Indonesian Motocross

Johnny Z — Sun, 15 May 2011 04:25:35 +0000

On the way back from Pamanukan, Darwin and I happened across a motocross event. We stopped for a while and watched as the locals raced motorcycles on the track. I enjoyed hanging out there for a while, but it is at events like this that being a big white non Indonesian speaking white boy makes you stand out like a sore thumb. People are interested, but the language barrier is too strong.

I found that motocross and motorcycle racing is popular there. Indramayu is short of recreational options, but I did see this, football (soccer), and volleyball being played at times during my stay.

Trips Into Town

Johnny Z — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:44:41 +0000

I was able to locate some areas that had Internet service. The closest location was about 25 minutes away in the town of Pamanukan. The route took us through the potholed back roads of Cilandok Lor and on to the main two lane road that goes across Java. I couldn’t muster the nerve to ride myself on that main road. There were too many reasons not too, the most important of which were my lack of experience on Indonesian roads and the police. I’m sure they would have loved to shake me down for some extra money if I were to go cruising around in the cities the police patrolled. The police are notorious for causing foreigners grief and expecting payments to “get out of jail”.

In my time there I couldn’t find a helmet that fit my head. Some people say I have a big head, but the reality of the situation trumped the humor. I also couldn’t find shoes or sandals there when I got married and my sandals happened to both spontaneously combust. Note to self: Indonesia is not kind to 6′ 2″ tall goons with large craniums and big feet.

I made the trip to the Internet cafe almost daily. I needed to have the connection. I was slowly losing touch with reality, language, and who I was. The Internet provided me a 1 hour window where I could check email, check on my websites, and read some news articles. It made a nice break in my day, although I had my heart in my throat more than once when we were riding there. I learned that closing your eyes sometimes is the best thing you can do do escape.

Street view, Pamanukan

Street View Pamanukan

The outside of Jogja, the shopping mall of Pamanukan. The roads are packed with scooters.

The crew from CFC, which serves fried chicken meals like its arch enemy, KFC.

A view of the countryside from the highway.

The main store in Pamanukan, Jogja.

Relaxing-Fun » Pamanukan

Indonesian Motocross

Trips Into Town