When I moved to Nairobi, I quickly realized a car would get me nowhere. Everybody that’s been to Nairobi knows what I’m talking about. Traffic equals chaos. Matatus take right of way, boda bodas have yet to learn traffic lights, and if it’s raining you better expect to take 1.5h for 5 to 10 km. I quickly realized I needed to find my own mode of transport. I’ve had my motorbike license for quite a few years and always rode a nice but troublesome Honda CB 750cc in the Netherlands. Obviously, I bought a bike. Specifically, a Tekken 250cc.
It took me some time to conquer my nerves crossing Waiyaki Way, but over time my bike became an extension of me. It would bring me anywhere in Nairobi, but also served its purpose as my buddy to explore Kenya. However, there was one thing I would stay away from as far as possible: riding in the rain. Back in the Netherlands I’d been driven off the road once during torrential rains, and it left me scared and scarred. When it rains in Nairobi, streets are not just wet, they become slippery due to oil. Even more reason to avoid rains fervently.
Back home, my friends know me as the person that is always on the move. So, when I finally decided to stay in Kenya for a bit longer, Brecht decided it was time to come visit. Both Brecht and I got our licenses during our studies and would often go out for rides chasing sunsets or avoiding Covid summer days. Obviously, when she told me she’d visit, I decided we could only explore the country on bikes. I took my bike, and we rented a Kibo 250cc for her. We made it our mission to ride off-road and find the deserted roads leading to breathtaking views. We camped on the crater rim of Mt. Suswa, broke a brake, rode 6h through dust, almost fell off a cliff, and visited plenty of mechanics (for my bike only). Oh, and we went on a motorsafari in Soysambu Conservancy.
The day before that safari, we met our guide Karoma. The only question he asked was “Can you ride in the mud?”. Both Brecht and I nodded quietly and decided not to think about the possibility of a slip and slide just yet. The next morning, we rode off. Or more like, Karoma rode off and we faced our first bits of mud with extreme care. I knew straight away, the mud and I were not friends. Rain is scary because it clouds your visibility, and especially in a city like Nairobi you need perfect sight. Mud, on the other hand, makes you feel powerless over a 150 kg bike. A calming feeling at the start of a 6h ride. The rest of the morning went by peacefully, and we spotted buffalo, giraffes, zebras and flamingos this area is well known for. But, just after lunch, my personal disaster struck: massive rain. This time, I wasn’t able to hide out in a concrete building. Brecht, Karoma, and I had no other option but to conquer my fear of rain.
The rain turned out not to be my biggest opponent. It was the mud that appeared because of it. I quickly learned that inside a conservancy, rain gets you soaked but mud is your worst enemy. Roads that were already treacherous to conquer due to loose sand, gravel, and dust became rivers within minutes. Dirt paths that went uphill had my big tires looking like tubes you use to go down water slides. And my hands and back were not only cold because of the rain but painful because of the extreme clenching in search of some feeling of control. However, we powered through and slowly but gradually I felt more in control while navigating my slipping bike through rivers.
While I thought rain was something to fear and stay away from, I quickly learned mud is a bike’s real enemy. Yet, on our way back, while heading straight into the storm, Brecht managed to find joy in the ride. The giraffes we spotted were our lightning distraction and our pig hideout spot was the perfect place to capture my ‘excitement’. The ride back wasn’t fun, but we both managed to get home safely and it left us feeling empowered. Fears are meant to be conquered. Even if they introduce you to another fear during their showing. They can’t keep you from going where you need to go. Whether it be home after a long, rainy, slippery ride or towards that goal that you’ve secretly been dreaming of but are hesitant to try.