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Continuing my ride on the island of Flores, from Riung I cross a series of mountains as I travel south. It’s mostly gravel and washouts however it is scenic and a pleasant day so no complaints.
Just a few villages no shops but every single person I passed waved and children squeal and run along besides me. Where else in the world can you still experience this.
I came upon a church and it seemed interesting and I turned down to see if there was place to take a rest in shade and eat a few bananas I had brought with me for lunch.
I am awarded with this fantastic view, what a spot for lunch!
Once south of Bajawa I revisit the fantastic road to the coast with 100’s of corners and great views.
Another fantastic day of riding, I just managed to finish before an afternoon rain storm. Perfect.
Quite a contrast from last nights humble accommodation, yet the price was not expensive.
There are a number of mountain villages with traditional houses still in use. I set off in the morning to visit one. The road was being repaired at lower part and soon turned into a rough rocky track with huge washouts that would challenge even a good four wheel drive. As usual no photos of hard part as too busy trying to stay upright.
Todo village however was interesting. I played along with the guy trying to earn a dollar as local guide, I was only tourist there and the guest book showed nobody had been in awhile. Perhaps due to impassable road. A skirt is required to enter as it was in East Java temples I visited.
I enjoyed a nice ride back to Labuan Bajo with a series of friendly encounters. Stopped for lunch and the restaurant owner runs off an brings back a menu with Google translated to English for me.
Quite a few trucks loaded with people, these guys were offering me a beer.
And all the roof riders saying hello too.
The temperature soars as I drop down towards Labuan Bajo so I stop to keep my fluids up and as before soon as I say hello people want to talk and take selfies. The people of Flores are far and away the friendliest I have met in the world. What a great experience riding here is.
The main southern road is in good condition for the most part but where it is damaged there is no repairs so in a few years it may not be the great surface it is now. Also as more tourists arrive seeing them won’t be a novelty for locals as it is now so come ride here soo. Sorry no photos of the Komodo lizards, fate decided I wasn’t going on any boat cruise as I got food poisoning during my spare days after the ride.
You might like my follow up ride to this in Northern Sumatra
PART TWO
"Test"
I've been posting but nothing seems to stick.
P.S. great write up.
Oh sorry.
Blogger is such an old platform, seems the comments bit is really fragile.
Thanks for reading!
I love your work. It is all extremely fascinating and keeps me constantly intrigued. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to keep moving forward and to never stop exploring.
The Journey is the Destination — love it!
Thanks David 🙂