rwanda bicycle tour

Rwanda Bike Tours!

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Welcome to Rwanda Bike Tours!

Rwanda is famous for its rolling hills, which makes this country in the heart of Africa an ideal destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling tours.

Since 2009 we have been guiding such group tours throughout rural Rwanda in collaboration with local partners.

Click on "see the itinerary" at the bottom of the page to see a day-to-day outline of our 2015 tours.

In order register and participate, you will find our e-mail address on the contacts page .

Our tours include:

• Transfers to and from Kigali airport (KGL)
• Hotels and accommodation
• Breakfast and lunch
• Evening meals where stated in the itinerary
• Happy Hour where stated in the itinerary
• Water whilst riding
• Local and European guides
• Luggage transfers during the tour
• Optional bike and helmet hire
• Reasonable level of fitness
• Some cycling experience
• Desire to be off-the-beaten track
• Enjoy cycling downhill
• Happy cycling uphill
• Adventurous nature

THE 10 BEST Rwanda Bike Tours

Bike tours in rwanda.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• AFRICAN TRAVELLERS Ltd
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 2 Days Mountain Gorilla Safari Rwanda

2. Hiking Binana Mountain & Waterfalls in Rwanda

3. Thrills on Wheels, Quad Bike Expedition in Mount Kigali

4. Kinunu guest house

5. 1-day Lake Kivu Karongi Safaris

6. 3 Days Congo Nile trail Hike

7. 3 Days Congo Nile trail Hike

8. 4 Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

9. Kigali Bike Tour

10. Kigali Explorer, Bicycle Adventure & Scenic Moto Tour

11. Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour in Kigali City

12. Best view hunting tour

13. Kigali City Tour Full day

14. Dawn bird watching on Lake Kivu

15. 3 Days Rwanda Community and Coffee Tour

What travelers are saying.

Tour du Rwanda 2019

2018 winner   mugisha samuel .

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British Youngster Blackmore Wins Tour du Rwanda 2024

Stage 7: israeli itamar wins his second stage of tour du rwanda, stage 6: blackmore wins it on his birthday.

Stage 4: Lecerf wins it in Rubavu, teammate Reinderink retains Yellow Jersey

Discover the 2024 Route

Teams Selected for 2024

STAGE 8 Video Highlights Tour du Rwanda 2023

STAGE 7 Video Highlights Tour du Rwanda 2023

Jersey wearers 2024

Pepijn REINDERINK

Yoel HABTEAB

Aklilu AREFAYNE

British Youngster Blackmore Wins Tour du Rwanda 2024 Israel Premier Tech’s star rider, Peter Joseph Blackmore, exuded pure elation following his triumph in the Tour du (...) 25 February 2024 at 20:00

Stage 7: Israeli Itamar wins his second stage of Tour du Rwanda Itamar Einhorn, representing Israel Premier Tech, etched his name in the annals of Tour du Rwanda history by (...) 24 February 2024 at 18:30

Stage 6: Blackmore wins it on his birthday! British cyclist Peter Joseph Blackmore, from Israel Premier Tech, pedaled his way to victory in Stage 6 of the (...) 23 February 2024 at 18:30

STAGE 5: Frenchman Pierre Latour of Team TotalEnergies wins ITT Frenchman Pierre Latour of Team TotalEnergies clinched Stage Five’s Individual Time Trial from Musanze town to (...) 22 February 2024 at 17:32

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STAGE 6 Video Highlights Tour du Rwanda 2023

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Rwanda Cycling Tour

Rwanda Cycling Tour is one of the most adventurous tourism activities in Rwanda since Rwanda is known as a country of a thousand hills. Cycling around those magnificent hills rewards an authentic and great way of interacting with local people. Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris provide different tour package for cycling around Rwanda.

The famous package for Rwanda Cycling Tour  is the one for Congo Nile Trail and the One of cycling around volcanoes National park. The cycling on the Congo Nile Trail starts from Rubavu and ends in Rusizi just in 5 days with a travel distance of 227 km by ascending and descending on the interval of 1450m and 1800m above the sea level. While biking on the Congo Nile Trail you will get the great chance of interacting with locals while they are in their day to day working lifelike by cultivating, by harvesting, local market, coffee plantations,… and you will have a chance to sleep in the local villages.  After this biking we

The other great Rwanda Cycling Tour is the one taking place around the Volcanoes National Park , this trip starts from your hotel around volcanoes for your twin lake biking tour that takes you to Burela and Ruhondo the two lakes separated 1 km wide strip of land. Tourists bike through the green land by interacting with locals who leave around the park.

The tourist can cycle within Kigali City which is ranked as the cleanest city in Africa. During the cycling in Kigali the client can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre , the local markets, the hills of Kigali.

The tourists can do biking tour to the eastern part of Rwanda which is more of plains, no mountains Rwanda Eco Company and safaris organizes the biking trip from Kigali to Lake Muhazi.

When you are planning an adventure trip to Rwanda, we advise combining with the biking safaris especially when you are doing tourism activities in the Volcanoes National Park, on shores of Lake Kivu on the Congo Nile Trail , even heading the Nyungwe National Park . You can contact a travel consultant from Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris to put together all the details and ideas for your trip and come up with a well-designed tour package that includes the Rwanda Cycling Tour.

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• previous post: 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
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Rwanda bike tours

Rwanda is a beautiful and diverse country known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” It offers a unique and exciting opportunity for bike tours, allowing visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Cycling through Rwanda provides an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the local communities and soak in the country’s natural beauty. Rwanda bike tours can be an option on its own or it can be combined with tours to other country destinations including gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes , game drive in kagera National park as well as Chimpanzee and canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

Here are some popular destinations and experiences recommended for you:

Kigali City Tour as an option for Rwanda bike tours:  Start your journey in the capital city, Kigali, and explore its clean and organized streets. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural centers to learn about Rwanda’s history and culture.

Musanze city tour as another option for Rwanda bike tours: Located near the Volcanoes National Park, Musanze offers stunning views of volcanoes and the surrounding landscapes. You can embark on a gorilla trekking adventure here or explore the scenic countryside by bike.

