Ode to SpiceRoads
In 2016, we did our first SpiceRoads tour through Myanmar. The customer service, professionalism, and overall experience on that tour was amazing so, when we moved out to Asia in 2019, we decided to contact them again. This time, we arranged a 3-day bicycle ride through Sri Lanka starting on the West Coast in Negombo, heading to the East Coast in Trincomalee, and finally ending up in the middle of the country in Dambulla. This photo montage is a tribute to you, SpiceRoads, and a testimony to the wonders you can encounter and the amazing people you will meet when you experience the world by bicycle.
Thank you!
Tim & Nick
Day 1: The Ride Begins
18 August 2019 | Negombo to Kurunegala, Sri Lanka (West Coast) | 102.5km
Peaceful riding on Beach Road along the Gulf of Mannar
Sampath (our SpiceRoads guide) and Nick at a coconut grove where they are harvesting coconut oil
And Nick’s expression tells you everything about the taste of coconut oil
Tim taking blissful selfies along Beach Road
Nick enjoying the ride through rural Sri Lanka
Nick and D.V. Chamara (our SpiceRoads bike guide) leading the way
Stopping for some fresh coconut milk along the side of the road with Sampath and D.V. Chamara
This little old lady is very skilled at using a hatchet to open a coconut.
Taking another break at a fruit and vegetable stand.
Ahh… fresh watermelon to cool off and rehydrate
Sri Lanka… always very colourful and vibrant
Chocolate milk break on Madampe Road. We were so happy to discover that Sri Lanka has cows and, by extension, milk, cheese and ice cream
Nearing the completion of bike riding for day 1 along Lake Road in Kurunegala
Nothing better than rewarding yourself with a couple of ice cold Lion beers (and a late lunch) after a long day of riding
Day 1: Swimming in the Bay of Bengal
18 August 2019 | Trincomalee, Sri Lanka (East Coast) | 1000m
Day 2: More SpiceRoads Adventures
19 August 2019 | Trincomalee to Dambulla, Sri Lanka (East Coast) | 102.5km
Leaving Trincomalee and saying goodbye to the monkeys
On our way to Dambulla
Bicycle riding through traffic in Sri Lanka
Riding through a primarily Muslim community
Enjoying the scenery
A fellow cyclist
We’ve heard of ice cream trucks but never an ice cream motorcyclist… awesome!!
Selfie time
After lunch and on our way to the Dambulla Cave Temple
Scenes from the Dambulla Cave Temple
Yes, they have wild elephants in Sri Lanka that you randomly see alongside the road.
Day 3:
20 August 2019 | Dambulla to Sigirya, Sri Lanka | 50km
Sigirya is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province. Sīnhāgiri, the Lion Rock, was the capital and royal palace of this area from 473-493 CE and was later abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Riding to Sigirya
Tim, Nick and Chamara in front of Sigirya
More coconut chopping… they love their coconuts.
Sampath and Chamara ordering coconuts for us
Enjoying fresh coconut
Rehydrating with coconut milk
Our friendly neighbourhood coconut stand
Nick making friends by asking to take a photo in Tamil
Goodby Sri Lanka… we’ll visit again soon!
