Kipkirui is our first remote employee, based out of Kenya. Kip (as we call him) does copywriting for our products, product categories and bikepacking guides. He also uploads and organizes new products into our system. Kip has been getting increasingly into more epic cycling over the last five years, enjoying long road and gravel cycling near his home in the outskirts of Nairobi. We’ve been excited to work with Kip as he prepares to give bikepacking a try soon.
Beyond cycling, Kip is a lawyer who enjoys doing pro bono work in his community. Kip is a gamer, a chess player and practices Jiu-Jitsu. We’re grateful to have Kip around sharing his perspective, charm, good humor and dedication to success.
Critical Mass Nairobi 2025 – September. 04, 2025
On August 23rd, I joined hundreds of riders in Nairobi for the latest Critical Mass—a global movement where cyclists take to the streets to celebrate riding and push for safer infrastructure. Much like the rides held globally in other cities, Kenya’s edition brings together hundreds of cyclists to show that bikes belong on the road.
It’s a simple but powerful form of advocacy, building visibility, community, and momentum for cycling. Learn more at criticalmassnairobi.org
Little Tweaks, Big Difference – August. 28, 2025
While out on a ride this past week, I caught myself thinking about all the little changes I’ve made to my Timberjack—starting with the saddle and pedals, an Ortlieb Quick rack, then adding a third bottle cage on the downtube and tidying up the cables. Now the ride feels almost perfect.
None of these upgrades were huge on their own, but together they solved small annoyances and made the bike feel tuned perfectly for me. It really is the small details that quietly add up on our bikes.
I robot – August. 22, 2025
The shopbot has turned into such a fun way for me to stay close to the team. This past week, I even joined our roundtable meetings through it—rotating around the table and almost feeling like I was right there in person.
Here’s a shot of me cracking up at one of Jake’s classic dad jokes. It was a good one!
Mat Life – August. 16, 2025
I’m slowly easing my way back into jiujitsu training after a mountain bike crash earlier this year. It feels great to roll again with the boys, and I’m grateful for the extra time on the bike — my cardio has definitely held up during these sessions. Looking forward to rebuilding the rhythm, step by step.
Bet you can’t spot me!
Kin on the Road – August. 10, 2025
Earlier this week, on a grueling ride, I stopped for a snack and met Philip. He was balancing 132 pounds of water on the back of a steel fixie, the load secured to a homemade rack. No fancy gears like mine. No high-tech kit. Just grit.
Watching him pedal off was humbling, I reflected on how for some, the bike isn’t a weekend escape or a training tool. It’s a lifeline. From water vendors like Philip to Uber riders weaving through traffic, countless people rely on two wheels to feed themselves and their families.
Here’s to all of them, we’re kin on the road.
Shopbot – August. 04, 2025
Jake set up this little portable robot with a camera in the shop so any of us can log in remotely and patrol the space. It’s been a fun way to roll through the shop, see where everyone works, and occasionally surprise folks with a quick hello. If you’re ever in the shop and want to say hi, just ask for the Shopbot—I’m always up for a quick chat.
Here’s a photo of us trying to startle Ellie with it. She was more puzzled than scared—mostly just confused—but we called it a success.
Quick Rack Time – July. 28, 2025
I finally got around to installing the Ortlieb Quick-Rack on my Timberjack, and I’m already loving the added utility. Since the Timberjack lacks rear eyelets, I used the Ortlieb Quick-Rack Seat Stay Adapter to get it dialed in. To make the most of it, I will be using a set of these super handy Campfire Straps, which the team sent my way.
We even tested the 20kg weight limit—with a well-fed neighborhood kid—and the rack held strong. If you’ve been on the fence about adding a rack to your trail bike, the Quick Rack is a solid choice.
Happy Bum – July. 21, 2025
I just picked up a Brooks C17 saddle and took it out for a test ride. After two hours of mountain biking, it’s easily the most comfortable saddle I’ve ridden—practically no soreness at all. My search for a “forever saddle” might not be over, but this one feels like a strong contender. I’m looking forward to fine-tuning the seat angle to see if it can get even better.
Campfire Connections – July. 14, 2025
Alee and Laura mentioned they were headed to Madagascar, and it just so happened I knew Ted through Josh—he used to work at BikeShopHub.com (the business that preceded Campfire Cycling) and is now living in Madagascar, working in communications, sustainable transport and also involved with Trufi Association; a great cause supporting public transit solutions around the world.
I introduced them, and now it sounds like they’re off on a grand old adventure. Alee promised to send me a photo of the legendary King Julien—fingers crossed he comes through!
Used Pedal Haul – July. 07, 2025
Just picked up two pairs of used dual-sided pedals from my local shop, and I’m stoked to get them on my bikes. Using clipless pedals is great for longer rides, but a pain when I’m just pedaling to the grocery store in Crocs. These bad boys will let me clip in when I want—or just ride flat when I don’t. Small tweaks like this really add up and make your bike feel like a true everyday companion.