Lake Kivu bike tours , also known as the Congo Nile trail , is a good option for Rwanda bike tours as you drive along the shores of Lake Kivu and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the nearby mountains. You can also visit fishing villages and enjoy fresh fish while interacting with the locals as well as the shores of Lake Kivu to have a more relaxed and beachside atmosphere, enjoying the sandy beaches, hot springs, and scenic beauty of Lake Kivu and its surroundings.

Nyungwe Forest bike tour offers an opportunity to visit Nyungwe Forest and its  vast, biodiverse rainforest in Rwanda. Although it can be challenging to cycle through due to its hilly terrain, it offers a unique experience for adventurous cyclists and nature enthusiasts who are on their Rwanda Bike tours.

Akagera National Park: For those seeking a wildlife experience, Akagera National Park is a must-visit on Rwanda bike tours. While biking within the park may not be possible in certain areas due to safety concerns, there are designated cycling routes outside the park boundaries that offer glimpses of the wildlife and picturesque landscapes.

Huye bike tours: This city in southern Rwanda is home to the National Museum of Rwanda and the Ethnographic Museum, which provide insights into the country’s history and cultural heritage. When on a Rwanda Bike tour you will be able to explore this beautiful old city with a lot of historical sites.

Some areas may have challenging terrain, so it’s best to be prepared physically for the tour. it is also essential to check on local regulations by checking with local authorities or tour operators to understand any specific rules or guidelines for cycling in certain areas, especially in protected natural areas as well as wearing appropriate gear, use well-maintained bicycles, and follow traffic rules.

Consider joining a guided bike tour organized by reputable tour operators who have experience in conducting tours in Rwanda. Rwanda’s bike tours offer a unique way to experience the country’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist or an experienced adventurer, Rwanda’s diverse offerings are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.  Welcome to Rwanda.

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Tour du Rwanda 2022 stages

• Stage 3 - Tour du Rwanda: Laurance moves into race lead | Kigali - Gicumbi 2022-02-23 124.3km
• Stage 4 | Muhanga - Musanze 2022-02-24 124.7km

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Welcome to Kigali Rides

The ultimate way to discover kigali.

Kigali Rides is a locally owned business located in Kigali Rwanda. Inspired by the rising love for sports and fun in Kigali, we specialise in everything bicycle-related from renting to repairing and riding them too! We aim to make sports problem-free, time-saving, convenient, reliable, but most importantly – FUN!

What We believe

Our customers and their bikes come first. We have all gained something from cycling, and we are passionate about giving it back to the community! That passion is the foundation of the business and the reason we give to every customer the same excellent service that we would expect.

Fun & Health

At the heart of this business is a dream to create opportunities for Kigalians to have fun while staying healthy! At Kigali rides, we are all avid riders specialised in a wide range of bikes, and we love to share that with our clients. Our riding programs are designed to offer an exclusive experience to riders by their goals while having fun at it!

Our Services

Bike Rental

Has your friend invited you for an afternoon joyride but you don’t own a bike? Perhaps you are flying in from out of town, and you want to ride while you’re here. Or, maybe you are planning to workout, and you want something a little lighter and faster to ride. We got you covered! Kigali Rides brings you a dual of exercising and visiting places on our bicycles. We also provide bicycle accessories including locks, helmets, water bottle holders etc...

Best itineraries

At Kigali Rides, we specialise in friendly, small group bike tours of Kigali, and outside Kigali. You’ll enjoy a fun and engaging ride, discovering places and stories that a lot of tourists miss out on. We’d love for you to join us on a bike tour and discover places with the people who know and love Rwanda. Who knows, we might end up friends at the end!

Bike Repair

Maintenance.

Our fully trained and professional bike mechanics will take care of your repairs for all brands of bikes. We can make a full diagnosis for your bike and fix it fast enough for you to get back on the road in no time. You can also trust us to do maintenance for your bike.

Bike Classes

Intermediate.

Do you want to join in on your friends’ joyful experiences? Are you struggling with balance, starting or stopping your bike? We got you covered! We offer affordable bike classes at varying skill levels for you to get comfortable with your bike and HAVE FUN TOO!

Mountain Bike

• 26 inch 21 speed folding bike
• 17 inch Steel frame
• Adjustable steel fork
• 26"*1.95" tire
• Flat handlebar

• 700C 21 speed Wind Breaker racing bike
• 700C*23C tire
• Drop handlebar

Vanessa Rukundo

Senior trainer, inkomoko.

I'm upping my game with the Kigali Rides bike-riding classes. I’m extremely satisfied with the experience I have had so far!

Kevin Lee Miguel Iradukunda

Software developer, hexakomb.

With Kigali rides, I had the best route recommendation and i loved their bikes!

Davis Mugisha

University student.

I had an amazing experience with Kigali rides. They have really nice bikes and their staff is very helpful and friendly

Yves Mutsinzi

Ceo, kigali rides.

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Rwanda cycling tour – Biking Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda cycling tour – Our land of a thousand hills is an excellent destination for off-the-beaten-track cycling, with almost endless trails and roads crisscrossing the territory. Exploring Rwanda’s countryside on a bike is an authentic and rewarding way to interact with the rural population, with a huge dose of natural beauty.

Arguably the greatest route is the Congo Nile Trail, a 227km itinerary which runs roughly parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Starting in Rubavu and ending in Rusizi, the journey takes about five days, although it is possible to do single stages for those with less time or dedication.

The specialist operator Great adventure safaris can create bespoke itineraries along the trail, as well as other locations including Kigali and Musanze. We organizes a 10-day tour of the country and this can be accompanied by gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park and golden monkeys.

The Africa rising cycling centre is the home of the Rwandan cycling team. Stop by for a visit, tour the grounds or even ride with Team Rwanda, in anything from an hour to bespoke multi-day tours. Some of the riders from Africa rising cycling centre have participated in Tour De France cycling tournament.

Their half day road training package, complete with carbon fiber bike, promises to teach riding techniques and an experience of High Performance Interval Training. Their Pro Mountain-Bike Race Training package takes guests out on the 2015 African Continental Championship MTB course, complete with training tips and debrief.

