NO PAMPERING
Pure mountain biking adventure, exquisite trails across a magnificent landscape. With 4 nights spent in remote bush camps, the RVO is best suited to the experienced mountain biker, a purist that yearns for more adventure and less race. If you need groomed trails, cosseted pampering, fancy facilities and glory for being the fastest, then the RVO is not for you.

RVO 2017 was a big leap into the unknown, we learnt very many logistical lessons. To deliver full race services and construct 4 bush camps in remote territory that has neither infrastructure nor road network demands significant expenditure. Therefore, in order to deliver the expected standard of service we have raised the entry fees for 2018; with an increase of 20% over our previous 2016/17 rates.

REGISTRATION RATES & closing dates

Registration type : Early Bird 30 Nov 2017 | Standard 31 Jul 2018 | Late 16 Aug 2018
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5 Day International : Early Bird $1,250 | Standard $1,400 | Late $1,500
3 Day International : Early Bird $1,000 | Standard $1,100 | Late $1,200
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5 Day Kenya : Early Bird KES 110,000 | Standard KES 125,000 | Late KES 135,000
3 Day Kenya : Early Bird KES 90,000 | Standard KES 100,000 | Late KES 110,000
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Veterans of 5 or more RVO's have earned the privilege of perpetual Early Bird rates.
Partial payment by installments is acceptable.
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SA AIRWAYS GROUP FARE TO NAIROBI
We have secured group rates for RVO participants.
From Cape Town : $850
From Johannesburg : $675
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SUPPORTERS PACKAGE
5 day registration : $600 | KES 60,000
5 day transport : $400 | KES 40,000
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3 day registration : $500 | KES 50,000
3 day transport : $250 | KES 25,000
Race Camp 3 is extremely remote therefore supporters will spend night 3 at a hotel in Narok town
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Race registration includes

Meals in all race camps

Single person dome tent accommodation in all camps - mattress only NO bedding

Saturday night post-race tent & meals - for all participants

Wednesday night pre-race tent & 2 meals - for 3 day participants

3 Day participants will be accommodated pre-race at Race Camp 2 - Mt Suswa Crater.

AMREF medical evacuation to Nairobi or nearest hospital. Does NOT include medical insurance for hospitalisation

Cancellation policy

Cancellation before 31 May = 90% refund (less bank charges).

Cancellation before 30 June = 80% refund (less bank charges).

Cancellation before 31 July = 50% refund (less bank charges)

Cancellation before 15 August = 25% refund (less bank charges)

Cancellation after 16 August = 0% refund

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STAGE SUPPORT Only 2 water points per stage therefore participants must be self-sufficient for on stage hydration & nutrition, mechanical support and extraction. A 3L Camelbak is recommended to survive 2-3 hours of hard cycling between water points.

HIGH ALTITUDE and big mountains, 60% of all cycling will be above 2,000m altitude (peak race altitude is 2,850m). This will exert considerable cardio-vascular demands on all participants. You must be physically fit and mentally prepared for this demanding adventure. If you are not well trained you will not enjoy the immensity of Kenya's Great Rift Valley. e-mountain bikes are welcome.

SENSIBLE ROUTE options are included for some stages; these provide a shorter route for those that prefer to to be "more sensible", or for those that wish to enjoy the luxuries of race camp a little sooner.

TRAIL TERRAIN is rugged, raw and technical in parts. Vicious thorns abound so tubeless tires filled with an extra dose of sealant is essential (Stan's is best).

GPS ENABLED SELF-NAVIGATION is core to all RVO events. Since inception in 2010 all RVO participants have relied upon a GARMIN GPS to self-navigate their way. The only course markings are the start and finish lines of each stage.

GARMIN Fenix/ Edge 500/ 510/ 520/ 705 are not supported for the RVO please refer to the FAQ >> GPS page for info on suitable devices.

KENYA ROAD MAP will be issued to all international participants; loaded on a micro-SD chip ready for plugging into your Garmin GPS

e-BIKE BATTERIES IATA airline regulations prohibit the carriage of e-bike batteries on passenger flights, you must therefore freight your batteries in advance. An e-bike without a battery can be carried as passenger luggage.

LUGGAGE SERVICES

single bag (15kg) plus tent will be transported between race camps

Bike box service - Empty bike box & extra luggage bag will be delivered from start direct to finish camp.

Bike box transport from Finish to Nairobi (supply your own box).

Bike box will be delivered to Nairobi airport to meet your departing flight on Sunday (or later date).

