Kipkirui is our first remote employee, based out of Kenya. Kip (as we call him) does copywriting for our products, product categories and bikepacking guides. He also uploads and organizes new products into our system. Kip has been getting increasingly into more epic cycling over the last five years, enjoying long road and gravel cycling near his home in the outskirts of Nairobi. We’ve been excited to work with Kip as he prepares to give bikepacking a try soon.
Beyond cycling, Kip is a lawyer who enjoys doing pro bono work in his community. Kip is a gamer, a chess player and practices Jiu-Jitsu. We’re grateful to have Kip around sharing his perspective, charm, good humor and dedication to success.
The Sandal Life – June. 18 2026
After searching high and low across the internet, I finally tracked down a pair of Shimano SPD sandals. They’re already feeling like a fantastic addition to my cycling gear. I’m looking forward to putting many happy miles on them for years to come.
Big shoutout to David for fully selling me on the sandal life!!
More Mornings Like This – June. 11 2026
Last week I learned that mornings just hit different when you’re out camping. The early light, quiet air, and slow start to the day made everything feel a little more epic.
I’m looking forward to more bikepacking, more trips, and more mornings like that this year.
Riding Hell’s Gate – June. 04 2026
Last weekend, Eliud and I headed out for a two-day cycling trip to Hell’s Gate National Park. Riding through the park was unreal: open roads, dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock, and that wild feeling of being surrounded by wildlife and a landscape shaped by heat, pressure, and time. At one point, we crossed paths with a wildlife photographer who kindly took a few shots of us mid-ride.
Moshi Attempt – May. 28 2026
This past weekend, I joined a few cycling buddies for an ambitious 325km ride from Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania. We rolled through the chilly night, watched dawn break, and pushed through the day’s heat.
By the end of the first day, my body had taken about as much as it was willing to give. I made it to the Kenyan border, called it there, and turned back instead of continuing on to Moshi. It was not the finish I had imagined, but it was still a fantastic ride—one that pushed me right up against my limits and reminded me why big days on the bike stay with you long after the legs stop aching.
The Big One – May. 21 2026
For the past few weeks, I’ve been conditioning myself for a 325 km ride from Nairobi, Kenya to Moshi, Tanzania with a local cycling club going down this weekend. This will easily be my longest ride yet, and I’m excited to test myself and share the challenge with fellow cyclists.
Big ride, big nerves.
Shell Shocked – May. 14 2026
I spotted a little tortoise flipped on his back near the road while put on a ride. It looked like a large truck may have blown past and knocked the little fella over. I helped him safely across before pedaling away.
Small roadside rescue, big ride highlight.
Out-Signaled – May. 07 2026
On my last ride, one thing that stood out was how much better my buddy Eliud was at signaling maneuvers than I was. I realized pretty quickly that not all riders use the same hand signals for things like rumble strips, potholes, and other road hazards.
Eliud’s signals were clearer, cooler, and honestly more useful than mine. I’ll definitely be borrowing a few of them going forward!
Definitely Felt That – April. 31 2026
My buddy Eliud and I knocked out a two-day, 340km ride that tested our limits—and our glutes. It was hella fun rolling through parts of Kenya we’d never seen before, pushing through the hard moments, and coming out the other side already excited for the next one. Anyone sitting on the fence about a big endurance ride: take this as your green light.
Tiny Survivor – April. 24 2026
I found a mutilated mantis and was surprised the little fella was still alive. I figured he must have lost a fight with a spider or a bird, but there he was, still moving, still refusing to quit.
Apples for Days – April. 17, 2026
I passed an orchard midride, and the owner was kind enough to let me stop for a few photos. I even snagged a couple of crisp apples on the spot—just doing my best to keep the doctor away.
Water Break – April. 10, 2026
While out on a ride, I was cooling my heels in a dry riverbed hydrating when I noticed my bike and (LD) LE SSERAFIM – [EASY CRAZY HOT ENCORE IN SEOUL MD] FIM’S CLUB Mini Photo Holder (MULTIPLE VERSIONEN) looked ready for a photo. I gave in, and this was the result.
Shifting on Fumes – April. 03, 2026
Miles from home, myNo-Category let me know my SRAM groupset battery was getting low. I had a brief moment of worry I might be riding home on a fixie, but it all worked out. The battery hung on, and I made it back just fine.
