No laughing, sneezing or coughing.... but otherwise good to go.

Its pouring with rain.

I sit at my desk, in my air-conditioned office and I stare out of my window in disbelief. We rode bicycles around the country for 10 days, in blistering heat; not one cloud in sight, not one patch of respite from the searing, brutal, skin scorching, mind numbing heat and now, as I sit in my temp controlled, comfortable room, it rains??? I think its a good thing I don't believe in a god, as he/she/it would have had a belly full from me right about now.

ATP 2016 is now history. We did a 'ceremonial' ride in from Negambo, joined by some friends and kids of riders, ending our ride at Park Street Mews, where a CP camp was being held. Many friends and family members were there to greet us and it was particularly emotional to see the recipient children ( of wheel chairs we raised funds for) there to greet us.

The last two days of proper riding were two tough legs; Sorely testing most of the riders as the distance and the heat combined made these the longest and hottest of the entire journey.

Day 8: After suffering my mishap on day 6, and attempting, but not making it more than 6km's on day 7, I got back on my bike for the 160km's from Jaffna to Marichchakatti. I had tanked up on painkillers and was reasonably comfortable as it was a flat ride on good road for most part of it and I didn't think my rib and shoulder would get too much of a jarring. Yasas had taken a painful fall on Challai and he too was nursing a badly bruised and painful rib. Yasas and I 'cracked' a few jokes between us and decided to push on.

In addition to my rib and shoulder, it appeared that my poor bike had suffered some injury as well. Sadly, it did not survive the crash. I didn't realise the time but the impact had snapped one of the carbon tubes and basically, that was that. Fortunately for me, there was a van being driven up to Jaffna that night and I managed to get my old bike sent up.

Setting off early morning, I was probably the most comfortable of the riders as for one, i was tanked up on some pretty serious meds ( the world was a happy place) and two, I had spent an entire day, lounging in the luxurious rooms of Jetwing Jaffna, and was well rested.

Charlene had picked up a nasty gash on her leg and needed medical attention. Under normal circumstances this would have required a few sutures, but nothing about Challai is normal, so she had wrapped her leg up in Jehan S's sun protection sleeve, and it was only on completion of the day, that any attention was given to it. I have to say, she is one tough cookie, with an incredible resolve.

Chantal had a pulled glute muscle, Chenthu had planted his head in the sand and was being checked for concussions and Aneesha had damaged the ligaments in his wrist in another fall, which meant the 'sick list' was pretty long. Chenthu and Aneesha decided not to ride but the other walking wounded gamely hopped on and with the aid of some 'happy pills'  to numb the pain, we rolled off in to the rising sun.

A few Kms out of Jaffna and we cross a steel bridge. The morning dew had made it as slick as glass and before we knew it, we had a multi bike pile up. Charlene took another tumble but thankfully, avoided any serious damage, a part from a sore bum and elbow.

The rest of the ride was thankfully eventless, but testing. Mid way to Mannar, we broke out in song, led by Jehan B, and at near hysterical volume, belted out some rather dubious lyrics to a few Queen, Sinatra, and Simon and Garfunkel hits. While Freddy and Frank probably had a good spin in their graves, Paul and Art must have felt a chill in their souls and I think we cleared the threat of Elephants on the road for many miles in each direction.

Entering Mannar, the heat was making going really tough. It was well in the 40's and a few people crumbled and had to take the option of vehicle support, but the others, wounded included, grit their teeth and motored on. This was really 'dig deep' stuff. This is the time that you have to take complete control of your mind. I play scenes of life out, try and remember places I have been to and make and remake my bucket list. I can assure you, there is no place on my new list, that has an average temperature any higher than 25c ever. During this section, incredible support provided by 'Wonder-woman' Ajani and her merry crew was almost a life saver at times. Watermellon and ice magically appeared when most needed and cold bottles of water were passed around to 'bath' in and cool ourselves while on the road. The amazing support of Andrew and the Land Rover team deserves special mention as well.

The ride finally ended at the Marichchakatti Naval Camp. the location of this camp is amazing. Its poised at the bottom end of a bay, just north of the famed Kudiramalai Beach and has a lovely view in all directions. We were to spend the night with Eco Team again, who have an excellent camping set up for large crews, and under the leadership of Channa who was always attentive. Ajith and Shiromal were our neighbours, and along with Shehan C, we had a peaceful evening, sipping a well earned scotch, enjoying a chat and a laugh and watching the sky put on a magical show, first with a stunning sunset and then with a display of a myriad of stars.