Founded in 2006, Team Rwanda now fields over 25 cyclists in all levels and disciplines of cycling, including the the excellent exploration of Rwanda’s beautiful land scape and the rivers and lakes.

The Rwanda cycling foundation organizes the Rwanda Cycling Cup series over the course of the year as one of the top events in Rwanda.The terrain of Rwanda makes it a fun country for cycling tours in the country side.

Tour Du Rwanda 2024: Champion absence, new routes and more

by Ryan Jarvis | Feb 14, 2024 | Cycling - Men , Cycling - Mens - Road Race , Tour du Rwanda

Source Credit: Le Canape

The 2024 Tour du Rwanda is poised for an exhilarating start, with cyclists gearing up to fire off the event on Sunday the 18th of February at the BK Arena. The journey will culminate at the majestic Kigali Convention Centre on the 25th of February.

Last year’s victor, Eritrean cyclist Henok Mulubrhan, unfortunately, won’t be among this year’s contenders. A broken collarbone has side-lined him, but his determination remains unwavering as he focuses on recovery, eyeing a return to the saddle in the weeks ahead.

MEDICAL UPDATE: @henokmulubrhan Today Henok Mulubrhan was operated on the left collarbone and the surgery went successful. Now the rider will have up to three weeks of recovery before coming back on training. Get well soon, Henok! #AstanaQazaqstanTeam pic.twitter.com/cGcYQYSgnG — Astana Qazaqstan Team (@AstanaQazTeam) February 5, 2024

Renowned as one of Africa’s prestigious cycling events, the Tour du Rwanda showcases the stunning landscapes of Rwanda, featuring a backdrop of beauty with over 1000 hills.

Cyclists hailing from various corners of the globe converge for a shot at the coveted title and a chance to etch their names in cycling history. For African riders, it’s an invaluable platform to exhibit their prowess alongside the world’s elite teams.

#TdRwanda2024 Provisional List 100 riders set to be on the start of the 16th edition of Tour du Rwanda 2024. The 2024 peloton has 2 past winners Areruya Joseph (2017) and Merhawi Kudus (2019), 6x stage winner Restrepo and winners of stage on WT races. Are you ready? pic.twitter.com/3YJdUPgy8n — 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝘂 𝗥𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 🇷🇼 (@tour_du_Rwanda) February 13, 2024

This year’s edition spans a challenging 740km, featuring the longest stage yet: the Rukomo (Gicumbi) – Kayonza route stretching 163km.

Freddy Kamuzinzi, the Director General of Tour du Rwanda, underscores the race’s significance and its evolution, highlighting new routes and features slated for the 16th edition.

“This year’s edition of Tour du Rwanda will see new and shorter routes to maximize the potential of athletes.” Revealed Kamuzinzi.

The Director added, “ For the first time ever we want to broadcast all the stages live on TV thanks to the partnership with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency and Canal +”

Here’s a glimpse of the thrilling stages awaiting the cyclists:

• Stage 1: BK Arena – KCC Roundabout (Team Time Trial: 18km)

• Stage 2: Muhanga – Kibeho: 130km

• Stage 3: Huye – Rusizi: 141km

• Stage 4: Karongi – Rubavu: 92km

• Stage 5: Musanze – Kinigi (Individual Time Trial: 13km)

• Stage 6: Musanze – Mont Kigali: 93km

• Stage 7: Rukomo (Gicumbi) – Kayonza: 163km

• Stage 8: Kigali Convention Centre – Kigali Convention Centre: 90km

Presentation of Tour du Rwanda 2024 8 Stages of Tour du Rwanda 2024 #TdRwanda2024 pic.twitter.com/fK4WPrV5vf — 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝘂 𝗥𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 🇷🇼 (@tour_du_Rwanda) November 25, 2023

With 20 teams poised to participate, anticipation runs high for a tour that promises to redefine the boundaries of cycling and unveil new heights of greatness.

ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA

PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.

It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.

ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in Q1 of 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.

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Tour du Rwanda: A catalyst for an epic week of sports

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Africa’s Tour du Rwanda Jersey haul

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African cyclists excelled in the Tour du Rwanda, with Aklilu Arefayne and Vaincaire Masengesho winning multiple jerseys.

Tour du Rwanda storms through an epic week of sport 

by Ryan Jarvis | Feb 23, 2024 | Tour du Rwanda , World Aquatics Championships

Africa excels in an epic week of sport.

• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Volcanoes National Park
• Adventure Travel
• Bird Watching
• Gorilla Trekking
• Kigali City Tour
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Cycling Tours

Rwanda is a land locked country in east Africa popularly known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’ because of her various gently sloping hills and mountains. With spectacular views of nature and true African wilderness, the country also has flat lands, lakes, rivers, forests, swamps and above all a cool environment and very welcoming hospitable local people. All these give tourists visiting the country a feeling of home away from home. For so many years now many tourists have been visiting the country to the various national parks in 4X4 wheel drives and others even using charter flights yet the place of a thousand hills can be well explored on just a bike or a cruise on one of the water bodies in the country especially lake Kivu.

The country has several hills and 5 outstanding mountains that can be hiked by physically fit tourists in just few days; additionally, Rwanda also has many biking trails which are very safe and can enable an adventurous tourist to explore the Rwanda’s major tourist attractions in just days. Biking and cruising in Rwanda is very cool and relaxing and there also many stopping areas where tourists especially bikers can rest and get some refreshments. The following are the major biking trails and cruising area one can explore while on a Rwanda biking safari.

The Congo Nile Biking Trail

This is a 227 kilometer trail extending from Rubavu through Rutsiro to Rusizi along Lake Kivu. On this trail, there are beautiful hilly and valley landscapes, evergreen forests, banana and coffee plantations and most interesting the bilharzia and crocodile free Lake Kivu where bikers can swim and relax after a trek. The Congo Nile trail includes both uphill and low land biking across the tarmacked roads as well as the dusty village roads in the remote areas of Rwanda.

