First day spend on flat roads. It’s different and a bit more relaxing so I enjoyed it. The only thing I did not really like is when I had to cross Pekanbaru, the Principal city of the Riau region. I don’t like big cities in general. I mean when I am cycling through them to get somewhere. It’s hard to find the directions and the traffic doesn’t help. Pekanbaru is very dusty. I don’t how people keep living inside this kind of place… Fortunately, today I could eat some juice pineapples and feel my energy and vitamins!
Map.
This is where I’ve tried to sleep last night. The spot was good but my neighbours a bit noisy. This morning I packed everything quickly, went back to the warung to say thank you and good buy. I did not let them talk too much and ask for pictures or anything else. I just left.
About an hour later, I stopped for a break. I did not sleep enough last night so it’s hard to cycle today even if the road is flat.
Maybe 10 minutes later, a guy working in a warung next door offered me an ice tea. Wow! Thanks very much! I needed this :-) He stayed few minutes and asked me if I was hungry. I think he tried to attract me with his drink. It did not work because it’s only 11am and I want to cycle longer before I stop for lunch. But thank you for the refreshment.
The road is very different from what I’ve experience the past 5 days. It’s now, flat, straight with still the same traffic. And it’s hot, bloody hot!
Whouuu! I nearly missed that place. This is a long time I did not drink a nice fruit juice and these guys do some. I feel I need fruits. I did not eat much since a while.
I thought the place that sell fresh juice would sell also food but they didn’t. So I’ve crossed the road and found a warung where I stayed for a while. I had lunch, then a nap, then some more food.
An Indonesian cat. Like often they don’t have tail. I still don’t know why?!
Since few minutes now, I’ve seen lots of places that sell pineapples. Hmmm, they look so good but it might be expensive. As soon as I finally decide to stop somewhere and buy one, I could not see any other shop…
Aaah, yes there is one!
And there is a lot of nanas as they call them here.
I’ve asked for one at the beginning. The woman prepared it and when I had the first bit, I must buy at least a second nanas for later today or tomorrow. This is sooo good! So sweet! I really need fruits today and food the perfect place. I ate one all nanas and bought a second one. The price? 7.000 IDR each (70$ cents). This is nothing for the quality they are! I wish I could buy ten or more but I will have to carry them then :-)
Back on the road, I’m approaching a major city, Pekanbaru. The road looks more like a highway. I looked at the map and did not find any other alternative. And if I did, I would miss the juicy nanas!
This is the beginning of the Pekanbaru city.
Brrr, it’s grey, polluted and overcrowded. I prefer definitely the countryside.
I’m nearly out of the city and it’s not getting better. The road now is very dusty, There is lots of traffic and especially trucks. I must leave the road from time to time to let them go.
Few minutes ago, I’ve stopped to a Pertamina gas station where I met a guy who was following me for a little while with his scooter. He was even recording a video of me cycling. When I got to the station, I thought he had left but he came to me with a bottle of fresh water! Hey, thank you! He is into cycling as well and belongs to a club who use only vintage bicycles. I don’t remember the model they look for unfortunately. Anyway, we talked for a little while until a girl came to us and ask for pictures haha. That never stops or what? She was nice, we took several pictures and then I left the place. I originally stopped to get some cash and nearly forgot that before I came back on the saddle.
Later on, I stopped in another Pertamina station where I had a shower this time. The traffic was dense and I was happy to find this place because it was already dark. I asked to the guys here if I could sleep in the station. Many times people told me that sleeping in police stations or Pertamina is common for Indonesian travellers. With no big surprise the guys accepted straight away. I had a look to the backyard and fortunately there was two trees that would be helpful to set up my camp for the night. Everything is alright!
Nanas? Pineapples!
Why do they like photos so much? Have you ask them?
The video showed the traffic was quite busy with motor bikes. Aren’t you scared sharing the road with many motor bikes?
Nanas ? or None in Kampar Language..I known this Place because I was born there in Bangkinang..
Hi Solder Man, I was there more than 5 years ago so I cannot remember if I heard it “nanas” or “None” but I believe you :-)