By Karanja Njoroge
It is a rare event, where the only spectators are wild animals. Should anything happen to any of the participants mid-course, the quickest first-aid âassistantâ might be a hyena or a buffalo.
The Cycle with the Rhinos event, held annually on a circuit inside Lake Nakuru National Park, is a test of both endurance and nerve, to raise money for a noble cause.
No spectators
Cyclists who took part during the weekend raced with no spectators, save for buffalos, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, tree-climbing lions and other wild audience. Participants line up at the start of the event and, inset, John Njenga wins the race. Photo: Boniface Thuku /Standard
Some rhinos occasionally raised their heads from grazing, startled by either smell or strange movement.
The park was a beehive of activity as young and old entrants cycled across breath-taking scenery while tourists and funs waited at the start-finish point of the 67 km race.
To ensure animals would not attend to emergencies, medical and security personnel trailed the participants as some of the spectators watched from safari vans.
The proceeds from the event are used for community projects and to complete a baboon-proof electric around the park.
According to the Senior Warden in charge of the Park Ms Lydia Kisoyan, the proposed 74Km fence is an expensive undertaking that will cost Sh1.2 million for each kilometre.
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