Yes, go to www.evisa.go.ke and create an account. More to be sent to you closer to the time.
We like to joke about the need for lion mace in your frame bag and give training tips on how to evade angry hippos on the bike. These are JUST JOKES.
The reality is that though we are riding through the Maasai Mara, we are mostly riding around the periphery. This means that the animals most likely encountered on the bike are the typical plains animals like zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes. This is especially so given the fact that MGR2024 is scheduled to take place during the Great Migration of Wildebeests – which should be quite the added feature! In truth, the most dangerous wild animals for our race are elephants and water buffalo. This is because they can be spooked if they don’t see a cyclist coming and charge. Thankfully, the areas where these animals are likely to be is well known and we will have rangers, scouts and helicopter support posted well ahead of the riders to ensure that the route is clear. Nightly briefings will be held where all of the necessary information will be explained before the coming day. In essence, there are only a few zones where elephants or buffalos will likely be found and we will take every precaution in those areas to ensure the riders get through safely. With that said, we are riding in a national park and it is possible that cats could be seen during the race. Again, our rangers and scouts will have already traversed the route that you are racing on and will likely be close by (or indeed will have spotted the cat themselves). If you happen to see a cat, simply stay calm, maintain a respectable distance and keep riding. They have learned their lesson from the Maasai and will want to stay well clear of humans. Of possible greater concern are local domesticated animals like sheep, cows and dogs. The Maasai are herdsmen, and they may also be using some of the race trails for herding their animals. Just as you might do on a mountain pass in France or Spain, just take your time and give the animals plenty of room as you pass. Keep your eyes on the sheep, they are unpredictable and may dart out unexpectedly.
You need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. We will provide a mattress for you. The minimum nighttime temperature could get down to 8 degrees C 45 degrees F. We will provide a mattress for you. If you want extra comfort bring a thermarest or similar.
At Race HQ you will be sharing with another race competitor someone we choose. This race is about meeting new people and growing the global community of cycling. On the race out in the bush you will get a single tent.
Toiletries – in the wild camps, provisions will be made for you to shower (bucket of warm water behind a screen) and shit (hole in the ground behind a screen, TP and shit shovel provided). Anything else you may require for those two activities in particular needs to be brought by you.
Please ensure you have good medical insurance that covers cycling/mt biking/racing. Please ensure it also covers medical air evacuations. MGR will purchase a basic AMREF flying doctor cover that we can use to get you back to Nairobi in case of an emergency but that's it.
Consult your Doctor. You won't be asked for any proof of vaccination when arriving into Kenya from Europe or North America. However, also check the FO advice as things do change.
You are in Kenya where there is Malaria please consult your Doctor, but the short answer is yes.
Water, Juice, Crisps, fruit and a muffin, they are basic. If you want anything specific you need to carry it.
Do not drink any tap water from the faucet or shower. Buy bottled water or use the water that MGR provides (Not the shower water).
It's a gravel race. But there are Mt bike sections. A Mt bike will be more comfortable but a gravel bike will be a lot faster.
Spares: as a general rule, you won’t be able to replace anything during the race if you didn’t bring it yourself. Keep in mind, there are no local bike shops. We are racing across the Maasai Mara. If you have something specific about your bike that, if lost or damaged, would be catastrophic to your race, bring a spare (i.e. batteries for e-shifting). We recommend bringing at least one spare tire with you. Bring plenty of plugs, tubes, patches, etc. to fix problems you may encounter on the road. We will have a race mechanic on site at the end of each stage but if your bike fails during the race and you are not able to fix it, you may be forced to scratch. The race mechanics will have all the basics (tyres tubes, plugs, CO2 canisters, cables, etc) They will be able to do most things and you will be amazed.
Spares: as a general rule, you won’t be able to replace anything during the race if you didn’t bring it yourself. Keep in mind, there are no local bike shops. We are racing across the Maasai Mara. If you have something specific about your bike that, if lost or damaged, would be catastrophic to your race, bring a spare (i.e. batteries for e-shifting). We recommend bringing at least one spare tire with you. Bring plenty of plugs, tubes, patches, etc. to fix problems you may encounter on the road. We will have a race mechanic on site at the end of each stage but if your bike fails during the race and you are not able to fix it, you may be forced to scratch. The race mechanics will have all the basics (tyres tubes, plugs, CO2 canisters, cables, etc) They will be able to do most things and you will be amazed.
