Southeast Asia and Home for the Holidays

Tropical Paradise

I want to start off by wishing all of you a happy New Year. May everyone enjoy much health, prosperity, peace, and well-being in 2008!

I was able to enjoy the Christmas and New Year's holiday with friends and family at home in Los Angeles before heading back to Asia. More on that later.

I'd promised to update the story about my trip to Indonesia so here it is in a nutshell:

Hindu Temple, Bali

The plan was to fly into Denpasar, Bali and spend a week on the island. On Bali I was able to visit the popular resort areas of Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Visits to Hindu temples, indigenous cultural performances, exotic cuisine, and rest and relaxation were all on the menu.

Ready to ride at Dewata Harley-Davidson, Kuta, Bali

While passing by the Bali Harley-Davidson dealership on the way in from the airport, I already knew that I'd have to ride a motorcycle. The islands are full of small displacement bikes and I'd get a whole new impression by getting myself out into the stream of traffic with the local population. I think the normal route to renting a bike in Bali would be to go on an organized tour. I chose to just ride baby...

I don't think that Harley rentals are common in Indonesia although the infrustructure is there. If you ride then you can easily rent with some preparation.

Make sure you have a current license and also an international driving license showing that you are large displacement motorcycle qualified. Bring gear with you or borrow and purchase gear at the dealer. Should there be any questions about experience and ability you may have to perform a short riding test. Insurance is included in the rental. It also helps to have an understanding of the local riding style and rules of the road! And by all means... have a sense of adventure!

For more Bali motorcycling information click on this link: Dewata Harley-Davidson

Kintamani Caldera with volcano, Bali

After the visit to Bali, an overland excursion was undertaken to really get to know the island of Java. Now I've been to Indonesia before but only experienced it from the most populous and tourist-oriented places. While the trip took me to many of those same places, I received a new-found respect for the beauty, culture, history, and geology of these fascinating islands. Java is a large and densely populated island dotted with rice fields, palm trees, exotic fruits , rare wildlife, and stunning geography.

Local temple resident, Bali

Mountainside Terraces near Malang, East Java

The people are warm and friendly, and never more so than when I scaled the mighty Borobudur temple in Central Java near the city of Yogyakarta. A temple of Bhuddist origin in this predominantly Muslim country with magnificent views of the mountains surrounding it, Borobudur is a must-see on an Indonesian itinerary. While at the temple and especially at the top, many visitors noticed that I wasn't "local". They were keen to speak English with me and fascinated to know that I came from Los Angeles. They wanted to know about L.A., but even more so about how I felt about the people and Indonesia in general. I really enjoyed these brief exchanges and photo opportunities (it did make me feel like a celebrity of sorts) and I viewed the exchanges as a way to build bridges with other cultures apart from the all the stereotypes we have about each other when viewed from afar.

View from the Borobudur Temple, Central Java

Street Life, Yogyakarta, Central Java

Continuing west from Yogyakarta we stopped in Baturaden, another majestic mountain retreat and then on to the city of Bandung and the resort area of Lembang. Rest and relaxation and visiting with relatives occupied my time and then it was off to the metropolis of Jakarta and then back to the USA.

Baturaden, Central Java

Mt. Slamet Volcano, Baturaden, Central Java

The politics of the world have taken a toll on Indonesian tourism and that much is evident from my own memories and past experiences. I didn't see as many western tourists as I had in the past. True, tourism is experiencing a slow resurgence, but the 2002 Bali bombings act like a lingering hangover. The Balinese are a warm and hospitable people as are the people of Java. Indonesia is doing quite a bit to maintain a safe atmosphere and the recent United Nations World Climate Conference went off without a hitch on Bali.

If you are looking for a different, exotic, and eye-opening journey, I cannot recommend Bali and Java enough.

Java, Indonesia

At the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the Imperial city of Yogyakarta in Central Java

I'm running short of time tonight and the eyelids are getting heavy. A more in-depth report about my current travels will have to wait for another day.

Stay tuned!

Crossing the Bali Strait between the islands of Java (left) and Bali (right). Notice the volcano in the distance.

Javanese Beauties in traditional dress.
I could get used to this!