The next day was another tester. especially for those of us who were nursing painful injuries.

The day starts with a beautiful 34km ride through Wilpattu National Park. Since its reasonably cool in the morning, we ride through spectacularly beautiful Villus and open plains of the park keeping a keen eye open for any elephants, buffalo or other wildlife that may not take kindly to our presence. As gorgeous as it is, nursing injuries on 'off road' rides is never easy and was especially daunting.

For some, this ride is a beautiful experience, to be savoured; truly is a journey of a life time.
For others, its simply a point A to Point B ride on mountain bikes. This reflects many of the personalities as well. Observing the riders I couldn't help but feel sorry for those who just do not see the beauty around them.

The entirety of ATP is such a journey, sadly not for many. Ajith, Yasas and I were doing this for our third time, but we still marvelled at the beauty around us and took time to stop our bikes, view particularly beautiful sights, and shook our heads as some didn't so much as turn their heads at some of the prettiest scenery the island has to offer. I guess we all have our reasons why we ride. I hope in the many years I plan on doing this ride, I never get to a point where I don't appreciate the beauty of it.

Once out of the park we took a brief rest and hopped in to the cooling river at the entrance / exit, and switched bikes for a 135km's of road riding in to Negambo. From the park entrance to Putlam town the road is still reasonably empty and a good pace can be kept, however from Putlam onwards, its a slow grind through traffic and the harsh realisation that the best of the ride is behind us and now its a return to 'civilisation' if you could call it that.

We made a few 'Kade`' stops and wolfed down Vadai and hot Egg Roti, drank sweet tea, laughed and joked with Charlene and JB having a few 'moments'  aptly captured on video, wincing in pain with our bruises, cracked ribs, gashed legs and arms and torn muscles and rolled into Negambo. A tired, sun burned peloton of 35 riders who had for all intents and purposes, completed ATP2016.

A memorable night of celebration followed, with much alcohol consumed. A few casualties, many stories, lots of laughs and a good nights sleep for most.

The final day we had a short 40km roll into Colombo.

So now I watch the rain hammering down; My rib is cracked, and my shoulder had dislocated but thankfully found its way back into its socket, leaving me with a bunch of sore ligaments but nothing more. I have a head full of memories of three ATP's and I can't laugh, sneeze or cough without acute pain. I have a little white envelop of pain killers next to my computer, but I am refraining from taking any. Today I start training again. I may need one of those pills before I hit the gym.

Challai From Afar

After riding 26 consecutive days on ATP (2 full ATP's and 6 days of my third), it finally happened. I had to stop a ride. I am not sure if its my ego of my bruised bones that are damaged more, but I am sitting in a hotel room in Jaffna and feeling rather sorry for myself. I am not apart of my third Challai ride and i sit here eagerly awaiting any kind of news i can on my phone, feeling rather inadequate not to be able to ride today. ATP, to me has always been about riding a 100%, and not being able to ride a day hurts. 

We had a great day off in Nilaveli Two days ago, sleeping like sloths, eating copious amounts of food and sucking down Arrack Cocktails. Charlene and I had an amazing massage and much time was spend lazing around the beach or in the air-conditioned comfort of our room. As gorgeous as the weather looked, it was hideously hot. The temp was well into the high 30's and if you could ever really on any of the weather forecasters, apparently it felt like 45. I have no idea what that's supposed to mean. To me in the context of the current weather, it is simple. Hot, Hotter and Fucking Insanely Hot. Take the latter, add a few degrees and you get the picture. 

As I have stated on many previous posts on the blog, I HATE THE HEAT. When Yasas mentioned to the team that day 7 departure would be 11am, it took all my self control not to roll on the ground and cry. I could almost feel my skin, and my rather bare scalp, sizzle. We didn't have a choice as we were getting to a tented campsite that would not be ready till late evening. 

Having attempted to comfort myself by eating more bacon for breakfast, I retreated to the confines of my nice cool room to await the dreaded departure. The temp steadily inching up to the 'FIH levels. 

