Words + Photos By: Sean James
Why is the Arabian Peninsula so good for mountain biking? The UAE and Oman are definitely, not even arguably, world class. Many residents take it for granted. Many don’t even know it exists.
Riding through deserts, palm plantations, mountains overlooking the twinkling sea, camels looking up at us curiously, locals who pay for your drinks when you stop in a village and not one “No Cycling” sign anywhere. Mountain biking has been kept as a bit of a secret from overseas cyclist. However you would struggle to find many places that equal the variety and distinctiveness of the UAE. I’ve even seen pictures of heavenly trails in the mountains of Saudi Arabia and Yemen that look perfect for riding. If only it was easier to get there. If the oil ever runs out, adventure tourism will step in to prop up the UAE and those owning bike shops will be sitting on a gold mine.
So why are the trails so good? Emiratis were until recently nomadic people and travelled the country every year on foot. The trails and paths they forged through the mountains, wadis and desert now form an excellent facility for adventure sports such as mountain biking.
As an adventure capital to base oneself, Dubai is up there. Unlike other countries where there are numerous restrictions for bikers, the UAE is refreshingly relaxed. Respect for the individual and others is key in the UAE and no one will growl at you for simply mountain biking, even on private land. Quite the opposite, a recent trip to Oman, proved too much for us with the constant waving children and car horns that passed us. If you’ve visited North Africa or other Middle Eastern countries, you are in for a surprise with the UAE. At a glance, most would consider the Middle East not safe. In the UAE countryside, the behaviour is bizarre. On every ride without exception, and I ride a lot, I have encountered curious local drivers who on the one hand insist on driving like Sebastian Vettel on the blacktop will pull over on the trails and offer you water, food and ask where you are from.
So where are the best places to ride in the UAE? There are a number of geographical areas, each with its own unique characteristics. Showka and the Wadi Al Helo area is lower lying with rolling farm tracks through wadis that are never too steep. Jebel Yibir and the Tawyeen area are much steeper. Around RAK, there is seemingly a lot of potential, but the wadis are nearly all dead ends so out and backs are popular. Although the new road up to Jebel Jais has opened the tracks on the high plateau for riders. Hatta has shaded, lush colors and serenity.
One of the most popular areas in the UAE is the single-track at Showka. Purpose built from the natural landscape, it is a work of art and the immaculate trails are a joy to ride. The mountain bike community is growing in the UAE, as shown by the recent number of riders at the HotCog 6 event. However riders are now starting to look further afield and explore less frequented areas. The group of friends I ride with is an ever changing pool of about 10. Sometimes we are five, sometimes one. The choice of route and area we plan to ride are often key factors in determining how many we are come Friday. Look at the pictures with this article and see the variety. Everyone will have tracks they prefer. The week preceding the Friday ride always follows the same pattern of interaction. On a Sunday or Monday, an email is sent around enquiring who is keen for a ride on Friday. Normally five or six riders are firmly committed at this stage. For the leader of the group it is a key part of the buildup as to when the route details are released. Too early and people drop out. Usually by Wednesday the route has been decided and everyone is excited. In psychology, each group, whether it is a group of friends, a club or at work is composed of different characters. Mountain bikers are no different. One of those team members can be called the phantom. The phantom is the rider who is always keen during the week and in the build-up. Come pre-ride day they suddenly discover plans that slipped their mind. This could be for a brunch, weddings, a ban by their partner when they find out who their beloved is going riding with or more often than not in Dubai, their coach has then on an easy 65% max HR day. No matter how many people turn up to ride, mountain biking in the UAE is always spectacular and you will never have a bad ride. Friday will always be the best day of the week. The day when you are free to ride the best mountain bike trails in the UAE.
