10to4 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES
EXTREME
EXTREME (HARDCORE+CLASSIC)
Distance: Approx. 73km on Day 1 & 60km on Day 2
Minimum Age: 17+
Date: 24th & 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: Ksh 30,000
Extreme, adj. exceeding what is usual or reasonable.
Held over two days, the Extreme combines both the Hardcore and the Roller Coaster Classic. This event will challenge the fitness and technical abilities of seasoned mountain bikers and elite teams.
Covering approx. 80km on Day 1, riders will face an elevation gain and loss of nearly 2000m with fast technical sections and single track all on Borana Conservancy. Day 2 follows with the Roller Coaster, a 60km race that has become synonymous with the 10to4.
The Extreme is not for the faint of heart. If in doubt over either your endurance capabilities or technical riding prowess perhaps the “Classic or Rush” is the answer? You must be a seasoned mountain bike rider to take part.
Don't just take our word for it ...
The Extreme lived up to its name in all senses of the word - extreme beauty, extreme challenge, and extreme fun. Day 1 through Borana offered a fantastic mix of steep climbs, epic views, thrilling descents, and plenty of KMs of moderate terrain for taking in the scenery and wildlife. Day 2 provides a bit less challenge, but just as much fun. The descent through the forest and other zones on the slopes of Mt. Kenya is fast and beautiful, and is an interesting contrast to what you get in Day 1. Overall, a fantastic event for someone looking to challenge themselves, and to be rewarded with a great sense of accomplishment…all while contributing to a fantastic cause.
2022 Extreme Comptetitor
WILD
WILD (WILD RIDE+CLASSIC)
Distance: 47km on Day 1 & 60km on Day 2
Minimum Age: 17+
Date: 24th & 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: KSh 30,000
Wild, adj. (1) remote, uninhabited place; (2) unconstrained action or emotion
By popular demand, 2023 will see the introduction of a brand new combo - The Wild! Held over two days it is aimed at those who are keen for an extra challenge but aren't quite fit (or crazy?) enough for the Hardcore on Day 1. That said, The Wild isn't for the Sunday afternoon cyclist and although we've yet to publish the full details for the Wild Ride on Day 1, you can be sure there'll be lots of ups and downs and plenty of excitement.
On Day 1, the route will be entirely across the Borana Conservancy, while on Day 2 Wild Riders are expected to join the Classic race, though could opt to go for the Rush instead if Day 1 proves too much. However, first, second and third places will be awarded to those with the best combined time for Wild Ride+Classic.
CLASSIC
CLASSIC
Distance: 60km
Minimum Age: 16+
Date: 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: KSh 26,000
Held on Day 2, the Classic is an experience that has become synonymous with the 10to4. Starting at nearly 3000 meters, (10,000 feet), on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, riders will descend some 60km over demanding terrain, through indigenous forest and wide open plains, abundant with wildlife, down to the Ngare Ndare Forest at 1940 meters, (6400 feet) and then onto Borana Conservancy, finishing at Borana Race Village.
The ride is not, however, all downhill, featuring some vicious climbs when the body least wants it. Estimated ride time between 2 and 6 hours depending on ability. A high level of fitness and experience is required.
Don't just take our word for it ...
I've raced twice. The first time I did the Classic and it was 2020, the year it rained. I have never experienced mud like this and it was brutal but also kind of exhilarating. I remember passing some muddy families doing the Slide and they reminded me of miserable characters from a Dickens novel. I pushed through with enough time to drop into the lower part in Borana where the mud didn't matter much. The lower part of the Classic is where it branches off from the Rush and where it gets very technical. There is a lot of up and down and massive boulders to ride on with tight turns. I was surprised that my legs were ok, but my arms felt very weak after bearing the brunt of so many downhill bumpy miles.
2020 Classic Competitor
RUSH
RUSH
Distance: 57km
Minimum Age: 14+
Date: 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: KSh 24,000
Running concurrently with the 'Classic' on Day 2, 'The Rush' is a less arduous 57km ride but will still provide exhilaration for mid-level cyclists and those seasoned mountain bikers who spend more time in their office chairs than is good for them.
Estimated ride time between 2 and 5 hours depending on ability.
Don't just take our word for it ...
In 2022 I did the Rush because I needed to be back in Nairobi early Saturday evening. Despite an easier course than the Classic I pushed hard and was utterly exhausted by the time I finished.
If you are undecided between the Classic and the Rush then I suggest signing up for the Classic as it follows the same course as the Rush for the first 60% or so. Depending on how you are feeling you can then either finish the Classic or take the shortcut and turn the Classic into the Rush.
2022 Rush Competitor
EBIKES
EBIKES
Route: WILD / CLASSIC / RUSH
Distance: See relevant section for details
Minimum Age: 14+
Date: 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: See relevant section for details
At the 2023 Tropic Air 10to4, eBikes are able to enter either the WILD (two day), CLASSIC or RUSH events. However, eBikers will be competing in their own class and will be placed separately from the other competitors.
For more information on the routes please see their corresponding tabs.
PLEASE NOTE
- Max. Battery size is 625 Watt Hour
- Max. motor size 250 Watts
- The battery will be sealed onto the bike at the start
A limited number of eBikes can be rented from the Bikeshop.co.ke so please get in touch with Zaina and David on 0746 512 809 and sales@bikeshop.co.ke as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
SLIDE
SLIDE
Distance: 39km
Minimum Age: 10+
Date: 25th February 2023
Entry Fee: KSh 16,000
Running concurrently with the ‘Classic’ and ‘Rush’ on Day 2, the Slide is a gently undulating and pleasant ride, suitable for all. Estimated ride time for this 39km route is between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on ability.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to two categories of competitors: the under-18 riders and over-18 riders.
Children between the ages of 10 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the event.
MINI
MINI 10to4
Date: 26th February 2023
Entry Fee (KSh): 4,000 (4-6 yrs) and 5,000 (7-12 yrs
Held on the Sunday, the hugely popular children's races will take place at Borana Race Village.
Pre-entry only - entries or changes on the day will NOT be accepted.
- Race 1 - 9-12 year olds over approx. 12km
- Race 2 - 6-12 year olds over approx. 8km
- Race 3 - 6-8 year olds over approx. 4km
- Race 4 - 4-6 year olds over a 1km obstacle course
Please note, for a child to take part in a specific race they must be within the age range specified on race day. There is no charge for adults accompanying children.
Once again we will also be running an inter-school competition so please be specific about which school your child attends as points will be given to all competitors depending on placings and the winning school announced at Prize Giving.