If you have been reading my chronicles for a while, you already know—I have logged quite a bit of time on the Kigali–Musanze road. At this point, the road and I are no longer acquaintances. We are… something more serious.
So when I tell you I made a stop in Shyorongi, don’t assume I was on my usual pilgrimage to Musanze.
This time, I was in the area for something a little different—the first-ever Sprint Enduro race in Rwanda. Now, I would love to tell you I was there as a participant, fearlessly conquering muddy trails and steep hills. But let’s be honest—I was there as a spectator.
But before taking my position along the muddy trails of Shyorongi, there was a non-negotiable ritual to observe.
Coffee.
That’s how I found myself at The Stop.
For the record, this roadside joint was hosting the race. Racers and their entourages gathered here before hitting the trail; the award ceremony was held on these grounds, and the afterparty carried on long after the dust had settled.
Now, with a name like that, you don’t expect much drama. It sounds like a place where you pull over, sip something quickly, and continue your journey.
But I should have known better.
Because what started as a simple caffeine mission quickly turned into… let’s call it an educational experience. Somewhere between my first sip and the last, I found myself deep in conversations about coffee—where it comes from, how it moves, and the land that produces some of the finest beans in the world.
At some point, I realized this was no longer just a coffee break. This was a full briefing.
Meanwhile, the race I had come to watch was quietly waiting for me somewhere up the hill.
The irony.
Here I was, preparing for a high-adrenaline event, and somehow ended up slowing down—learning about supply chains and appreciating the journey of coffee before I even made it to the starting line.
By the time I finally left The Stop, I was fully caffeinated, slightly wiser, and just a little behind schedule.
But no regrets.
Because sometimes, the most unexpected distractions are the ones that add the most flavor to the journey.
And in my case, it all started with a stop… at The Stop.