#TannusStories - KARABAN BIKE: from Andorra to Kenya by bike for a good cause

In a world where most of the challenges seem to focus on material things, the project Karaban Bike has managed to turn the situation around, demonstrating that solidarity and effort can go hand in hand. This inspiring project aims to cover more than 12,000 kilometers by bicycle with a purpose that goes far beyond just crossing borders: to contribute to charitable causes. After a year on the road, the project has finally arrived in Kenya to put an end (or not?) to its adventure.

From Tannus, we have had the opportunity to talk to David and Elena, the protagonists of this incredible journey, and here we bring you their reflections, challenges and lessons learned during the Karaban tour. Don't miss it!

1. If you had to summarize the Karaban Bike project in a couple of sentences, how would you do it?

The Karaban project means a lot to Elena and David, and it is difficult to summarize something so significant (and of such dimensions) in a couple of sentences. However, they dare to describe it like this:

"KARABAN is a solidarity challenge that, with a lot of effort, dedication and enthusiasm, pedals 12,000 km for a good cause. A challenge of overcoming and constant learning at every pedal stroke and at every moment of the route."

However, we add that this project is not just a cycling adventure, it is a testament to the will and ability to persevere for a greater cause. It is resilience and sacrifice. They are pedaling to raise 50,000 euros to keep the center of Kings and Queens of Kibera to 22 foster children. Each pedal stroke represents a commitment to solidarity and a desire to make the world a better place, as they cross borders and face daunting, unexpected challenges.

2. What would this challenge have been like without Tannus, and do you think it would have been possible because of the pinhazos?

Tannus' solid puncture-proof wheels have been a key element for the Karaban challenge, an ideal solution for cycle-travelers, since they not only guarantee no punctures, but also forget about maintenance.
"We've met and connected with a lot of bike commuters, and all of them have encountered the problem of flat tires. The bad thing about punctures is that they usually happen at the worst time.: the day of the great deluge, the day of the longest route, when there are only a few kilometers left to reach the finish line and it's getting dark... In fact, the KARABAN bikers who have joined the solidarity caravan and have done so without Tannus wheels, have suffered it in their own skin, especially in Africa, where there is a rich variety of flora with all kinds of spikes ready to stick in turquoise.

Traveling by bicycle already involves a number of considerable challenges, but adding the constant risk of a flat tire, especially in hostile terrain such as that found in Africa, could have made this trip even more complicated. With the Tannus tires, the team was able to travel with greater peace of mind, which is essential for a challenge of this size.

“The KARABAN challenge without the Tannus tires would have meant a few anecdotes of punctures and, also, to be loaded with tubes and spare tires, since in Africa it is difficult to find certain wheel sizes and it is better to take the spare parts from Europe. The truth is that after pedaling with the Tannus, it is difficult to imagine a trip like this without these tires, mainly because of the tranquility they give you in each kilometer traveled.“.

In the following video tell us how punctures due to spikes and glass have been a real nightmare for the Karaban Riders who have joined them to pedal with them through African lands without Tannus.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tannus (@tannus_tires).

3. After so many kilometers you are already experts. What has been the biggest challenge you have experienced during these months? Could you give any recommendation or advice for cycling travelers?

Embarking on a cycling adventure is not easy, especially one of this caliber. They know that better than anyone. Here are their 5 most important tips:

• Test the equipment before a long trip
• Planning well the route and mark daily goals, even if subject to change and always ready to adapt.
• Camping before sunset to choose a good place
• Learn the basic mechanics of your bike, because in the middle of nowhere no one will be able to help you.
• Be open to unexpected events and always use common sense.

Traveling by bicycle through remote and sometimes inhospitable places is not for everyone. In any cycling trip you have to be aware of the challenges you are going to face and, above all, be mentally and physically prepared for it:
"The biggest challenge has been pedaling through vast and remote Namibia. We've ridden through desert landscapes with temperatures up to 45 degrees and difficult terrain conditions."

4. Now that this long journey has come to an end: what is the greatest lesson you have learned? What have you taken away?

Throughout almost a year and more than 12,000 kilometers, crossing 17 countries, the lessons learned are many, but there are three key aspects that have marked the members of Karaban:
"Hospitality, self-learning and the value we place on time."

The hospitality they have received, both in Europe and Africa, is something they hope to replicate once they return home. The trip has also been an experience of self-learningThey have been forced to depend on themselves and improve themselves day by day. Finally, they have learned to appreciate the value of timeThe company's work is not purely productive, but in its most human and leisurely sense.

5. After crossing so many countries and so many months on wheels, I'm sure you have a thousand anecdotes to tell that you will remember forever. Any that you would like to share?

After months and months on wheels in distant and unknown lands, there is no shortage of anecdotes to tell. We highlight one that they lived in one of their most recent stages:

"A few days ago, we were skirting an unfenced national park in Africa, and suddenly we came across an elephant. The adrenaline is pumping and you have to keep your distance. We kept pedaling fast, because you never know if another elephant might show up."

Imagine, pedaling peacefully through an African landscape and suddenly encountering an elephant. It is not only a clash of realities, but also a situation that demands calm and speed. These are the experiences that enrich the journey and will remain forever etched in the memory of cyclists.

6. This exciting journey is now over but... What has it been like to achieve the goal after 1 year on the road?

"For the last 400km we cycled in a caravan, circling Kilimanjaro to the finish line. Among the KARABAN bikers, there were Hillary and Joseph, two boys who are part of Kings and Queens of Kibera and who are currently attending university. Together with Joseph, Hillary, Marc, Júlia, Viki, Marta and Sammy we arrived in Kibera, where we were welcomed by the children of the NGO and all the people involved in the project. It was a day of many emotions getting to cross that much desired after more than a year on the road."

After a year of pedaling around the world, Karaban has come full circle and achieved their goal. Now, in Kibera, they will document the action of Kings & Queens of Kibera and what life is like in the slums of the city for a future documentary and exhibition.

Collaborates with the Karaban Project and Kings & Queens of Kibera

The Karaban Bike project reminds us that there are no impossible distances when the heart is in the right place. Over the course of more than 12,000 kilometers, they have shown that the real journey is not just physical on the bike, but goes much further.

You can collaborate in their project from their web page. For example, with the purchase of spectacular solidarity photos like these, take a look at them! Don't forget to follow @karaban_bike at Instagram.