The boys of FatPigeon travelled to Kenya to participate in The Migration Gravel Race. Nol and Loek have put their experiences on paper. Read the trip report about their gravel adventure and get inspired to go on an adventure in Africa yourself!

The boys of FatPigeon travelled to Kenya to participate in The Migration Gravel Race. Nol and Loek have put their experiences on paper. Read the trip report about their gravel adventure and get inspired to go on an adventure in Africa yourself!

Kenya, gravel, coffee, pros and lots of wildlife!

Kenya, gravel, coffee, pros and lots of wildlife!

On a bicycle through Africa, through Kenya to be exact. A dream trip, which was definitely at the top of our bucket list! We traveled to the African continent for the Migration Gravel Race. As if the 4-day race of 650 km with 8,000 altimeters was not enough, we decided to add a 4-day coffee adventure. This way we could learn more about the Kenyan culture, acclimatize to the altitude AND get the chance to know everything about Kenyan coffee.

On a bicycle through Africa, through Kenya to be exact. A dream trip, which was definitely at the top of our bucket list! We traveled to the African continent for the Migration Gravel Race. As if the 4-day race of 650 km with 8,000 altimeters was not enough, we decided to add a 4-day coffee adventure. This way we could learn more about the Kenyan culture, acclimatize to the altitude AND get the chance to know everything about Kenyan coffee.

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What materials do you bring?

What materials do you bring?

What do you take with you on a gravel journey through Kenya? In advance, this was actually the question of all questions. We already heard that Kenyan gravel can be quite rough and that the weather is very changeable. Anyone who thinks of Africa thinks of drought, heat and wildlife. These elements all come together in Kenya. Because the area we would be visiting lies on the equator and at +2,000 meters altitude, there was ample reason to take into account that it would cool down considerably in the evening and that there would be a tropical shower here and there.

  • Tubeless tires, possibly with foam inserts
  • Mesh cycling and undershirt
  • Drinking backpack
  • Rain jacket
  • Good gloves and possibly double bar tape
  • Good sunscreen, isotonic or ORS powder and diarrhea inhibitors for the enthusiast

What do you take with you on a gravel journey through Kenya? In advance, this was actually the question of all questions. We already heard that Kenyan gravel can be quite rough and that the weather is very changeable. Anyone who thinks of Africa thinks of drought, heat and wildlife. These elements all come together in Kenya. Because the area we would be visiting lies on the equator and at +2,000 meters altitude, there was ample reason to take into account that it would cool down considerably in the evening and that there would be a tropical shower here and there. 

  • Tubeless tires, possibly with foam inserts
  • Mesh cycling and undershirt
  • Drinking backpack
  • Rain jacket
  • Good gloves and possibly double bar tape
  • Good sunscreen, isotonic or ORS powder and diarrhea inhibitors for the enthusiast

Gravel and coffee around Mt. Kenya

Gravel and coffee around Mt. Kenya

With four coffee experts, a couple of bags and two bicycles, we began our trip from the capital Nairobi. A long drive northward gave us plenty of time to ask the gentlemen everything we needed. We were curious about all kinds of cultural things, but also about the special things we saw happening along the way. In Kenya, you come across herds of goats or cows at the oddest places and there are a lot of Matatu's: vans with loud music and built-in TV screens. We also used these hours to learn the basics of the local language, 'Swahili'. It's very useful to be able to thank helpful locals in their own language.

The trip with the coffee lords was focused on the area around Mount Kenya. With peaks of up to 5,200 m, this is the second-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The lower flanks (1,800 - 2,500 m) of this former volcano provide the perfect conditions for growing coffee and establishing campsites. At some of these beautiful campsites located by rivers and waterfalls, we soon experienced the cold. We put on our Rogelli Wadded jacket, long pants, and rode our bikes. Even in Kenya, it can get cold; that lesson was quickly learned!

Where our befriended experts drove with the car, we took the gravel bicycle. In this way we killed two birds with one stone and, in addition to a cultural trip, we also had the rich experience of discovering the country by bicycle. Red gravel, hard clay, dusty passages, remote villages, steep climbs and mysterious views. Kenya's gravel took us to enormous heights, both physically and mentally.

No matter how remote the gravel roads were, everywhere we were greeted by groups of school children and families on motorcycles. Did we need a little help finding the local coffee plantation? Then the locals helpfully showed us the way. This brought a lot of peace and also made it possible to get to know the Kenyan culture better.

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During the day, cycling from coffee plantation to coffee plantation, the cold of the night before was nowhere to be found. Quite the contrary, in fact. For example, we saw the mercury rise to 34 degrees at 3,100 meters. Rogelli, thanks for the custom FatPigeon.cc Mesh gravel jerseys!