Dangling Vines – June. 30, 2025
While pedalling through some trails yesterday, I came across this tree draped in what looked like aerial roots or parasitic vines—I wasn’t sure which. Either way, it looked pretty amazing. The long tendrils hung low, almost close enough to high-five or brush the top of my helmet.
Orange Cat Behavior – June. 23, 2025
My semi-domesticated cat, Rambo, is out to prove every orange cat stereotype. He prefers fruit over meat and has now taken up carjacking—specifically, commandeering the roofs of my neighbors’ cars. Here he is, napping like he owns the block, not a care in the world.
Helmet On, Worries Off – June. 16, 2025
I had a great time riding through a private golf course near my home. Smooth tarmac, fresh air, and all that greenery made for a perfect ride. Every now and then, I’d duck at the sound of a golf swing—then remember I’ve got my Giro helmet on and relax.
Best Man Duty – June. 09, 2025
Over the weekend, I had the honor of being best man at my friend Xavier’s traditional wedding—you might remember him from when I helped him buy a bike last year.
The highlight was a hilarious skit where the bride was hidden among her bridesmaids, and we had to guess who she was. Each wrong guess came with a fine paid to the in-laws. We found her on the second try! Can’t wait to laugh about it all over again on our next ride.
Goodbye Alee and Laura! – June. 02, 2025
Alee and Laura stopped by to pick up their Koga touring bikes as they gear up to ride through the rest of East Africa—starting with Northern Kenya, then on to Uganda and Rwanda.
These two are incredibly well-traveled. Alee, in particular, is a walking encyclopedia of bike travel knowledge. It was fun watching him swap out his handlebars (a design he actually invented and sells on his website) and fit a new frame bag.
Before heading out, Alee kindly left me with some high-end used bike parts he no longer needed. While I’m sad to see them go, I’m excited to follow their journey and wish them all the best on the road ahead.
Follow their adventures on YouTube: youtube.com/@CyclingAbout
And check out their website for more: cyclingabout.com
View from the top – May. 26, 2025
I’ve always wanted to summit this large hill near my home, so last week i decided to summit it with my Timberjack. The climb was tough but definitely worth it. Standing at the top felt amazing, and the ride back down was just as exciting. One of my favorite things about mountain biking is how it pushes and rewards you all at once.
Agave Season – May. 19, 2025
Hi, Botanist Kip here.
Often mistaken for aloe, these gorgeous agaves bloom once (after many years), then die—a cycle that earned them the “century plant” nickname. Out of respect for how rare a bloom is, I just had to take a few shots of these plants while out riding yesterday.
More Baobab – May. 12, 2025
I came across another beauty for the baobab collection and I couldn’t help but wonder how many seasons it’s seen. I’ve heard they grow even bigger, so I’ll keep chasing these giants until I find one that looks like it walked straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Sandy Trails – May. 5, 2025
It’s all sand out here—long trails and dry riverbeds where your wheels suddenly sink and the ride turns into a slow grind. They say all the world’s sand is connected, so next time I’m out there, I’ll be calling out to the Tucson desert… maybe one of you will hear me and shout back.
Someone was watching – April. 28, 2025
During the MTB race two weeks ago, we rode through a remote area known for its hyena population and it added some wild energy to the ride. Locals told us that farmers here rely on electric fences and regular patrols to protect their livestock from these sharp-toothed visitors.
Here’s a shot of one curious hyena keeping an eye on us as we pedaled through its turf. They’re way bigger than you’d expect—and honestly, a little too clever for comfort!
Bit by the Camping Bug – April. 21, 2025
My first camping trip a few weeks ago was just so much fun. The night hit us with a heavy downpour and I worried about getting soaked, but my Big Agnes Copper Spur tent held up perfectly.
The color-coded clips and buckles made setup simple for a rookie like me, and the oversized ceiling pocket kept my gear organized. I also loved the media pockets near the sleeping area for taming earbud cords, and the dual-zippers. If my partner ever caves to my camping invites, we’ll see if it can fit 2 people. So far, I am twelve rejections deep— her dedication to staying indoors is tougher than my tent’s waterproofing.
Camping surprised me. Fresh air, the sound of rain on the tent, and a surprisingly comfortable setup made me a believer. The tent’s reliability turned a potential disaster into a memorable adventure, and I’m eager to get back out there.
The Wild XC MTB Event– April. 14, 2025
I had a fun time taking part in a local MTB race last week. The terrain was a sloggy mudfest, making all of us earn every mile and climb. Beyond the race, it was fantastic seeing so many cyclists genuinely having a blast on the trails and admiring each other’s rigs.
The Timberjack was definitely a head turner. I look forward to taking part in more of these events!
A Multisport Campfire – April. 07, 2025
Over the weekend, I was part of a fantastic mountain bike race and campout. The evening before the race, we gathered around a crackling fire, swapping stories with seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Trail-hardened hikers, long-distance cyclists, and endurance runners shared tales of their adventures. Listening to their passion for the outdoors was equal parts inspiring and humbling.