Rwanda is a country blessed with richness in natural resources and cultural heritage. However, the country has got various precious places, mostly natural, that are still unexplored and whose enormous potential has remained untapped. After carrying out different researches, Citybuddiz realized that cycling could offer an excellent, innovative, inclusive experience and exciting ways to explore unexplored places. This, then, led to the birth of the Green Mountain Biking early this year. Recently, the Green Mountain Biking was piloted at Mount Kigali. Citybuddiz constitutes a group of six young Rwandan entrepreneurs. While there has been a bigger turn up for men in mountain biking, it is also not uncommon to see women enjoying the adventure. Sandra Gatete, one of the co-founders, says as tourism product developers they felt it was their responsibility to create experiences that promote, add value and incite real potential for economic and social progress to the locals living in communities around these unexplored places. “Our main objective is to ensure people (visitors) realize their travel needs while visiting any of the countries we are present in,” she says. About Green Mountain Biking The Green Mountain Biking is an outdoor adventure sport that involves riding off-road, with often rough terrains, climbs, and descents. Besides, the adventure is also a fun and interactive experience for participants to network. Gatete highlights that the good thing about this adventure is that it offers a free space for people to connect with nature, unplug, and bond with their friends or the new ones created during the experience. “Through biking, it offers a way to enjoy the natural beauty and add a variety of fitness routines,” she adds. Sandra Gatete is a co-founder of Citybuddiz, a group of young entrepreneurs behind the Green Mountain Biking. According to the group, The Green Mountain biking experience follows the International Mountain Bicycling Association Standards and all Covid-19 precautions set by the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Development Board for tourism activities. Impact CityBuddiz has so far employed over 20 people and the group anticipates employing more people as they expand the Green Mountain Biking to more places in the near future. Since its launch, there has been a growing number of people showing interest in the game and the group is convinced that mountain biking adventure could never have come at a better time. Those who have tried out the experience, they attest that this adventure has been of benefits especially during this time of coronavirus pandemic, where people are going through a lot. It helps them to relax, they say, and keep them physically active. For now, the Green Mountain Biking participants ride through the known forest of Mera Neza, and other beautiful natural forests within Mount Kigali but organisers say that they will soon expand to other destinations. “The mountain biking experience also serves another important role of bringing together and connecting people who are working remotely during this coronavirus time,” Gatete noted.
