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Rains threatened to dampen epic ‘10to4’ bike challenge off the trails on the slopes of Mt Kenya, with the event billed as a camping and weekend out experience 

“Do not wander off the course if you have an accident. Just stay on course,” warned Oliver Keeble, the bicycle race coordinator as he briefed the eager cyclists  at the start.  The youngest was eight years old, the oldest 60 years old. 

Oliver said that, at one time, they had to use a helicopter to look for a rider who was lost for four hours in the forest. They were later shocked to find him drinking somewhere, too tired to cycle, but without telling anyone. 

Last year, they had to deal with a rogue rhino that charged at a cyclist. This year, it is the muddy season. February is usually dry and dusty, but this time round, it is all wet. 

So organisers were grappling with the changing weather conditions all through Friday and Saturday night last week.  

On Sunday, a downpour caused havoc on the trail, delaying the start after mud made the tracks impassable. Most cyclists had to push their bikes for half an hour to the starting line.  

Heavy rains

“It rained from Thursday to the last day (Sunday), but we just did the best we could. Somehow, everybody kept calm and they kept their spirits up despite the rains,” says Susie Weeks, executive director Mount Kenya Trust.   

But this didn’t deter the over 500 eager cyclists who had been preparing for their preferred races to raise funds for the conservation of Mt Kenya. “Somehow, everybody kept calm and their spirits up,” says Weeks. 

The 10to4 (10,000ft to 4,000ft above sea level) now runs eight events covering over 300km of mountain and savannah terrain. First off was the Extreme race, which  combines both the Hardcore and Classic contests, a challenge to the fitness and technical abilities of mountain bikers and elite teams.  

The racers cover 80km a day and riders face an attitude gain and loss of nearly 2,000m, with fast technical sections and single track all on Borana Conservancy. 

Day two is the Roller Coaster challenge, a 62km race now synonymous with the 10to4.  “I chose to compete so as to support Mount Kenya Trust. Born Free has been supporting them over the years, providing vehicles to ferry journalists, photographers and cyclists who encounter difficulties along the way,” said Ivy Malemba, the Marketing and Communications officer at Born Free Foundation. 

It was her first time to participate. Though she didn’t know what to expect, she had prepared well by going to the gym regularly, getting active and fit from last year. She also practised before the event as her colleagues assisted in registration and donated gifts. 

“This contest was breathtaking, refreshing and challenging at the same time. It rained and of course the trail was muddy and slippery. My goal was to complete the 39kms, which I did in three hours. Luckily, I didn’t get any punctures,” said Ivy. 

For Kenneth Karaya, who won in last year’s race, the contest is not just for conservation, but racing is his profession and he makes money from it.  “This has been the hardest race so far. Most cyclists fell and were climbing with their bikes,” he said.

Geoffrey Sendegeyo, another professional cyclist who came in second in this year’s race says it was tougher than last year. “We found the narrow paths covered with grass, encountered boulders and new cliffs where you could fall off easily,” he said. 

Sendegeyo covered the same 77km route last year. He says this year’s road markings were clearer. At one section, he had cycled away fast after hearing wild dogs barking. 

“I also saw elephants from a distant, a breathtaking view. There was a section where it was so windy that I moved at almost zero speed,” he said. 

 Broken bikes everywhere

However, the Enduro race requires special bikes, which are too expensive. Some cyclists spent Sh300,000 to acquire one while those who didn’t have such money borrowed or modified their bikes to suit the terrain.  

Enduro bikes are more robust, with aggressive angles, wider handle bar, longer suspension and shorter stem compared with those used for the cross-country races. 

Simon Blake, coach and co-founder of Kenyan Riders has been participating in the 10to4 race for years. And he keeps coming back to meet new people, make connections and support bikers. He says this year’s classic was tough due to the wet weather.

 “Broken bikes everywhere. In Enduro we had a good crew of cyclists, but there were a few mechanical issues. Everyone had an adventurous time riding on good trails and we really appreciated seeing so many wild animals during the event on the ride,” he says.

 “Cycling in Kenya is growing rapidly and a lot of people are riding now. To take it to the next level would be great to have corporate support in return for active exposure,” says Blake. 

The Mini 10to4, which was held on Sunday, was cut short too, but it was impressive watching the 50 children race around a 4.5km muddy course. At the end, every child was given a tree to plant for participating. 

The winners of this year’s Extreme race were Davidson Kamau in the male category while Nicola Greene grabbed the toughest girl award. Peter Maina won the male Classic event.Kerry Glenn, who won the Classic race, was glad that she dared to participate with her daughter despite the challenges.

“The Rush” event was won by Brian Nyakora while Grace Kabiru beat all the other women riders. The Slide male winner was Johnson Munjama as Joanna Turner led the girls.