At the dreaded hour of 11, we rolled out of Nilaveli and on towards Pullmudai and the Kokillai Lagoon. The road is spectacular. This is another favourite section of the ride. We meander along the coast, through Mangrove swamps and rolling farm land, passing the Thiriyaya temple, reputedly the sight of the oldest stupa in the country. As gorgeous as this road is, my mind couldn't shake the reality of what we were doing. Riding a short (still over a 100km) ride, at a reasonable pace, in 40+c (100f) heat. 

We cut our planned water stops by close to half the usual distance and motored on towards the lagoon. Lots of water for bathing ourselves in an attempt to cool our scorching skin. 


At the lagoon, a spectacularly beautiful part of our little rock in the indian ocean, we wee treated to a delicious Roti, Sweet potato and Sambol lunch by the Navy who have been incredibly supportive towards this cause. Having been fed and watered, we boarded a handful of boats and chugged access the lagoon to join the road on to Mullaitivu and our stop point for the night. 

the last 35km's of road is great riding surface and when getting into Mullaitivu, it has become somewhat of a tradition that the last 12km is done at almost a flat out sprint. Yesterday was no different. Umm.. Well. It was different. Very different, as we had been riding in impossibly hot weather, and I for one was grumpy, sweaty, scorched beyond comprehension and just wanting to 'get this over with'.

Regardless, when Yasas 'made his move' I dragged my groaning carcass behind him and found myself hurtling down the B297 at close to 40kmph. The group started off with about 12 riders but gradually we dropped a few others along the way and kept motoring. My eyes were rolling back in my head at my stupidity to try and keep up with the 'pros' but never one to give up on a challenge (bull shit.. it was just ego), foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog, I hung in there. the km/s counted down at rapid rate.11, 10, 9 , 8 and then sanity took over. I realised i was probably going to explode like a rather large watermelon, and decided to drop out of the pack. Much to my surprise i realise there was only 6 of us at this stage. 

Having dropped back a little bit i was caught up by two others who had been attempting to keep up and the three of us, Tejala, Manjula and I, now formed our own group and went haring after the 'big boys'. We were doing fine till with about 4km's to go, I got a bit too close to the rear wheel of Tejala and at around 38kmph (reasonable pace for a weekend rider like myself),I touched wheels and in a split second (in which I let out a rather high-pitched screech)  found myself hurtling through the air towards the tarmac and the gravel embankment. 

No snapshots of my life flashed before me, nor did any thoughts of after life pass through my mind in the moments between realisation and impact; It was more like "fuck.. this is going to hurt" and "get those fucking arms tucked in". I hit the road, in a tangle of bicycle and legs and arms, skidded along the surface, and all i could hear was the rather loud grating sound of my helmet dragging along the ground. After what seemed like an age, i came to a stop and realised Manjula who had been following me, had taken a tumble as well. we both sat on the ground and stared at each other. I waited for the pain to hit from a variety of broken limbs; I also expected half my skin to have lined the surface of the road. 

Much to my surprise both Manjula and I (who total up to about 200kg's) were incredibly devoid of any critical injury. A grazed elbow was all that was visible, but a quick check by the ride doctor, later revealed a few more bruises and potentially a crack in a rib. The bikes were a bit worse for wear than we were but Sajith the magician mechanic was quick on the scene and we were back on and riding to the stopping point within a minutes.

The night was spent in a wonderfully set up camp site on the Mullaitivu beach. I was finding it difficult to move as the stiffness set in, but enjoyed a nice dip in the ocean that made all the grazes burn, and then relaxed near the beach, had an early dinner and slept outdoors, under the stars, as the tents were impossibly hot. 

This morning, Charlene wasn't to pleased that i had plans of riding. Realistically, i think I knew I was going to struggle, but i had to give it a shot. I got suited and booted and joined the riders and rolled on towards the start. Most people were a bit nervous about today as it was the dreaded Challai day. 

This years was extra special as thanks to Yasas's initiative and the support of the Navy, we were having the first international Challai Challenge. Many international riders and local racing teams were a part of it. While I had absolutely no intention of racing, it would shave been special to have been a part of the first race. 

The ride takes us through the uncharted beach track that the LTTE terrorist used as supply routes for their navy. It is hot and sandy and done almost entirely on Mountain Bikes. I began riding but having covered about 5km's started getting spasms of pain in my ribs and had to pull to a stop. Ego has taken a big hit but hopefully, I will be able to take this old body, and get it to ride 160km's to the Wilpattu border tomorrow. Till then I will enjoy the luxurious setting of Jetwing Hotels new property in Jaffna; and tomorrow, I will get back on my bike and ride. 

