Sacramento’s own Michael Kahn, renowned food and adventure blogger, is swapping his paddle board for a more exotic mode of transport: a camel. Kahn is set to make waves at the 65th International Camel & Ostrich Races in Virginia City, Nevada, aiming to bring home the title of the fastest camel jockey from California.
Update: Read the story of my time at the Camel Races.
Kahn, well-known in the blogging community and restaurant industry for his culinary explorations and adrenaline-fueled adventures, is taking his thrill-seeking lifestyle to new heights, or rather, new humps. Trading the calm waters of the American River for the silver-mining town Virginia City, Kahn is excited to take part in this quirky and historic event, which has drawn participants and spectators alike since 1959.
“When I first shared with my friends I’d be racing as a camel jockey, they questioned my experience,” Kahn slyly revealed, “To which I assured them, it can’t be any harder than mounting an angry hippopotamus. Now, while I have never gotten near an angry hippo, I wasn’t about to reveal that to my friends, quite possibly shaking their confidence in my camel riding abilities.”
This race is a unique blend of tradition, challenge, and pure fun, and Kahn can’t wait to see how he measures up against some of the fastest camels in the area. “I’ve paddled the mirror-like surfaces of the alpine lakes of California, but now it’s time to conquer the desert.”
Whether he wins or loses, Kahn has pledged proceeds from the race to a yet to be disclosed nonprofit organization, as part of his commitment as a member of 1% for the Planet.
The Virginia City Camel Races have long been a staple of the town’s annual festivities, with jockeys from around the world competing for the top spot. Kahn’s participation as a first-time camel jockey adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for those following his adventures on his popular blog and Instagram.
With a few practice rides on a see-saw and spring riders under his belt at the local playground, Kahn feels ready to take on the competition and bring a win back to California.
Proprietary tools and algorithms to measure just how fast Kahn is have been developed by Kahn himself, ensuring a win either way.
As part of his adventure, Kahn plans to conduct interviews with race attendees, fellow camel jockeys, and event organizers.
The 2024 Virginia City Camel Races will take place from September 6-8.
Kahn will be racing at the 10 a.m. slot on Saturday, September 7th, and signing autographs and taking photos during Hot Camel Nights on September 6th.
- Hot Camel Nights: a special Friday evening performance at 5 p.m.
- Saturday 2-shows: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Saturday’s Camel Hump to C Street: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday Family Day: 12 p.m. show, first 100 kids ride a camel for free
Tickets for the 65th International Camel & Ostrich Races can be bought here.
For more information about Michael Kahn and his adventures, visit Michael Kahn’s Blog MK Library or follow him on Instagram @themklibrary, or email mk@mklibrary.com. Reel for this post.