This trail can be hiked in only 10 days if one is physically fit and has bike in a good mechanical condition. TheCongoNile trail includes a boat ride and has many stopovers which include the L’Esperance fruit farm, the Muslim market village and Nyungwe forest national park as the outstanding attraction. Tourists can visit the national park for chimpanzee tracking, birding, canopy walks and many other safari experiences. The Congo Nile trail biking experience can however be done in sections by those travelers who do not have the entire 10 days to hike who can do it in five days.

Biking From Kigali to Burundi Border

This is a 40 miles ride south of Kigali on the well tarmacked Kigali Nyamata road. While biking, one gets a chance to feel the cool weather of the country, view of the green vegetation, a view of some hills and large banana plantations. Taking this biking trail will enable one to visit the Nyamata church where many Rwandese were killed during the genocide, a visit to Gashora village and interact with the local Rwandese if interested and a visit to Lake Rumira for birding activities. Tourists on this trail can have an overnight at Nyamata about 30 miles from Kigali or in Gashora at the la Palisse hotel. Tourists are however advised not to cross the border to Burundi because it might be insecure.

Gisenyi to Ruhengeri Biking Trail

This biking expedition covers a distance of about 114.1 kilometers and gives a tourist a chance to view and hike some hills as well as nature walks in some valleys plus a visit to the local communities. This biking experience may take around 7 days.

Gisenyi to Kibuye Biking Trail

This covers about 80 kilometers with great views of Lake Kivu, hills with coffee and banana plantation terraces and a capability of returning to Gisenyi on a boat ride on the fresh waters of Lake Kivu. Tourists can have an over night at the coffee washing station and learn more about coffee growing and processing and probably a visit to the local Rwandese villages.

Gishwati Forest Biking

This may only take about 35 kilometers and can be covered in 2 days depending on the cyclist’s preferences. This biking trail is easy when one is riding from Gisenyi to the Gishwatiforest reserve. On the first day one can ride from Gisenyi and have an over night near the forest reserve and the next day visit the reserve for birding, forest walks and other activities and then ride back to Gisenyi.

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Traffic laws to know before going on rwanda self-drive, 6 steps taken to rent a car in rwanda, get the best out of the kwita izina ceremony, 10 car hire tips for rwanda travelers, benefits of rwanda gorilla tourism, benefits of renting a car in rwanda, tips on planning an ideal gorilla safari in rwanda, 10 things to do in rwanda beside gorilla trekking, editor picks, popular posts, quick facts about mountain gorillas, popular category.

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• Route planner

Lush green, heat and red gravel – Journey around Rwanda

With lush landscapes, warm and friendly people, breathtaking wildlife and plenty of smooth tarmac roads, the Journey around Rwanda bikepacking adventure challenged my preconceptions of Africa. Far from being dry and dusty, Rwanda is green, vibrant and one of the most welcoming places I have visited. When I received an email from Simon, the organizer, last December, it didn’t take long to convince me to take part in the event. It was very last minute, I had four weeks between my sign-up and the event itself, so there wasn't much time for preparation. But since it wasn't my first long distance event, I knew what to expect and knew that my body was capable of doing it. The second Journey around Rwanda took place at the end of January 2021. Due to local Covid restrictions and curfews, the organizers skipped the race and transformed it into a bikepacking event. The course took the riders all around Rwanda; on smooth tarmac roads, dusty gravel tracks, technical single trails and—thanks to frequent thunderstorms—into some mudfests. On the six-day ride, participants got to enjoy the amazing scenery Rwanda has to offer, spent time with locals and spotted many different monkeys. The main challenge: ride every day without breaking the local curfew that was in place between 6pm and 4am. I knew that Rwanda is called "Land of a 1,000 hills" (or “Le Pays des Mille Collines” in French,) so I was very minimalist about the things I brought with me: I had a small saddle bag and a small toptube bag—that’s it. My key item was definitely the sunscreen! Other than that, I brought a repair kit, a spare bibshort, arm and leg warmers, a rain jacket, some underwear for the night, a toothbrush and some toothpaste. Riding in the heat was one of the main challenges for me. On most days I left very early in the morning to have enough time for a very long lunch break where I was avoiding the heat. Sometimes I felt like a superstar; cycling through small villages with children running after me, cheering me on and trying to race me as they ran. But I was quickly thrown back into reality whenever a local passed me uphill, on one of the typical single speed bikes, loaded with an extra 20 kilograms (44 lbs) of corn. During one of the climbs, I had a local riding beside me acting as my pacemaker. After about 5 kilometers (3 m) of climbing up the hill together, he said, "Hey Sista. Good bike, but you slow!" Read more about Eleonora's journey on our blog: blog.komoot.com/race-around-rwanda-2021/18836 . For more information about the event visit racearoundrwanda.com . All pictures by Nils Laengner | nilslaengner.de

Do it yourself

Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.

Race Around Rwanda 2021

Last updated: April 22, 2024

Tours & Highlights

Day 1: kigali to akagera park.

Most riders opted for an early start in the morning. There was a long day ahead and both locals as well as veterans had warned about the heat that can hit the Akagera National Park in the afternoon. Every few minutes, there was another rider leaving the hotel and hitting the road.

Bike Touring Highlight ( Segment )

Rice fields left and right - fascinating to cycle through them.

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Dirt track to single track

Make sure to fill up your water bottles in the village just after passing the river. There will be no other refill option for about 40 kilometers (25 m) - and it can get really hot!

Tip by Eleonora

Day 2: Count the Lakes!

Is there anything better than starting your day on a flat-ish gravel section with a sunrise just behind the lake? Day two of the journey offered quite a bit of gravel with absolutely stunning scenery. But don’t be fooled by the flat start. Soon after, the climbing started and did not stop for the rest … read more

by Eleonora

Lake Muhazi

If you get up early in the morning, you can see the sun rising on the other side of the lake.

A very tough climb but the views make up for it! Don't underestimate the time it will take to get to the top, a descent in the dark can be a bit tricky.

Day 3: From Volcanoes to another Lake

Some riders seemed to have gotten too used to the spoiled life at the Cycling Center and when it was time to leave in the morning, they opted to sleep in.