With four coffee experts, a couple of bags and two bicycles, we began our trip from the capital Nairobi. A long drive northward gave us plenty of time to ask the gentlemen everything we needed. We were curious about all kinds of cultural things, but also about the special things we saw happening along the way. In Kenya, you come across herds of goats or cows at the oddest places and there are a lot of Matatu's: vans with loud music and built-in TV screens. We also used these hours to learn the basics of the local language, 'Swahili'. It's very useful to be able to thank helpful locals in their own language.

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The trip with the coffee lords was focused on the area around Mount Kenya. With peaks of up to 5,200 m, this is the second-highest point in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The lower flanks (1,800 - 2,500 m) of this former volcano provide the perfect conditions for growing coffee and establishing campsites. At some of these beautiful campsites located by rivers and waterfalls, we soon experienced the cold. We put on our Rogelli Wadded jacket, long pants, and rode our bikes. Even in Kenya, it can get cold; that lesson was quickly learned!

Where our befriended experts drove with the car, we took the gravel bicycle. In this way we killed two birds with one stone and, in addition to a cultural trip, we also had the rich experience of discovering the country by bicycle. Red gravel, hard clay, dusty passages, remote villages, steep climbs and mysterious views. Kenya's gravel took us to enormous heights, both physically and mentally.

No matter how remote the gravel roads were, everywhere we were greeted by groups of school children and families on motorcycles. Did we need a little help finding the local coffee plantation? Then the locals helpfully showed us the way. This brought a lot of peace and also made it possible to get to know the Kenyan culture better.

During the day, cycling from coffee plantation to coffee plantation, the cold of the night before was nowhere to be found. Quite the contrary, in fact. For example, we saw the mercury rise to 34 degrees at 3,100 meters. Rogelli, thanks for the custom FatPigeon.cc Mesh gravel jerseys!

The coffee behind the coffee ride

The coffee behind the coffee ride

Cycling and coffee are inextricably linked. But where exactly does that delicious stuff come from? Who makes it? When is coffee expensive, and what makes certain coffees cheaper? These questions were all answered during a visit to the various plantations.

It was extremely inspiring to hear both the farmers and the experts tell their stories. Coffee production is a very delicate process, with many steps. In each of these steps, there is a risk of completely ruining the quality. Kenyan coffee is among the best in the world. Unfortunately, coffee production is plummeting, by up to 70% compared to 20 years ago. This is due to several reasons. Climate change causes unexpected weather effects, corruption creates 'glass ceilings' and young Kenyans no longer aspire to a career in the coffee industry due to a lack of prestige.

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However, our hosts of this week, with their 'East African School of Coffee', are ensuring that this will change; sustainable, organic cultivation, transparency in the market and training of coffee experts, for example as baristas. Their passion for coffee and our passion for cycling turned out to be a good match. The mutual interest quickly led to a close friendship. And with it, the beginning of more exotic cycling X coffee trips to tell the story of coffee from the bicycle.

Cycling and coffee are inextricably linked. But where exactly does that delicious stuff come from? Who makes it? When is coffee expensive, and what makes certain coffees cheaper? These questions were all answered during a visit to the various plantations.

It was extremely inspiring to hear both the farmers and the experts tell their stories. Coffee production is a very delicate process, with many steps. In each of these steps, there is a risk of completely ruining the quality. Kenyan coffee is among the best in the world. Unfortunately, coffee production is plummeting, by up to 70% compared to 20 years ago. This is due to several reasons. Climate change causes unexpected weather effects, corruption creates 'glass ceilings' and young Kenyans no longer aspire to a career in the coffee industry due to a lack of prestige.

However, our hosts of this week, with their 'East African School of Coffee', are ensuring that this will change; sustainable, organic cultivation, transparency in the market and training of coffee experts, for example as baristas. Their passion for coffee and our passion for cycling turned out to be a good match. The mutual interest quickly led to a close friendship. And with it, the beginning of more exotic cycling X coffee trips to tell the story of coffee from the bicycle.

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The Migration Gravel Race

The Migration Gravel Race

With a bicycle suitcase full of freshly roasted coffee, knowledge and great memories, we left for the second part of this trip: the race. Four stages of over 160 km per day, right through national wildlife parks on the territory of the world-famous Masai tribes.

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Masai are nomads, and hiking is in their blood. They knew what to do with four consecutive stages. Each day, they rapidly constructed 70 tents, showers without water supply, a field kitchen, fire and a full dinner to feed a hungry platoon. At 40 strong, they were the ones who kept the whole circus running. In addition to logistics, they also provided security. With about 10 motorcycles, they guarded the course, assisted riders in distress and informed about lions and elephants on the route. When riders came near them, the Masai motorcycles ensured safe passage for both humans and animals.

