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.
A-Frame of Mind – January. 15, 2026
While out cycling last week, I passed a beautiful A-frame house tucked back from the road. This was the best photo I could grab without crossing any boundaries. I couldn’t help wondering—do those angled walls make storage smart and creative, or just plain complicated?
Catching the Bug Early – January. 08, 2026
I helped my neighbour get a bike for his kid and was lucky enough to catch the moment the little guy hopped on it with his brother for the first time. Here’s hoping the cycling bug bites and sticks with them for many years to come.
New Bike Day – January. 01, 2026
I added a road bike to the lineup and forgot how fast these things are. Wishing everyone new bikes, good rides, and plenty of smiles in the year ahead.
Grateful – December. 25, 2025
As the year winds down, I’m feeling a lot of gratitude for Campfire and the people who make it what it is. It’s been a big year for me—my role grew in ways I’m really thankful for, and those team meetings with everyone reminded me just how solid this crew is. We also said goodbye to Ellie and David as they moved on to new chapters, and welcomed Elliot to the team. I’m grateful for the time, energy, and care they each brought to Campfire.
Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks for the laughs, the work, the learning, and the shared stoke. Here’s a photo of me deep in thought, wondering what tastes better: deep-fried goat meat or stove-stewed goat meat.
Built to Be Ridden – December. 18, 2025
It’s been just over two years since the team sent me my Salsa Timberjack, and I finally did it—I wore out the chain and the tires. As I get ready for my annual end-of-year bikepacking trip next week, I’ve started swapping out those well-earned parts and can’t help but pause and appreciate this bike.
I’ve ridden it almost entirely stock, aside from the usual contact point changes—bars and saddle—and it’s been rock solid the whole time. For a first mountain bike, I really went big, and I don’t see myself needing another one anytime soon. The frame still looks great with barely any chips or nicks, and the stock RockShox fork has done everything I’ve asked of it without ever making me think about upgrades. Reliable, tough, and endlessly fun—this Timberjack has earned its keep.
Feeling a Little Over-Clouded – December. 11, 2025
Out on a ride, there are two things that always make me a little anxious: when it starts getting dark and I’ve left my lights at home, and when I see heavy rain moving in. After a relaxed day of pedaling, I looked up and noticed those dark clouds building in the distance. That was my cue to start heading back before the weather caught up with me.
8PM Rides – December. 04, 2025
I’ve been getting more into night riding lately, and it’s really helping me hit my distance goals. Daytime temps here get pretty toasty (nowhere near Tucson-level, but still!), so the cool evenings feel like a gift. Even better, it fits my schedule so much more easily than trying to ride during the day — and the low traffic is a huge bonus.
Close Call – November. 27, 2025
My favorite route has a stretch of tarmac with a very narrow shoulder—just wide enough for a single pedestrian or a bike—and it’s often covered in sand. The challenge is that it sits right in the middle of a fast, 10-minute descent with traffic barelling down. Last week I had a close call when I was pushed onto the shoulder and found myself face-to-face with an oncoming motorcycle. Stay safe out there, everyone!
Cake Day – November. 20, 2025
It was my birthday this week, and we kept things simple with a cozy dinner — capped off by a chocolate fudge cake that tasted like the kind of terrible decision everyone secretly loves.
Kenyan Saguaros – November. 14, 2025
Botanist Kip here, while biking around, I ran into this tall green tree — the Euphorbia candelabrum. Not a cactus, but definitely trying its best to cosplay as a Tucson Saguaro. Nature’s out here running a copy-paste experiment! Anyone bikepacking through this region will spot plenty of these spiky giants.
Kenyan Merch – November. 07, 2025
I sent some Maasai bracelets through Ally when she passed through Kenya with her family last month, and she finally managed to get them to the team in Tucson. I have to say — they look pretty great on everyone! I was especially glad that Ellie got hers too. It felt really nice to send a little piece of home to my colleagues, especially after all the support they’ve given me.
Insect Season – October. 30, 2025
Out on a night ride recently, I realized it’s flying termite season. The streetlights were swarming, and there were plenty of happy dogs and bats making the most of the buffet.
These little insects are a classic seasonal treat across much of rural Africa — usually fried and enjoyed as a crunchy snack being a rich source of protein.
Here’s a photo of them all cooked up. Now the big question… which bold Tucsonan is taking the first bite?
Amboseli National Park – October. 24, 2025
I spent the weekend playing tourist in my own backyard after Ally and her family inspired me to explore Kenya. We headed to Amboseli National Park, and it did not disappoint. We spotted elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a few sneaky lions (too shy for photos). Here are a few glam shots to tempt a Tucsonite or two to visit Kenya. Unfortunately cycling’s not allowed in the park — turns out you can’t outpedal a charging elephant! 😅
Fun fact: Amboseli has over 1,500 elephants, and many of them are part of the world’s longest-running elephant research project. It’s also one of the few places where you can see wildlife set against Africa’s highest peak -Mt Kilimanjaro.
Green Horizons – October. 18, 2025
Cycling through tea plantations has to be one of my favorite riding experiences. There’s something special about stopping to take in the endless green hills and winding paths—until I realize just how far I’ve ridden from civilization and quickly hop back on the bike to start pedaling again!