I had my mind focused on the 200-kilometer (124 m) day lying ahead all night and woke up around 3am without an alarm. I really enjoyed the morning … read more

Gishwati Forest

You'll feel like riding in the Swiss Alps, we promise!

Last Downhill

Make sure to keep an eye out for the views of Lake Kivu. It's worth adding an extra stop in the downhill.

Day 4: A cup of tea at the Gisovu Tea Plantation

After three long days in the saddle, this was the first short day. A nice 100-kilometer (62 m) ride, without much elevation, considering the Rwandan hills I had previously experienced. Instead of leaving around 4am as was typical, almost everyone slept in. After a sleepless night with one mosquito attack … read more

Tea plantation gravel

Lots of small tracks through the tea plantation, sometimes on gravel and sometimes just on grass. Incredible views over the whole plantation - take a minute to stop and enjoy!

Rainforest gravel

Can be technical at the top but will get easier the further down you get.

Day 5: Nyungwe Rainforest and the King's Road

The last steep climb of yesterday did bring one good thing: 7 kilometers (4 m) less to do today! Shortly after leaving the hotel, we reached the entrance of the Nyungwe Rainforest. Thanks to our early departure we saw an amazing sunrise inside the rainforest. Birds started chirping and monkeys were running … read more

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Try to spot the different monkeys in the forest and also keep an eye out for some of the most colorful birds.

Kings gravel

Quite rocky in the beginning, with even a little cobble section. Later on the gravel becomes really smooth and there will be a few rolling hills to keep your legs moving. There are a few villages where you can buy water and food along the route.

Day 6: Gashora Bridge back to Kigali

It was hard to believe this was the last day already. Everyone was keen to reach Kigali around lunch time, with few finisher drinks waiting. We all became friends during the last week, and so everyone was super keen to hang out just a little longer after the riding.

After another early start and a morning … read more

Once smooth gravel, now tarmac

Bike Touring Highlight

They are currently building a tarmac road along this stretch, so it is a very fast road right now. Make sure to still look to your left and right though, because the scenery is quite different to the rest of Rwanda (hint: not that many hills).

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• Highlights 11
• Distance 595 mi
• Duration 72:07 h
• Elevation 48,600 ft

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Latin america, cycling uganda & rwanda: the heart of africa, about this cycle tour.

A breathtaking labyrinth of trails weaves along mountain foothills, plunges into deep verdant valleys, edges the densest of jungle, and takes you from one one jaw-dropping landscape to the next. Welcome to the wild heart of East Africa.

The journey begins on the western edge of Uganda, at the base of Africa's tallest mountain range, The Rwenzoris, or the Mountains of the Moon. Magnificent craters and cloud-shrouded peaks surround you as you climb into the lush foothills and highlands. Encounter the famously polite and friendly locals of the many remote mountain villages, some excited to chat, some just shyly smile.

Along the way, experience incredible wildlife sightings and bask in otherworldly landscapes. An action-packed safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, the challenging climbs of the Congo Nile Trail. By the time the journey ends in Kigali, Rwanda, you won't believe all that you've experienced. Welcome to East Africa, we said!

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Additional cost details, elevation profiles.

Superb trails, amazing countryside, gorillas and chimps were fantastic. Great fun talking to the locals en route.

Great local team to guide us and attend to our needs.

Thies was an excellent guide. He was always positive and listened and reacted if there were any problems. Very polite and nice to have around.

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Activity Profile

What's included, what's excluded, trip profile.

This is a challenging off road ride with 95 % of the cycling on dirt terrain and 22% of that is single track. We cycle 584 kms in 11 cycling days and climb a total of 9607 m. This is a tough trip due to the amount of ascending and the dirt terrain. However, there are many options to adjust the days' ride in length and or difficulty with the region's vast network of trails. Your knowledgeable local guide will be there to assist you on route options each day.

Vehicle support, which allows cyclists the option to get into the truck, is available on all cycling days, however it will be limited on certain days. When riding on single track the vehicle will meet the group at predetermined points. This will be the case on days 2, 6, 9, 10, 12 and 13. Your guide will give a full briefing the night before the ride.

Suitability: This trip is designed for the experienced cyclist with a high level of fitness. The many climbs we’ll be doing, means that this is a tough trip, and you'll enjoy it much more if you have a good level of stamina and fitness. The distances and gradient each day are not extreme, but getting into the best shape possible for the trip will ensure you get the most from your holiday.

Biking Conditions: Dirt trails over rough terrain, through river beds, and over stony mountain ridges demand good technical skills in handling balance, steering and braking. Experience riding on single track and dirt roads is strongly recommended.

Day 1 Arrival in Uganda

Welcome to Uganda! We will pick you up from the airport and transfer to our nearby hotel in Entebbe. We meet tonight for a trip briefing and dinner.

Day 2 Entebbe – Fort Portal

A long morning transfer takes us to Fort Portal and to the edge of Uganda's rainforest. Though there is no longer a fort, the town is known as the heartland of the nearby tea-growing area and sits under the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. After lunch we will test the bikes with a 25 km ride through small villages and the countryside. End the day with a sundowner at one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the area.

Day 3 Fort Portal – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today is a beautiful and scenic cycle past several volcanic crater lakes and along the Kibale Forest National Park, home to large communities of chimpanzees, over 600 of which live in nests in the tree canopy. We will have a picnic lunch at one of the crater lakes and if it's a hot day we can go for a swim. One highlight today will be crossing the equator and we will stop for a photo op. We transfer two hours in the afternoon and cross over the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. We overnight safari-style, sleeping in tents, with animals roaming in and out of the camp and the sounds of hippos and hyenas accompanying our star-lit dinner.

Day 4 Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Day

A perfect location for a rest day in an amazing environment full of magnificent wildlife. In the morning we will head out early to do a game drive where we have a good chance of viewing elephants, buffalo, antelopes, track down a pride of lions, or maybe even the odd leopard. We head back to our lodge to rest and in the evening we will go on a boat safari through the Kazinga Channel, which attracts a varied range of animals and birds, with one of the world's largest concentration of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles.

