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Clare
I am a geologist by profession, but after a number of years in the oil business I decided that when it came to climbing I preferred mountains to corporate ladders.
My illustrious cycling career got off to a bumpy start when at the age of 7 I failed my cycling proficiency test. Apparently it was something to do with not stopping at a red traffic light. This was a skill I nurtured in later life on the streets of Manchester, and later still when I became a cycle courier in London.
I started mountain biking regularly in 1999 in the hills just outside Jakarta on the island of Java, whilst I was on a 4 year job posting. It was a stunning introduction to the sport and a privilege to be able to do Sunday rides in such beautiful terrain. It was there that I gained a reputation for leading unsuspecting characters on mountain biking adventures into the wilds of Java. After making the decision to change my profession, I thought I’d better re-qualify so spent an extremely enjoyable (but cold and wet) couple of weekends in Lancashire gaining my MIAS level 2 Mountain Bike leadership qualification*.
My inspiration for setting up Bali Trailblazers wasn’t only a question of wanting to share a relatively new mountain biking domain, and under-explored part of the world with like-minded individuals, but also stemmed from a couple of pretty crappy holiday experiences with big companies, and thinking I could do better. I think that people get the most satisfaction out of doing something that challenges them and whilst the idea of climbing 2000 metres for 3 days in a row is not my idea of a holiday, neither is sitting in a minibus for half a day followed by cycling down some mediocre jeep track. So if you occupy ‘middle earth’ a Trailblazers holiday could be the one for you!
Ketut
Ketut was born to ride his bike. He has been, and still is one of Bali’s top riders on both road and mountainbike and has many medals to his name. Inspite of his local fame he remains a genuinely humble person. His jobs over the years have included Barman in Kuta and local sea fisherman. He still likes to fish in Benoa harbour; but doesn’t get so much time anymore! He challenges the guys and charms the girls – what more do you want from a guide!!
Ketut is Balinese born and bred and currently lives in Denpasar, the Islands capital. He tells me he is single….so lock up your daughters!
Ramang
Ramang is from Solo on the Island of Java. He is married to an Australian lady and has 2 young children. He has always been a keen cyclist and when we needed an extra pair of legs he jumped at the opportunity to join us. As well as guiding, he also runs the operations side of things.
One of his many talents includes playing a rare type of Javanese Folk music called Keroncong. He plays guitar, mandolin, double bass…..and sings. He sometimes combines both his interests and bikes and sings at the same time!
Made
Made has worked with us from the start, and without being too boastful his knowledge of the Balinese roads is probably the best on the Island. He is a demon at getting the back-up truck in and out of very tight spots and along the bumpiest of tracks. His bike maintenance skills are developing fast and at the end of the day he is always waiting to give you a much needed cold drink.
*The Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme (MIAS) qualifications are accredited by the CTC and are recognized by the AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority). For more details see Mountain Bike Instruction.
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