And We Ride ... AGAIN!!!!

Bacon. 
That was the craving I woke up with. I had visions of piles of freshly fried bacon. 
We are seated in a nice air-conditioned room in Nilaveli, a beautiful seaside resort village in North Eastern Sri Lanka. Today is our rest day on our third Around The Pearl ride. Its been scorching hot, humid, windy and tough going but a load of fun.This ride has evolved from being a tight knit circle of friends, off on a roll around Sri Lanka, to a much wider group of professionally organised and managed people still riding to raise funds for an amazing cause. Our target is to reach the 40,000 wheel chairs needed to help Sri Lanka's CP afflicted children get wheel chairs. In spite of the ever increasing numbers, there is still a good camaraderie in the group although not to the same levels of the first two rides. This is to be expected when its grown from 12 to 22 to 40 riders. 

Two years ago, this was a turning point in my life. The ride that changed my life in more ways than one. Today, I am fitter, healthier and stuffed to my gills with bacon. Yes; my craving was satisfied. 

We began the ride 6 days ago, in a sweltering Colombo. The weather gods have lost their collective marbles and decided to bring Sri Lanka to a slow roast. Training for the ride was challenging enough but actually getting down to doing it, in this heat, was something totally different. I am happy to say that riding 150+km's a day is not the toughest challenge any more. Toss in a couple dozen lunatic TukTuk drivers, even more psychotic bus drivers, cows, dogs and insane heat (near 40c on most days), a bear, a few elephants, a dead ring tailed civet and a goat; you have a serious challenge on your hands. 

The group consists of 40 riders of varied skill and fitness level. Shapes range from champaign flute to brandy balloon, and riding skills, similar in variety and its enough to make anyones organisational skill groan and creak at the seams. 

Our erstwhile skipper, Yasas and his able bodied assistants Udam and Crystal (Ajith and I apart from the occasional phone call, or e mail contribution have had very little to do with with the actual organising. 'Consultant' is a good description. Like most consultants, we do little but enjoy much merit) have done a yeoman job. The routes and fuelling stops, planned and manned by the super woman and the other half of the dynamic duo, Ajani. Well stocked with iced water, Fish buns, Vegetable and Beef Roti, Vadai and a variety of cooled drinks, these stops are beyond welcome in the sweltering heat. 

We set off from the beautiful Land Rover showrooms in Colombo. LR being one of our main sponsors, this was a good way for us to show our support. Stunning place with a great cup of coffee and on this particular morning stocked with energy giving banana's and oats. The ride didn't start off well, with our friend Dila, who was joining us for day one only, falling off her bike, while stationary and dislocating and shattering her elbow. In the hustle and bustle of getting the ride started, few of us knew this had happened. Sadly for her, she has to undergo surgery and won't be on her bike for a while. 

There were a few more spills along the way but overall most of the riders made it unscathed to Mandara hotel in Mirissa. A small, comfortable place on the beach, away from the crowds. The first few days are always tough. the sun, the traffic and our bodies getting used to the routine, usually means that the socialising is limited to a few cocktails at most and a very early night. 

Day 2, takes us from Mirissa to Katharagama. A 140+Km's of rolling hills and heat. The roads start to get less crowded and the surfaces are better but did I mention the heat? It is seriously, seriously hot. I sometimes wonder if what we do and the time of year we do it is the most sensible. Probably not, along with the ever expanding list of the not too sensible things we tend to do in this ride. It certainly not for the feint hearted, but i have seen incredible transformations take place as well. This ride is no different to the two before; transformations of physique and personality are taking place before our eye. 

Endurance riding is an interesting sport. its more mind than body and more grit and glory. I never thought of myself us an endurance rider. Lacking patience at the best of times, I hardly saw myself as a man capable of sitting his ass down on a seat, that basically looked like a wedge of cheese and I am pretty certain is far less comfortable although I have to admit, that I have never sat on a wedge of cheese. In addition to this, endurance riding in Sri Lanka means you are riding for hour upon hour in conditions that are more suited for camel than human.

