WBR Board

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World Bicycle Relief Board Takes on the Rift Valley for Pedal to Empower

After an engaging visit to see the impact of World Bicycle Relief in action, several members of the WBR Board set out on an unforgettable three-day ride through Kenya’s Rift Valley in support of Pedal to Empower.

What followed was equal parts adventure, grit, beauty, and purpose.

The ride began with what can only be described as “absolute madness,” in the best possible way. Day one delivered more than 30 miles of technical terrain, wildlife sightings, storm-dodging, and a few humbling moments on the bike. For some, it was the first time back on a mountain bike since childhood. The route quickly made it clear that a gravel bike would not have survived the day’s more technical sections.

Day 1 Highlights
Distance: 30.85 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,224 feet
Ride Time: 3 hours, 7 minutes
Wildlife sightings: Zebra, antelope, and plenty of open-country magic

Day two took riders through the spectacular landscape of Hell’s Gate National Park, a place as dramatic as its name suggests and famously known as one of the inspirations for The Lion King. From there, the route climbed steadily toward Mt. Eburru, trading parkland and rock for altitude and effort. The climb was tough, but the reward was unforgettable: glamping in style at nearly 9,000 feet.

Day 2 Highlights
Route: Hell’s Gate National Park to Mt. Eburru
Distance: 41.59 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet
Ride Time: 4 hours, 29 minutes

By day three, the adventure had reached full tilt. Riders faced a brutal climb up toward the Eburru Forest, where muddy single track, steep pitches, stinging nettle, and the looming possibility of buffalo made for a truly memorable start. The terrain demanded focus, resilience, and a good sense of humor.

But the reward was worth every hard-earned pedal stroke: an epic descent down the escarpment, followed by a sensational ride through Soysambu Conservancy. The journey ended with a spectacular lunch on the shores of Lake Elementaita, surrounded by the beauty of the Rift Valley and the unmistakable flash of pink flamingos.

It was a fitting finale to three days of riding: challenging, beautiful, wild, and deeply connected to the reason Pedal to Empower exists.

For World Bicycle Relief, bicycles are more than recreation. They are tools of access, opportunity, dignity, and independence. This ride gave Board members a powerful chance to experience Kenya by bicycle after seeing firsthand how Buffalo Bicycles are helping communities move forward.

Their adventure through the Rift Valley was not just a ride. It was a celebration of mobility, resilience, and the power of bicycles to connect people to purpose.

Pedal to Empower invites riders around the world to take part in that same spirit, wherever they are. Whether riding through city streets, gravel roads, mountain trails, or neighborhood paths, every mile helps mobilize people through the Power of Bicycles.