Thru-Axle Lessons – September. 30, 2024
I managed to lose my first thru axle after taking the bike apart and heading out on a ride. Lesson learned! Now I’m double-checking every time and even picked up a backup set, just in case. Nothing like a little misplaced gear to remind you to stay sharp!
Trail Riding Karura Forest – September. 23, 2024
I took a ride in Karura Forest bike trail, and it was an absolute blast. The trails are well-marked, and you’re surrounded by stunning nature the whole time. If anyone travels to Kenya and is looking for a peaceful and fun cycling experience in the heart of nature, I highly recommend Karura Forest. It also has an incredible conservation story that you can check out here. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing ride while learning about the forest’s preservation efforts.
Stoney Tangawizi – September. 16, 2024
A cold bottle of Stoney Tangawizi is definitely up there when it comes to my go-to drinks for long rides. The spicy ginger flavor is super refreshing and gives you just the right kick to keep going. It’s like ginger ale but with way more punch. The internet says that it tastes closest to Reed’s Ginger Brew in the U.S, having that kind of bold, zesty flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Those Endless Tea Farms – September. 9, 2024
When I’m back home, there’s nothing better than hitting the smooth tarmac roads that wind through the endless tea farms. With hardly any traffic, it’s the perfect place to pedal away and let go. Surrounded by a sea of green and wide-open blue skies, I can’t help but yodel a bit as I ride—it’s my kind of escape, where everything just feels right.
Chuckbucket – September. 2, 2024
When it comes to my roadbike cockpit, I like to keep things simple and functional. Up front, I have an Oveja Negra Chuckbucket Snack Bag, perfect for stashing away quick bites within easy reach. Right next to it sits my trusty Wahoo bike computer, which keeps me on track with all the metrics and navigation I need for my rides. But perhaps the standout feature is my handlebar tape—a set that has clearly seen better days. Despite looking a bit worse for wear, this beat-up tape still offers surprising comfort. It might be time to replace it, but for now, it adds a bit of character to my cockpit that I’m not quite ready to give up.
Majestic Baobab – August. 26, 2024
There’s a majestic baobab tree with a massive trunk and twisted branches that marks the end of my morning ride route. Recently, I had a conversation with a local who grew up in the area, and he told me that this tree is over 60 years old, standing tall since before he was born. He explained the heavy scarring on the trunk, revealing that people drill holes into the baobab because of its ability to store large amounts of water. Now, as I ride by each morning, I can’t wait for the day when this ancient tree begins to leaf, eager to see its branches turn green and full of life.
Lifesong Kenya – August. 19, 2024
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Hawi James at Lifesong Kenya’s halfway house for the launch of their Halfway Cycle program. This initiative promotes cycling among the public while also supporting their mission to transform the lives of young boys who have been victimized by sexual violence or have come into conflict with the law. It was heartening to see how cycling is being used as a tool for healing and empowerment.
During my visit, I was taken on a tour of their various income-generating ventures, including chicken and rabbit farming, as well as upcycling wine bottles into vases and drinking glasses. It was great to help them firm up their legal forms and provide legal advice on various issues. We also had the chance to plan more for our upcoming bikepacking trip with Hawi and Kevin, which I’m really looking forward to. The dedication and impact of Lifesong Kenya are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see how the Halfway Cycle program will continue to grow and make a difference.
Xavier – August. 12, 2024
After helping Xavier choose a bike earlier this year, we finally hit the road for a 45mile ride. Despite quickly discovering that our bike seats weren’t the most comfortable for long distances, it was fantastic to catch up and share the experience, saddle sores and all. Xavier reported that he’s been commuting on his bike daily for over three months now, and it definitely showed during our ride. His stamina and ease on the bike were impressive, proving just how effective daily commuting can be for building endurance for longer rides.
9,474 miles from the deserts of Tucson to Kenya – August. 5, 2024
I wonder if my Thirst Extinguisher water bottle is the most well-traveled of its kind. Having journeyed 9,474 miles from the deserts of Tucson to Kenya, it has been quite the globetrotter. If you believe your Campfire water bottle has traveled even further, let us know!
Animal Sanctuary – July. 26, 2024
This week, I took a break from cycling to spend some quality time with my sisters at an animal sanctuary. We had a blast exploring the place, and I even had the chance to feed an ostrich, which was quite the experience! The highlight of our visit was seeing the lions up close. Their powerful roars were so loud that we couldn’t help but run away in excitement and a bit of fear. It was a memorable adventure that brought us all closer together and gave us a fun story to share.
New Road Bike Day!!! – July. 19, 2024
This week, I sealed a great deal on a used 2018 Trek Defy road bike from my jiu-jitsu pal, James. Adding this to the lineup feels like the final piece of the puzzle in fulfilling my dream of a complete bike collection. With a Salsa Timberjack SLX mountain bike arriving any day now from Campfire, plus my trusty Boardman CX for gravel, and now this awesome road bike, I’ve got all terrains covered. Now, the real puzzle is figuring out how to stash all these bikes without driving my super organized girlfriend up the wall. I might need to get crafty with some DIY bike racks or maybe it’s time to win her over to the beauty of a well-organized bike display. Reflecting on this, I’m just really thankful. It wasn’t so long ago that buying any decent bike seemed out of reach, and now here I am, strategizing bike storage solutions!
Rambo – July. 12, 2024
A few years back, I took in Rambo, a charming stray causing a stir at a local restaurant where he would adorably hustle for food from customers by rubbing against your feet till you dropped him scraps. Nearly two years later, Rambo’s life has taken quite a turn. Originally, I had envisioned turning him into a TikTok cycling sensation and helping him overcome his fear of cockroaches. However, Rambo chose a different path. Now a seasoned nomad, he’s had his share of adventures, from dog chases and fights, to romances with three neighborhood cats. Mostly an outdoor cat now, Rambo has become a local celebrity but still makes sure to come home every couple of days. True to his name, Rambo lives a life of independence and adventure.
Roadside Feasts – July. 5, 2024
As things ease up in Kenya, I managed to head out on a day-long bike ride with some old friends, and it was everything I needed. We spent the day pedaling through scenic routes, catching up, and sharing plenty of laughs. It was not just a training session for my upcoming bikepacking trip but also a great way to reconnect and make memories.
We ended our ride with some goat meat, laid out on a big plate, just perfect for refueling after all those miles. It’s moments like these—good food, great friends, and the open road—that make it all worthwhile. Here’s to more rides and more roadside feasts!