10-19 February 2012 |
In February 21 amazing individuals cycled 413km across this beautiful country raising much needed funds for MAG.
Cycle Sri Lanka 2012 Flickr Gallery
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The tropical island of Sri Lanka is tiny yet it is a country full of delights. Our challenge takes us from the beautiful west coast, weaving inland over the central highlands, exploring tea plantations and beautiful scenery, up to the welcome coolness of the central highlands around Kandy to the historic port of Trincomalee.
We end our adventure watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. This is a challenging trip and not for the faint hearted, but the stunning scenery, friendly people and rare insight into rural Sri Lankan life will not disappoint.
DAY 1 DEPARTURE
We depart London on an overnight flight to Colombo.
DAY 2 NEGOMBO
We are met by our guides on arrival in Colombo and driven by private bus to Negombo where we check into our hotel and have a bike fitting. (Ground Only participants will meet the group at this point). We then have a short briefing on the challenge ahead before sitting down to our welcome dinner.
DAY 3 KITHULGALA, 90km/56 miles
We leave bright and early to make the most of the cooler air and cycle south along the coastal roads passing an ancient lagoon and canals built by early Dutch settlers. En-route we take in picturesque monasteries and markets, pass through the village of Gampbaha and stop for an early lunch in a plantation. We continue onto Ruwanwella, where our transfer vehicles are waiting to drive us to Kithulgala, the site for the filming of David Lean's masterpiece "Bridge on the River Kwai". For our meal tonight we have a magnificent buffet of local delicacies.
DAY 4 NUWARA ELIYA, 43km/27 miles
This is one of our toughest days as we cycle to the heart of the central highlands. After a challenging climb we stop for a well-earned cup of tea at the Devon planters' bungalow, set on the Thalawakelle tea estate and overlooking the magnificent Devon and St. Clair waterfalls. Our afternoon ride takes us further uphill to Horton Plains where we transfer to our comfortable hotel on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya, a favourite hill station of the 19th century.
DAY 5 KANDY, 100km/62 miles
After breakfast we continue our ride through the central highlands as far as the Labukelle Tea Estate where we are shown the leaf preparation process. We ride along almost deserted roads stopping for lunch in the village of Pukuressa. In the afternoon we make our way to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second biggest city. Arriving in Kandy, we deposit our bikes at our centrally located hotel before having some time free to explore the delights of this picturesque, bustling city.
DAY 6 HABARANA, 96km/60 miles
After breakfast we make our way up to Wattegama. We say goodbye to the hill country and enter the flat "dry zone". Passing giant fig trees that provide welcome shelter from the sun, we stop for lunch at a local spice garden. In the afternoon we visit the famous Dambulla Cave Temples, an important Sri Lankan religious site and then transfer to our hotel in Habarana.
DAY 7 TRINCOMALEE, 84km/52 miles
Our final day will be almost totally on the flat. We have our lunch at Kantale by the side of the huge reservoir, one of the oldest and biggest in Sri Lanka. Today we shall also pass Kandurukanda Mountain and the Somawathie Chaitiya Sanctuary. Along the last section of road as we come into Tampalakamam, just outside Trincomalee, we also pass the Naval Headwork Sanctuary. In the evening we mark the end of the challenge with a celebratory meal on the golden sandy beaches of Trincomalee.
DAY 8 PROJECT VISIT
Today, after breakfast, we will meet MAG deminers, the heroes dedicating their lives to removing deadly weapons, here we will have a demining demonstration of the valuable work MAG does in the country, helping to create more secure environments for the local communities. In the late afternoon we will enjoy a relaxing meal as the sun sets and reflect on what we've achieved over the past few days.
DAY 9 COLOMBO
This morning, after breakfast, we will have a morning transfer to Colombo. In the afternoon we are dropped off in the centre of town and have the rest of the day free to visit the main sights of Colombo. This evening there is the chance for those that wish to make their way into Colombo to see it by night or otherwise just relax in the hotel overlooking the ocean.
DAY 10 RETURN TO THE UK
After breakfast, we are taken to the airport for our return flight home. We arrive in the UK in late afternoon. (Please note: this excludes ground only participants who will make their own way from the hotel).
Just ask...!
Entry for this challenge is now closed. If you have any questions about the event or other similar MAG events please email events@maginternational.org or call 0161 238 5447, we are here to help in any way we can.
What past participants have said about MAG cycling challenges
"The camaraderie and team spirit from cyclists and support crew was amazing, and the personal satisfaction and sense of acheivement was something I had never experienced before. Despite occasional hitting the pain barrier I smiled every single day. It was a highpoint in my life - and it benefited a worthwhile cause." Lee Patterson
"I wanted to set myself a funky challenge. Something that would get me overseas, with a bunch of folk I had never met before. Something that would stretch me physically and mentally and maybe benefit someone else if I could do it for charity. When I saw the details from MAG, I jumped at the chance and it exceeded in every way I could of hoped. Highly recommended!" Max MacGillivray
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