This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On a Sunday morning in May 2020, after three weeks of staying indoors, I felt an overwhelming urge to go outdoors and breathe fresh air once again.
I decided to take my bicycle, an UPTEN 590 Mountain Bike with 21 speed, and do 10 kilometres, solo. Solo cycling is boring, but after staying indoors for days, it's a great way to beat cabin fever.
As I cycled through Nairobi's quieter roads, I felt liberated, enjoying the sun and the heat a little longer. The air was cleaner, and I didn't have to worry about motorists pushing me off the road or almost knocking me down.
My initial 10-kilometre ride turned into a 20-kilometre ride, and then a 40-kilometre ride, as I continued cycling through Kiambu Road to the Southern Bypass, to Ruiru Town, and eventually to Thika town.
Along the way, I met small groups of people, and while I was a bit scared, the fear gave me the energy to cycle even faster. When I reached Thika town, it was getting late, and I was tired, so I turned back, making only two breaks to cool off.
When I finally got off my bike at home, I checked the distance I had covered and was surprised to find that I had clocked 81 kilometres in 4 hours and 49 minutes at an average speed of 16km/h.
My solo cycling journey was therapeutic, allowing me to interact with nature and take my mind off work as I focused on the road. I hope to cycle for 100 km soon.
