During this festive season, a majority of Kenyans have travelled to their rural areas. Most have used PSVs, some in their own vehicles, and others have hired cars to visit their villages.
However, Kenyan cyclist Siro Dev spent his Christmas day pushing his limits. The man shared his experience travelling from Kisii to Nairobi in a single day.
He said that he had made attempts to accomplish this feat in the past. It wasn’t until this year’s Christmas day, his third attempt, that he finally fulfilled his lifelong ambition.
He started the 310-kilometer journey at around 4 am on Christmas morning and reached Nairobi a few minutes after midnight on Boxing day.
“Cycling from Kisii to Nairobi in a day to me is mental empowerment that comes from defying gravity, traffic, the sun, winds and personal comfort,” he wrote.
Siro Devs rode on a single-speed bike, through hills and valleys across six counties. He explained that he preferred this type as opposed to the fixed gears bike because it would allow for coasting.
This achievement has earned him recognition and praise from the biking community in Kenya.
He started his journey in Kisii County after receiving well-wishes from his father, and rode to Kericho County, ascending a 30km hill in darkness. Challenges along the route included low visibility and cold weather, which compelled him to don his cycling jacket.
He made a brief pitstop at Bomet, reaching the 100km mark since he left home. Afterwards, he continued his journey before making a stop at Narok for a satisfying meal.
“A fortifying meal and proper hydration was a must at Narok at 180km. I also took some painkillers something I always did amidst rides,” he wrote on his X account.
Siro Devs arrived in Maai Mahiu around 9 pm, looking for an open hotel. Unfortunately, most of them had closed. The cyclist lucked out and found one open hotel where he could recharge and reenergize his body.
“Energized, I resumed the trip at 11 pm I’d be able to do 25kph effortlessly.”
To overcome the Rift Valley escarpments, the man drafted behind trucks, ensuring his safety and reducing drag as he ascended. The entire journey was completed in 16 hours and 47 minutes.
Kenyans praised him for his mental determination and tenacity, while others expressed reserved comments about the potential impact on one’s health from a 310-kilometre journey on a single-speed bike.
Here are some of the comments:
Sangkip4: Single speed bike si mchezo man. Congratulations
JBlasiok: I respect your discipline. I’d honestly take a detour, 30 minutes before leaving the town for some gin, just to reassess my commitments in life then postpone that trip.
cgitosh: Shags is just 174KM away… I’m getting ideas… let me whitecup over that idea before making final decision
Paul Muitu: Hii ni kutafuta kukonda kabisa
Gakumo_migwi: My knees are crying. Wueh mad respect.Â
JacobOkello2010: All that distance on single gear bike is serious torture