Cycling Adventure in Sebatu Village

Today was a cycling day with my clients, a lovely family from Belgium, led by our guide Eddie. Eddie is a cycling pro, riding every day and showing his strength and skill on the bike. I, on the other hand, was the sweeper at the back, keeping an eye on everyone.

We started our journey in Sabatu Village, Gianyar, Bali, at 10 in the morning. The village center was bustling with bicycles, ready for our adventure. Eddie began with some instructions on how to use the bike gears. Though my Belgian clients were already familiar with cycling, Eddie made sure everyone was comfortable before we set off. They eagerly tested their bikes around the village and through the scenic rice fields.

The route was mostly downhill, which made for a smooth ride. However, there were a couple of uphill stretches that were quite challenging for me. Unlike Eddie, I'm not used to riding daily. Despite the tough spots, the journey was filled with beautiful landscapes and the thrill of cycling in Bali's countryside.

We cycled for a couple of hours, finishing around noon. Along the way, we passed through charming villages, observing the daily lives of villagers heading to the farms. We also rode through artistic villages, famous for their woodcarvers and sculptors. Statues and carvings were displayed by the roadside, showcasing the talent of local artists. We even stopped at one of the biggest galleries, owned by a renowned Balinese artist named Nyoman Ada. His specialty is large statues, and we saw his impressive Garuda statue, a mythical bird that is iconic in Balinese art.

After finishing our visit to the gallery, we continued cycling through the rice fields of Tegalalang. Riding along the narrow paths between the rice paddies was a serene experience. Eddie took the time to explain the entire rice cultivation process, from planting and seedling to harvesting. While this was familiar to me, my clients were eager to learn and found it fascinating.

By 12:30, it was time to say goodbye to Eddie. My clients and I had truly enjoyed the cycling adventure, even though I felt a bit tired after touring for the last few days. Despite the fatigue, it was a fantastic experience and a great way to explore Bali's countryside.