Kipkirui is our first remote employee, based out of Kenya. Kip (as we call him) does copywriting for our products, product categories and bikepacking guides. He also uploads and organizes new products into our system. Kip has been getting increasingly into more epic cycling over the last five years, enjoying long road and gravel cycling near his home in the outskirts of Nairobi. We’ve been excited to work with Kip as he prepares to give bikepacking a try soon.
Beyond cycling, Kip is a lawyer who enjoys doing pro bono work in his community. Kip is a gamer, a chess player and practices Jiu-Jitsu. We’re grateful to have Kip around sharing his perspective, charm, good humor and dedication to success.
Baobab Breaks – January. 27, 2025
There’s nothing like a cycling break under a baobab tree. Each one’s a unique, natural rest stop offering shade and respite from the scorching sun. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a baobab fruit or two to snack on.
I know that bike! – January. 20, 2025
While watching a show recently, I couldn’t help but notice that the protagonist, rides a gravel bike that looks strikingly similar to the Salsa Journeyer. Turns out, it was! It’s funny how working on the Campfire catalog has turned me into the guy who spots bike brands during movie night—much to my girlfriend’s headshakes!
P.S- The show is Rebel Ridge on Netflix
To more Grouprides! – January. 13, 2025
I recently got invited to a group ride over the weekend after a chance encounter, and I was pretty stoked to join in. I usually ride solo since I’m more into non-competitive cycling, but these guys seemed to vibe with my style. The ride was awesome, and now I’m looking forward to doing more group rides with them. I think I might’ve just found my people!
All Hail the Sweetroll! – January. 6, 2025
I took the Revelate Sweetroll on my recent bike tour, and it worked out great. At 15L, it fit everything I needed—layers, snacks, and more—with room to spare. The double roll closure was super handy for grabbing stuff quickly, and the foam spacers kept it steady without messing with my cables. It rained a bit, but the waterproof material held up perfectly, keeping all my gear dry. It stayed stable on bumpy roads too, which was a big win.
Honestly, it’s just a solid bag that made the whole trip easier.
A Bike Tour to close the year. – December. 30, 2024
I recently completed a 3-day bike tour, covering just over 200kms(125 miles). It was an incredible experience that tested both my physical endurance and mental resilience. Along the way, I appreciated the beauty of long bike tours – the excitement of meeting people amazed by how far I’d traveled, the satisfaction of hitting route milestones, and the simple joy of food tasting so much better after a day of pedaling.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Saddle sores and hand fatigue were constant battles, forcing me to tweak my bike setup daily. By the end of the trip, I had a far more comfortable ride—and a new appreciation for the importance of bike fit. With new lessons learned and miles of beautiful memories, I’m already planning to hit the road even more in the coming year!
P.S- Shoutout Skratch Energy chews!!
Amateur Botanist Kip – December. 16, 2024
In this first of many desert botanical series, I will be featuring the “Apple of Sodom”, a common poisonous desert plant common in these parts of Northern Kenya that has an ingenious way of dispersing its seeds. The fruit is large, inviting and mango-looking.
However, once an animal touches the fruit, it bursts and lets loose these silky, light, threadlike seeds. I see a lot of the locals using its branches as toothbrushes due to its supposed anti-bacterial properties. Knowing it to be poisonous, this botanist will simply take their word for it!
Falling in love with Night cycling. – December. 9, 2024
What’s appealing about night cycling to me is not just the temperature but the nightlife, including scorpions and snakes warming up on the tarmac or crossing the road, adds a thrilling element of surprise. Adjusting to the limited visibility is challenging, but my NiteRider Swift 300 Headlight packs quite the lumens. I am genuinely surprised with how bright it can get!
Produce Vendors love us! – December. 2, 2024
Grocery vendors and cyclists have a perfect partnership in these parts. On our group rides, we always converge on a local vendor’s stand, eagerly stocking up on bananas, homemade juices, and fresh fruits. It’s a fantastic way to get a quick energy boost we need while supporting local businesses. We love powering our pedals and their sales—it’s a win-win for everyone!
