Josh Ibbett's Race around Rwanda & Rwanda Beyond Project

Josh recently rode the Race around Rwanda for the second time, a 1000km self-supported bikepacking race in ‘the land of a thousand hills’. RAR is a 6-day race, with 60% tarmac, 40% off-road, and 17,000m of climbing. Josh rode on his MASON Bokeh, finishing in 4th position. Nice one, Josh!

However, there’s a bigger story to this race than a great result for Josh. Josh’s trips to Rwanda are also a way to raise awareness of the Rwanda Beyond project. This initiative takes form of a cycling team who hope to enable positive social change and economic growth for the Rwandan people. The Rwanda Beyond Project hosts cycling events, such as the Race around Rwanda, educates cyclists, and gives Rwandan cyclists opportunities, competition, and a future within the sport and beyond. 

Their riding programme has three unique race events; Rwandan Epic MTB race, Gorilla Gravel and Race Around Rwanda bikepacking race. These events are at the heart of their wider projects, not only because they are key fundraising opportunities, but they put Rwandan cyclists on the map. With riders from across the world coming to race in Rwanda, the team has the opportunity to show just how good they are on the international stage.

Josh takes us on his Race around Rwanda journey, starting with his pre-race MASON Bokeh bike check.

Check out the full Race Around Rwanda event highlights video, here.

Josh also rode the Rwandan Epic, watch the video and read more here.

Photo credit: Albion Cycles