Day 3 Breakfast Update
We have taken the hostage & damn he appears happy about it, so after a quick espresso
(mmmmmmm espresso), we are off to Amed using only well known village back tracks.

But here we go for the Day 3 run

The rally assembled at the first checkpoint for the day at 9.00am.
First flagged away was the lead car driven by Andretti, Co-navigated by
the Hostage and the Flag Marshal.

We proceeded via a short cut through Denpasar, instead of the usual route
via Sanur cutting about 10 minutes off course time.(Sneaky move Hostage !)
The Route taken appeared devoid of traffic, chickens and dogs much to the
disapproval of Andretti who wanted to return to Denpasar for the thrill of it.

The views traveling to Ubud was fabulous as the on board camera shows.
Andretti did manage a smile, after a near miss of a village rooster, not even
the lack of traffic would upset him now.

We arrived in Ubud in no time because of the quite roads, but we were
immediately befriended buy a guy in a "Uniform" who wanted to join the rally
complete with siren and flashing light but after a quick review of the
village chicken embedded in the grill decided to give it a miss.

With so with a little time up our sleeves, after the sneaky Hostage shortcuts,
the thoughts turned to a trip through the markets to look for spares, in case of
any breakdowns, .... however the alternate transport was a little lacking .. but the
right price.

Meanwhile the Flag Marshal ventured in to the bowels of the market looking for flags
and to do a funny dunny report. "Only recommended for those emergencies".. a 2 out of 5.

The other crew found themselves in the wet market only to beat a hasty retreat due to the,
how do you say, "AROMA", and proceeded to look for supplies.

Not the dried chilli Andretti. There are other people in the car.

After rescuing the Marshal from the middle of the road they left still leading the
Rally field to Tampaksiring.

The road was clear and fast and the crew where clocked at a screaming 62kph, in one
closed mountain section, leading in to the temple where several course parking directors
moved fast to get the Jimny in a park close to the exit.

Refreshments where consumed in a small warung and a 250gm pack of Bali grown coffee
for Navs Espresso machine was purchased. As you can see the car park with not one bus,
a dramatic change from our last trip.

Sideman was next on the map with a 400mtr Hill climb stage that was not on the pace notes
but the Marshall felt it was good a short cut .... WRONG boyo .... first gear all the way up
..5 point turn and full brakes all the way down but a great view. Although the crew had little
time to grab cameras as both hand were needed to hold on. Back on the main road to find a lunch

Stop when a voice from the rear yelled "turn left here" with out thinking Andretti
swung left in to the drive way of "The Secret Garden Resort" where we found the
restaurant to ourselves complete with a staff member doing his best Gambalan rendition.

The Hostage now sated felt that we should make haste to the Blue Moon at Amed

All was well until Andretti murmured "Maybe we should have got the bikes in Ubud"
with everyone looking puzzled he pulled up the jimny on the side of the road, turned to
the Hostage and Handed him the wheel brace.

Much to our pleasant surprise Andretti had been guided by the gods to this spot. As we left
the Hostage to fix the flat we observed six beautiful village girls washing in the stream next
to the Jimny. " Take your time Hostage" was the call from Andretti " I need to
take in the view" but in no time we were on our way with Andretti blowing kisses as they left
(He loves his Job)

The road to Amed has some great views all the way to the coast. The Blue Moon is only 9km
further on along the coast, and yes even with the flat they where the first Bali Rally car there.

With the days race won it was time to settle with a bintang at the Blue Moons Bar Restaurant area
over looking the ocean between Lombok and Bali.

The Villas are opulent and with Sue, the host, eye for detail everywhere.

The Penthouse has 270 degree views from two huge balconies the main with a double
day bed. (which the Marshal immediately found to his standard)

The rooms are all air conditioned and huge Balinese style open roof showers (a favorite)
After a refreshing dip in the pool it was time for a full inspection of the menu.

Its no wonder that people are eagerly arriving from other resorts with the attentive Blue Moon staff
and fabulous menu waiting on their arrival. Needless to say the Rally Crew ate and ate until it was
time to refresh for the next days events.

stay tuned for the next days details

PS ... don't forget to join in the spirit of the Rally. Post your support to the BTF & Rally Guest Book

Check the Rally Site Photo Gallery Page for more "on the street pics"

To be Continued