BIKE INSURANCE

It is your responsibility to obtain sufficient insurance for your bike against any loss or damage during the RVO

The RVO is limited to 120 cyclists only therefore registration must be paid to guarantee your entry. Partial payment by installments is acceptable.

All Registration fees are PER PERSON
• KES fees apply to EA citizens & Ke residents only
• USD fees apply to EA residents & International visitors

Registration includes:
• All 3 Day participants will be accommodated pre-race at Race Camp 2 - Mt Suswa Crater.
• Wednesday night pre-race tent & 2 meals for 3 day participants
• Saturday night post-race tent & meals for all participants
• Single person dome tent with mattress for each participant (NO bedding)
• Refreshments at 2 water points per stage
• Luggage, tent & mattress transport between race camps
• Bike box transport from start to finish with return to Nairobi (supply your own bike box)
• AMREF medical evacuation to Nairobi or nearest hospital. Does NOT include medical insurance for hospitalisation
• Access to Kenya National Parks, Forests and wildlife conservancies
• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) charges EA Residents at full international visitor rates.
• Proof of Kenya residency is required during inspection by KWS officers.

Race Camp notes
• Bedding & towel are NOT provided
• Discount is available for those that choose to self tent
• Cottages in Race Camp 1 are limited; available on first booked - first paid basis

SAA group fare has been negotiated for return flights originating Cape Town (CPT) & Jo'burg (JNB)

Pre-race Brackenhurst Hotel packages

Hotel accommodation is payable before 30 June to guarantee your reservation

Hotel accommodation includes Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Room charges are per person for either shared (2 people) or single (1 person)

2 nights Prologue package includes: 2x nights dinner BnB + airport transfer (90km) + prologue with lunch + pre-race dinner

1 night BnB Transfer includes: 1x night dinner BnB + airport transfer (90km)

1 night BnB (only) includes: 1x night dinner BnB (only)

3 Day participants do not stay at Pre-race Nairobi Hotel.

Road transfer available on 26 SEP from JKI Airport to 3 day start at Race Camp 2 (Mt. Suswa)

Confirm your accommodation & transfer packages via email to race office at info@riftvalleyodyssey.com

SUPPORTER LOGISTICS
Race Camps 3 & 4 are very remote, visiting both demands 200 km of rugged dirt road driving therefore:

Supporters will skip either Camp 3 or Camp 4

Option 1: Skip Camp 3 : from water point 2 on Stage 3 proceed to hotel in Narok town. Rejoin Stage 4 at water point 1

Option 2: Skip Camp 4 & Stage 4 : from Camp 3 proceed to Cottar's camp. Spend Day 4 relaxing in luxury at Cottar's. Rejoin Stage 5 at water point 1

Race camp accommodation is in single person dome tent

POST RACE OPTIONS

Accommodation is shared with participant

2 nights at Cottar's 1920s Camp, Olderikesi Conservancy, Maasai Mara - 15 minute drive from finish camp

2 nights at Encounter Mara, Naboisho Conservancy, Maasai Mara - 2 hours drive from finish camp

All prices are per person

Safari camp package includes flight from Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Flight departures at 11:00 and 16:00 (45 minute flight)

Flight to Nairobi includes ground transfer to JK International Airport

Optional road transfer from Maasai Mara to Nairobi 260 km (6 hours)

AMREF medical evacuation to Nairobi or nearest hospital is included. Does NOT include medical insurance for any hospitalisation.

Rift Valley Odyssey Liability Disclaimer & Indemnity
I acknowledge and agree that the Rift Valley Odyssey (“the event”) being a high speed cycling event, is an extreme sport and that it is inherent in the event that there is the risk of serious injury, illness, death and/or damage to sporting and other equipment.

I hereby indemnify and hold harmless the Rift Valley Odyssey organizers to the fullest extent possible in law, against any claims occasioned as a result of my participation in the event of whatsoever nature or howsoever caused, including, without limitation, any loss, injury, harm, illness, death or damage of whatsoever nature and howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly out of any act or omission, including negligent acts or negligent omissions by the parties, including any claim for consequential loss or damage, loss of profits or any claim by any of my dependents arising from events related to, in connection with or occasioned as a result of my participation in the event.

I appreciate and understand the risks inherent in the event and my participation therein. I accept these risks and confirm that I participate in the event at my own sole and absolute risk.

I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of Rift Valley Odyssey Liability Disclaimer & Indemnity that is available online.