Day 5 Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha

An exciting day as we cycle directly through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species. We'll have the option of another game drive in the morning or afternoon in addition to the day's ride. We'll ride on a flat, wide gravel road through the savanna and have the chance to see wild animals such as buffaloes, elephants, several types of bocks and maybe even the famous tree-climbing lions whose males sport black manes. Don’t worry, our vehicles will be driving right behind you and you don't need to worry about being lunch for any animals. Our lodge tonight is on the Ntungwe River.

Day 6 Ishasha – Buhoma

A change of scenery today as we leave the flat savanna behind and climb up to the jungle. It is a challenging cycle with just under 1,000 m of ascending ahead of us. We will take a break at a tea plantation on our way up to Buhoma. Considered the world’s capital of gorilla tracking, Buhoma lies at 1,500 metres above sea level. Though the day's ride includes plenty of climbing, the support vehicle will always be available to have a rest. In the afternoon we will go for a short hike along the river and through the village to visit some local projects. Our guesthouse was originally the home to the founders of the community hospital next door. The guesthouse now frequently houses volunteers at the hospital, but also intrepid travelers.

Day 7 Buhoma – Ruhija

Another challenging day of climbing, ranging from single track through rural areas to wide dirtroads straight through the rainforest. We will be on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, thusly named for the thick stands of bamboo and ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plants that severely hinder direct access on foot. This is also home to half the world's population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas. Another big climbing day, but rest assured the support vehicle is nearby if you need to take a break. As we will be high we have some stunning views to take in. It is very likely that we will encounter a monkey or two, and if we are really, really lucky a family of mountain gorillas.

Day 8 Ruhija Gorilla Tracking Day

A highlight of the trip, today our group will go to track wild mountain gorillas in Ruhija, a 10-minute drive from the resort. Due to the nature of tracking wild gorillas, who move throughout the forest in small family groups, tracking is tricky and is conducted based on where rangers believe the groups are and will go that day. To minimize impact of human tourists on the gorillas, tracking group size is kept to a minimum, so there's a chance our group will be split to track separate family groups. Tracking can last anywhere between 1 to 4 hours - remember, these are wild animals moving on their own free will! The rangers are expert trackers, but in some cases it can take some time to find the gorillas. Once they have been located, trackers are allowed to observe for a maximum of 1 hour. You don't get many chances in life when it comes to tracking wild mountain gorillas, so the key to this day is to be flexible and ready to go with the flow!

Day 9 Ruhija – Lake Bunyonyi

We will cycle straight through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in order to reach civilization again. Though we descend more overall than we climb, it doesn't mean we won't still have some major hills to tackle today. Once out of the forest we will see some impressive terraced fields where the locals grow a variety of crops -- bananas, pineapples, maize, sugarcane. Be sure to look out for island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi in the distance. Meaning “the place of little birds” the lake is believed to be Africa's second deepest and has 29 islands of all shapes and sizes. We will have lunch on the shore of the lake and afterwards you have a choice – take a 45-minute boat ride to the tranquil island where we will stay the night, or continue riding for 20 km more to another boat landing. This boat ride will be just 10 minutes. From our accommodation tonight you will be in a prime position to see and hear the sounds of fluttering herons, cooing cranes and the tweets of weaver birds.

Day 10 Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mutanda

After a refreshing swim in the morning we’ll take the boat 45 minutes to the mainland. Today we cycle to another lake, but there are a few hills in our path. We will be riding up and down most of the day as we pass many villages and farms growing on primarily red dirt roads. The Virunga Volcanoes tower around Lake Mutanda. Six of the volcanoes are dormant, but two erupted as recently as 2010.

Day 11 Lake Mutanda – Musanze

We leave our peaceful retreat behind and start cycling along the lake towards the Rwanda border. We again ride on dirt tracks and have some slow and steady climbs ahead of us, but we also have a descent to the border and our overnight in Musanze. From Musanze we will have a front row view onto Volcanoes National Park, where zoologist Dian Fossey had her base. The park remains a haven for the endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkeys.

Day 12 Musanze – Kinunu

We start today with a transfer of just over an hour to the start of our ride, the official Congo Nile Trail named for the mountain range, not the country or river. This 227 km trail along Lake Kivu is popular with hikers and bikers and will give us a clear indication of why Rwanda is called the ‘land of a thousand hills’. Today's ride is 25 km through the beautiful hills of the Congo Nile Trail, followed by a short transfer to the hotel. You have the option of cycling an additional 21 km the evening's accommodation. Cycling this remote track provides us with panoramic views of the Lake Kivu coastline, bright green tea fields and coffee plantations, and an insight into daily Rwandan life. We overnight at a cozy guesthouse on the lake's shore.

Day 13 Kinunu – Kibuye

Our last day of cycling won't be any less challenging as we continue on the Congo Nile Trail as it undulates inland and then back to the lake. There are a few long climbs with a gradual gradient into the town of Mabanza, followed by a short transfer to our accommodation for the night.

Day 14 Kibuye – Kigali

This morning we say good bye to Lake Kiyu and transfer approximately four hours to Rwanda's capital of Kigali. After lunch we'll have a city tour to give you an orientation and then the remainder of the afternoon is yours. We will meet up again for a farewell dinner to celebrate all the climbing we have accomplished!

Day 15 Departure from Kigali

Please let us know your departure time so we can arrange your drop off at Kigali airport.

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.

Nuts & Bolts

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section.

If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension in good mechanical order.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

The Nitty Gritty

Passports and visas.

With no true winter or summer, Uganda has a relatively steady temperature all year. January and February are hottest, averaging 24-33°C up to 40°C further north. The south has rains from mid-September to November and then from March to May. December to February and June to July are “dry seasons” in that there’s less rain. With 1,000 to 2,000 mm in rain annually, it can rain at almost any time. In the north, such as around Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley, there is one continuous wet season from March to November before it goes dry season from December to February.

Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Ugandan cuisine draws on English, Arabic, and Asian, especially Indian, influences to cook up local produce. Matooke (green bananas) is boiled or steamed then cooked in or served with a sauce of peanuts, beans, fresh fish, or meat. Luwombo and ugali are traditional Ugandan dishes, comprising a stew of either chicken, beef, mushrooms, or fish steamed in banana leaves. We’ll make sure you get to sample a large variety of local cuisine. Vegetarians may struggle outside of major towns, but we will do our best to cater to any special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking.

