Frequently Asked Questions

YES, each team must have a GPS unit. The RVO route is not marked, indicated nor signaled in any way, so without a GPS you will get lost. The only way to navigate the RVO route is by following the RVO track on a GPS.

Navigation Systems is the GARMIN specialist distributor in Kenya. They offer all RVO entrants very special pricing on select models .

There are 3 series of GARMIN GPS that are recommended for the RVO:

Series 1 -  eTrex touch 25/35  |   eTrex 22x/32x  |  eTrex 10/20/30
Series 2 -  Dakota  |  Oregon  |  Montana
Series 3 -  Edge 530/40  |  820/30/40  |  10xx  |  Explore

Series 1&2 are BEST for use on the RVO because:

• Designed first and foremost as navigation devices with cycling performance monitoring as built in features.
• Their software logic for navigation is intuitive.
• AA batteries eliminate the desperation to find a power strip for recharging.
• Simply bring a pair of AA batteries per stage - keep a set in your camelback as backup (when you forget to replace them in camp).

Series 3 devices are designed as cycling performance monitors with navigation as an additional feature (after thought?). Their software logic for navigation is cumbersome, frustrating, far from intuitive especially when mountain biking far from any mapped roads.

Value for your $$

• Any eTrex or Series 2 device is half the price of Edge 8xx / 10xx
• EDGE 800 series - if you are a statistical (or status) fanatic that needs to measure every imaginable cycling performance data.
• EDGE 1000 series are super sexy BUT offer negligible extra value for their super sexy price.

Fundamental differences in the way the Series 1&2 vs. 3 operate.

• If you are purchasing a GARMIN for the RVO and any other general purpose navigation needs, then buy any Series 1 or 2
• Series 1&2 will measure all the cycling performance stats that a mountain biker needs (HR data / distances / timing / ascent)
• Series 1&2 are designed to concurrently manage multiple GPX tracks.
• Series 1&2 are excellent for mountain biking, driving, hiking, city walking, fishing, aviation, geocaching.

Series 3 devices are fairly useless when off the bike.

Fenix & other watches: are amazingly capable BUT totally impractical on the RVO, you cannot navigate with them while hurtling down rugged trails. Do not attempt to navigate the RVO with a wearable device!

Edge 520/530 ARE NOT RECOMMENDED ON THE RVO. They are cycling performance monitors not navigation devices. Uploading and managing multiple tracks is tedious and cumbersome. Screen size is small. Please don't bring one then ask us for help.

Edge 705/605 are cycling performance monitors best suited for road cycling. For the RVO, they have very limited track management functions, the map screen is tiny with very poor resolution, therefore challenging for quick and precise navigation while out on the forest trails. Barely useable - not at all friendly. Please don't bring one then ask us for help - we will ignore you!!!!

Map 64s: is very capable / useable but its size is too cumbersome for cycling. Their multiple button controls are a pain on the brain - please don't bring one then ask us for help - we will ignore you!!

MAP 60/62 CSX | eTrex Legend (all versions) are discontinued – they are barely useable, not recommended, therefore not supported. Please don't bring one then ask us for help - we will ignore you!!

The RVO track is distributed in .GPX format which is generic and compatible with all GPS devices.

We very strongly recommend that all entrants are fully acquainted with their GPS device prior to the race. As race organisers we assume you are technically proficient at setting up your GPS device with your navigation preferences and how to self-navigate.

• We will not train you on how to assemble your bike / fix a puncture / lube your chain / use your GPS.
• We will provide training and guidance at the Prologue but not during the event.
• DO NOT seek assistance when at the start line - we have our own panics to deal with!!

Yes, we will email it to you one week in advance of the event.

Kenya basemap is NOT required
A detailed base map contains topographical info, major and minor roads plus '000's of Points of Interest. This is only useful if you have a general idea of where you are and where you wish to navigate to.

80% of RVO tracks are beyond the scope of any base map, therefore a base map is of limited value and could in fact cause more confusion to international visitors.

Provided you stay on track you will be fine, but WHEN you do stray way off track your best option to backtrack along your breadcrumb trail until you rejoin the correct track.

You don’t need to know anything about orienteering, nor do you need to be an expert on GPSs. The only thing you do need to ensure is that when you view your screen - you are the arrow and the RVO track is the fat line. As long as you keep the arrow on the line, then you are on course.

It is critical that all entrants are very familiar with their GPS units, especially at adjusting their zoom level in/out. Due to the innumerable junctions and single-track footpaths, we suggest riding with a maximum zoom level of 80m-120m magnification.

By using a Garmin GPS there is little chance of getting lost, and the additional information that appears on the screen means you don’t even have to hesitate when you come to an intersection or crossroads. Your performance on the trails will be exactly the same as if you were following physical course markers, with the added benefit that you are unlikely to take a wrong turn, and you will never get (totally) lost, unlike if you were following a marked course.

Yes, the RVO race office is 100% Mac.

The eTA visa is mandatory for all foreign visitors.
The official government website for the Kenya eTA https://etakenya.go.ke
FAQ website - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en/pages/FAQS

We do not recommend using any third party websites to apply for your eTA.
These websites will charge you significantly more expense and they cannot guarantee faster processing.

What is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)?
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not determine whether a traveller is admissible to enter Kenya. Immigration officers will determine admissibility upon travellers’ arrival.

Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying to an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling the application.

Information is required to apply for an eTA?
• Valid passport
• Recent passport style picture OR a selfie picture taken during application process
• Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
• Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights)
• Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted)
• Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable

Urgent applications
If you need your application approved urgently, you should state this as a note at the end of your application form.

Travellers from South Africa require a valid Yellow Fever vaccination. Note that validity commences only 10 days after vaccine has incubated.

Travel with all personal medications as there will be no opportunity to purchase any medication once the event starts.

We are not qualified to offer any medical advice, therefore please consult your personal physician for information on any appropriate medications.