The stage is set for the 2016 edition of Mt. Kenya Epik Challenge. The annual premier mountain biking event will start with a 20km prologue on Sunday 30th October at Naro Moru River Lodge as participants acclimatize with the surroundings as well as checking whether their bikes and other relevant equipment are in perfect condition for the stage race. The event will be open to local participants to give them a taste of what the Mt Kenya Epik is all about and encourage local engagement with the athletes and the event.
Event participants will later on embark on the three stages starting on Monday 31st October from the Naro Moru River Lodge at 8:00am. Distance to be covered Day 1 will be approximately 75 km. The overnight stop on Day 1 will be at the camping grounds located within the Park Gate of Mt Kenya National Park. Day 2 on Tuesday 1st November will begin at 8.00 am from Mt Kenya Park Gate and proceed for approximately 70 km to Chaka riverside gardens. The final leg of the race will be on Day 3 Wednesday 2nd November starting at 8.00 am from Chaka riverside gardens. The route will proceed through the lower slopes of Mt Kenya back to Naro Moru River Lodge.
The guest of honour at the closing ceremony will be Henry Wanyoike; one of Kenya’s most decorated Paralympic champions. Sponsors of this year’s event include Naro Moru River Lodge; host venue for the Mt Kenya Epik; Safarilink, Savannah Cement and Mt Kenya Holiday Homes. We would also like to recognize the support of Kenya Wildlife Services throughout the organization and execution of this epic event.
Last year, eighteen cyclists, both national and international graced the event. Kenya was well represented by cyclists from various places including Nyeri, Nanyuki, Eldoret and Nairobi. Samuel Mwangi and Joseph Echwa, members of Kenyan Riders, part of an elite team of riders who aim to be the first African team to race in the Tour De France, emerged victorious over the four day event.
Stage 1 of the race was an 82km course at Wangu Embori Farm where over 20 riders had registered. Competition was stiff throughout and though David Kariuki and James Kagema clocked an impressive 4.23.05, they only managed to finish second best to eventual winners Samuel and Joseph.
Experienced riders Simon Ketoti and John Kariuki showed great zeal to emerge winners in the next two stages but their efforts were not enough to dislodge Samuel Mwangi and Joseph Echwa from top spot.
The Mt. Kenya Epik Challenge 2015 was a great success with most participants commending the efforts of the organizers and the spirit of sportsmanship that was evident throughout. There was also some time set aside for social activities and relaxation, including a bonfire at night at the Embori Campsite. Two Norwegian bike enthusiasts, Rolf Helge and Tor Anders also graced the event with the aim of negotiating partnerships that would see Kenyan bikers participate in events abroad.
This year’s Epik Challenge promises to be even better with several professional bikers confirming their participation. There will be several spectator points along the routes thus the event will be fun-packed from the word go. Riders will be taken through six counties bordering the mountain- Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Meru and Embu. Riding through these areas will not only test the skills of riders but also treat them to spectacular wildlife scenery and indigenous cultural practices. The partnership with Safari Simbaz, a program aimed at equipping children with vital life skills through biking, will also go a long way in developing champions both on and off the bike.
Organizers of the Mt. Kenya Epik will work with the Safari Simbaz to establish programs aimed at developing cycling at the grassroots through facilitating access to equipment for development of the sport. The Mt. Kenya Epik challenge will thus provide a world class platform to showcase upcoming riders and linking them with more established riders. This will go a long way in making a positive impact in the lives of the participants and is definitely an opportunity not to be missed. The Mt. Kenya Epik Challenge 2016 is an event for lovers of the outdoors who want to experience the untamed.