The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), showcases two different faces of Bali on five departures of its seven-day Bali Paradise Ride that moves from suntan beaches into ancient cultures still thriving in off-the-beaten path upland villages and remote coastal hamlets. The departures are Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Aug 10, and Sep 14. The per person rate is $1,595 ($390 single supplement.

Moving at the speed of two wheels guests explore remote coastal fishing villages and black sand beaches as well as the jungle-clad interior past emerald rice paddies, towering palm trees and volcanic lakes.

Highlights include the culture of the Bali Aga, supposedly the original inhabitants of Bali who still live by strict social rules, including one that requires you to marry within the village or be cast out. There is a stop in Tenganan, one of the best preserved Bali Aga villages still with multi-level cobbled streets and neatly aligned rows of houses. Villagers here are renowned for their complexly woven fabrics.

Another stop is in Klungkung town, with its moated gardens, a surviving remnant of an ancient royal palace. Once flourishing as a former kingdom of Bali prior to the arrival of the Dutch in the 19th century, it is here where the last king committed suicide along with the royal court rather than submit to the rule of European invaders.

Often overlooked by resort-bound tourists are the temple complexes of Tegeh Koripan and Ulan Danu Batur, spectacularly situated on Lake Batur in a lushly forested volcanic crater. PP&G guides make sure the group experiences the sunset here when dying rays of the sun bring a profound change of color and drama to the surrounding hills and vistas.

"We aspire to show guests the real Bali far from the crowded beaches and cocktail lounges. To the inquisitive voyager the true Bali is more than a legendary tropical paradise; it's like Hawaii with Hindu temples not Hula girls. And if you are willing to go that extra distance it's cheaper than Hawaii by a long shot," says Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager.

Guests cycle on average 40 miles daily along paved roads with some stretches on narrow lanes. The terrain follows small coastal hills in the beginning with some larger climbs once in the volcanoes. Traffic is light to moderate at times.

Except for international air the trip is all inclusive of accommodations, most meals, professional guides, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs. More details can be found online at:

Bike Tours

Annually, PP&G offers multiple set departures and custom trips to 18 exotic destinations in Asia, the South Pacific and Alaska. The company has been conducting cycling tours of these regions since the 1980s and is known for creating spontaneous, up close and personal cultural encounters along its well-researched cycling routes.

Asia's most seasoned bicycle tour operator, Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes in sag wagon-supported road bike tours. They organize rides that are geared toward cycling enthusiasts, featuring longer daily rides designed to fill the day with adventure, while still allowing sufficient time for "off the bike" exploration at fascinating stops along the route. Accommodations are carefully chosen to provide modern western amenities, a comfortable night's rest and an immersion in the local culture and lifestyle. Meals are a celebration of local beverages and cuisine. Trips are led by either a bi-lingual international guide living in the area or a native born guide fluent in English, complimented by an English speaking support crew from that country. All levels of riders are welcome, from energetic beginners to elite cyclists.

National Geographic Adventure magazine selected PP&G as one of the Best Adventure Tour Operators on Earth for 2009. The awards will be featured in the February 2009 issue.

For more details on all the programs offered you can call 877-998-0008, visit Pedalers Pub and Grille online at their website or send an Email to tours@pedalerspubandgrille.com.

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