Comeback Ride

Ride Brief
Distance: 34.5km
Elevation: 335m
Duration: 2:27:33
Venue: Karura
Crew: Moses, Peter, Kubai

The Comeback Ride

I knew it was a bad idea as I rode by Safari Park...after a 6 month break my next ride should not be too long and 30km felt like a Gran Fondo ride. I was however determined to get back on the saddle and I soldiered on. The weather was friendly but the many climbs to get to Karura were off-putting.

Well Karura has quite a number of gates and I believed I have used almost all of them but Gate C on Kiambu Road remains my favourite. Immediately you get in, you are welcome by 3 choices of trails to take:

1. Down the middle on a gentle incline with lots of human traffic
2. To the right, either through the forest or round it: Promises some exhilarating speeds but do watch out for walkers/joggers and random roots
3. To the left, great downhill followed by some amazing single trails

Due to my long hiatus and thrill for speed, I chose to go to the right. Never throw caution to the wind especially mid-morning as families are going for walks and the occasional idiot is trying to break imaginary speed limits using the Karura bikes. Not a wise move and not someone you want hot on ur tail, so I slowed down and let them pass. I had missed the forest and had every intention to enjoy it in peace.

The crew on a short break...allowing me to catch up!

Some footage from the ride...I have been out so long that my neck became week. Apologies for the shaky footage

Find the more videos HERE

The ride on Strava is available HERE

Join our club on strava HERE

From a life behind bars.....handle bars,

Kubaionabike

Bike Service

Same way guys have the one barber that if you do not go to, you feel like you have cheated, I believe it is the same with one's bike mechanic. Mine, is called Osman and his workmanship fascinates me. Osman has gotten me back on the saddle today, after 6 months, with an impeccable job. Situated in Highridge, there are times when traffic at his garage is unbearable and so it always helps to be there bright and early.

What I like about Osman:

• Pocket friendly
• Comes highly recommended
• Has loads of goodies on sale
• Can fix every bike related problem and will get any spare
• He is a trustworthy fellow
• Excellent location and easy to find

My baby getting all the attention it needs

Fixes even really baby bikes

Some of the bikes on sale....the good ones are under lock and key!

So, if you ever need your bike serviced or to replace a part or two....look for Osman. Get in touch in the comment section if you need to get in touch with Osman.

The ride back home from Osman's was truly baptism by fire but after 6 months, I did not expect any less.

The ride on Strava is available HERE

Join our club on strava HERE

From a life behind bars.....handle bars,

Kubaionabike

The Hellish Ride

Ride Brief
Distance: 53.9km
Elevation: 1,105m
Duration: 4 and a half hours
Venue: Hell's Gate - Naivasha
Crew: P. Ngugi, P. Nguhiu, Elias,Ingrid, Dan aka KDF 

The Hellish Ride

The only ride that I ever did without my bike...used Peter's Giant and Motachie. Both great bikes. As usual, the early birds were early and the late ones were considerably early as well. One of the main surprises of the day was the Honda Fit's ability to carry so many bikes....so many. The plan was to ride round Hell's Gate then enjoy a dip in the geothermal hot spa. Epic plan!

The ride started minutes to 10 a.m. before the sun was out and ready to kill! It was either the sun that would kill us....or our guts that would kill us. Everyone can attest to a certain descent that had a descent within it, that brought us back to our senses!

The crew during the break after the major detour to the obsidian cave

Goofing around before it became really hard

While it lasted

That was the final ride map

This truly was the Hellish Ride

Not all terrain was bike friendly, especially after we decided not to use the agreed upon route

The crew....when we all had fresh thighs

The sand! We all ate humble pie and pushed our bikes.

One of the gentler descents in rocky terrain...just as exhilarating

It was at this point we put our heads together, or almost, and made a foolish decision.

At the shop that solved our dehydration problems. The relief was evident in our eyes

If you are ever riding in Hell's Gate, carry enough water and a little extra!

The ride on Strava is available HERE

Join our club on strava HERE

From a life behind bars.....handle bars,

Kubaionabike