Brian’s Sri Lanka Challenge Day 5: Ella to Uda Walawe (approx. 102km)

This year my annual charity bike challenge takes me to Sri Lanka. It will be a hard challenge with 457km of riding and numerous climbs over 6 days.

I am raising funds for The Openwork Partnership Foundation, who give grants to small local charities supported by the many members of the Openwork family, and Holding on letting Go, who give bereavement advice to children in KENT and SE London.

Please, please, please, help with a donation, however big or small, as anything you give will be used for these amazing causes. https://bit.ly/sponsorbriandownton2024

DAY 5 Fri 15 Nov: Ella to Uda Walawe (approx. 102km)

An early start from the hotel today. Our cycle saw us descending a further 1000m down the Ella Gap towards Uda Walawe National Park.

First up was a long 25km downhill cycle, during which we had spectacular views of the valley and the incredible waterfalls. Then, it was fairly flat through villages for another £75km. We stopped for a lovely lunch not far from our next hotel, but the highlight of the day was just before lunch when we saw some wild elephants close up. Amazing

The last 7km was through the national park with a fantastic lake, complete with a herd of elephants in the distance. 101km in total travelled today!

This afternoon, we had a very wet and rainy visit to the Elephant Transit Home, Sri Lanka’s elephant orphanage. Arriving at feeding time, we saw how the elephants were cared for before reintegration into the wild.

Keep your eye out for the final update tomorrow.

Brian