Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Elephant Orphanage was a very moving experience.  Some are victims of the War in Sri Lanka, and are not able to go back to the wild.  I was dubious as I do not approve of caged animals, but these elephants are free.Cycling to the top of Nuwar Eliya.  It was the hardest climb I have ever done, and seriously hurty..  Cycling 102KM, the last 6 in a torrential downpour

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh, the group leader was amazing.  He has a very smooth operation going, the trip runs like clockwork.  He would organise wake up calls for each room, and would give detailed description of the day and the next section.  He was super efficient and took all of the organisational stress out of the trip.  He also has a very big heart, and made a very big effort at the end of the trip; there had been 3 birthdays, suresh organised a group cake for the 13 that had not had one.  He had an incredible support team also, all very good humoured and very willing to help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This has to be on your tick list of "must do" trips.   The fitter you are before you go the more enjoyable you will find it.  Develop a love / tolerance  of curry before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

The general experience of cycling the backroads, seeing the real Sri Lanka.Excellent hotels and food, both local and western

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding. He was available 24/7, always cheerful and thinking ahead Kept us informed, made sure he interacted with everybody personally, to ensure we were happy and our needs were being met.He went the extra mile whenever it was needed.His backup team were also excellent, and always friendly and positive   

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is very hot, make sure you have the lightest gear possible. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I was inspired by a rider who at 58 (and not having had much riding experience), who had suffered breast cancer and leukemia in the previous few years completed the hardest day of the ride doing a 2000m climb to Nuwalia Aya. I was also inspired by Suresh, our Leaders' patience and attention to detail as well as his knowledge and ability to fix up all sorts of issues and problems.  No problem was ever too small for him.  He always put the riders first and himself last.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our Group Leader is just the best.  Words cannot praise his patience in dealing with 14 diverse and sometimes demanding customers.  Nothing was too difficult for him to attend to, he catered for everyones needs, consulted when he thought it was appropriate (eg. food choices) and thought about everyone and their requirements.  Suresh you "rock" big time. Thanks ever so much for making this holiday pleasant, comfortable and one of the best cycling tours I have been on so far.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Advice - take it easy, it's not a race, slow down and enjoy the "journey" and the vivid scenery.  For newbie riders, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate again. A fellow American rider said to us - you Aussies are the Kings of Hydration, we have to be, in 35+ heat in Summer.  Many Northern country riders who haven't ridden in hot countries are apt to get caught out.  Take at least 2 tubs of gatorade/rehydation fluid (available at most western supermarkets) for the 14 days to re-hydrate and chug it down all day with each refill of water.  Take your own bike water bottle as the plastic water bottles used means you'll have to physically stop to unscrew the lid to drink. If you haven't used nappy rash barrier cream (or chamois cream), get some and apply before riding (and at toilet stops), it'll help both male and female riders with chafing - big time.  Take a small back pack to carry and and re-apply 30/50+ sunscreen, plus camera, plus a moist flannel (to cool you down, clean off mud and re-apply sunscreen).  For the ladies, figure out how to use the hose toilets, thy're much more hygienic and cool you down - so practical for Asia

Most Inspirational Moment

I think everyday was inspirarainal, but the first day really sticks in my mind.The first ride which was rather relaxing cycling through the jungle and children running out and saying hello to the group, then visiting the beautiful cave temples at dambula and then later climbing the rock fortress at sigiriya. there were so many highlights to this trip but I loved the tea stops and bakeries, the sri lankans make great cakes! also just to eat fresh fruit everyday which hasn't travelled thousands of miles was just brilliant :-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was really really great, he put 100% into the group and kept everything running smoothly, nothing was a problem for him, we had mentioned we were intrested in the pottery and potters in the area of ahangama, and so with our group leader and driver we went on the hunt for a local potter, it would have been impossible without the help of the leader and it was a great experience to see the potter work and show us her techniques. I also like comment on the rest of the team who were also great and helpful the driver was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was special on this trip. Be it the unusual Sigiriya, the cultural and beautiful Polonnawura, the spectacular mountainous centre of the country from Kandy, through Nuwara Eliya to Ella, the wildlife, the beaches, the towns or the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh, Upali and Dasun were all great, very attentive caring and fun. A great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy this trip most if you are fit. For sure there's a back-up vehicle, but why book on a cycling holiday to sit on a bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the back roads and the climb to the top at 2000 meter.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was great as group leader, so was his staff helping you whenever you needed help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy your trip, if you have little gifts for the children, like pens, they ar very happy when they get a small gift.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day we cycled to the top of NUWAR ELIYA then down to the castle like hotel, I believe this was a 90 km climb from Kandy, you could get the train or you could cycle it and I recommend cycling it. It is a tough day up past some amazing scenery, then up through the tea plantations with tea and cake stops :) and then up and up until after a day in the saddle you reach the sign that says NUWAR ELIYA, that was my most inspirational moment, what a feeling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was awesome, always making us laugh and keeping us all to schedule perfectly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

this trip does come with hills so a little bit training in the hills would benifit you and try the local drink arrack, but as a few of us discovered it takes 2 or 3 or maybe 4 to develop a taste for it so dont give up after the first one :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Sharing a train train trip from Kandy (PERADENI JUNCTION) to NANU-OYA with what seemed like thousands of other like minded passengers but in particular with a family and friends on a annual pilgrimage to a hilltop temple. The generosity and kindness of our fellow passengers with their food and snacks together with the magnificant scenery made this an inspirational journey............

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader SURESH GAMIATH BANDRA was truly amazing as nothing was too much trouble.....  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes take this trip for a truly amazing experience before SRI LANKA is spoilt by hoards of holiday makers

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding along the mud roads between the villages and the paddy fields showed us a way of life so differnt to ours in the UK.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent and attentive to all our needs. He was rightly proud of his country and keen for us to immerse ourselves in its culture, sample the local food, and learn of its history. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling downhill at high speed through surprisingly quiet back roads and tea planations. Spotting both a leopard and tusk elephant at Yala National park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Suresh Gamlath is an absolute asset to the company. He was so good at his job. Very friendly, funny, always making sure everyone is happy. Our driver Upali and the support rider AK were fantastic too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont wear white clothes. Wear old clothes on the safari drive and if you are a lady, a sports bra :) Buy a tub of Gatorade/sports powder to put in your water bottle during the day to top up electrolytes. Good suncreen that wont sting your eyes, insect repellent, lip-screen, some muesli bars, padded bike pants, jeresy with back pockets or a bum bag. Nice clothes to change into at night.