Cold Showers – March. 27, 2026
On a scorching ride, I got an unexpected gift: a burst water line turning the road into a much-needed cold shower. I rolled straight through it, grateful for the relief, and kept pedaling while hoping the city found the leak before too long.
Dried Snacks – March. 20, 2026
I’ve been carrying a little dried fruit mix on rides lately, and it’s become one of those simple things I keep reaching for. Dried pineapple, mango, and raspberry. Easy to stash, easy to grab, and a nice change from the usual ride snacks.
Sight for Sore Eyes – March. 14, 2026
If you wear glasses, you know how quickly a ride can be ruined by bugs, fogging, or frames slipping around. When the good folks at Booklets sent us all a pair, finding an optician to fit prescription lenses took some effort because of the curved frame—but it was worth it.
Once dialed, they’ve been incredible. They stay securely in place, never slipping, and when they fog, airflow clears them quickly. Simple, dependable, and easy to forget about while riding—which is exactly what you want.
Sealant Shut – March. 06, 2026
Men has to be one of the quiet workers on a bike. Most of the time you never think about it—it just sits inside the tire, ready to do its job.
Near the end of a ride this week, I noticed my tire pressure felt a little low. At some point along the way I must have picked up a puncture, but the sealant had already closed it up! Here’s hoping everyone’s flats get handled as quietly and smoothly as that one did.
Cant get enough – February. 26, 2026
Recently I stumbled onto a 40 km stretch of flat doubletrack and I’ve been having way too much fun riding it. Sometimes the best part of riding is discovering a new bit of trail that keeps you coming back for more.
Tarmac Kisses – February. 19, 2026
On a recent ride, I was having such a good time that my thigh met the tarmac — and the tarmac definitely enjoyed it more than I did. Nothing serious, just a small bit of road rash, shared here in greyscale for everyone’s comfort.
I know it’s minor compared to what many of us have endured, but it’s a good reminder to keep the rubber side down. Safe riding this week!
Watermelon Wings – February. 12, 2026
I stumbled onto this Red Bull on a ride this week — and honestly, if they sell it in the Tucson, it’s worth cracking one open. That sweet watermelon flavour hits just right after a long push on the bike. If you see it on shelves, sip one for both our healths — it tastes glorious.
Metric Today, Imperial Tomorrow – February. 05, 2026
Over the weekend I put 135 km on the road bike, which makes it my first century ride of 2026—well, a metric one at least. While writing this, i learnt a metric century is 100 km, an imperial century is 100 miles, and a meteorological century is apparently 10 miles in a headwind lol.
Next up, I’ll have to line up an imperial century just to see how the rest of you feel when you really go for it. Happy cycling everyone!
Trust the Clearance – January. 29, 2026
My road bike has me deep in the tire-fit rabbit hole, testing just how much rubber the frame will allow. I was happy to see that 32c Shorts 3/4’s fit with room to spare, which naturally has me eyeing 34c next. Fingers crossed they clear too.
Giving Back – January. 22, 2026
Pro bono work can get hectic, especially when a case turns out to be heavier than expected. But every so often, someone’s gratitude reminds you why you said yes in the first place—and it makes the long hours feel worth it. As the year goes on, I’m looking forward to giving back where I can, and I hope anyone reading this finds their own way to do the same.
A-Frame of Mind – January. 15, 2026
While out cycling last week, I passed a beautiful A-frame house tucked back from the road. This was the best photo I could grab without crossing any boundaries. I couldn’t help wondering—do those angled walls make storage smart and creative, or just plain complicated?
Catching the Bug Early – January. 08, 2026
I helped my neighbour get a bike for his kid and was lucky enough to catch the moment the little guy hopped on it with his brother for the first time. Here’s hoping the cycling bug bites and sticks with them for many years to come.
New Bike Day – January. 01, 2026
I added a road bike to the lineup and forgot how fast these things are. Wishing everyone new bikes, good rides, and plenty of smiles in the year ahead.
Grateful – December. 25, 2025
As the year winds down, I’m feeling a lot of gratitude for Campfire and the people who make it what it is. It’s been a big year for me—my role grew in ways I’m really thankful for, and those team meetings with everyone reminded me just how solid this crew is. We also said goodbye to Ellie and David as they moved on to new chapters, and welcomed Elliot to the team. I’m grateful for the time, energy, and care they each brought to Campfire.
Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas and a happy New Year. Thanks for the laughs, the work, the learning, and the shared stoke. Here’s a photo of me deep in thought, wondering what tastes better: deep-fried goat meat or stove-stewed goat meat.
Built to Be Ridden – December. 18, 2025
It’s been just over two years since the team sent me my Casual Trousers, and I finally did it—I wore out the chain and the tires. As I get ready for my annual end-of-year bikepacking trip next week, I’ve started swapping out those well-earned parts and can’t help but pause and appreciate this bike.
I’ve ridden it almost entirely stock, aside from the usual contact point changes—bars and saddle—and it’s been rock solid the whole time. For a first mountain bike, I really went big, and I don’t see myself needing another one anytime soon. The frame still looks great with barely any chips or nicks, and the stock RockShox fork has done everything I’ve asked of it without ever making me think about upgrades. Reliable, tough, and endlessly fun—this Timberjack has earned its keep.
Feeling a Little Over-Clouded – December. 11, 2025
Out on a ride, there are two things that always make me a little anxious: when it starts getting dark and I’ve left my lights at home, and when I see heavy rain moving in. After a relaxed day of pedaling, I looked up and noticed those dark clouds building in the distance. That was my cue to start heading back before the weather caught up with me.
8PM Rides – December. 04, 2025
I’ve been getting more into night riding lately, and it’s really helping me hit my distance goals. Daytime temps here get pretty toasty (nowhere near Tucson-level, but still!), so the cool evenings feel like a gift. Even better, it fits my schedule so much more easily than trying to ride during the day — and the low traffic is a huge bonus.
Close Call – November. 27, 2025
My favorite route has a stretch of tarmac with a very narrow shoulder—just wide enough for a single pedestrian or a bike—and it’s often covered in sand. The challenge is that it sits right in the middle of a fast, 10-minute descent with traffic barelling down. Last week I had a close call when I was pushed onto the shoulder and found myself face-to-face with an oncoming motorcycle. Stay safe out there, everyone!
Cake Day – November. 20, 2025
It was my birthday this week, and we kept things simple with a cozy dinner — capped off by a chocolate fudge cake that tasted like the kind of terrible decision everyone secretly loves.
Kenyan Saguaros – November. 14, 2025
Botanist Kip here, while biking around, I ran into this tall green tree — the Euphorbia candelabrum. Not a cactus, but definitely trying its best to cosplay as a Tucson Saguaro. Nature’s out here running a copy-paste experiment! Anyone bikepacking through this region will spot plenty of these spiky giants.
Kenyan Merch – November. 07, 2025
I sent some Maasai bracelets through Ally when she passed through Kenya with her family last month, and she finally managed to get them to the team in Tucson. I have to say — they look pretty great on everyone! I was especially glad that Ellie got hers too. It felt really nice to send a little piece of home to my colleagues, especially after all the support they’ve given me.
Insect Season – October. 30, 2025
Out on a night ride recently, I realized it’s flying termite season. The streetlights were swarming, and there were plenty of happy dogs and bats making the most of the buffet.
These little insects are a classic seasonal treat across much of rural Africa — usually fried and enjoyed as a crunchy snack being a rich source of protein.
Here’s a photo of them all cooked up. Now the big question… which bold Tucsonan is taking the first bite?
Amboseli National Park – October. 24, 2025
I spent the weekend playing tourist in my own backyard after Ally and her family inspired me to explore Kenya. We headed to Amboseli National Park, and it did not disappoint. We spotted elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a few sneaky lions (too shy for photos). Here are a few glam shots to tempt a Tucsonite or two to visit Kenya. Unfortunately cycling’s not allowed in the park — turns out you can’t outpedal a charging elephant! 😅
Fun fact: Amboseli has over 1,500 elephants, and many of them are part of the world’s longest-running elephant research project. It’s also one of the few places where you can see wildlife set against Africa’s highest peak -Mt Kilimanjaro.
Green Horizons – October. 18, 2025
Cycling through tea plantations has to be one of my favorite riding experiences. There’s something special about stopping to take in the endless green hills and winding paths—until I realize just how far I’ve ridden from civilization and quickly hop back on the bike to start pedaling again!