Unrest in Kenya – June. 28, 2024
Here’s a photo of my friend Bella in Nairobi, standing tall and waving the Kenyan flag for women’s rights and social justice. This week, my bike has been resting as the streets filled with voices demanding change—a testament to the strength and resilience of the people here.
Through the clamor and chaos, it’s the powerful chorus of voices belonging to young Kenyans like Bella that shines a hopeful light on tomorrow. As things start to settle down, I’m eager to hop back on my bike and bring you more bikepacking tales from a rejuvenated Kenya!
Ominous Signs – June. 21, 2024
Every cyclist has that one part of their route that makes them a bit nervous. For me, it’s passing by a stark yellow sign boldly declaring “Danger: Black Spot,” with a skull and crossbones. This one’s right before a quiet, pretty part of the road, surrounded by lots of trees. It always made me pedal through there extra careful, almost holding my breath.
But that sign always seemed a bit much to me. Why the scary skull? It felt like it was saying, “Watch out, or else!” Every time I passed it, I couldn’t help but feel a bit on edge.
So, on my last ride, I decided to stop there for a bit and really look at it. Turns out, the sign is there for a good reason. Right after it, the road takes a really sharp turn that you can’t see coming. If you were going fast, it could definitely catch you off guard.
Stopping there helped me see things differently. The sign wasn’t trying to scare anyone; it was just trying to keep us safe, letting us know to slow down before hitting that sneaky turn.
Now, when I see that sign, I don’t get that nervous feeling anymore. Instead, I’m thankful it’s there. It reminds me to slow down and stay safe, so I can enjoy my ride without any trouble. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, things that seem scary are just there to help us.
Bike mechanics are truly special – June. 14, 2024
These wizards behind the wrenches keep our bikes rolling smoothly, fixing everything from minor tweaks to major overhauls. In Tucson, you’ve got Toby, Ellie, and Jake, known for their incredible skills and dedication.
Over here, we have Tunchi. Named after his favorite hip-hop artist, Lil Wayne. Tunchi works at a used bike shop and also runs a mobile bike repair business. His workshop might be small, but the service he provides is huge. Recently, I took my Trek road bike to him for a brake caliper replacement. As always, he went above and beyond, making sure everything was perfect.
Every time I come back with my bike beat up from some crazy adventure, Tunchi somehow makes it look and ride like new again. His dedication and passion for bikes are truly amazing. From minor adjustments to major repairs, Tunchi’s been my go-to guy, and I couldn’t trust anyone else with my bikes.
So here’s to the amazing bike mechanics out there in Arizona and our very own Tunchi. They keep us rolling, adventuring, and loving the bike life.
Riding Weather – June. 7, 2024
As the weather continues to open up in Kenya, I have been going on more rides, this week i enjoyed a nice urban ride, enjoying the paved tarmac in my little town. Man, I had missed the sunshine and dry roads!
Bar Tape Success! – May. 31, 2024
Just wrapped up a little DIY project on my bike—new bar tape! I was pretty nervous starting out, especially after I had to peel it all off and start over when the first attempt went a bit… sideways but after some perseverance, I finally got it right. It’s not a name brand, but it feels great and I think it looks sharp.
Cycling Sunsets – May. 24, 2024
There’s nothing quite like catching a sunset on a bike ride and lately I have been catching quite a few. The sky turns into a painting, and for a moment, you feel like you’re in a postcard. But as soon as that sun dips below the horizon, it’s game on. Suddenly, you’re Lance Armstrong trying to beat the darkness, because honestly, night cycling turns every shadow into a potential coyote that is out to get me.
Rainy Cycling Week in Kenya – May. 17, 2024
Kenyan weather is quite a challenge for cyclists right now. The rains are relentless, and there’s a “stay home and go nowhere” chill in the air. But even with this dreary forecast, many of us are still hitting the roads, bundled up in generous layers and doing what we love. There’s something about pushing through the elements, feeling the wind on your face and the rain on your back, that makes you celebrate the little victories of a ride well done in tough conditions.
