TANZANIA (February 16, 2023) — Red Knot Racing announces its sixth annual Grumeti Fund Kilimanjaro 2 Natron (K2N) mountain bike stage race for 27th May to 3rd June 2023 near Arusha, Tanzania. The all-inclusive eight day event highlights Africa’s tallest mountain and makes the rugged backcountry of northern Tanzania accessible to the public.
The host organization partners with Red Knot Development to support local Tanzanian communities in development and climate-conscious agriculture with 50% of the profits from the event.
K2N’s first stage climbs to an elevation of nearly 4000 meters up Mount Kilimanjaro. On the second day, riders set out through the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, alongside giraffes, elephants and a variety of other African wildlife. Ketumbeine Kali is the setting for the third stage, a mostly downhill track, followed by the final – and most technical – stage of the race across the savannah to Lake Natron, home to hordes of flamingos.
Title sponsor Grumeti Fund is a non-profit organization working together with the government of Tanzania to conserve the Serengeti ecosystem while improving life in local communities. Specialized Bicycles serves as the presenting sponsor for the race.
Specialized’s own Bobby Behan reminisces of his 2022 experience, “Grumeti Fund K2N is a uniquely African experience from the heart of our beautiful continent. The event is raw, a step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, an opportunity to step back, reflect and unwind… Be prepared to camp, meet new people who share the same passions and at the finale’s conclusion have the most breath-taking, unforgettable sunset experience. K2N is one of those life experiences one tends not to forget.”
K2N is a unique opportunity for adventurous mountain bikers to experience the beauty of the African mountains and savannahs, confronting a challenging course while also partnering with community-based charitable development. The track leads riders through remarkable nature on paths cut by animals over mountains, hills and valleys. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cycle in one of the most unique places on earth while experiencing true Tanzanian hospitality.
Fanie Kok, director of Specialized Bicycles’ Soil Searching program, regular purveyor of stoke, and two-time K2N finisher describes the event as “Wild, pure, and all the things that remind us of who we are and our place and purpose on planet earth.”
Registration for Grumeti Fund K2N closes on 31st March 2023.
