Every Friday at 8:30 AM, the Sibang community gathers for something that transcends a simple bike ride. What began as a casual cycling outing has evolved into a weekly adventure through Bali's untamed landscapes—and a quiet engine funding sustainable education for local Balinese children.

Led by Kurt from Eco Village, these rides welcome anyone from the wider Sibang area who wants to explore the island on two wheels. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or haven't touched a bike in years, you'll find your place in this remarkable tradition.

Why This Ride Matters

The Friday Ride has always been free. Years ago, riders began offering voluntary donations, and this simple gesture has blossomed into the ride's deeper purpose.

Every rupiah contributed goes directly toward giving local children access to the same experiential sustainability education that international families typically pay for. Donations help send kids into transformational programs operated by leading regenerative and environmental groups across Bali, including:

• Green Camp – immersive sustainability and outdoor-learning retreats

• Astungkara Way – regenerative agriculture and land-based education

• Coral Triangle Center – marine conservation learning

Children from organizations like Taman Permata Hati, Hope Orphanage, PKP Women's Shelter, and Suwendi Foundation are matched with programs they're most likely to benefit from. The funding covers participation fees, overnight stays, and outdoor experiences—opportunities most would never otherwise access.

More recently, a bimonthly youth version has emerged. Kurt takes children from Taman Permata Hati on rides modeled after the main Friday journey. Along the route, they discuss water use, rice consumption, biodiversity, deforestation, and traditional Balinese earthen architecture. Many have never seen bamboo or mud houses up close; discovering that someone actually lives in one resets assumptions and expands horizons.

This educational impact is immediate, practical, and deeply personal. It's the quiet purpose behind every adventure.

The Ride Experience

These outings are half cycling, half spontaneous jungle exploration. Kurt almost never repeats a trail. Each route is carefully tailored to match the group's abilities and desires, ranging from 20 to 45 kilometers through terrain that can shift from paved road to deep mud within minutes.

You'll pedal through scenic trails, cross irrigation ditches, slip through rice field paths, climb rural backroads, and suddenly drop into shaded forest tracks or hidden waterfall valleys. You'll discover places that few visitors ever see, witness Bali's enchanting countryside in its rawest form, and return home thoroughly and wonderfully tired.

These aren't races or competitions—they're opportunities to connect with nature and fellow enthusiasts while challenging yourself just enough to feel accomplished. The rides remain accessible to adults of all fitness levels, though expect to feel the combination of distance and tropical heat if you haven't cycled regularly.

Ride Details

When: Every Friday at 8:30 AM (excluding non-school days and occasional schedule conflicts)

Meeting Point: NEW Sogil Coffee shop, located across from the south vehicle security post

Duration: Routes designed to return you in time for afternoon obligations

Distance: 20–45 km, depending on group preferences

Cost: No fee for the ride itself; only bike rental costs apply (donations welcome and meaningful)

Bike Rentals Made Easy

Don't have your own bike? Rental bikes and helmets are available through a simple process:

1. Watch for the WhatsApp poll posted every Wednesday morning

2. Sign up for your rental bike and helmet

3. Collect your bike at Parking Lot C on Friday morning (first-come, first-choice)

4. Rental fee: Rp100k paid directly to Sepeda Bali

Important rental policies:

• Rides happen rain or shine

• Cancellations must be made before 6 AM Friday to avoid rental and delivery fees

• If fewer than 5 riders sign up for rentals, a Rp500k minimum fee will be split among rental participants

• Groups of 16 or more will split into two rides with different challenge levels

What to Bring

Essential gear:

• Helmet (provided with rental or bring your own)

• Water bottle that fits in a bike cage, or a hydration pack

• Sunscreen

• Cash for lunch or refreshments along the way

Clothing recommendations:

• Comfortable clothes suitable for cycling

• Attire that can get wet and muddy

• Clothes that double as swimwear for spontaneous dips in waterfalls or swimming holes

Expect the Unexpected

Part of the magic is embracing what comes. During rainy season, you might navigate muddy trails or witness a fellow rider take an unplanned detour into a rice paddy (all in good fun!). Waterfalls often appear without warning. Wrong turns, surprise river crossings, and the occasional slide into a rice field are part of the culture.

The terrain varies constantly, offering both scenic views and physical challenges. This unpredictability is central to the ride's identity and what makes each Friday a genuine adventure.

Safety and Self-Reliance

This ride operates as a group of friends exploring together, with each participant responsible for their own safety. The activity is not officially sanctioned by GS, and there is no support vehicle accompanying the group.

All riders should be prepared to self-rescue if needed. In case of injury, fatigue, or mechanical failure, you can arrange a Gojek ride back home. This self-sufficient approach keeps the rides flexible and maintains the informal, friendly atmosphere that makes them special.

Ready to Ride?

The Friday Ride brings three elements together: community connection, physical challenge and exploration, and direct support for local children's sustainable education. You'll finish tired, muddy, and satisfied—knowing you've contributed to something meaningful beyond your own enjoyment.

Whether you're looking to stay fit, explore Bali's hidden gems, or simply enjoy Friday mornings with like-minded adventurers, these weekly rides offer something special. The trails are calling, and every Friday brings a new adventure.

Come join us for an unforgettable way to start your weekend.

Happy trails!
Kurt

For more information or questions about the Friday morning rides, reach out to Kurt on Whatsapp

The bike repair workshop isn't about becoming a mechanic—it's about understanding the machine beneath you. In practical, fast-paced sessions with zero pretense, participants learn to diagnose problems, maintain their own bikes, and make smarter decisions about repairs and gear.

No slides. No lectures. No classroom energy. Just tools, parts, and the kind of real-world knowledge that makes you more confident on the trail and more capable when something goes wrong.

How It Works

Session 1 set the tone. In under an hour, a complete bike was stripped down to its core components—every part removed, assessed, and sorted for repair, reuse, recycling, or replacement. By tearing the machine down piece by piece, participants learned the structure and logic that holds it all together:

• Braking system – how you stop

• Steering and control – how you navigate

• Power input – pedals and crankset

• Power transmission – chain, gears, derailleurs

• Suspension components – how the bike absorbs impact

The learning comes from doing, not watching. Everyone gets their hands on the tools, parts, and mechanisms that most riders never see up close. It's a rare opportunity to understand how a bike responds when something fails on the trail—and how to fix or manage it on the spot.

What You'll Gain

By the end of the workshop, participants walk away with:

• A working understanding of how their bikes function

• The ability to diagnose common issues before they become problems

• More confidence during the Friday rides

• Better decision-making around maintenance, upgrades, and safety

• Practical skills for emergency repairs in the field

The Workshop Philosophy

This is intentionally informal. The atmosphere is messy, mechanical, and hands-on. The focus is practical competence, not theoretical perfection. You'll leave with grease under your nails and knowledge you can actually use.

Photos from Session 1 document the full tear-down and rebuild process and are available in the article section for easy reference.

For information about upcoming workshop sessions, reach out to Kurt on Whatsapp