Timor's version of a peace rally

East Timor is approaching the tenth Anniversary of the "popular consultation", when Timorese were allowed to vote to end the brutal occupation of their country by Indonesia, or remain a part of Indonesia. The vote, as we now remember, was in excess of 85% for independence. The country exploded into violence by militia put in place by the Indonesian military.

In the ten years since the world's youngest democracy has been through growing pains and made remarkable progress toward peace.

This month they are celebrating that progress with a grueling mountain bike race, the Tour de Timor. More than 350 riders, from seasoned competitive cyclicsts from Australia to local Timorese riders, are competing for a $75,000 prize.

Over grueling terrain, the race goes from city to seaside to mountains, over unpaved roads in many spots, and even involves carrying your bike over a few rivers. So far there have been spills, cuts and bruises, but no serious injuries. A number of contestants have complained they have fallen behind because they had to stop and look or take pictures of the pristine Timorese scenery --- which is stunning.

The race is the initiative of President and Nobel Laureate José Ramos-Horta, who dropped the flag to start the first day of the race. "We hope that everyone will be a winner in this race for peace," he said.

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