Camouflaged in the African Forests – November. 25, 2024
For a recovery ride, my friend Kevin and I tackled a 25-mile journey through the forest. Recent rains had turned our favorite trails into a bit of a challenge, forcing us to push our bikes through the muddiest parts. Despite the obstacles, it felt great to be back in the saddle, appreciating every pedal stroke.
And speaking of blending in, can you spot the Salsa Timberjack hidden in the foliage? The army green coat on this frame really lets it meld with the woods!
A Painful Tidbit – November. 18, 2024
Last week, I was zipping down an exhilarating trail when I veered off course and took a spill. I guess as I dive deeper into the world of mountain biking, I might have to brace for a few more tumbles along the way. Here’s to learning from each spill and getting back on the bike.
Ride safe out there everyone, and keep the rubber side down!
A Roadside Reminder: Protecting Our Wildlife – November. 11, 2024
During my usual weekly ride, I encountered a somber reminder of the delicate balance between our activities and local wildlife. Tragically, a spotted mongoose, a vital player in controlling snake and scorpion populations, had been struck by a vehicle while crossing the road.
These small but mighty creatures contribute significantly to the ecosystem, and it’s always heart-wrenching to see them fall victim to traffic. This serves as a call to all of us to remain vigilant and cautious on the roads, not just for our safety but for the protection of the wildlife with whom we share our environment.
Part of the Flock – November. 04, 2024
Out exploring trails this week, I happened upon a group of sheep—right there, taking their time along the path. I gave the little fellas the right of way, only to notice them hiking up a steep hillside beside the trail. Naturally, I had to follow.
It was worth it. At the top, I was rewarded with a sweeping view of the African sunset.
New Bike Day! – October. 28, 2024
After three months on the high seas, my Salsa Timberjack SLX has finally made its way from Tucson to Kenya! The thrill of unboxing that massive Salsa bike box was only matched by the excitement of taking it out for a spin in my favorite bike park.
Getting this bike gave me an opportunity to experience the Campfirecycling customer service support. Josh helped me pick out a bike perfectly suited to my riding style, while Toby, Jake, and Ellie dialed in my fit and fine-tuned every part of the setup. And when it came to shipping across continents, David and Burger were there every step of the way to make it happen.
Dojo Party! – October. 21, 2024
Last week, my jiu-jitsu coach “Tete” finally hit the big 5-0! We celebrated the only way we know how—by giving him some tough rounds on the mats before it officially counts as senior citizen abuse. Happy Birthday, Coach Tete! He might poke fun at my cycling lycra, but I’ve got nothing but respect for the guy.
My Starlink setup – October. 14, 2024
I recently got Starlink installed, and it’s a real game-changer for working remotely from here in Africa. Starlink’s satellite internet brings fast speeds compared to what local providers offer, which makes it a great option for many people in underserved areas. The only downside is the initial cost for the dish, which can be a barrier for many. Thankfully, Campfire Cycling stepped in and bought the dish for me—something I’m really grateful for. It’s already making remote work easier and more efficient!
Setting it up wasn’t without its challenges, though. I live in the ground floor of an apartment complex so needed a welder to help build a frame to get a clear view of the sky for the dish. But after all the tinkering, it’s working great, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Having fast, stable internet makes all the difference, and I’m excited to be more productive now that I have it!
Staying Connected from Afar – October. 07, 2024
Being a remote employee has its perks, but there are definitely a few moments that make you feel like you’re missing out—like when the team enjoys donuts during meetings, and I’m here just watching them munch away! That said, I always feel super included, even from a distance. The team does a great job of keeping me involved, and I genuinely feel like part of the crew even though I’m not physically there.
One such moment was during our monthly DEI meeting when Burger led us all in a stand-up session. Everyone gathered in a circle, and my “spot” was symbolically held by Burger’s keys. It’s little touches like this that make me feel connected, even when I’m miles away. Remote work might keep me from the snacks, but it never keeps me from the team!