Kenya's leading speed-cyclist and coach David Kinjah on Wednesday confirmed he will defend his title at the 15th annual '10to4' mountain bike event in February, where he is expected to face his sternest challenge yet from an expanded field of competitors.
Kinjah, 44, from Nairobi, won the grueling event in 2016, 2015, and 2014.
The 10to4 is one of Africa's premier adventure experiences, with races designed for all ages, fitness, and abilities from technical enthusiasts to first-timers, which also raises funding for the Mount Kenya Trust.
Its 62-km signature race drops from the slopes of Mt Kenya near Nanyuki at altitudes of 10,000ft and passes through alpine moors and indigenous forests, through the Laikipia elephant corridor, and finishes at 4,000ft on lowland savannahs.
Participants raise money for the Mount Kenya Trust, a charity headquartered near Nanyuki that works to protect the wildlife, forests, and people of this key water tower.
Mount Kenya provides water for millions of Kenyans – 95 per cent of Nairobi's tap water flows off the mountain – and supports habitats hosting a third of Kenya's 30,000 elephants.
Threats include illegal logging, wildlife poaching, and overgrazing, which together risk the collapse of its fragile ecosystem.
"The 10to4 has grown from year to year becoming much more competitive and closer to international-level events," said Kinjah.
"I'm never complacent as I train for it. Now that it is multi-stage event, there are all sorts of challenges to conquer. It's a great season starter for serious cyclists, and a great event in terms of fitness and technical requirements with great competition. Whether you're a pro or someone just looking for an easy adventure in the wilderness, it really is unparalleled. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there again this year," he added.
The 2017 event takes place over the three days of February 17-19, 2017. It is designed to be fun for both participants – serious riders or amateurs – and for spectators, and for children as well as adults. Details of how to apply to take part or to watch are at www.10to4.org.
"The 10to4 has established itself as one of the best-kept secrets on Kenya's adventure tourism calendar, but word is getting out and we're expecting more competitors than ever before this time," says Susie Weeks, Mount Kenya Trust's chief executive.
"David Kinjah has for a long time been the king of the mountain. 2017 looks to be the year that he'll have the greatest challenge to that title he's seen yet."
Professional cyclists or serious amateurs compete in a two-day event, while others participate in single-day events. The events' routes – planned by professionals and assessed for safety.
Since it was established in 2000, Mount Kenya Trust has replanted more than half a million trees, built and maintained a 14km elephant corridor through farmland, returned 350 hectares of land to indigenous forest, launched tree nurseries nurturing hundreds of thousands of seedlings, and helped 50,000 Kenyans with health care and 10,000 children understand conservation better.
Mount Kenya is one of Kenya's most important water catchment areas whose forests must be preserved to keep water flowing to millions of Kenyans. It irrigates farmland and feeds the country's largest river, the Tana, which through hydropower generates up to half of Kenya's electricity.
"The 10to4 is our most significant fund-raising event each year," says Weeks. "Every single person who takes part puts money directly into the hands of the people who need it most to protect Mount Kenya's environment and its people."
The base for The 10to4 is at Borana Race Village, on the Borana Conservancy close to the Ngare Ndare Forest 26km off the the main tarred road from Nanyuki towards Meru.
Participants can stay either at a pre-arranged temporary tented camp, bring their own gear and set up at the official campsite with its shower and toilet blocks, or book into one of a series of lodges in the area.
Borana Lodge is The 10to4's official accommodation partner. Other options are available nearby.
Fly540, Kenya's local airline and The 10to4's lead sponsor, and the country's premier helicopter charter firm, Tropic Air, can arrange domestic air travel for participants. Bunson Safari can arrange packages.
Onsite catering from The Rusty Nail with Highlands Drinking Water, Brown's Cheeses, Delia's Ice Cream, and Kisima will ensure all participants are well-fed. A bar to celebrate completing the challenge will be open at the Borana Race Village