Beautiful Bali

Tanah Lot Temple Sunset

I was lucky to capture this image of a beautiful West Coast Bali sundown

Thirteen years after my first visit to this magical island I have the privilege to once again take in the beauty and mysticism of this tropical paradise. It turns out that the touristic areas of the island are quite busy due to the United Nations Climate Change Conference currently wrapping up in Nusa Dua.

Bali is, if anything, more beautiful than I remember. Unfortunately, the island has suffered in the years since the 2002 Bali bombing that captured worldwide headlines but the island still has so much to offer the savvy traveler: full service resorts, fascinating local culture and history, and natural beauty aplenty.

I took the opportunity to view cultural performances, eat exotic cuisine, and travel to the edge of a volcano. I also had the opportunity to ride a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe around the island. What an adventure! Balinese traffic is on the left (just like the UK) and that was a new experience. Take into account the crowded roads of trucks and tons of 125 cc scooters/mopeds and some rather chaotic driving tactics and riding a big Harley becomes a whole new ballgame. A Harley is a rare but respected sight on Indonesian roads. Well beyond the reach of most Indonesians, the Harley motorcycle carries a mystique as the "king" of motorcycles.

Riding a big HD on such a magical island is something that few get to experience. The fact that I had to drive through tropical downpours further added to the adventure and I hope to do it again soon!

Harley Softail at rest near Sanur Beach

Taking refuge during a tropical downpour

Filling up at the local Pertamina Gas Station near Kuta Beach

Driving up the coast on the way to Java gives some stunning views of the Indian Ocean

One of the local Balinese residents

Lucky me with several Balinese dancers

Photo Problem Update

Just a quick note this evening. The most likely problem with my photo uploads is the atrocious upload rate that I'm having here in southeast Asia. Coming down the pipeline is fine, but uploading anything beyond a simple e-mail takes quite a lot of time. I'll hope for a quick connection somewhere along the way but I may have to wait until I get back to give a full rundown about this trip.

Bali, Indonesia

Balinese Sculpture at Sanur Beach, Bali

A few hours after leaving the L.A. Auto Show I was on a plane bound for Asia. First stop Tokyo, then on to Singapore, followed by a flight to the exotic Indonesian island of Bali the next day. I'm here in Southeast Asia for three weeks and will travel on the islands of Bali and Java.

I'll have much more to share with you when I can figure out why Blogger is not accepting my picture uploads and I do have something motorcycling related to share as well.

Let's just say it involves riding big American iron in a very exotic locale not experienced by very many riders!

Blog Downtime and Image Upload Problems

Hi folks,

I've been trying to update my blog for several days now but I am having constant uploading issues. Bear with me as I sort things out because I have some interesting adventures to share. Stay tuned!

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

On Sunday, 25 November, I headed down to the L.A. Convention Center to see the Maserati Granturismo in the flesh for the first time. I wasn't disappointed... except for the colors of the showcars. The Granturismo is even larger than I expected but my infatuation with the exotic Italian continues.

I also took a look a the MINI Clubman and the new V8 powered BMW M3 and the 1 Series Coupe. I liked the cars and all three should do well in the Southern California auto market.

My car "of the moment" the Maserati Granturismo next to one of my favorite vehicle brands

The MINI Clubman... soon at a dealership near you

M3 V8: Probably will see a lot of these in SoCal

The 1 Series Coupe: "Entry" Level BMW

CNN Does Extensive Ducati Coverage

CNN did a lengthy piece about Ducati and the 2007 MotoGP World Championship winner Ducati rider Casey Stoner on a segment of the show "Art of Life" hosted by anchor Monita Rajpal. Monita speaks with Livio Lodi, the director of the Museo Ducati and a gentleman that I met on one of my previous visits to Ducati.

Have a look at CNN's "Art of Life" by clicking on the link:

CNN's Art of Life: Ducati

Ferrari are World Champions!

I know that this is old news now but on the heels of Ducati's triumph in MotoGP, Ferrari and Kimi Raikkonen managed to reel in the manufacturer's and driver's trophies in Formula 1.

What a good year to be a fan of the Scuderia Ferrari and the bikes from Borgo Panigale!

Molto Bene!

The Best of France and Italy

Another great event that took place on November 4th was the "Best of France and Italy" car show. After the Hansen Dam ride my friend Dodi and I rode our bikes over to the car show to peruse the beautiful vehicles on display. Of course my love of Italian machinery runs deep and there were all kinds of gorgeous cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. To tell you the truth I was more taken by the very rare (for the North American continent) French vehicles on display. So much so that I realized that I didn't have a single photo of an Italian car. If you would like more information on this event check out the official website: Best of France and Italy .

