Most Inspirational Moment
So many...but a particular highlight has to be reaching the top of the highest point in the country after a 2000m climb. Unfortunately we couldn't see much at the time due to the clouds and rain, but knew it was quite an achievement to have got there on a bike, especially in that weather! Luckily the sun was shining the next day so could see the full extent of the countryside and the heights we had scaled to reach it.Rest day in Kandy made a welcome change of tourist activity (lake, temple of the tooth relic), not to mention the safari (and tusker sighting!) and visits to ruins, temples, tea plantations and ancient stone carvings along the way.So much to see and do - and getting there everyday by bike was just great.Also a great group of fellow travellers, so was fun to share the adventure with a lovely bunch of people too - some good laughs along the way!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was brilliant. So enthusiastic, happy, keen to ensure everyone was ok and willing to help - at all times! He was more than just a bike group leader, but rather a proper tour guide and trip supervisor all rolled into one. Made us feel most welcome in the country and was always going out of his way to make sure we saw everything Sri Lanka had to offer, experiencing the food/drink/culture to the full and continuously filling us in on the background and history of places we visited. The rest of the team were fab too - supporting us whist cycling, looking after the bikes and driving our luggage between hotels.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are looking for some varied bike riding, that is challenging at times but also rewards you with a real insight into life in Sri Lanka, then this could be the trip for you. The support vehicle and backup is always there in case of any problems or if you don't want to stay on the bike all day, plus the hotels are all of a pretty good standard so there is always a hot shower and sometimes even a pool to look forward to at the end of a day on the bike.A few tips - get a good quality gel saddle and be prepared for lots of rice & curry!