The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling. US Dollars are widely accepted (make sure they are printed after 2006), but you should have some shillings handy for small purchases. There are ATMs that except foreign VISA cards in the bigger towns and cities, and make sure you plan ahead as most places outside Kampala will not except credit cards.

General booking info

Flexible booking conditions, confirming your booking.

Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.

TRIP STATUS

Booking online.

From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).

If you are having any problems please send us an email , or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

BOOKING OFFLINE

Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.

The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.

In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.

In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.

The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.

FULL FLEXIBILITY FOR TOUR CANCELATIONS

If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).

If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).

Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.

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The information in this document is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, however, we will always do our best to adhere to this original itinerary

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Tour du Rwanda

Official Sponsor of the Yellow Jersey

Visit Rwanda, in partnership with the European Union are proud to be the Official Sponsor of the Yellow Jersey for the 16th Tour du Rwanda.

This year, the 16th edition of the UCI 2.1 Level Tour du Rwanda will begin from 18 February and last till 25 February 2024. The race is organised by the Rwanda Cycling Federation, the Ministry of Sports and other partners.

The Tour du Rwanda is one of Africa™s most celebrated cycling events. Its route is across the length and breadth of the visually stunning country of 1000 hills. If visiting Rwanda has been on your bucket list, the Tour du Rwanda offers the perfect chance to fulfil your dreams. This race offers you a chance to see with your own eyes every corner of the country as it takes you on an exhilarating journey through the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western provinces and ultimately finishing in the heart of the capital, Kigali.

Africa's Leading Cycling Race

• 8 days of racing
• 6 cities and 8 stages
• 4 provinces crossed with final stage in the heart of the capital, Kigali

The 20 teams in the Tour du Rwanda 2024:

UCI PRO TEAMS

• Israel-Premier Tech (Israel)
• TotalEnergies (France)
• Polti-Kometa (Italy)
• Bingoal-WB (Belgium)

UCI CONTINENTAL TEAMS

• Java Inovotec (Rwanda)
• May Stars (Rwanda)
• Soudal – Quick-Step (Belgium)
• Astana Qazaqstan Development Team (Kazakhstan)
• Lotto Dstny Development Team (Belgium)
• Groupama-FDJ (France)
• Bike Aid (Germany)
• Development Team DSM-Firmenish (Netherlands)

NATIONAL TEAMS

• South Africa

MIXED AFRICAN NATIONS TEAM

• World Cycling Centre Africa

Discover Rwanda

Sports & adventure.

• Responsible Tourism

Gorilla Tracking

Photo Credit : Annabel Illingworth

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What roads will be closed during today's Greenville Cycling Classic? What you need to know

Tour de France veterans George Hincapie, Bobby Julich, and Christian Vande Velde will take a 20-minute ride alongside other cyclists at the Greenville Cycling Classic , presented by Prisma Health, today at One City Plaza.

Tour de France legends Julich, Vande Velde and Hincapie will ride alongside the first 200 registered riders to a casual, one-kilometer speed criterium loop race that travels around downtown for 20 minutes beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Beginning at 3 p.m., men's and women's professional and amateur cycling will occur along Main and Coffee Street. Bike races will continue through 9 p.m. to determine a winner in nine divisions, ranging from 30-minute rides to a 70-lap competition.

This race is part of the Speed Week race series, with nine races in South Carolina and Georgia.

Who is George Hincapie?

Hincapie is a former professional racing cyclist who competed alongside Lance Armstrong as his domestique or assisting rider on the U.S. PostalPro Cycling Team. He is also known for helping Alberto Contador and Cadel Evans to their first Tour de France victories in 2007 and 2011.

During Hincapie's 27-year professional cycling career, he won three U.S. Professional Road Race championships and finished second in the 2005 Paris-Roubaix, still the highest-placing American ranking for that specific race.

How do I attend the Greenville Cycling Classic?

The racing path will expand between East North Street, East McBee Avenue, South Laurens Street, and South Brown Street.

What roads will be closed during the race?

Road closures for the event will be in place from noon to 11 p.m. on April 25.

They will include:

• Main Street, from McBee Avenue to East North Street
• East North Street, from North Main to Brown Streets
• Brown Street, from East North Street to McBee Avenue
• McBee Avenue, from South Brown Street to South Laurens Street
• South Laurens Street, from West McBee Avenue to West Washington Street
• Washington Street, from South Laurens to Brown Streets

Greenville Cycling Classic Event Schedule

• 3:15 p.m. -- Women's Category 4/5 Race
• 3:50 p.m. -- Men's Category 4/5 Race
• 4:25 p.m. -- Masters 40 +
• 4:25 p.m. -- Masters 50 +
• 4:25 p.m. -- Masters 60 +
• 5:15 p.m. -- Ride with the Tour de France Legends
• 5:55 p.m. -- Men's Category 2/3 Race
• 6:55 p.m. -- Women's Pro 1/2/3 Category Race
• 8:05 p.m. -- Men's Pro 1/2 Category Race

For more information, visit greenvillecyclingclassic.com

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at [email protected], and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription .  

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Rock County to Host the 2024 Para-Cycling Road National Championships

Ahead of Tour of America’s Dairyland series, Para-Cycling Road National Championships will take place June 11-13.

Rock County, Wis. is set to host the 2024 Para-Cycling Road National Championships ahead of the 15 th annual Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) series. With support from Associated Bank, the largest Wisconsin-based bank, and the founders of ToAD, para cyclists will compete June 11-13. They’ll have the opportunity to compete later that week in the Associated Bank Handcycle Series during this year’s iteration of ToAD.

“We, along with our partners in Janesville, the Janesville Velo Club, are extremely proud to host this year’s edition of USA Cycling’s Para-cycling Road National Championships along with the amazing athletes we have come to know and love over the last number of years watching them race their bikes; a pure fan favorite!” said ToAD Executive Director, Bill Koch.