It is tough at times. You need to be able to navigate and be able to use your Garmin/wahoo device.
We recommend a minimum of 40mm tires with medium profile tread. The larger the tyre and the softer the pressure the more comfortable the ride. A tubeless tire setup is an obvious advantage on the rough roads, We would 100% recommend it and seriously discourage anyone not riding a tubless setup. However, make sure to also bring plenty of extra tubes in case you run out of sealant goo or shred a tire.
On the bike
To wear on the race
For sleeping
Temperatures range from 15 - 30 degrees C 60 - 86 Degrees F
ATMs are plentiful in Nairobi, please make sure that you have some Kenya shillings. Given that riding in the wilderness so poor voice/data network - Yes 100%. Get a Safaricom e-sim or sim card. Buy a good data package.
There are several companies who can help. We recommend Savage Wilderness at www.savagewilderness.org or email infor@savagewilderness.org
You can stay anywhere but we recommend the Holiday Inn at Two Rivers. It's in the Two Rivers mall. Very convenient and easy to pick up any last minute bits and pieces etc.
NO, Not unless you are riding in NBI. We will only transport your bike between the races and hotels in bike boxes. (it's for their own protection. Bikes can get damaged in transportation).
This will take place at the Race HQ on the day before the race.
Each race participant will be entitled to check an 'airline-checked baggage allowance2/normal duffle-sized bag. This bag will be placed in your tent at the end of each stage. Race participants will be responsible for making sure their race number is clearly visible on the bag (we will provide the number) in the morning at the start of each stage you are responsible for ensuring your bag is packed and placed at the bag collection before the start of the stage. The bag should really only be used for a sleeping bag, change of clothes, snacks for the race and other personal effects such as toothpaste and shampoo. Participants whose bags are clearly oversized will be asked to pack into a smaller bag at the start of the race.
It will remain at the Race HQ for when you get back.
No, you have to do it yourself. Remember we have limited water. We are in Africa, in the Bush. No running taps.
Double bar tape and solid gloves are highly recommended. If you open blisters on your hands early in the race, there is no going back. Trust us, the first two stages, in particular, are tough.
Frame or saddle bags for carrying food and tools (i.e. don’t try and stick it all in your pockets).
Yes you can. There are several places in Nairobi. Plus you will be able to buy some at the race mechanic service station when you arrive at Race HQ.
On the race carry Kenya shilling. You will need small notes 50/100 and 200 shillings notes. In camp, you can use the bigger notes, again Kenya shillings. use ATMs in Nairobi to get money out. USD is useful but not essential. You might find it hard to use on the race.
One of the best aspects of this race is that we are essentially being hosted by the Maasai people. Certain portions of the race will have you riding right through “shambas” or farmhouses and coming in close contact with the Maasai people. In general, just remember the golden rule and treat them as you yourself would like to be treated. This means not snapping photos without first asking permission and just generally being respectful and courteous. If you are, we are confident they will return the favor. Expect to be cheered by hundreds of astonished and happy children. On occasion, some children may ask you for something. We ask that you not give the children you encounter any money. Though it will likely be asked for in jest, we don’t want to contribute to any dependency modeling and by doing so you may inadvertently embarrass the parents. We are contributing financially to the Maasai in a more dignified manner, namely by employing the youth to provide a litany of services from animal security to water portage for camps. We are also paying for the privilege of using their land. Your race entry fee is your contribution, no handouts, please. ON THAT NOTE PLEASE DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH ANYONE WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION.
Yes you will be able to, but we recommend bringing a big power bank as well. Arrive with all your devices fully charged. We have solar and generators to charge devices so it can be slow. Ensure you bring your own cables etc.
MGR organizers provide breakfast, lunch and dinner but during the race, you are on your own. Bring plenty of calories to fuel up during each stage. Keep in mind that, especially on days 1 and 2, some participants will be on their bikes for over 8 hours. There is one mid-stage fuel-up point but calories will be limited to fruit and chips. BYOB! (Bring your own bars). The main meal will be plenty and good. (a lot of local dishes so if you're a fussy eater please bring extra snacks) You will be asked to fill in a Google form so we can cater for specific diets.
