Cycling competition, Tour De Flores, Indonesia

Tour de Flores- Cycling competition is one of the most talked about in the world. Flores Tourism Department organized cycling competition in collaboration with UCI. I was also invited to witness the same. When I reached the finishing point, there was a flood of people all around the route. People were cheering around. Students, kids and adults, all were lined up, some were on the top of a short wall, some along the road, some on car roofs. Although it was a bright sunny day, but everywhere irrespective of heat, there was an aura of cycling. Hundreds of thousands if people had gathered together. I too joined the crowd and stood by the road.

Tour De Flores

After a while there was a whistle and police sidelined people and soon there was a cyclist riding a bicycle with super speed. Oh. It was great to see his speed

Cyclist

His dress , cars and other support system behind and overall environment was exuberating with energy and positivity. I was swayed by the whole atmosphere.

Support system of cyclist

Then another cyclist passed by. There was so much energy in the atmosphere.

Another cyclist

After a while three more cyclists passed by in line together.

Three cyclists in line

I also got an opportunity to meet with the Director West Flores Manggarai Tourism Department, Mr. Theodorus Suardi. He told us that there were total 26 countries that had participated in the cycling race with 160 participants. The route was 661kms long along the terrain of Flores island. This event was organised in Labuan Banjo in Flores to promote tourism. This kind of event was organized in Flores for the first time and will be held regularly now. The route was at Larantuke, Momere, Ende, Bajama, Rutang and finale at Labuan Bajo. The winner was Daniel Whitehouse of Kuala Terengganu cycling for Japan.

Mr. Theodorus Suardi, Director Tourism Government of West Flores Manggarai district

Director said they are now looking to promote Flores as a Tourist destination by organizing such events and more events like cultural and art related.

I even got to meet with a cyclist- Simon Blake, from Kenya an experienced cycling ciach. By coincidence, he was in the same hotel as ours. Upon asking, he told me about various challenges involved in cycling completion like disfunction of cycle, injuries , health , weather and more. A cyclist needs to factor in all hese things while making a decision to move ahead with the competition. Simon is a seasoned cyclist with vast experience in South Africa, Europe, Asia, Egypt. He said that this was a tough terrain but of course very beautiful and enjoyable. He said, he loved taking part in the competition. Simon said, he normally tries local food, bland and seafood wherever he ventures for cycling. But restricts more to fruits and vegetables during cycling events.

Simon Blake, kenyan contestant

Then in the evening we went to the closing ceremony, Gala dinner. There were many things happening around. Outside there were many dance performances, coffee making activities, roasting bananas, roasted sweet potato, sarong making, sugar making from palm tree.

Sugar making from palm tree

The date palm sap is heated in a vessel till it becomes thick dark brown. Then it is left to cool. Once it cools and solidifies, it becomes a soft solid which can be crushed and is called brown sugar. Date palm brown sugar is expensive and uncommonly found.

Brown Sugar

Then I headed to see the process of coffee making. Coffee beans are first roasted till blackish brown and then crushed to prepare coffee granules. I loved the coffee of Indonesia. It was very light and I could even have it plain coffee without milk.

Roasting of coffee beans

I too tried my hand at coffee crushing.

Grinding of roasted coffee beans

Another activity of Sarong Making was demonstrated which reminded me of Indian manual machines of saree or shawl making.

Sarong making

The dance was captivating on clothing and catchy numbers. People of Labuan Banjo were very proud to experience the whole event of Tour De Flores.

Overall, a great experience for me with an Indian touch in Brown sugar and coffee making with soothing dance numbers and without doubt outstanding hospitality.

Nidhi KM

©Viharin.com

Dance performance at Gala dinner of Tour De Flores