I might show a bike or car next year...

Anyway here are a few pictures from the show:

Hansen Dam British Bike Meet

On November 4th the Hansen Dam British Bike Meet took place in the San Fernando Valley. This is a great event which focuses on vintage bikes from the United Kingdom. There were a few modern and classic Italians in attendance, including my Paul Smart 1000 LE.

Here are a few photos:

My #16 waving the Italian flag in a sea of British machinery

If Nortons, Triumphs, Vincents, Royal Enfields, and BSAs are your passion then this was definitely the event to attend.

L.A. MINI Returns Home to Southern California!

JCW MCS back on terra firma in Los Angeles. Notice the Alfa Romeo Racer in the background

Last Friday I finally had the chance to drive JCW MCS. It was the first time since early August that I'd been behind the wheel. The car was very dusty and there was a minor issue with the front wheel arch reflectors that I had repaired at Long Beach MINI at nearly no cost. Beyond that the car is in great shape.

It feels good to have the car home and it is extra special to get in the car knowing that I've been in some of the great European capitals in the same vehicle... even if I'm only making a run to the local mall.

What a great experience this trip has been!

JCW MCS hits the road in L.A. once more!

Getting ready to drive home

Not the local gendarmerie, carabinieri, polizei or politie, but L.A. County's finest...

Time to Update the Blog

Cousin Kenny from Holland and family and friends get together at my place.




Greetings all,

I've been pretty busy the past several weeks with moving house, entertaining relatives from overseas, and work. I need to sit down and get up-to-date with my auto/motorcycle news.

Specifically: the MINI is back!

I'll have pictures to post about the MINI and last weekend's Hansen Dam British Motorcycle event and the Southern California All French and Italian Car Meet.

Stay tuned!

16 October: MINI Due in Port of Los Angeles

The APL Turquoise with JCW MCS on board in New York City in September.
Photo copyright of Tom Turner


The APL Turquoise off the coast of Baja California yesterday.

JCW MCS should make landfall today after being away since last May. What a journey! I'm still about a week away from getting behind the wheel since U.S. Customs and Dept. of Homeland Security have to do their thing first. The car will then be shipped to a warehouse in Paramount, CA where I will pick the car up. Can't wait!

On the Way to the Panama Canal

As of 8 October JCW MCS is in the Carribean Sea and on the way to Panama. I'm sure the car is either in or through the canal as I type this update.

More MINI Tracking Info

I've been quite busy with moving into my new place so I need to keep things short. JCW MCS is down off the coast of Florida and the Bahamas. I'm sure the ship will enter the Gulf of Mexico soon and makes it way towards the Panama Canal.

F430 Scuderia

Ferrari unveiled the F430 Scuderia at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. The successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale and the pinnacle of th V8 Ferrari where less (weight, mass, spartan ergonomics) is truly more, the F430 Scuderia sure sounds impressive in this video from Road & Track Magazine. Although I prefer the standard F430 from an aesthetic viewpoint I still like the F430 S... but those stripes need to be WHITE and the wheels need to be polished.

For a video of the car in action click here: Road & Track Behind the Wheel of the F430 Scuderia

Photo and video courtesy of Road & Track Magazine

Tracking the MINI

As of 1 October JCW MCS is somewhere off the coast of Massachusetts and headed down the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Ducati: Campioni del Mondo!

2007 has been a great year to be a Ducati owner/fan! A little over a week ago Ducati clinched the MotoGP World Championship at Motegi Raceway in Japan with Australian rider Casey Stoner. All Stoner had to do was finish ahead of the great Valentino Rossi and the title was his. Loris Capirossi, the other accomplished Ducati factory rider, managed to take home the win and Ducati had reached the pinnacle of motorcycling motorsport! Bravo!



I've been to the factory several times, the most recent being this past summer with the MINI. I found this video of the early morning title race event that took place at the gates to the factory. Definitely more crowded than when I was there! It must have been a great day to be in Bologna, especially with all those Ducs on the streets making that wonderful v-twin desmo sound. Have a peek at the day's events:



I feel like gettin' on the bike now...

Top photo and video courtesy of Ducati