In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to unwind and stay active is essential. At Strathmore University, three gentlemen from the People and Culture department have embraced cycling, not just as a way to stay fit, but as a source of adventure, connection, and mental clarity. Whether it’s chasing waterfalls, escaping traffic, or simply enjoying the open road, cycling has become more than just a pastime; it’s a lifestyle.

Joshua Muriki once, an avid runner, turned to cycling after a tendon injury put his running days on hold. “Cycling is more than just exercise, it genuinely makes me happy. After work, I hop on my bike to clear my mind. I don’t follow a strict schedule, but I set goals, like riding about 250 km a month. That’s cycling from Nairobi to Namanga and back, or even further than Naivasha!”

Covering such distances is no small feat, but for Joshua, every ride is an adventure. “It doesn’t have to be boring or seem like an extreme sport, we challenge ourselves to explore new places. One weekend, we might decide to chase waterfalls and cycle as far as we need to find them.” He chimes in with some advice, “Take care of your mental well-being. Find something that genuinely makes you happy and stick with it.”

Naftali Wamai’s cycling journey began out of necessity, for it was his most affordable mode of transport to campus. Over time, what started as a practical solution became a passion. “Cycling is my therapy, it gives me something to look forward to every week,” he shares.

Beyond fitness, cycling has allowed him to build meaningful connections with fellow riders. “I’ve formed incredible friendships through cycling, it keeps me physically and mentally balanced.”

Naftali emphasizes that wellness should be a priority: “Find something you enjoy, whether it’s cycling or another activity, and make it part of your routine. Even small efforts, like biking to the supermarket for errands, can make a big difference!” His words perfectly embody the saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“Baby steps are key to progress. No one starts by cycling 250 km in a month, you work your way up, one ride at a time,” advises Naftali. 

Francis Mukhwana, on the other hand, learned to ride as a child, taught by his younger brother on their father’s bike. His love for cycling only grew stronger over time, eventually leading him to buy his cherished bicycle, Apollo. But getting to this point wasn’t easy.

“At first, it was exhausting and I often doubted myself. Long distances took a toll on me physically, but with consistency, I got stronger.”

Cycling requires significant physical effort and, like any endurance sport, demands patience and persistence. “Cycling gives me a sense of freedom. I can go anywhere, anytime, without worrying about traffic. Plus, I get to explore new places and meet amazing people,” says Francis. He adds that cycling is not only eco-friendly and economical but also a huge time-saver.

The three gentlemen encourage beginners not to be discouraged by the cost of getting started. “Many people assume cycling is expensive, but several clubs offer rental options before you commit to buying your own bike. For instance, Cyco Africa provides bike rentals, allowing people to experience cycling without a hefty upfront investment. This makes the sport more accessible to everyone. Strathmore Cycling Club also welcomes new members, and we invite anyone looking to start their cycling journey to ride with us,” says Naftali.

So why not hop on a bike this weekend? You never know where the journey might take you!

Article written by Linda Rerimoi, 2nd year BA in Communication Student.