RIFT VALLEY ODESSEY 24th – 28th
September, 2104
Ask the pro’s:
KEVIN EVANS
Q When did you
take up mountain biking and when did you turn professional?
A I started
mountain biking at 14, and competed in my first national event in
1994. It would be a further 10 years before I would ride
professionally.
Q At which
event did you record your proudest achievement?
A 2009
Marathon World Championships, Austria, Graz, 8th.
Q How did you
rate your performance at last year’s SC – RVO and what lessons
(if any) did you learn?
A I had
some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) I was not there.
Q How have you
prepared for this years SC-RVO and what are your expectations for his
years event?
A Luckily
the race is in-between a busy racing schedules for us in South
Africa, so he training has been good. My navigation skills however
leave much to be desired. I will leave that part up to my partner.
I’m expecting to
have an absolutely great time in a country I can’t wait to see and
experience.
Q How do you
compare the SC-RVO to other multi day races you have competed in?
A I will
have to post this question after the event, but from what I’ve
heard, it’s going to rank up with the best in the world.
DAVID KINJAH
Q When did you
take up mountain biking and when did you turn professionals?
A I took up
mountain biking in 1999 when I came across a cheaply selling second
hand mtb from the US Peace Cops in Nairobi. I had ridden mtbs before
that with Nigel Arensen at Bike Treks for Safaris, but I had not my
own.
I fixe up the GT
and started discovering trails all over the villagers in Kikuyu and
further. I have never turned Pro for MTB.
Q At which
event did you record your proudest achievement?
A I
recorded my Proudest achievement in the Crocodile trophy 2001 in
Australia , when I won stage 11 and finished 7th overall
after almost quitting on stage 9. It was my first international MTB
ever.
Q How did you
rate your performance at last years SC-RVO and what lessons (if any)
did you learn?
A My and Max’s
quite good, had a few challenges, but I kerned that it will be nice
to practice using Garmin properly for the 2014 event….., I am yet
to do the later……!!!.
Q How have you
prepared for this years SC-RVO and what are your expectations for
this years event?
A I haven’t
done any specific preps for the SC-RVO, but normal training and local
racing scene have been great so far. I expect much adventure and
discovery in the new routes from Naivasha to Nakuru, sounds fun.
Q How do you
compare the SC-RVO to other multi day races you have complete in?
A The
SC-RVO is feels much more Africa smaller and friendly, relaxed mood.
DOUGLAS SIDALO
Q When did you
take up mountain biking and when did you turn professional?
A I
participated in 2003. Face of America – world Team Spots, 280 miles
cycling journey from NYC – world trade Centre to the Pentagon in
honor of September 11 families this served as the beginning of my
cycling adventures. In 2007 I participated in the Tour De’ Afrique
cycling adventure from the North to the south of Africa Cairo –
Cape town: covering a distance of 12,000 Km in 95 days, I have been
involved in cycling as an amateur due to limited sponsorship, but
when Standard Chartered brings me on board as the Ambassador for
@seeing is believing’ I will go professional.
Q What is your
general view on your performance at last year’s event?
A I
participated in SC-RVO in 2013 after a 6 years break form active
cycling and my performance was tremendous since I was out of training
for 6 years and the pilot engaged was new in Tandem cycling.
Q What lesson
is any, did you learn from last years events?
A Proper
preparation is paramount for success. You need to train and prepare
along with your pilot for better performance. The circuit is
difficult and rigorous for every rider’s body, mind and soul, and
greater challenge for the Blind and visually impaired. The atmosphere
is friendly especially with villagers, and spectators cheering us on
along the route.
Q How have you
prepared for this year SC-RVO 2014 and what are your expectations for
this year?
A My
preparation for this year has been extremely good with my pilot who
is now well acquainted with Tandem cycling having acquired more
skills. For the past 8 months I have participated in the Kenya MTB
circuits, i.e 2014, 10 – 4 Mt. Kenya Bike Challenge, 2014 SC-RVO
Sagana Hills, and 2014 Laikipia extreme challenge as a build for the
2015 untamed Africa MTB Race – The Cape Epic.
Q How has the
‘seeing is believing’ initiative impacted the event?
A Standard
chartered through their sustainable SiB initiative has helped a great
deal in preventing avoidable blindness to those who would not
otherwise receive modest eye care treatment. In 2013 over 2000 people
were treated through an eye care camp in Naivasha, transforming lives
of Kenyans who would not otherwise receive preventable eye care
treatment. I personally participate in these adventure activities to
excite and inspire the public and to demonstrate that, “what is in
you in much stronger than that which is in your way.”
Q Does SC-RVO
put pressure on Kenya cyclists ?
A SC-RVO is
a gruelling adventure not for the faint hearted and requires proper
preparation, courage and a good mountain bike which is beyond reach
for most Kenyan cyclist’s.