Bike Bali Tour

I'm one of these freaks that absolutely loves to workout on holiday. I think it's the fact that there's no time pressures and you feel even more energised afterwards. 

I couldn't believe it when I realised there were no gyms at any of the hotels I am staying at. 

I booked this trip a week after having the operation on my foot so I guess exercise was the last thing on my mind. 

I've been for a jog along the beach which was tough but great to do and I've done three amazing yoga classes. 

I also decided to book a road bike tour. I didn't want a fairy mountain bike tour with a load of oaps. 

The tour was set for 40 miles and climbing 1400 feet. We set off about 7:30am. 

It was the one day I was so thankful for it being overcast. The first five miles were on crazy busy roads!! 

Although they may drive on the left hand side, that's the only rules they follow. 

I was riding with Agus and a support car (I felt so special) and Agus was so good at directing the traffic and pointing out pot holes etc 

Oddly enough I think the road surfaces in Bali are better than at home. Some of the lanes around Upminster are terrible. 

We made it to 10 miles and I started to lag a bit. My handle bars were too low so we flipped them, which helped. 

The next 12 miles were on a gradient. This ranged from 5-10% I struggled so much with the continuous 'hill'. 

It was really odd but the shorter, steep hills I loved. Even Agus said I went up them so well. I felt so good not walking once up a hill. 

The humidity was 65% and it felt like it was increasing. We got to 19 miles and I had to admit I was struggling with the gradient. 

We decided to do another 3-4 miles at the same gradient then go along the rice paddies. 

I loved the rice paddies!! The views were incredible. And I loved the quick up a hill then twists and turns downhill. 

I was all geared up for the full 40 miles but at 34 we stopped and they said that was it. 

I felt so bad as if only I continued a little longer on the up hill then we would've done the 40 miles. 

I know that doesn't sound that far for most riders but considering I've been on the bike once in the past seven months - I was pretty happy. 

It's just made me realise that I really have the bike bug!

I can't wait to get home and cycle more. My only big concern is I find that when I cycle, my muscles are so tight that it restricts my flexibility which won't help with pole and yoga. 

I guess it just means I'll have to do more of all three.