Salak Mountain - 11th March 2006

Saturday March 11, 2006, was truly a great day to ride. The sun was shining brightly, and rain didnot pour the day before, despite Bogor's reputation as the rain city. Anyway the gang gathered at the NISP Bank parking lot in front of the famous Bogor Botanical Garden. Man! there were more than 40 bikers from Jakarta, Bogor & Serpong area. This ride was special, since there were three senior bikers from Solo - Central Java who happened to be in town. And they were fully prepared to attack the trail. And I mean prepared.

We hired around 10 minibuses to take us uphill to the end of the road. The destination was Sukamantri Camping Ground. The minibus ride last around an hour & cost us Rp. 50K per bus. But there are some of the hardcore-diehard XC riders who opted to ride uphill. Not surprisingly they arrived at the same time as the bus, strong guys!

After quick bike assembly, we continued riding uphill to the camping ground. It was a 3 km uphill under beautiful pine trees. Picture below is our Bogorese fellow, Buchan entering the Sukamantri camping ground

Some guys found an easier way to reach the camping ground. I wouldn’t say they were cheating, but maybe close enough…hahaha.

After all members reached the camping ground, we continued riding to the forest. I managed to took some pictures of all participants before we enter the forest. Below is H. Ujang, leading a whole bunch of MTBR.

Our distinguished guest...Hendro Isnanto from Solo Power..

Sugeng "The Hulk", also from Solo Power. A skillful downhiller and strong climber. Ripping all the climbs with Dual Crown equipped Giant AC. Whew!

Next is Sapto (nice goatee...), followed by the one and only Mr. Arya...

Next picture is my young friend from Bike 2 Work community, Sunu "the mad cow". Despite his daily town commuting, he was very comfortable riding off the road.

End of my part 1