At just 32 years old Grace Mwari is the first woman in Kenya to become an off road enduro instructor and tour guide alongside being the only woman to co-found her own motorcycle off road tour company - Off Road Adventures East Africa.
After coming across the awesome Grace on Instagram a while back, we’ve been following her adventures through the mind blowing landscapes of East Africa, to places only reachable by dirt bike, whilst competing in Enduros and passing on her love of off road riding by coaching other women and youngsters from her local area. If you don’t follow Grace already make sure you do so - in the meantime do yourself a favour and check the chat we had with her about her riding history and all of her incredible work!
Hey Grace! Where are you originally from and where do you live right now?
I was born and raised in Kenya, in a small town called Chuka on the slopes of Mt Kenya. I currently live in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
How and when did you start out riding motorcycles?
I started riding back in 2014 when I was working and living in India. I was convinced it was the best way to explore India and commute as well.
What was your first long distance off road motorcycle trip?
It was a 2-week trip on the Himalayas in India. We started in Manali north of Delhi through Leh-Ladakh to Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
When did you make the decision to start your company - Off Road Adventure East Africa and become an off road adventure tour guide?
I knew this was going to happen the moment I finished my 4 month bike packing trip around various countries in South East Asia which I completed in May 2015. I came back to Kenya in June 2016 and worked at a local motorcycle manufacturing company until I found the best partners and investors to start Offroad Adventure EA with in February 2018.
Who is the person that’s helped you most to progress your riding?
I have a few names I could mention about this, but my business partner has always believed in me even when I didn’t think I could achieve the things I have achieved in my offroad motorcycle journey so far. Mike also worked hard to undo the bad riding habits I had picked and put me on a strict training schedule to learn proper skills. He rides motocross professionally including racing for the Kenya Veterans MX Team in the recent past.
We absolutely love your Instagram and the positive message you put out there! How big a role do positive thinking and confidence play with your training and riding?
A friend once told me that I own my thoughts and my thoughts do not own me. With that in mind I believe looking at the positive side in every situation plays a big role in personal growth and emotional intelligence. It’s also infectious, it reflects on the people around you.
“Never let your size or height prevent you from riding. Short or small people make the best riders! We just need to keep our feet on the pegs”.
We get lots of questions at VC from smaller people who want to ride. Do you have any advice for smaller riders who want to conquer riding motorcycles?
Never let your size or height prevent you from riding. Short or small people make the best riders. We just need to keep our feet on the pegs. On the other hand, taking up professional training is important. Learning proper skills will not only help you to be a better rider but your body; especially internal organs, bones and back will appreciate it when you are old and toothless 😊
What are your current motorcycles?
For enduro tours at work I use a KTM 450 EXF, for commute and dual sport touring a KTM 790 Adventure S and I have a KTM TPI 300 EXC on the way. That will be for my training and enduro races.
How did you find the right bike for you? Did you ask anyone for advice?
My first bike was a KTM Duke 200 just because I loved the look of naked bikes. Then I realised I wanted to ride offroad and went for a second hand 250cc two stroke which I sold 3 months later before it broke me. I then contacted Chris Birch an offroad coach from New Zealand. Considering his opinion I ended up settling for a KTM 500 EXCF Six Days, even though my friends thought it was a bad idea with my level of experience back then. It turned out to be my best bike ever for offroad adventure riding which is what I wanted it for but it wasn’t so good when I dared take it to an enduro race. What was I thinking?!
What is your favourite motorcycle you’ve ever ridden?
The KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days.
Do you prefer 2 or 4 stroke and why?
4 stroke for long offroad tours and 2 stroke (TPI) for training and closed tracks.
Where have you ridden in the world on your motorcycle?
Most of South East Asia, Spain and Morocco on rented bikes, East and Southern Africa on my own bike.
What is your favourite place in the world that you’ve ever ridden and why?
Morocco for the culture and the thrill of riding on familiar yet unpredictable dunes in the Sahara. Then Murcia region in Spain, I rode here during a small rally held in the region annually. The food was amazing and fresh, the ever-changing terrain through the countryside and along the Mediterranean Sea are unforgettable. I loved both places equally. Each was special in its own way.
We’re so inspired to come off road riding in Kenya after checking out your tour company! What is your favourite trip that you offer at Off Road Adventure East Africa?
Riding through the Northern Frontier to the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana).
Biggest fear you’ve conquered on a motorcycle?
“Surviving the cliffs on the roads in the Himalayas. I beat my height phobia.”
What is the best thing about travelling off road on a motorcycle?
Experiencing authentic culture, untouched nature, spectacular scenery, and wildlife along the roads less travelled.
What is your ideal day out on a motorcycle? (who with, where would you ride and what would you be riding).
A day riding solo on the 790 adventure with all my camp gear packed to explore some place off the grid. I enjoy stopping in the villages and speaking with the locals. They give tips on cool places to visit such as waterfalls, viewpoints, a cultural ceremony to crash and sometimes wildlife movement patterns. My favourite trips are those that I spot something wild and free. They mellow my soul.
Where can someone check out your tour company online? We are on Facebook and Instagram as Offroad Adventure EA. Our current website is www.rhinoridersmt.com. We are working on a new improved look and website that will be available on www.offroadadventure.co.ke from November 2020!
