Today the Sri Lanka riding begins. It was a good ride today though the afternoon was just slightly too hot so I skipped the last 20km.

Official start photo in front of the hotel. Yesterday we had both sectional meeting and overall rider meeting. Even with differences between camping and hotels, TDA has a standard set of recognizable practices. With a lunch truck setting off first and a dinner truck sweeping the 1st half and then going to the end point. This gives some alternatives for those not quite riding the entire day.

The day started with moderate temperature, not necessarily cool but also not too hot. We had a mix of busy roads and ones that were quieter like this one. My bike was riding well and I made good time.

Another quiet country lane. Locals are both curious and friendly. On at least three occasions a motor scooter would pull alongside and they would ask my native place. I would answer, point back and remark Sri Lanka was their native place and if they were from around the area.

A different occasion someone asked where I was going. When I mentioned the destination town – he remarked that this small lane was definitely not the most direct way to get there and offered to point me to the main highway.

The Ride With GPS navigation worked well. Once or twice it was confusing if the “turn left” was the immediate road or if it had already skipped to the next instruction. So stopped and figured it out easy enough.

Our lunch stop at almost 50km. It was nice, shady and cool. The morning had gone well but I could notice the last climb was a bit tougher – so I rested and cooled for a bit and figured I would see how the afternoon went taking it slow.

Stupa in the countryside.

In the afternoon I also stopped for a coke or cool yogurt. Partially an excuse to get from the heat and partially to replenish. It was slow going.

Many dogs around. Mostly docile but a few barking as we went past. Apparently one rider had a bite and was taken to the clinic to check things out.

This is a majority Buddhist area and country so we pass different shrines.

Shortly before this intersection the van came past. I should have put a thumbs down asking for a ride but didn’t quite get it in time. About a km later there was a slight climb and I was feeling it. At that point realized it would be wiser to get a ride that go through last 20km so messaged the group lead and ended up with a ride.

Apparently, I am the tallest rider. Someone decided it would be fun to also get a photo with the shortest ride. Jackie is 75 and still cycling strong.