Put 40 people on bicycles and make them ride fare distances in insane heat and interesting things tend to happen. Some break out in spontaneous song, as others bitch quietly at/to themselves, some dig deep and grind away the miles, while some look fresh as daisy's while rolling up the hills (The two C's, Charlene and Chantal being a case in point), some find a reason to quit while others find an excuse to go on. Some question their sanity for ever taking this one, while others glow with the pride of their daily accomplishment. Either way, ATP is a life changer. 

Day 3 was Katharagama to Arugambay. 
My favourite ride of the tour. We roll along the Buttala plains, between Yala and Lunugamvehera parks. Picturesque country with thick jungle on either side of the road. the bird life is incredible and this stretch has always been a birding hotspot. We expect to see Elephant, buffalo, deer and other smaller mammals but incredibly, this time a slower group riding a few km's behind the main pack had amazing luck when a bear crossed the road ahead of them.
We then ride in the the Monaragala hills and down on the the eastern valley through yet another park, Lahugala and the almost guaranteed sighting of elephants. Finally the open plains of Pottuvil and the spectacular and impossibly blue Bay of Arugambay. Sadly day three claimed another victim when Dharini had an unfortunate mishap, having covered her longest distance ever and had to terminate her ride with a broken clavicle. 

We stayed at the Blue Wave hotel in Arugambay. Sri Lanka's answer to Fawlty Towers. I will not dwell not the 'comedy' we endured under the guise of service, but in fairness, they had a nice pool and the dinner was half way decent. Less said about the rest of the Hotel the better, but if you do happen to be unfortunately enough to end up there, good luck dodging the hard sell on their club sandwiches. Basic conversation with room service.

Q: Do you have a room service menu
A: Yes sir. We have club sandwiches
Q: Could I see the menu?
A: Yes sir. I will send it. Would you like a club sandwich with that?
Q; (Having seen menu) Could I have the Hot Butter Cuttlefish? 
A: Out of stock sir. We could send you a club sandwich 
Q: You have Nasi Goreng? 
A: No rice sir, but we have club Sandwiches.

Life is too short.... we have the f'ing club sandwich and get some sleep......


Day 4 and onwards to Pasikudha. 
And guess what....
Club F'ing sandwiches, (minus bacon) for breakfast....
A hot and flat ride. Most riders were a little worn out from the day before but held a steady pace to make it to the lovely new Sunrise by Jetwing. A gorgeous spanking new property on Pasikudah beach which we were the first guests. While the Manager and Shiromal (of Jetwing fame, who is a gracious lead sponsors ATP year on year) nervously prepared for the onslaught of the riders, the stay was extremely comfortable and the food, exceptional. A massive contrast to the Blue Wave. 
We passed a small heard of elephants as we left Arugambay. A reminder of how close these massive pachyderms live to human habitation; great birdlife along the way as well. The ride itself was .. yes.. you guessed it, HOT. 
I have to take a minute to let you guys ( incase you dint figure it out yet) how much i hate the heat. I have a serious dislike for the heat. To me, anything over 28c and if i had my way, i would lock myself up in an AC environment and not come out. exactly what i am doing now. :)

Day 5. and on to Nilaveli. 
Once again HOT and flat but the group is riding to gather like pro's and looking good. Steady pace, regular rules stops and lots of humour and we keep grinding out the km's. 
Today we went to a CP camp in Trinco. You have to see one to feel the true impact of this cruel affliction. The sore bums, aching legs, stiff backs and all the aches and pains we have seem so trivial in the face of what these kids and their parents endure on a daily basis. This is bravery. This is heroism at its best. Every time I attend a camp, I am moved more at the courage and the commitment i see from Dr Gopi and the crew of Cerebral Palsy Sri Lanka Foundation. The true hero's of ATP. Please help us make the reality of providing wheel chairs to all afflicted kids. you could make a contribution at www.aroundthepearl.lk 

Today is day 6. our rest day, at Nilaveli. 
Charlene and i have decided that the most physical thing we would do for the morning is eat a huge breakfast. We are relaxed and rested and looking forward to the rest of the day. The riders have split to go whale watching, snorkelling off Pigeon Island and to visit Army camps. I am awaiting my first cocktail of the morning and maybe an afternoon nap. 
Tomorrow we head to Mullaitivu. a lovely ride along the isolated coast. I am looking forward to it, but then again, there is the bane of my life.. the heat. Oh my... the heat.