Considering the course, it was extremely hard work for the Masai-motards as well: crossing rivers, climbing and descending over rocks, single tracks and passages through swamps. What was tricky for us cyclists, these daredevils did by motorcycle. The rough terrain we were warned about beforehand turned out to be very rough indeed. Sharp stones, clay washboards and sections across grass shook both body and bike. This resulted regularly in bad luck, such as flat tires or losing the chain.

Yet, even bad luck could not get the smile off our faces (for long). Racing amidst giraffes, zebras and even elephants is something that actually only happens in dreams. You could see it as a crazy combination of Artis, the Beekse Bergen, Strade Bianche and Cape Epic. And that is just talking about the course.

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The camp was in a different place every night, in the middle of nature. The locals helped by bringing jerrycans of water with donkeys, which was then heated in large pans on the fire for showering. There were also several holes dug, surrounded by a tent, in which the need could be done. Everything was thought of, even a plastic toilet construction that was placed above the hole.

With a bicycle suitcase full of freshly roasted coffee, knowledge and great memories, we left for the second part of this trip: the race. Four stages of over 160 km per day, right through national wildlife parks on the territory of the world-famous Masai tribes.

Masai are nomads, and hiking is in their blood. They knew what to do with four consecutive stages. Each day, they rapidly constructed 70 tents, showers without water supply, a field kitchen, fire and a full dinner to feed a hungry platoon. At 40 strong, they were the ones who kept the whole circus running. In addition to logistics, they also provided security. With about 10 motorcycles, they guarded the course, assisted riders in distress and informed about lions and elephants on the route. When riders came near them, the Masai motorcycles ensured safe passage for both humans and animals.

Considering the course, it was extremely hard work for the Masai-motards as well: crossing rivers, climbing and descending over rocks, single tracks and passages through swamps. What was tricky for us cyclists, these daredevils did by motorcycle. The rough terrain we were warned about beforehand turned out to be very rough indeed. Sharp stones, clay washboards and sections across grass shook both body and bike. This resulted regularly in bad luck, such as flat tires or losing the chain.

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Yet, even bad luck could not get the smile off our faces (for long). Racing amidst giraffes, zebras and even elephants is something that actually only happens in dreams. You could see it as a crazy combination of Artis, the Beekse Bergen, Strade Bianche and Cape Epic. And that is just talking about the course.

The camp was in a different place every night, in the middle of nature. The locals helped by bringing jerrycans of water with donkeys, which was then heated in large pans on the fire for showering. There were also several holes dug, surrounded by a tent, in which the need could be done. Everything was thought of, even a plastic toilet construction that was placed above the hole.

African talent gets more opportunities

African talent gets more opportunities

From former Tour de France riders to a smoking journalist. The field of participants was a very motley crew, all with a huge passion for gravel. Half of the participants were local East African riders. The idea behind the event is to give these talents more opportunities in cycling. Instead of having some African riders compete in Europe, the competition is organized in Africa. This way, several local riders can measure themselves, gain experience and possibly stand out to European teams. A good initiative if you ask us.

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The realization that some of Kenya's greatest talents do not even have their own bikes got us thinking. Fortunately, with all kinds of talent programs, generous sponsors and events like this one, attention is drawn to Africa and its cycling talents. African cycling is not only an enormous breeding ground, but racing on African soil is something you do not find anywhere else.

From former Tour de France riders to a smoking journalist. The field of participants was a very motley crew, all with a huge passion for gravel. Half of the participants were local East African riders. The idea behind the event is to give these talents more opportunities in cycling. Instead of having some African riders compete in Europe, the competition is organized in Africa. This way, several local riders can measure themselves, gain experience and possibly stand out to European teams. A good initiative if you ask us.

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The realization that some of Kenya's greatest talents do not even have their own bikes got us thinking. Fortunately, with all kinds of talent programs, generous sponsors and events like this one, attention is drawn to Africa and its cycling talents. African cycling is not only an enormous breeding ground, but racing on African soil is something you do not find anywhere else.

Another successful African chapter

After road races in South Africa and Burkino Faso, this gravel race in Kenya gave a new dimension to racing in Africa. Not only the nature and culture, but also the whole atmosphere among the participants. What distinguishes gravel from road cycling is that in gravel the experience is shared more with all participants and that there is more room for fun, exchanging stories and for example a beer at the campfire after the finish. We are super grateful that we can be part of this community and that we can experience these kinds of events with like-minded people.

Kenya, thank you.

Get inspired

Can't get enough of the bikepack adventure of Nol and Loek? Are you curious and would you like to plan your own adventure? Register here and become a bikepacking expert together with Rogelli.