All set for Diani Mass Ride in Kwale

This edition will have a focus on mangrove conservation and is slated to take place Saturday morning, September 16.

The event which is hosted by the Diani Cycling Club, will feature a number of activities that will culminate in a mangrove planting session by the banks of River Mwachema, close to the iconic Kongo Beach in Diani.

Diani Cycling Club is made up of cycling enthusiasts in Kwale County who use their passion for cycling to impact the community both socially and economically. Their activities include cycling competitions, mass awareness rides and charity events.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Rev. Peter Odanga who is the club's chairman explained his excitement at the strides the club has taken since they launched the Diani Mass Ride.

"At Diani Cycling Club, we believe that our community in Kwale County can benefit tremendously from embracing cycling as a lifestyle. Our cycling club wants to use cycling to promote different themes like environmental conservation.

“We are excited for this weekend's event and we are urging everyone to join us. On behalf of everyone at Diani Cycling Club, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all our sponsors who have come on board to help us with this edition,” he averred.

Mangrove forests have come under the threat of exploitation for wood products, pollution, and land conversion. This, despite the fact mangrove forests play a significant role as an ecosystem for different species and contribute to the wellbeing of coastal communities as a food and material resource.

According to Rev. Odanga there is a need for the community to wake up to the reality of a bleak future if more is not done to protect and increase mangrove forest cover.

"We all have a responsibility to protect our forests, not only for ourselves but for the generations that will come after us. The deterioration of the mangrove forest cover has compelled us at Diani Cycling Club to go the extra mile and try to raise people's awareness of the issue. Cycling is perhaps one of the best ways to do it. It’s fun and everyone can get involved."

The event's program will see cyclists meeting at Kongo Beach at 7:30 a.m. before cycling to the first stop along the Likoni-LungaLunga highway where they will meet up with cyclists from Mombasa who will be cycling in from Mombasa.

They will then cycle around Diani, before the tree planting session and a closing ceremony at Jacaranda Beach Resort.