Durian Adventures

View from my bungalow in Kintamani

Just as I was getting used to my life of eat, sleep, surf, a friend of mine lured me into a LONG bike ride from Ubud to Kintamani, in search of the elusive durian fruit. The plan was to start very early to beat the heat and traffic, around 6:30 a.m. Of course this was merely wishful thinking, as the night prior was a late night.

So after a cup of coffee, some fruit from the morning market, an ATM stop, and mini-market stop, we were off around 9:30 a.m. In planning, we figured it would take a couple of hours to get there, after all, it was only twenty-something kilometers. Positive thinking is good, but can be shattering to the ego as well.

As is usual of a couple of guys thinking they know where they are going, the day turned into a physical and mental testament. The sun was hot, the entire way around a 3-4% grade with some sections much steeper, and my clunky rented mountain bike that loved to rub its chain against the derailer being the only sound taunting me on the way up.

Finally sometime between noon and 1pm, we decided to take a break at one of the many mini markets scattered along the roadside. Hydration was of prime concern, so we opted for some coconuts. The first ones we got must have been sitting for a very long time, as both of us spit out the first sip immediately. So what did the shop owners do? Sent a man who must have been about 50 years old to climb up a tree across the street and get us some fresh ones! How many people in America do you think could do this?!

Relaxing at Little K after an intense yoga session