This holiday season, I stumbled upon a newfound passion – cycling. What began as a casual spin on my elder sister Joy's bicycle for a bit of fun quickly transformed into a daily routine. Siaya, with its warm and slightly windy evenings, offered the perfect setting for my cycling escapades.
Joy's Bike served me well !
I would embark on a two-hour journey each day, starting at 4:30 pm and returning before dark, keen not to upset my mother. The route took me from home to a nearby relay ground, a few laps around the village, a visit to the nearby town for chats with friends, and finally, a triumphant return home.
Surprisingly, I found myself participating in this year's mountain bike race, purely for the joy of it. Although I felt unprepared, my close friend from Lela Primary School, who had been a regular participant, convinced me to join. The race was set to lead us up the hills of Got-Nanga, a location unfamiliar to me, but I had a trusty map 😂 (courtesy of my friend).
I removed her wheels so I could clean them perfectly 😊
In the days leading up to the race, I diligently cleaned my bike, preparing both mentally and physically for the upcoming adventure. On the Friday before the race, I packed my belongings and headed north. However, the weather was unpredictable that we ended up encountering a few showers and taking a detour onto dirt roads for a brief stop.
As I pedaled through the picturesque landscape, surrounded by fall colors and under a clear sky, I aimed not to compete but to savor the experience. Riding alongside fellow enthusiasts, I enjoyed the camaraderie, even receiving praise from a fellow rider on a Surly Karate Monkey new bicycle.
The mountainous terrain presented its challenges, with the uphill segments demanding considerable effort. However, the exhilarating downhill stretches made it all worthwhile. Despite my initial cold fingers and feet, the sun's warmth eventually enveloped me.
As I approached the finish line, the torn-up ground added an unexpected twist. Negotiating the final turn without an unplanned dismount became a victory in itself. The race concluded with a mix of exhaustion and excitement.
Returning home that night around 9:00 pm with my friend, I felt a slight worry - fortunately, my mom didn't raise any quarrels. I went streight into the bathroom.
Reflecting on the day, I couldn't help but acknowledge the absolute fun I had experienced. I have a feeling if the weather cooperates, I’ll be doing this one again in the future!