NORWOOD – KENYA BIKE RIDENovember 2010

Kenya Bike Ride – The Highlights

FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF KILIMANJARO TO MOMBASA

THE WEATHER The rainfall defines the seasons. The long rains

are from March to May and the short rains are from November to December.

When we travel to Kenya, humidity levels are medium and there is a slight chance of rain.

Day time temperatures are likely to be between 23-29°C.

THE TERRAIN

Most of our cycling is through rural areas and the majority of it is off road.

The roads are a combination of compacted stone and sandstone.

TYPICAL DAY Breakfast at 6.00am.

Warm up & ready to leave at 7.30am.

Stop every 15-20km for water & snacks.

Lunch break will be 1-1½hrs

Evening briefing for the next day of cycling.

Sunrise 6.15 am / sunset 6.20pm.

ITINERARY - DAYS 1 - 2ITINERARY - DAYS 1 - 2DAY 1 (Friday) Land in Nairobi 06.30 and transfer to

Amboseli – 3.5 hours by coach. There is time to rest after the long journey and then afternoon bike fitting. Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.

DAY 2 (Saturday) Free day to relax or take part in an optional

Game Drive which includes entrance to the Park, transport and lunch. There is also an optional Nature Walk. Dinner and briefing about the forthcoming cycle.

ITINERARY - DAY 3ITINERARY - DAY 3DAY 3 (Sunday): 1st Day Cycling, Amboseli to Tsavo West 78 km

We leave the hotel with Kilimanjaro directly in front of us!

We start off road with a gentle uphill climb but also with wonderful scenery.

We cycle through the Kenyan side of the border but we do not cross over into Tanzania, which is just a few kilometres away.

Lunch will be by the side of a river in the shade.

The afternoon cycling is mostly flat and we eventually arrive in the beautiful setting of the Ziwani Camp at Tsavo West.

ITINERARY - DAY 4ITINERARY - DAY 4DAY 4 (Monday): 2nd Day Cycling, Tsavo West to Taita Hills 78 km

An early start crossing the airstrip as we approach the gentle An early start crossing the airstrip as we approach the gentle sandy hills and flat lands and head towards the edge of Tsavo sandy hills and flat lands and head towards the edge of Tsavo West National Park.West National Park.

Look behind you (carefully!) for a stunning view of Kilimanjaro.Look behind you (carefully!) for a stunning view of Kilimanjaro.

We will cycle through the Park, crossing the unused rail road. We will cycle through the Park, crossing the unused rail road. Lunch will be at about 50km. Lunch will be at about 50km.

The afternoon’s cycling will be on quiet undulating roads with The afternoon’s cycling will be on quiet undulating roads with the mountain on our left. the mountain on our left.

We stay overnight at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.We stay overnight at the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

ITINERARY - DAY 5ITINERARY - DAY 5DAY 5 (Tuesday): 3rd Day Cycling, Taita Hills 50 km

Today we ride around the relatively flat boundaries of the Sanctuary where we will have the opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal!

Lunch will be at Lions Rock where we will be able to see the stunning panoramic views of the Sanctuary.

After lunch we continue to circumnavigate the Sanctuary and will return to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Dinner tonight will be at Salt Lick which is in the centre of the Sanctuary overlooking a water hole often frequented by wildlife.

ITINERARY - DAY 6ITINERARY - DAY 6DAY 6 (Wednesday): 4th Day Cycling, Taita Hills to Voi 78 km

Today’s cycling is in complete contrast to yesterday as we ride towards Taita Hills between two ridges.

To take advantage of the surroundings we will need to climb 23km up gentle and then challenging hills which curve around the mountain.

After lunch most of the cycling is down hill with some undulating hills through Mwatate Town and past a large sisal estate.

We cycle onto Voi where we will be staying at the Voi Wildlife Lodge which is on the edge of the National Park.

Your reward for reaching the lodge will be the opportunity to take a dip in the inviting pool.

ITINERARY - DAY 7ITINERARY - DAY 7DAY 7 (Thursday): 5th Day Cycling, Voi to Ngatuni Lodge 60 km

Today’s ride will take us around Mount Sagala.

Once we have climbed over the ‘saddle’ which is the lower part of the mountain, we will rest for lunch.

After lunch we continue our journey around Mount Sagala and head for the Ngutuni Lodge for our overnight stay.

There will be an optional night game drive after dinner!

ITINERARY - DAY 8ITINERARY - DAY 8DAY 8 (Friday): 60 km

Early morning transfer before we get on our bikes

Look towards ‘the three hills’ which are in the distance, this is the direction we will be cycling.

As we approach Mombasa we will notice the contrast to the areas we have been cycling through as western influences impact on the surroundings.

We then cycle towards the Nguuni Nature Reserve, where we will regroup and start the final stretch of our challenge to finish at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort.

ITINERARY - DAY 9ITINERARY - DAY 9DAY 9 (Saturday)

A free day to reflect on our challenge and to rest our weary legs. We will party under the stars overlooking the Indian Ocean.

ITINERARY - DAY 10ITINERARY - DAY 10DAY 10 (Sunday)

A free day to enjoy the surroundings of the hotel. There will be an afternoon coach transfer to Mombasa for our flight to Nairobi. We arrive back in the UK early Monday morning.

THE BIKES

The bikes are 21-gear mountain bikes.

We will arrange an appropriate sized bike.

You will need to bring your own toe clips and bar ends if required.

Each bike has 1 water bottle holder - you need to bring your own water bottle(s) with covered mouth piece.

You can bring your own saddle or gel seat cover.

Everyone must wear a cycling helmet whilst cycling.

You will need to bring a spare inner tube with a ‘thick’ nozzle. This will enable mechanics to do a quick tyre change should it be necessary. Everyone will be able to take home their spare inner tube.

TRAINING

To enjoy this event it is imperative that all participants have trained.

We recommend you cycle regularly and on consecutive days to build up your stamina.

The Norwood Cycle Club has a monthly ride open to everyone. You can also become a member of the NCC and take part in an organised weekly ride.

A weekly spinning class is available at The Village health & fitness Elstree, which is open to participants of our 2010 International Rides.

FOOD & WATER Food Our aim is to have a varied vegetarian diet during the ride.

Breakfast: cereal, bread, egg, fruit & local dishes.

Lunch will be a combination of buffet style and ‘packed lunch’

Dinner will be buffet style vegetarian dishes – pasta, potatoes and fresh fish where available.

Water Don’t drink the tap water, bottled water will be supplied during the bike

ride.

SUPPORT Our ride in Kenya is being organised by the ‘Angell Family’ who have

organised many previous rides in Kenya on behalf of Norwood.

You will be accompanied by; Tour Managers Charity Representatives Tandem Teams Local Guides Bike Guides Mechanics Support Drivers & Vehicles