Every island that I have visited in Indonesia has its own
character and identity and I remember each for a different reason, Java stands
out for the hospitality and generosity of the people I have been fortunate to
befriend here. Java has many big bike owners and the island boasts a strong
motorcycle community, especially among BMW GS owners, I was lucky that many of
the clubs and groups were more than happy to invite me along for a ride. From Surabaya to Jogjakarta I couldn’t have
hoped for greater hospitality, I was invited to stay at people’s homes, given
help with the bike and asked to come along for some great rides time after
time. Java has the distinction of being the world’s most populous island and
many other motorcycle travellers warned me of the traffic congestion and
advised me to pass through quickly. I found myself doing the complete opposite,
every time I went to a new city and met new riders it seemed I’d extend my stay
here for a little longer. The traffic in the cities was often quite frustrating
but it wasn’t long before I was riding like a local and zipping in and out of
traffic with the congestion soon forgotten once I discovered the sweeping bends
of the hills surrounding Jogja and Solo. I joined a few groups for some day and
overnight trips and got to ride some of the best roads I’ve found in Indonesia
with some of the friendliest people I have had the pleasure of riding with. The
Riders from Central Java know how to organise a day of riding, the scenic roads
were only matched by the delicious food we would eat when we stopped for a
meal…. Enak Sekali!!! Some of these guys were also very fast, it was the first
time in quite a while that I had the chance to do some really quick riding with
other riders and I must admit Toletto and Adhi easily had my measure. Many
thanks to Babe, Aditya, Odhon, Yudi, Robi, Toletto and a long list of other
riders and friends that I have met while I’ve been here and have made my stay
so memorable.
