In the fall of 2021, Rae Trew-Browne received an unexpected message from two European ultra-distance bikepackers, Bas Rotgans and Max Riese. They wanted to ride the route of the “Rhino Run,” a grueling unsupported bikepacking race stretching 2,800 kilometers with 28,000 meters of climbing—from Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, to Windhoek, Namibia.

The official race had been canceled due to travel restrictions, but just in time, borders reopened. Bas and Max seized the opportunity to make the most of their already-booked flights and invited Rae to join them on the journey.

The project was dubbed Buy a Donkey—a playful nod to the Afrikaans phrase baie dankie, meaning “thank you very much.” The quirky translation captured the spirit of the trip and quickly became the perfect title for their adventure.