At times like these, I find myself dreaming of the warm Tucson climate blowing my way. The thought of sunny skies and dry trails is incredibly appealing, but there’s also a unique beauty in braving the Kenyan weather. It makes you resilient, and there’s a certain pride in not letting the weather stop us from doing what we love.
Life of a Road Cleat – May. 10, 2024
I’ve always had a thing for road cleats—love how they feel when I’m zipping along on the bike, super smooth and connected. They’re great when you’re on the bike, but the minute you start walking with them on, they wear down so fast, it’s almost like they’re punishing you for taking a break. Here’s to embracing every part of the ride, even the wear and tear!
Triple Puncture! – May. 3, 2024
Last week’s group ride turned into an unexpected adventure as the shadows grew longer. One of us, Tony, encountered a streak of bad luck with his tires, leading to not one, but three puncture stops. Initially, these interruptions felt inconvenient, but in retrospect, they offered us some much-needed breaks on what was a particularly challenging ride.
We gathered around Tony’s bike, headlights bobbing in the dim light. It’s in these moments, under the fading light, that the spirit of camaraderie truly shines. We were fortunate to have an expert among us, quick with a tire patch and ready with a pump, otherwise we may have had to hail a cab!
Hardtail Shopping – Apr. 26, 2024
I am in the market for a hardtail and came across this gorgeous 29er Trek Roscoe 7 2022 at a local used bikeshop that comes with 140mm air suspension and 12 speed Deore groupset. I’m planning on checking it out, going on a test ride and if I like it, maybe adding it to my growing collection of bikes. Wish me luck!
First Bike – Apr. 19, 2024
My first decent bike was a used 2015 DiamondBack Contra 3.0. In Kenya, second-hand bike shops serve as the heart of the cycling community, where many, like myself, take their first step into this world. Although my DiamondBack bore the marks of pre-love and came with a price tag that made me gulp – it was worth every shilling. It was atleast one size too small, requiring the seatpost to stretch sky-high but it still felt premium with a 3*8 drivetrain and smooth handling that gave me that taste of what a genuine cycling experience should feel like.
Every time I rode it, i would wonder about its past life across the seas and the stories it could tell. I often mused over the previous owners and if they had any inkling that their once-cherished bike was now cruising Kenyan terrain, still cherished, still turning heads. This bike was my clunky companion on many adventures, and my introduction to a community I now hold dear.
Desert Riding – Apr. 12, 2024
Got out on a ride this past week and it got me thinking, hitting the trails around Mwingi, is a bit like what I imagine biking through the outskirts of Tucson would be. Out here, it’s not just about the bike and the road; it’s about the whole deal – the heat, the hills, and the kind of quiet that makes your thoughts louder. The hills aren’t just bumps on the landscape; they’re these epic ups and downs that make your legs scream but also make you feel like you’ve earned every view. And man, those views are something else, kind of like nature’s own version of high-def.
Now, about those cacti – we don’t have them here, but we’ve got our own version of tough, prickly vegetation. Dodging them becomes second nature after a while, sort of like an obstacle course set up by Mother Nature. And the critters? It’s like a live-action documentary out here. You’ve got everything from lizards that look like they’ve got somewhere important to be, to insects that haven’t read the memo about personal space. Riding through sandy patches is a workout and a half, but it’s also kind of cool. It’s like the desert saying, “Let’s see what you’ve got”
Mirinda! – Apr. 5, 2024
Mirinda, the soda I am always sipping on when out on those harrowingly long bike rides, is Africa’s version of a Pepsi. It’s fascinating to know that multinational brands like PepsiCo tweak their formulas to match regional tastes—like how I’ve heard that Coca-Cola has a unique flavor profile in Mexico compared to its American counterpart.
For anyone with wanderlust who finds themselves pedaling through Kenya, do me a solid and pack a can of Pepsi. I’m itching to see how it stacks up against my go-to Mirinda. Will it be the same taste of victory after a long ride, or a whole new twist? Hopefully we can find out together someday!