Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bikes available for day use typically are not suitable for long-distance riding. Bike-rental
shops offering quality long-distance machines are rare. Consider bringing your bike from
home if you plan on serious cycle touring.
Bike Tours
Tour and outfitting companies organise cycling tours of Sri Lanka and may also help you
get organised for independent travel.
Action Lanka
TOUR
Eco Team
TOUR
SpiceRoads Cycling Tours
TOUR
Long-Distance
Keen long-distance cyclists will enjoy Sri Lanka, apart from the steeper areas of the Hill
Country and the busy roads exiting Colombo. When heading out of Colombo in any dir-
ection, take a train to the edge of the city before you start cycling.
Start early in the day to avoid the heat, and pack water and sunscreen. Your daily dis-
tances will be limited by the roads; be prepared for lots of prudent 'eyes down' cycling as
you negotiate a flurry of obstacles from potholes to chickens. Remember, too, that
speeding buses, trucks and cars use all parts of the roadway and shoulder, so be very
cautious and wear very visible clothing.
If you bring your own bicycle, also pack a supply of spare tyres and tubes. These suffer
from the poor road surfaces, and replacement parts can be hard to obtain. The normal bi-
cycle tyre size in Sri Lanka is 28in by 1.5in. Some imported 27in tyres for 10-speed bikes
are available, but only in Colombo.
Keep an eye on your bicycle at all times and use a good lock.
When taking a bicycle on a train, forms must be filled out, so deliver the bicycle at least
half an hour before departure. At Colombo Fort train station you may want to allow up to
two hours. It costs about twice the 2nd-class fare to take a bicycle on a train.