With support from U.S. Paralympics Cycling, para-cyclists will have the opportunity to compete in a Road Race, Time Trial, and Team Relay.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with U.S. Paralympics Cycling to host this year’s National Championship. ToAD has been an exceptional partner as part of our National Criterium Series, and I look forward to seeing the terrific event they will host on our behalf.” said Kyle Knott, USA Cycling's Director of National Events.

Additional details including schedule and registration to come.

This Article Updated April 23, 2024 @ 12:00 AM

For more information contact: [email protected]

Team USA Recap: Christopher Blevins and Riley Amos Win UCI MTB World Cup; 17 medals for Team USA at Pan Am Track Cycling Championships

Texas MS 150 Bike Tour Returns To Aggieland

Texas A&M University will once again serve as the finish line for thousands of cyclists riding in the Texas MS 150 when the 40th annual charity bike tour concludes Sunday on Houston Street between Kyle Field and Aggie Park.

The two-day event benefiting people with multiple sclerosis — a condition that damages the body’s nervous system by eroding the protective coating of nerves — will run April 27-28, with a variety of routes beginning in Houston and Austin before converging in La Grange and again in College Station. Texas A&M Transportation Services is advising drivers to anticipate multiple road closures and potential delays beginning early Sunday as the riders make their way through campus.

A section of Lamar Street starting at the bell tower will be closed to drivers throughout the day, while Houston Street will remain closed from George Bush Drive to Joe Routt Boulevard. Riders will make their way down Olsen Boulevard and Old Main Drive before passing the Memorial Student Center and Kyle Field on their way to the finish line. A map of the route through campus, as well as accompanying road closure and parking information, can be found at transport.tamu.edu/ms150 .

Visitors planning to watch the participants finish are invited to park in one of the three nearby garages: Gene Stallings Boulevard Garage and University Center Garage will both charge a flat $10 entry fee, while West Campus Garage charges an hourly visitor rate. Additional parking information is available on Transportation Services’ event parking page .

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS, which encompasses the Texas MS 150 and a variety of other charity rides across the country, traces its roots to 1980, when the first MS 150 was held in Minnesota. Today, it is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world. Participants in this year’s Texas MS 150 have already raised nearly $7 million to fight multiple sclerosis, with an overall fundraising goal of $9.425 million. More information about the Texas MS 150 and Bike MS is available at events.nationalmssociety.org .

Media contact: Tad Fifer, Texas A&M Transportation Services, [email protected]

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E-bike tour guide pedals Yellowstone, Gardiner rides

BILLINGS – In the winter, Jay O’Connor used to feed 55 horses that in the summer provided horseback rides for fishing or hunting guests.

Now O’Connor owns 40 e-bikes that he parks in the garage for the winter and ignores.

As the owner of Big Sky Ebike Tours and Rentals in Gardiner since 2020, O’Connor said he’s “living the dream” guiding cycling tours in and around Yellowstone National Park. After all, where else can cyclists possibly see bison, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, foxes, coyotes, deer and a variety of hot pools, fumaroles and geysers in one trip, not to mention spectacular views of the surrounding mountains?

O’Connor’s guided rides inside Yellowstone include a 17-mile trip around the base of Bunsen Peak on a gravel service road closed to public vehicles. From Old Faithful, his Geyser Basin Tour pedals to Morning Glory Pool along the Firehole River and then on to Biscuit Basin. Shuttling the bikes he can then skip on to Firehole Lake Drive and ride Fountain Freight Road to Grand Prismatic Spring.

“I don’t do anything on the roads at all,” he said, instead focusing on getting his guests away from crowds.

Last weekend, with the 50 miles of highway from Mammoth Hot Springs to West Yellowstone open to bicycle traffic only, O’Connor was leading tours from Mammoth to Norris Geyser Basin, a 38-mile round trip.

Outside the park, one of his most popular tours travels down the Old Yellowstone Trail to the red-colored rock uplift of Devils Slide and on to Yankee Jim Canyon where the Yellowstone River is forced into a narrow gorge. The return ride stops at Yellowstone Hot Springs for a soothing soak.

“That’s a really popular ride for us because there is so much wildlife in the basin,” O’Connor said.

Costs range from $175 for the Bunsen Peak ride to $275 for the Geyser Basin tour. Four people is the minimum for a tour, otherwise an additional fee is tacked on. Bike rentals are $50 an hour to $100 for a full day.

Up and down

Much like the trails and roads he rides, O’Connor’s business has seen some ups and downs since it was launched.

Opening during the COVID pandemic was a “kick in the teeth,” but then participation in outdoor activities grew because indoor venues were closed. That inaugural year was followed by a solid summer of growth before the historic 2022 flood. The raging waters of the Gardner and Yellowstone rivers washed out the nearby North Entrance road to Yellowstone. Gardiner businesses were suddenly isolated at a dead end. Last year, tours rebounded after the route was reopened, and so far this year O’Connor is quickly filling his summer tours.

“My primary demographic is families and people over the age of 40,” he said.

Feeling young again

E-bikes are also a personal choice for O’Connor. He had a hip replacement last year and was still able to pedal 20 miles a day with the motorized assistance the cycles provide. His first ride on an e-bike made him feel like he was 20 again, propelling him to start the tour and rental service.

“This business wouldn’t work with a traditional bike,” he said.

That’s because when touring, he uses a microphone that connects to earbuds each rider wears. This way he can tell his tour group what power level of assistance he’s at and what gear the cycle is in, so everyone stays at relatively the same pace.

On traditional bicycles, the group would likely be more spread out depending on the rider’s ability, or lack thereof.

Most of O’Connor’s tours are under 25 miles, so the bikes’ batteries last for the entire ride. On longer trips, like in the spring when he goes from Mammoth to Norris and back, he carries an extra battery.

On one of those spring rides into the park, O’Connor came around a corner to find a newly awakened black bear only 10 feet off the road.

“He was groggy,” he said. “He must have just crawled out of hibernation.”

Rather than fleeing from the pack of riders, the bear ambled over to a boulder and curled up for a nap. That’s not something most bike riders will encounter, providing a charge unlike the one e-bikers may typically need.

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