Wheels, trails and triumphs: Kenyans turn cycling and hiking into purpose

Some of the hikers and cyclists who participated in the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, which took place between January 12, 2025 and January 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Pool

What does it take to cycle and hike across six counties in six days? While for newbies the trail may be exhausting, for a growing number of Kenyans, it is an opportunity to explore and test their tenacity. Some find business opportunities.

The BDLife spoke to some hikers and cyclists who did the six-days Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run.

Maxwell Mwenda: A hobby that turned into a business

Maxwell’s journey on a bike began in 2013 when he was at the university.

“I lived in Eastleigh and schooled at the Technical University of Kenya. Commuting to school every day was difficult so I requested my father to get me a bike,” he tells us.

It was here that his cycling hobby began. Later, when his father passed away, biking became his therapy.

“During that period, I used to cycle a lot. I had tears to shed and when you cycle, you don't stress so much. Now my passion has gone beyond a hobby to a business. When I got my first bicycle, I had many people asking me to refer them to the buyer. I would always do this then it hit me that this could be a potential source of income. I would connect a buyer to the seller of the bikes and in return, they (sellers) would pay me a commission,” the CEO of Cycle Africa Bikes and Events says about his beginnings.

Now he has established his own bike-selling company. “We sell bikes, their accessories, spare parts. We also do bike repairs and train people looking to learn how to ride a bicycle. We also plan events for corporates.”

Maxwell is a firm believer in the power of cycling for fitness and community building. Through Cycle Africa, he organises events that bring cyclists together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure.

Maxwell now dreams of making cycling more accessible in Kenya by manufacturing bikes locally.

“For the past few months, I have been in China studying the manufacturing industry and connecting with industry players there. I hope to gain the knowledge and expertise needed to make my dream a reality. Being able to manufacture our bikes locally would not only reduce costs but also create jobs and empower more people to experience the joy of cycling,” he says.

Alice Nganga’s search for adventure

Alice Nganga embodies the spirit of adventure. After a successful career in advertising, she traded boardrooms for breathtaking scenery, embracing a life of hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the world.

"I quit my job two years ago to follow my passion. I love hiking, travelling and the latest one, I added rock climbing. I go hiking every weekend," the 51-year-old tells the BDLife.

Alice's love affair with hiking began with an unexpected birthday gift: "My best friend took me hiking up Mount Kenya on my 40th birthday. The experience was transformative. What I saw up in the mountains was beautiful. I told myself I'm going back,” she recalls.

Since then, Alice has conquered peaks across the globe, from the majestic Ruwenzori Mountains in Uganda to the challenging Mont Blanc in Europe. "Ruwenzori is the most beautiful place I've been around East Africa,” she says.

The Thompson Falls Camping Ground that hosted participants of the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, which took place between January 12, 2025 and January 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Pool

Alice says that she can cover at least 30 kilometres a day. It is this passion that has seen Alice open a company, “that sells rock climbing gear.”

During the trail series, Alice came in prepared to hike. The trail, she said, offered a mixed bag of experiences. While she was captivated by the stunning scenery, particularly the views from the Rift Valley, she felt the hiking itself fell short of expectations.

She, however, expressed her desire for more interaction with the local Kalenjin culture and a deeper immersion in the region. “I will come back with my sister as she loves travelling with her Land Rover,” she said.

Tobias Ahago: The Kenyan cyclist chasing his dreams

Tobias Ahago holds many forts. He juggles carpentry, farming, and coaching a football team. Even then he still gets time to pursue his cycling hobby.

Tobias' cycling journey began in 2020 when he invested Sh30,000 in a mountain bike, eager to participate in local races. “I wanted an opportunity to show what I can do. I hope to one day participate in international cycling competitions," he says.

To master his craft, Tobias who is a cyclist in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, undertakes a rigorous training programme, cycling three times a week and undertaking long-distance rides of up to 200 kilometres on Sundays.

