Rift Valley Odyssey. The RVO is the only mountain bike race to cross the Great Rift Valley, finishing at Kenya’s iconic safari destination – Maasai Mara. September is migration season when approximately 1 million animals migrate between Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Parks.
Cycling on the RVO is like cycling through pages of the National Geographic magazine, each stage crosses incredible landscapes that are littered with wildlife; through verdant farmlands, vast indigenous forests, blistering volcanic deserts, arid scrubland, montane forests and rolling savanna. This breathtaking adventure race is 50% single track and 50% jeep track, it provides an intense mountain biking experience across raw Africa.
Our customised post-race safari package for 2 nights provides the opportunity to visit Maasai Mara, to witness the annual migration, a spectacular wonder of the natural world. Enjoy a majestic hot air balloon ride, floating overhead this magnificent wildlife spectacle. Our specialist travel advisors will plan all your vacation logistics and needs.
Registration is limited to only 50 participants so as to ensure this phenomenal experience is fully enjoyed at an intimate level. The RVO is probably the most unique mountain bike adventure race in the world, delivering breathtaking experiences to discerning cyclists that yearn for an incredible adventure.
This is a team event for 2 or 3 partners, the only course markings are the start and finish lines of each stage, and each team must depend 100% upon their GARMIN GPS to self-navigate for 5 days. Teams must remain together throughout their odyssey as the route traverses remote wilderness areas, so having a teammate provides support in case of any mishap. Safety marshals on motorbikes and medical teams will be strategically placed along the route.
The challenging trails are raw yet flowing, single-track trails demand good skills, forest trails, bush trails, exhilarating descents, arduous ascents (peak race altitude is at 2,800 m), pristine wilderness and open savanna with plains game.
A very high level of physical fitness and mental preparation is required; the astounding scenery conceals the true physical challenge of the RVO. Because this is not a race against the clock, e-mountain bikes are welcome; we will deliver spare batteries to WP2 on each stage. Charging facilities are available in each race camp (240V UK plug standard).
IATA airline regulations prohibit the carriage of e-bike batteries on passenger flights, you must therefore freight your batteries by road or sea. An e-bike without a battery can be carried on flights as passenger luggage.
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