Cycling is gaining popularity in the country as groups of people come together to form clubs and take part in competitions. Some of the new roads in the city have cyclist paths. FILE
Cycling has become a major part of many Kenyans, a means of transport and income earner.
Before the motorbike boda bodas there were bicycles, which have remained popular in some parts of the county. Today, cycling is gaining popularity with the youth, a hobby and for some a form of exercising.
Cycling clubs are being formed by groups of youth. To keep the fire burning and make the sport fun, a good number of them are competing in local and international races.
While there are those who train from a young age and grow into the professional cycling like David Kinjah, a local champion and Chris Froome, Kinjah’s student and Tour De France winner in 2013, there are others like Zacharia Kinya who grew into the sport after years of building endurance in cycling.
Zacharia started cycling at the age of 22, while a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
“I started cycling while in college. I just thought to myself, ‘why not cycle every day to school?’ I went ahead and purchased a mountain,” said Zacharia.
He would cover over 35 kilometres every day to college from his home in Juja and back.
“With time my body got accustomed to cycling long distances,” he added.
Upon finishing college, Zacharia went on to join other riders in competitive races. But to do this, he had to be part of a group. He joined some riders who happened to cycle on the same course as him.
“One of my friends found a cycling group online-IC3 group from US. They exchanged emails and later they agreed to open a local link-Christian Cycling. As a group we are not keen on cycling competitions groups like Kenyan Riders of Safari Simbaz.
“We are Christians who evangelise in the course of cycling. But there are some among us who take part in races. We do support them by having five other cyclists join them and also pay for their registration fee during races,” said Zacharia.
Cycling groups are often formed by cyclists from a particular place coming together or by one subscribing to an already formed cycling club. Groups often define their purpose which range from cycling as a hobby, for competition or charity.
Kenyan Riders is an example of a competitive cycling club. It was started in 2006 by Nicholas Leong.
At the time Nicholas was searching for cyclists. Currently the club has 12 cyclists, coaches and support staff.
Infrastructure
Safari Simbaz Trust is another competitive cycling club. Started by Kenya’s king of cycling, David Kinjah, the club trains disadvantage children and nurtures them to competitive races.
Safari Simbaz’s goal is to offer youth and children with needed equipment that will help them grow diverse careers. The group trains from Kinjah’s residence in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.
Wheels of Africa (WoA) is another cycling group in Kenya. Started by expatriates, the club aims to promote cycling safety and also create awareness on cycling both as a sport and for leisure.
The group is not only engaged in Kenya but is slowly spreading its wings to other African countries. They are currently involved in bike donation campaigns. They are also are pushing on pro cycling laws and proper infrastructure for the sport.
Challenge
Ring Road Kilimani, boasts pathways for cyclists. The road is clearly marked out with lanes reserved for cyclists. Today, this road is a favourite for cycling groups and individuals.
Its common to meet groups on their bikes cycling up and down the road either in the morning or evening.
Kenya Cycling organisation is another cycling group open to anyone’s participation. The group is synonymous with cycling competitions all year round.
Talk of Fly 540 4 by 4 mountain bike race and Ngong Hills Challenge among other major events, Kenya Cycling organisation is always the face behind it. Most groups charge for membership and registration fee.
In addition, groups are also pay for registration in competitive races. In case you belong in a cycling club, the group will take responsibility.
Every biker has to come with their bike. The bikes are sold locally. Depending on the course one can buy a mountain bike- for rough terrain or a hybrid road bike for smooth roads.
The cost of either of the two varies from Sh25, 000 to Sh100, 000. However there are those professional bikes that cost up to Sh500, 000.
“It depends on the depth of your pocket and quality,” explained Zacharia.
Other cycling clubs in Kenya are North Nairobi Cycle Club and Nairobi Cycling Club. However, these groups are not functional.
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