The highest MTB race in Kenya.

Day 1 . This ride is titled “Najin and Fatu” in honour of the last 2 remaining Northern White Rhinos in existence based at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Both are females meaning the species will become extinct once these two majestic animals depart. After arrival from Nairobi in the morning followed by lunch at the Rify Valley Adventures camp we will do a gentle and social ride of 35km to acclimatise and prime the legs. The course is around flat wide-open plains with the altitude between 1750 and 1850m AMSL and +200m of climbing. Technicality is 1 out of 5.

We thought about a prologue type race stage on day 1, but after riding it we realised that it’s impossible to race past the stunning scenery and wildlife! Get your camera’s ready for a ride only a privileged few can experience.
 

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Day 2 . This ride is titled “Into the Woods”. A classic North Kenya Gazelles team race route from the 2008 era and our first foray up the lower slopes of Mt Kenya. Its starts with wide open gravel to get the field separated before a mix of single / double / no-tracks firming a loop in the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve. Some densely forested sections and with technical single tracks. A distance of approx. 60km with around 800m of total elevation will allow full gas racing whilst saving a little for a massive day 3! Rated with a technical difficulty of 3/5.







 

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Day 3  – Titled a “Blast Through the Dust”. Although at the time of the recce the area is green, we expect this extended transfer stage to be long, hot and dusty. The first half will be fast and require you to push the power whilst the second half gradually rises through the dusty, remote and wide open landscape of Laikipia. A distance of approx. 120km with around 1800m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 3/5.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 – This stage is entitled “Plains and Game”. Today we mix it up to confuse and delight the legs. A smorgasbord of river crossing means plenty of up’s and downs experiencing the highs and lows in the forest and through spectacular conservancy scenery. A distance of approx. 60km with around 1000m of total elevation. Rated with a technical difficulty of 3/5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5 – Entitled “Into Thin Air” its no surprise that this stage will challenge you. A day to test your mind, body and bike. Today you will climb into thinner air up to a peak of 3350m AMSL which we believe is the highest elevation of any MTB race in Kenya. Rising high above the tree line in the Mount Kenya National Park, you will be navigating around one of Mt Kenya’s side vent crater rims where you will be rewarded with an unforgettable epic view of Mt. Kenya’s iconic peaks. Then, what goes up must come down . . make sure you have fitted new brake pads in the morning because the slide down is fast a furious. A distance of approx. 70km and although its “only” 1500m of total elevation its all in ONE CLIMB. Rated with a technical difficulty of 4/5.

 

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