Pedaling Change in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

1) Can you tell us where you're from, a favorite childhood memory, and where you first learned to ride a bike?

My name is Bright Chipongo, and I was born and raised in Mutare, a small town in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. One of my best childhood memories is from school holidays when friends would sneak out their fathers' bikes. Around 20 boys from the neighborhood would gather and take turns riding up and down the street. That’s where I learned how to ride a bike.

2) What was your journey to becoming a professional cyclist in Zimbabwe like?

It started back in 2001 when I began riding to school. Along the way, I met a local cycling legend who inspired me to take the sport more seriously. But it wasn't easy; I had to do part-time jobs during school breaks to afford bike parts, and my parents didn’t fully understand my passion. I had to sneak out for training, and my mom always wondered why my bike tires wore out faster than my brother’s! My cover was blown one day when her friend saw me cycling in a village two hours away, which got me in big trouble. But eventually, my parents accepted my dream to become a cyclist.

3) What was the first bike you owned?

My first bike was called a Kuwait—a Chinese-made bike. I loved it so much that I kept it in my bedroom and even chained it to my bed for security.

4) How has cycling shaped different stages of your life, and how did you get into the bike business?

Cycling has taught me so much. As a kid, it taught me responsibility, like having to finish chores to make time for riding. In my youth, it kept me busy and away from trouble. I got into the bike business in 2015 after meeting Matt and Ken in the U.S. Through racing, I was introduced to their shop and the Africa Project. I was inspired to bring the business back home so others wouldn’t face the same challenges I did, like lacking a nearby bike shop.

5) What challenges have you encountered in your industry, past and present?

In the beginning, people preferred new, cheap Chinese bikes over our quality, second-hand options. Now, customers trust us, but our biggest challenge is maintaining a consistent supply of bikes.

6) How would you describe Zimbabwe's cycling ecosystem? Is cycling popular in both urban and rural areas?

Cycling is quite popular in Zimbabwe. In urban areas, people ride for fitness, leisure, and transportation. In rural areas, it’s mainly used for transport.

7) What are the biggest cycling events in Zimbabwe?

Some of the biggest events include the Great Dyke Cycle Challenge, Bambo’s Bikes Training Series, the 100 MILER, and the Migym Masters & Vets Tour.

8) Do you work alone, or do you have business partners? How do you run the shop?

I don’t have any business partners. The shop is managed by three of us — myself, Priscilla, who handles sales, and Owen, who runs the workshop.

The Bambo’s Bikes Team 

10) How did you come across Mike’s Bikes, and how did your relationship with them grow?

While racing in Botswana, I met an American Peace Corps volunteer, Mitchell, who introduced me to Matt and Ken after hearing about my dream of racing internationally. Our bond grew stronger when I went to the U.S. and joined the Mike's Bikes cycling team. Later, I discovered their Africa Project, which inspired me to start a similar venture in Harare.

Bambo’s Bikes Shop in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare

11) Mike's Bikes is now part of the PON.Bike Group, one of the biggest bicycle companies in the world. What are your thoughts on this?

At first, I was nervous that the project might change, but after learning more, I’m excited to be part of a global bicycle network. I believe this opens up great possibilities for us.

12) What are your plans for Bambo’s Bikes over the next five years?

I aim to expand Bambo’s Bikes into all the major cities in Zimbabwe in the next five years.

13) Mike's Bikes Foundation aims to help bike shops level up. Besides supplying bikes, parts, and equipment, are there other ways they could support your shop?

Yes, we’ve registered a cycling academy, which helps us organize events and introduce cycling to underprivileged school kids. Any additional support to make these events a success would be appreciated.

Training of the next generation riders powered by Bambo’s Bike Shop

14) Do you have any final thoughts or comments for the team and crew in charge of the Mike's Bikes Africa containers?

As Bambo’s Bikes, we’re incredibly grateful for the support from Mike's Bikes. This project has allowed us to create jobs and contribute to the fight against drug abuse by promoting cycling. Mike’s Bikes is truly changing lives in Zimbabwe, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions and best of success for the journey ahead!

Contact Details of the shop:

Bambo’s Bikes
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Instagram @bambosbikes.zw