The evolution of a (Kenyan) Cyclist - Newbie to Addict - Part 2

 Continuation.......

For Part 1 click here.........................

Stage 7: The first metamorphosis

Once you get back home, you realize just how much your perspective has changed. Your bike no longer looks as sexy and trendy as you thought and neither does the guy in the mirror so you call your new friend and lay down your requirements:

• A new bike,
• new riding kit,
• a puncture repair kit,
• cycling glasses,
• one of those things where you stick your water bottle in; “what’s it called again?”, a water cage; “Yes, that one”.

The list continues:

•  a pair of gloves,
• a new helmet,
• a bike water bottle (“a bidon?”…. “ati what?!”)
• and last but not least, a new body.

The last item, you are informed, cannot be purchased. You are still not too sure about those bib-short thingies that hug the nether regions a little too much. The shoes that clip into the pedals - eeeh no thanks! What if my feet don’t come off and I end up falling in the middle of the road, stuck on my bike and a car runs over my neck?! Pass! Everything else is ok. The cycling professor hooks you up with a guy.

Stage 8: New gear, new me

You go out on your first ride in new gear and bike (probably an ex-UK/US aluminum mountain-bike). Man, it flies! You no longer carry a back pack. Now you have a cage for your water bottle, jersey pockets for your phone, wallet and snacks. Ahhh yes…and no more tissue paper (what was that for again?) You still wear Bermudas.

Ex-US Stevens MTB

Stage 9: Your first group ride

Your pro-friend calls you one day and invites you for a ride with a bunch of other cyclists. You are anxious. What will they think of you? You put on your best jersey. You ride to the meet-up point trying as much as possible to look cool. You get there and that’s when you realize….”These guys are full-out pros!” You almost turn back but it’s too late. The good news is that there is so much warmth and so you feel a little comfortable. 

Kenya cycling group ride in Mabrouke Limuru

The ride starts. After a few kilometers things begin to heat up but luckily you are not the last person in the group. You realize that there are other riders who have also just picked up cycling; you end up forming your own sub-group and riding with them at a comfortable pace all the way to the finish. It’s the best day of your life. Your very first group ride. You realize that there are so many people out there who share your new-found passion. You fall deeper in love.

Kenya cycling group ride for Dr. Eddie Khayo

Stage 10: The second metamorphosis: Killing the Fred

Fred: A term used by ‘serious’ road cyclists to describe other cyclists who do not conform to ‘serious road cyclists’ norms with regard to dress and equipment. (bikeparts.wikia.com). 

Your pro friend calls you for the second group ride. Before and after the ride you get to talk with the more experienced guys in the group. After a lot of resistance you are finally convinced to drop the Bermuda shorts in exchange for thigh-hugging, bum-exaggerating lycra. Then comes your worst fear; the clipped in pedals discussion. Like a hypnotized zombie, you end up  saying yes! The shoe guy (there’s one in the group apparently) says he will do a delivery for you at the office; together with the pedals. You go through a few photos and take your pick. A date is set.

Critical Mass Nairobi November 2017

Next you are informed about a wide range of tune-ups that your bike requires in order to go faster. You listen carefully and take mental notes. The mechanic in the group gives you his number. You look around and realize that almost everyone around you has one of those bikes with ‘mguu nyembamba’ and dropping handlebars. You learn that they are called road bikes. You ask the price, they tell you, you almost choke on your water. They try to explain the benefits but you simply can’t be convinced. “Will I pay rent for a year or buy a bike?” Pass.

Stage 11: The Zero-speed fall

The delivery is made. A nice pair of Shimano MTB shoes with cleats underneath, together with SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) pedals. They are beautiful and pro-looking but deep down you are scared that the grim-reaper is smiling just waiting for you to go on your first ever clipped-in ride so that he can claim your soul. It’s after work: you follow all the instructions given on how to install the pedals; put on your shoes and head out of the house. At this point you can almost hear Mr. Reaper laughing at you and so you decide to try your new acquisitions as far away from public roads as possible. The local football pitch - Perfect!

After a little more deliberating you finally gather the courage to get on the bike and clip in. Both feet in, clack! A few metres down the pitch you attempt to make a U-turn, big mistake, too slow, down! This is your very first Zero-speed fall as a Kenyan cyclist. You however realize that your ego is the only thing that’s hurt. You get on up and make a few more attempts, clip in, ride, unclip, stop…repeat. The brain begins to understand this new language, one hour later you feel amazing but realize that it’s going to take a little more getting used to. It’s fine, you’ll figure it out.

Stage 12: Strava

At this point you will either have heard guys you ride with talk about Strava or learnt of it after a quick search on Google using the keywords ‘cycling apps’. For most people in the Kenyan cycling community, Strava is a must-have app and hence the saying “if it isn’t on Strava then it probably didn’t happen”. You finally decide to find out for yourself what the fuss is all about. Average speed, total distance, maximum speed, total elevation gained, leaderboards, the ability to post pictures from your rides, a social media platform for cyclists and Kudos from other riders once you upload your ride! - No more questions asked; you download it!

Strava

Stage 13: Your first century

After a few months on the bike you finally decide to go on your first century ride. You don’t want any pressure so you make the decision to go solo. Favourite kit check; water check; wallet check; phone check; Strava BIG CHECK. This is going to be epic! You head out with a big smile on your face; a new world of achievement awaits.

NB – Some crazier people will attempt their first century only a few weeks after their first ride

The first 50 KM are lovely, life is amazing, you can almost smell colours and see sounds. After 70Km you are no longer smiling. You’ve run out of water and your blood sugar is dangerously low. This is when you start thinking about that Christmas 10 years ago when your mum asked if you wanted another chapatti and you said that you had had enough. If only she made that offer now. You almost cry. This is your first experience with the infamous ‘BONK’. 

Once upon a time in Ole Tepesi. Credit: Ingrid Kruiter

You press on and a few Kilometres ahead you see a shop. What a sight for sore bums! You stop your bike completely forgetting to unclip – Baam! First zero speed fall during an actual ride.  Who cares, you get up fast and rush to the shop. “Niaje boss, Leta Fanta, Coke, mkate nusu, KDF, njugu, glucose na maji litre mbili”. (“How are you boss, give me a Fanta, a Coke, half a loaf of bread, mandazi, peanuts, glucose and two litres of water”.) The shopkeeper obliges with an amused look on his face.

Everything is downed in 5 minutes or less and you feel alive again. You almost forget to pay. You get back on your bike and head back home.

You have done it! Your first 100 KM ride. You swear never to get back on the bike again, deep down you know it’s a lie, You can almost hear your bike laughing at you.............To be continued (Last Part)