"It's a hobby, it's something I love doing. What I tell myself is that as long as I am doing it then it means that I am improving."

He admits that financial constraints have proven to be a challenge to achieving his cycling dream.

“There are so many cycling competitions out here. However, many of them require capital to register and sometimes raising this money proves to be a challenge. Many times we rely on well-wishers,” he says.

Nonetheless, Tobias holds on to the hope that he will soon secure sponsorship to support his cycling career and showcase his talent on a national and international stage.

Esther Kiogon: How I earn a living from my hiking hobby

During the Magical Kenya Trail Series, Esther Kiogon was a guide for the bigger part of the journey. She explained all the beautiful scenery throughout the six counties. Esther is the trail manager of the Trans Rift Trails (which cut across the scenic parts of the Rift Valley Landscapes).

A view of the vast Rift Valley from the Kipngochoch Conservancy viewpoint in Baringo County during the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, which took place between January 12, 2025 and January 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Pool

Born and raised in Kampomoi Village in Baringo County, Esther is not a foreigner to the Rift Valley. Hiking to her was not a hobby she had to pick up, it was a habit that was embedded in her from an early age.

“We hiked all the time when I was growing up. Daily chores like fetching water involved traversing the hilly landscape. We would climb up and down the hills every day,” she shared.

It is this early interaction and subsequent connection with nature that fueled her passion for exploration, leading her to become one of the initial coordinators of the Trans Rift Trails which were established in 2008.

The 42-year-old said, “This trail has promoted tourism and brought huge economic benefits for the residents. Homestays, food stalls, and handicraft sales have flourished over the years as tourists explore the region's beauty.”

Every Saturday, Esther leads a hiking group in Kabarnet town covering between 20 and 25 kilometres before heading to work as a community conservancy guide at the Kipng'ochoch Conservancy.

Esther hopes that the Trans Rift Trail will attract more tourists.

“If more people embrace the trail then that means that there will be more growth in this Rift Valley region,” the mother of two says.

Gladys Chelagat: From overweight to ultra-cyclist

Gladys Chelagat’s story is an inspiration for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. Her story chronicles her transformation from struggling with being overweight to becoming a dedicated cyclist who has conquered hundreds of kilometres.

“In 2023, I weighed 69 kilos and had to maintain a standard weight of 62 kilos. My BMI was very high. Adding weight is very easy but losing it is the challenge. At first, I would go to the gym but then in the evening I would eat a lot and I would only increase my weight, so I started biking. With biking, I usually do a meal in the morning and lunchtime and in the evening, I just do a smoothie and I am content. Now I weigh 59 kilos,” she said beaming with pride.

Gladys Chelagat, one of the cyclists during the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, dubbed the Heritage Trails Expedition and Barngetuny Run, which took place between January 12, 2025 and January 18, 2024.

Photo credit: Pool

Gladys' bike-owning journey began with a misstep. She says, “Initially, I bought a large, expensive bike that wasn't the right fit. However, this experience proved valuable. I learned the importance of finding a bike that suits my needs and the value of proper maintenance. After selling the first bike, I purchased a more suitable one.”

Gladys says that owning a bicycle is no cheap feat. “My current bike cost me Sh65,000. I was lucky that the office gave me a loan to buy the bicycle then it had to be deducted from my salary,” the 32-year-old shared.

Gladys continues, “Owning your bike is very important. It allows you to become familiar with its strengths, weaknesses, and potential safety concerns.”

She rides to work three times a week and, on some Sundays, to Naivasha and back. Her impressive feat includes cycling a staggering 569 kilometres to Tanzania.

Gladys shared that the trial series proved to be an opportunity for her to appreciate her passion. “This trip gives someone who has never taken a liking to biking an opportunity to try something new. Cycling and hiking are not only beneficial for physical health but also a way to explore the beauty of Kenya's undiscovered landscapes.”

Gladys who works as a ticketing agent at Kenya Airways hopes to convince her company to take the Trans Rift Trail journey as a group.

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