”Oomph” on a bicycle…… Cabin Crew of UL

“Cycling is a blissful diversion; one would realize its pleasures only through indulgence and not otherwise.” 

The big fellow was a muscle builder not ridden for 12 years. Two more purchased their push-bikes the day before, and a few found rusting two-wheelers from some sort of refuge. 

As confusing as it may sound, the four ladies and the five guys were gearing for a never before accomplished adventure in their lives. The bikers, from ages of 17 to 50 years, capitalized on an opportunity to cycle from Nuwara Eliya to Gampola on machines they were not too comfortable with. A new venture for this team.  

At three in the morning on the 7th of August, expressing enthusiasm, the bikers left Colombo in a minibus to Nuwara Eliya whilst the bicycles were dispatched carefully stacked onto a lorry. On the way, breakfast heavy and yummy was at Pussellawa rest house and the presumable riders reached Nuwara Eliya at nine thirty. The weather chilly at 12 degrees Celsius, breezy and wet was undeniably a damper to the biker’s mental hype but was not a deterrent. Subsequent to a lengthy Photography session the cyclists embarked on their long downhill escapade to Gampola with a scheduled stop at Rothschild tea centre before Pussellawa.  

Rolling downhill, refreshingly crisp mountain air boosts their energy levels. The route through the pristine traffic-less path to Ramboda on one of the most picturesque roads of Sri Lanka stimulates the rider to go beyond their capabilities. Several riders hit the fifty kilometres per Hour mark with caution; an astonishingly professional approach from a bunch of amateurs. 

Ramboda to the tea centre, a gradual climb, was achieved with ease owing to the chilly atmosphere and the tea with chocolate cake was just amazing. Next was all the way to Gampola, a downhill track, done at a brisk pace due to the energy hike gained at Rothschild’s.  

Achieving the initial goal to end the ride at Gampola was apparently a breeze. The riders were happy and comfortable, which enhanced their vibes. The sun was out and the Gampola traffic was gaining momentum at half past noon. Undeterred and an adrenalin rush made them decide to make the run to Peradeniya. Bodies ready, thoughts synced, the bikes were pedalled. The idea, sane or ruthless did not matter cos they did it to the Gannoruwa turn off in Peradeniya and the madness continued. Motivated and unrelenting, the bikers wanted more…. They extended it all the way to Mawanella along the hugely popular Kadugannawa downhill on a busy road. 

For this new biking crew, riding eighty-five kilometres in four and a half hours with fantastic views and an energetic team in a beautiful Sri Lanka was a memorable trip and a profound accomplishment. To celebrate this achievement and the completion of a safe journey they donated meals to the aged homeless people at Welisara “Dev Siri Sevana,” a charitable organization dedicated to the elderly.

Great stuff…Virani, Ashini, Sumedha, Dayomi, Farhaan, Ramesh, Chathura and Akhil.