27/12
After a epic transit including a 14 layover at Kuala Lumper airport we finally touched down in Colombo. We were met at the airport by our drivers and taken north to Negombo where we are to pick up our bikes. It was hot and humid as we unloaded at the bike rental place and had our first look at what we will be riding for the next three weeks. We were promised new bikes and by Asian standards they were quite servicable. Even so I think that we will have some breakdown maintenance to do as we go. After parting with a large lump of cash we headed out to the beach side hotel for to settle in.
After unpacking we decided to walk a couple of Km's into town. Most of the boys went back okay but Phil and Greg and myself went on further to look for some ATMs and phone sim cards. One wrong turn later and we were lost. Also we suddenly realized we hadn't thought to note the address of the hotel we were staying at. All we knew that it was near the beach. After two hours of walking around with 'helpful' locals pointing in all sorts of random directions we finally found a took-took driver who offered to get us to the beach. Half an hour later we were close enough to find our way home.
Dinner that night was a local affair. The boys seem to have taken a liking to fire crackers and go out most nights to try the new one that they
have just bought. (three days in and they are still really excited.)
Sri Lankan's are cricket mad. Seriously. The mention of cricket is enough to break the ice with the grumpiest of hotel staff. We have a few bats aboard and as soon as they come out the kids just appear like magic. Dan and Jake started a game on the grass between the hotels and before long half a dozen kids had joined in. Vic joined in and dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground. Having only slept a few hours since Christmas, and being lost for two hours walking around in circles, I crawled off to be, exhausted.
28/12 After a much needed nights sleep we picked up the bikes and headed south to Hikadowa . Our route entailed passing through the center of Colombo. Man it was crazy. It seems that the only road rules are 'there are no rules'. If you have travelled anywhere in Asia you'll understand. Although this time it is not observed from the 'safety' of a cab piloted by a experienced local. Instead, we
are on our own. To make things a little easier we are guided by a van from the hire place. As it cuts a swath through the chaos we desperately try to hang on to it's tail. Easier said than done. Our guide drives like a local and if a bus or truck pushes in there is not much a bike can do about it. Our bikes too are giving a little trouble. Vic's bike is first to break, followed by Lionel's, snapping a clutch cable. Will goes up the footpath to miss a collision and I have a sticky ignition key, leaving me stationary as the convoy pulls away. Finally 5 mins from our destination Wills bike blows a fuse and loses lights. It is dark but we only have a km to go. After along day in the saddle we pull into the seaside resort of Hikadowa. I think thats how you spell it. We are sore from nearly six hours of riding. Thankfully we have made it safely through on probably the busiest and most dangerous part of the trip.
28/12
Today we swam and surfed and had a little side trip to Galle. More fireworks and breakdowns and a ride through a torrential downpour. Being wet is not to bad, as it is a relief from the heat. But the chafing of my riding pants is not helped when they are soaked through. The buses and trucks race through here and seem to stop for no one, it is quite frightening. They also aren't too particular about which side of the road they use. The houses and shops are built right to the roads edge, Kids and Dogs and tourists wonder about as the horns blare and the buses and trucks come roaring through. Walking around here isn't much safer than riding so you have to stay on your toes. I also found a local guy to drill some holes and mount the surfboard rack to my bike. Tomorrow I will take it for a test run down the coast.
Jake will tell you what he saw.
