Cycling & Motorcycling
Due to its compact size, variety
of landscapes and easy accessibility to places of interest, Sri
Lanka is an ideal destination for a cycling and motorcycling trip,
motor vehicle for longer destinations and bicycle for a shorter
one. Biking gives you an opportunity to get close to the people
and nature; with this mode of transport it is easy to explore
culture and locals' lifestyle, for example, cities like Polonnaruwa
and Anuradhapura, bicycles are ideal transports for getting
around inspecting the ruins.
Taking your own bike into the
country is not complicated as most of airlines are familiar with
the transport. The procedure may vary from one airline to another
so make sure that it is in good order prior to your departure.
Taking your own bike is highly recommended since the quality of
bicycle and motorbike rented out in Sri Lanka, even in Colombo,
are rarely up to the international standard. Importantly, if you'd
like to hire one, always check the breaks on any bike you are
offered before putting your money down. Rented-mountain bike is
hardly found in Sri Lanka and also some specific gears and parts
are not available, so check it in advance, other normal parts may
be found in 'Adventure Sports in Lanka' located in Colombo.
Renting a motorcycle is easy, they are available in many places
especially in Hikkaduwa, which demands you to supply a cash
deposit, your passport number, and you may be required to leave
your airline ticket as security.
Road conditions are varied as
well as the diversity of country's topography. It ranges from
city's smooth highways to bumpy roads, sometimes even loose
surfaces. A standard mountain bike is compatible to all road
conditions, however, except for the busy Colombo-Galle road,
particularly Colombo and Beruwala and between Hikkaduwa and
Matara, where the appalling driving, especially the bus drivers,
make biking downright dangerous. For your safety and to avoid
climbing steep hills, take a train from Colombo to Beruwala and
start biking from there. It is easy to take a bike on a train
although there may be some problems on the Colombo-Ford where you
are required to bring your bike to the station two hour in
advance. In other towns staff will usually assist you to the train
however you may need to help yourself in some occasions. Roadmaps
are available for route planning, many suggesting route to avoid
traffic. Nevertheless, maps are not very clear on signs or road
numbers, and do not give accurate indication of altitude and
distance.
Be well prepared before setting
off your journey. Allow for a series of locals' reactions, ranging
from staring, waving hands, shouting and cheering as encouragement
especially when riding up a long up hill section. Women cyclists
attract more attention than usual, especially one wearing short
tight shorts and sleeveless tops. Sri Lanka's weather is
changeable. Always have not only sunscreen but also fleece and
raincoat in hand, also, take plenty of water although there are a
lot of small stalls (Kadys) along the way where you can buy coke,
soda and refreshing coconut as well as biscuits. Above all, have
your spare parts and gears prompt to be used and prepare to be
self-sufficient during your journey.
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