Cycling in volcanic ash

Would you ride a bicycle in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption?

Mount Merapi volcano spews smoke as seen from Sidorejo village in Klaten, near the ancient city of Yogyakarta, November 1, 2010. Indonesia's Mount Merapi erupted again on Saturday morning, spewing ash into the sky, and prompting authorities to extend the danger radius by two kilometres (1.24 miles). REUTERS/Beawiharta (INDONESIA - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT)

This Indonesian woman does. She sports a wide brimmed hat, a rain poncho and a face mask in an attempt to keep the ash off as she rides her bicycle on an ash-covered road through Yogyakarta after Saturday morning’s eruption of Mount Merapi. The summit of Merapi is about 10 miles from Yogyakarta’s commercial district.

A woman wearing a rain coat, rides a bicycle on an ash-covered road after another eruption of Mount Merapi volcano, in the city of Yogyakarta October 30, 2010. Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano erupted again on Saturday morning, spewing ash into the sky, and prompting authorities to extend the danger radius by two kilometers (1.24 miles). REUTERS/Andry Prasetyo (INDONESIA - Tags: DISASTER ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Here’s a guy riding his bike through Yogyakarta through the thick ash. Mount Merapi or Gunung Merapi — ‘Mountain of Fire’ in Javanese — is the most active volcano in Indonesia.

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 30: A bicycler and motorists drive on a road in Yogyakarta following a further eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano on October 30, 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Mount Merapi has erupted again on Saturday covering the surrounding area in hot ash. Earlier eruptions this week have claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with authorities evacuating villagers within a 10km zone after warning more eruptions were imminent. Mount Merapi, the 'Mountain of Fire' is the most active volcano in Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

In the United States, we’d call these cyclists hard core, avid, dedicated, and maybe even a little crazy. In Indonesia, these bikes are likely their everyday transportation.

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 30: A cyclist rides on a road in Yogyakarta following a further eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano on October 30, 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Mount Merapi has erupted again on Saturday covering the surrounding area in hot ash. Earlier eruptions this week have claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with authorities evacuating villagers within a 10km zone after warning more eruptions were imminent. Mount Merapi, the 'Mountain of Fire' is the most active volcano in Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

Click on any of these images for a slideshow of more Mount Merapi photos.

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 30:  A pedicap rides on a road in Yogyakarta following a further eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano on October 30, 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Mount Merapi has erupted again on Saturday covering the surrounding area in hot ash. Earlier eruptions this week have claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with authorities evacuating villagers within a 10km zone after warning more eruptions were imminent. Mount Merapi, the 'Mountain of Fire' is the most active volcano in Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA - OCTOBER 30: A cyclist rides on a road in Yogyakarta following a further eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano on October 30, 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Mount Merapi has erupted again on Saturday covering the surrounding area in hot ash. Earlier eruptions this week have claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with authorities evacuating villagers within a 10km zone after warning more eruptions were imminent. Mount Merapi, the 'Mountain of Fire' is the most active volcano in Indonesia. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images)

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