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.
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!
Snug and Secure – September. 28, 2025
I picked up this used Saris bike rack at a bargain from my local bike shop and decided to give it a proper test. It does a great job keeping the Timberjack snug and secure, with just enough clearance to keep it away from the vehicle.
Until I upgrade to a hitch rack, this setup should more than do the trick. Sometimes the best gear is the one that just works.
Itty Bitty Slingshot – September. 22, 2025
This week a conversation between David and Josh about adding bear spray to the shop catalog got me thinking about how I handle my safety on unfamiliar roads with the chance of wildlife encounters. My choice has been a small slingshot—easy to stash in a pocket or Oveja Chuckbucket. I tested it once when a cow looked ready to charge and a quick pebble throw was enough to send it running.
Ally in Nairobi!! – September. 16, 2025
After a few missed chances to ride together, I finally caught up with Ally in Nairobi over dinner with her family, and it was such a joy. We traded stories about her travels and life in Tucson, while her gentle, sweet-spirited mum shared about her gardening back in New Jersey. I left Ally with a Kenyan music playlist to soundtrack her safari, and I’m already looking forward to her next visit so we can finally share that ride.
Safe travels in Mexico, Ally—you’re awesome!
Critters on My Lid – September. 10, 2025
I came across this Campfire Critters 2022 sticker in an old package the team had sent me, and it went straight onto my helmet. My gear always feels better when it has a bit of personality, and stickers are a fun way to add it—from helmets to bottles to toolboxes.
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.