Cyclist from Africa Turns 40, Celebrates by Cycling Through 9 Countries in 40 Days

Turning 40 often prompts reflections on life and achievements. However, for Ben Haggai Onyango, it was an opportunity to embark on a remarkable adventure. Ben decided to celebrate his 40th birthday by gifting himself a unique experience. A 7,000-kilometer solo cycling journey across nine African countries.

His ambitious route included Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania. This extraordinary journey wasn’t just a personal challenge; it was also a mission to promote road safety and support wounded veterans. As he pedaled through diverse landscapes and faced unexpected challenges, Ben’s story became an inspiring testament to resilience and determination.

A Birthday Adventure with a Purpose

Ben’s decision to undertake this epic cycling journey was fueled by his passion for cycling and a desire to celebrate his milestone birthday in a unique way. He explained, “I wanted to celebrate my birthday the best way I knew how—cycling. And, as a regular cyclist, I also felt this challenge would help me promote road safety.”

Despite extensive preparations, including packing essentials like spare parts, clothing, snacks, and a sleeping bag, Ben admits that anxiety crept in as the departure date approached. He was setting out on his first solo bike-packing experience, a journey into the unknown.

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Leaving Kenya on June 16, 2023, on a hybrid bicycle known as the Brand TDS, a birthday gift from his wife, Ben began his adventure. His early days were marked by long rides and challenging weather conditions, with rides of up to 190 kilometers on good weekends. Ben’s determination and previous cycling experience served as his foundation, helping him overcome initial hurdles. He also raised funds using his GoFundMe to help promote road safety.

Trials and Triumphs on the Road 

Ben’s 7,000-kilometer odyssey wasn’t without its share of trials and moments of doubt. The first three days of the journey served as a rigorous test of his endurance, battling cold and rain. Ben recounted, “I tested my endurance a lot in those three days. June was a cold month, and in some places, it was raining. I kept telling myself that I had a journey ahead of me, and it had to be done.”

Even seasoned cyclists have their bad days, and Ben was no exception. He contemplated quitting twice during the journey. The first instance occurred in MTanangara National Park in Zimbabwe, where fatigue set in after 40 kilometers. Ben sought assistance from a passing truck but continued pedaling, fueled by determination and the sight of civilization ahead.

The second near-breaking point came in Rungwa Game Reserve, Tanzania when his derailleur hanger broke, forcing him to cycle at a single speed. Doubt crept in, but encounters with local cyclists who taught him to navigate gravel roads provided the motivation he needed.

Throughout his journey, Ben faced numerous challenges, from repairing 40 punctures in Zambia to navigating unexpected routes due to misleading Google Maps suggestions. However, his resilience and resourcefulness saw him through.

Ben’s extraordinary journey not only celebrated his milestone birthday but also served as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to conquer challenges and embrace adventure. It’s a story of pushing boundaries, promoting road safety, and discovering the remarkable landscapes and people of Africa from the saddle of a bicycle.

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