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Wednesday, 4 December 2013

25/11/2013 - Cycling SE Asia. Day 22–Up, Up, Up and Downhill with a Smile Despite the Close Calls.

Distance cycled: 96.5km from Puncac Pass to Bandung, Indonesia
Average speed: 18.0km/h
Moving time: 5h22m
Total distance: 2446km
Border X'ings: 3
Money spent: roughly $18

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I don't know exactly what put me into such a bad state yesterday, maybe some bad food, perhaps exhausting myself having climbed 1000m up the side of a volcano, it could have been the altitude but what I think is most likely is the inhalation of all the exhaust from passing trucks, buses, cars, motorbikes and scooters.
The pollution levels of Java has to on top of the list of being the most polluted place on earth, I am finding myself even rubbing off black residue accumulating on my arms and even believing that I am decreasing my life span the more time I spend on these roads. It really is that bad.
However I don't have a choice... Well I do, I could get the train but where's the fun in that?
Having only cycled 2 days here in Indonesia the country is offering a hell of a lot more variety in terms of terrain than I had on mainland SE Asia with hard climbs, great descents and seldom have I encountered a flat road.
Now, these ascending roads I have tackled perhaps offered better views than the photos I have taken but I wouldn't know, I was too busy trying not to be hit by the traffic. Speaking of which, entering Bandung and the suburbs west of it I was enjoying the danger of swerving in and out of the condensed battling of traffic at rush hour keeping up to and even passing the petrol powered vehicles. If there is anywhere in the world I would be decapitated and my entrails being sprawled out over the road, it is here in Indonesia.
Dont worry mum and dad, I'll cycle safe.

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Up and Down the Puncak Pass, Indonesia

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