The Place Around You And Me, Vol. 2: Bandung Velo-camp at Mount Puntang hosted by Tour de Fun & Djaya Maju Bike shop
Going off grid from the city followed by 60+ riders, we rolled out from Djaya Maju Bike shop for a 35 kilos ride to the southern district of Bandung. Our bikes would be a vehicle, but the focus of the trip was to be the people. Everyone showed up on their favorite bike—or perhaps just the one and only bike they rely on every single day. We spent on the bikes with a very personalized bikepacking setup which were very unique, from the lightest setup to the super-proper camper.
This Bandung velo-camp is less about how far or fast you finished, this more about realizing along the way that we preferred the slow grind of the Bandung’s backroads. Passing through Desa Neglasari, we were treated to beautiful, sweeping landscapes. We really enjoyed entering the route which completely cut off from heavy traffic, (we rarely see car or even the motorbike here), a light rain that splashed down, it felt more like a welcome relief. Helping us to conquer the final climb to the camp site as the gradients cranked up from 6% to a brutal 20%.
Some of the riders were seasoned brevet veterans, while others had never tackled a 200-meter elevation gain in their entire lives. But we were connected here in the event because everyone just had a similar intention: riding bike. While facing the climb, naturally, the riders were split into several groups on a segments. But out here, that didn’t matter. The Warung checkpoints along the way were always waiting, no matter how long it took. There was no cut-off time, no pressure—we were there solely in search of fun.
We laughed our way up every steep climb, sharing the ridiculous, funny moments that only happen when you're suffering a little bit together. In those moments, everyone was completely equal. And honestly, that is exactly how cycling should be.
Sweat enough, we reached the Mount Puntang entrance gate (around 1300 m in elevation) in the afternoon. We found ourselves rested at another Warung taking Indomie for the meal while waiting another group come up. Spent an hour to talk about everyone’s experiences and continued to our camp site, tackling the final ascent to finish it all.
Everyone settled their own shelter under the tall pine trees, some using proper tents, others only using tarps and hammocks. We had to rush the setups because the rain suddenly became intense. Everyone lay on their sleeping pads inside their tents, waiting for the downpour to pass. Before long, the sun comes again and reminding us to get up and feel the air. Too good, we took bath on the river which is very cold. Looks like everyone enjoyed to be here, closer to the nature that we could see rarely. Accepting the sun to go down, beautiful sunset!
Campfire became everyone’s best friend. The cold night became warmer that everyone is supported each other to survive. The camps turned into a fantastic smell like a kitchen. We became a chef of ourselves. DIY Barbecue setup, coffee making, instant noodles, felt never served that good before. Slow but sure, everyone filled with good meals and joy before sleep. Thus, everyone can turned the light off and rest well.
The day after, no one wanted to miss the morning. After taking breakfast on their own way, some people tried to catch the sunrise. Later, we gather at the historical site around the mount, there was a testament of Malabar Radio Station, a revolutionary wireless transmitter built during the Dutch East Indies era, which today only the ruins. The bike parked around, we captured the memories taking a photo of all people who finally made it. They were the kind of people who would give things a go even if they weren’t the greatest at it.
We then spent some time playing a small bike handling games. Collecting bike bottle and arranging them as an obstacle course to pass through. We give everyone a try and find the winner who did it quickly so they could bring the prize home, which is a set of Sim Works “The Homage” tire and the Knog “Blinder” bike light set.
Days getting hot, we returned to the campsite to clean up and pack our gear getting ready for the way back home. The time to say goodbye, but no one had any regrets. The excitement carried through into conversations about future camps, new routes, and 100 reasons to throw ourselves into the joy of bike wandering.
Sometimes, it feels like these riders and their bikes are forcing themselves to do things they weren't originally made for, filled with unfamiliar experiences and self-reflection. We simply enjoy the challenges of it as we keep learning about ourselves, our bikes, and our surroundings.
See you in another Velo-camp.
Text: Ari Triawan
