looks like i may have an opportunity to go sri lanka (columbo and candy) and i was wondering if anyone here has taken a bike or rented 1 and explored the roads on 2 wheels.

thanks.

The roads in sri lanka are very bad. And they drive like absolute maniacs, i'd be nervous in a hummer :/

i went years ago and i can confirm they drive like lunatics and your just as likely to be taken out by a cow or elephant just as much as a car.

Have a look here for stuff on cycling in sri lanka

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/search/?term=sri+lanka&expand=auto

i'm half sri lankan, spent a few weeks every other summer there while i was growing up (and recently), and i'd have to reiterate the above: the roads can be pretty shit, and the drivers are fucking nuts. i have seen cycling groups riding there, though, usually from colombo to nuwara eliya. it's a massive climb with some rediculous hairpins, but a BEAUTIFUL route. i've always wanted to get a bike over there. as crazy as the drivers can be, they'e somehow really considerate (most of the time) about non autos on the road. definitely go (i wouldn't hesitate), it'll be fantastic.

If it were me I'd just buy a bike over there to pootle around if you have enough time, not sure about long-distance touring though given the poor roads (unless you really aren't in a rush).
Sofa-saddled, rod-brake, steel-rimmed roadsters are made for dealing with potholes, can be had for about 20 quid, and people will smile at you! They are usually kitted out with strong racks so just grab some panniers before you leave.. You can then get repairs even in the smallest of villages..
This is the kind of thing I'm suggesting - don't laugh!:

I lived in South India for 4 years and rediscoverd cycling there, albeit not on one of these behemoths. Cyclists still rule South Asia, but remember bigger vehicles ALWAYS have right of way!

yeah watch out for car / van / lorry / truck drivers ( well all drivers over there ) they all believe in reincarnation so if they die no problems. and thats kind of the attitude when they drive ! they play a version of chicken over there in which the object of the game is in fact to hit the other driver !! bikes watch out

hey oblong, Ive spent a few months there recently. As mentioned above the roads are shit and the drivers are fuckin nuts! I strongly recommend you get a minibus or something and get you out a good distance out of colombo - its by far the worst there - and bring reliable & comfortable ride. Other than that - go for it! It's an amazing place & be cool to get about on a bike. Kandy is great, a lot quieter than colombo and there are some great rides around in the mountain country and the tea hills. I'd say it could be tricky getting a decent (sub 1ton) bike to rent though, and bringing your own will be a headache if you plan to get around by bus. On but trains should be cool. Anyway, a some of my bike pics:

I think this guy posts on LFGSS (Large Fuckoff Guns and Single Speeds)

fish on a bicycle ;-)

that looks like a really good time. im jellious of any one going there.

Hey Dr. O

have cycled a fair bit in India, major cities & country roads. If think I can confidently say it's going to be a fare while before the red light debate takes hold on the cycling forums of Mumbai.

You can buy a brand new Hero™ for just over a score, the mechanic (sic) will assemble it with the help of a non specifically sized open ended spanner and a ball-pien hammer.

An extra couple of quid gets you the Miller single bulb 6V dynamo bulb set, a bell and bespoke top tube protector.

If you intend to do any major distance I recommend that you take a big/fat squishy arse foam/gel tech saddle with you. Oterlieb panniers are handy, royal spoke cards a must and the biggest horn you can lay your hands on. phnaar phnaar

I miss India! i'm as English as Fish and chicks...