Most Inspirational Moment
Getting up the big climb! Ruwan makes sure you are eased gently into the cycling. The stops are well positions with lots of wonderful snacks and fresh fruit. Cycling through the tea plantations is really scenic and takes your mind off the climb!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruwan was a fantastic leader. Great organisational skills. He gave detailed information about the stages both verbally and gradient profiles on the WhatsApp group chat. He was a fountain of knowledge about Sri Lanka with a real passion for its history. He organised lots of interesting non cycling activities as well, like a meal and cookery demonstration at a family home. Ruwan organised transport for us on our day off in Kandy, recommending places to go. Ruwan is also excellent at spotting wildlife, especially birdlife as we cycled along.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a flannel to wet and go under your helmet to help with the heat. Although Ruwan organised purchases of these for those of us that didn’t have one. Half and half pedals were great for cycling in traffic and then being clipped in for the big climb! Do some endurance training if you don’t cycle regularly, however the gradient on the big climb is steady not horrendous so don’t worry about that! If possible arrive a day early, stay in Negombo (closer to the airport than Colombo) I recommend the Belmont Boutique Hotel with free airport shuttle, lovely small hotel with great food and close to beach. A lot of our group including us stayed on longer. Our home stays were amazing.