Words By: Stephen Turner
Photos By: Margot Turner
3rd January, AWAFI/Giant Mountain Bike Race, RAK
This inaugural free-to-enter race was a tremendous success after the short notice of preparation given to the organisers. A large (for MTB races) prize fund attracted 200 riders to the trails behind Ras Al Kkaimah en route to Jebel Jais. Turn left and a newly created course in an old quarry proved a perfect mountain-drop setting. Surrounded by hills, the course comprised of sand (of course), dirt, bombholes, gradual ascents and descents, three drop-offs and a green single-track bordering a sheep wall reminiscent of Peak District sheep pens. The short laps of 3.5km meant for exciting racing and easy access for spectators. This was a real good one.
Smile factor: Lose half mark for strange start times, lose a mark for results service, but add one for prize money and large trophies 4.5 out of 5 stars
10th January, Urban-Ultra Trail Run Khatt Springs, RAK
Lung-busting steep ascent and a quad-bashing descent featured in the annual race up and down the mountain sloping into the Khatt Springs area. A clearly defined vertiginous track led competitors in a dawn race up this vista-laden trail run. Early sunshine cast long shadows across the neighbouring ravines leading up to the summits. In the opposite direction, Ras Al Khaimah awakened as you looked across houses and desert to the sea. Near the top a cool breeze blew, the crest revealing hundreds of hills inland waiting to be explored. The descent passed through a small village where barefooted children looked on in bewilderment. We taught them high-fives which they gleefully anticipated on the next lap. Unlike some large marathons, this “boutique” special event was extremely well-organised in a very personal and straightforward manner over a very challenging and tough climb. Every finisher was a winner.
Smile factor: Urban-Ultra gets better and better 5 stars
12th January, Hike in Tawiyen
A group of friends are hiking the routes following the maps featured in previous issues of OutdoorUAE magazine (please print more routes!). Number three was on our list but the rain and low fog changed our plans. Plus the muddy trail conditions meant that our soft-roader was only just able to survive. Instead, a hike along the Wadi Orag was chosen as a simple alternative. A little scrambling amongst the boulders and on the lower slab of Azimuth climbing wall entertained us, spotting the bolted routes and noting to return with climbing gear. Rock falls from the road building made for diversionary house-sized boulders, one of which looked like a giant toad. Even when out in the remote country it always gladdens me that the locals are so friendly, smiling and waving encouragement as we wander their hills.
Smile factor: No sunshine and no summit view, so lose a point 4 stars
17th January, Hot Cog Hot 6 six-hour mountain bike race in Showka
It is immensely satisfying racing a bike in the late afternoon. The sun’s setting rays darken shadows around the rocks along the route, making them seem more challenging and also more obvious. It’s the sixth hour and you know the course like the back of your hand. Some entrants have stopped so the trails belong to you. Managing the lactic acid in your legs up and over the by now well-known humps and jumps, hills and thrills, the adrenaline rushes through your body as you push for the finish line. Tiredness evaporates as the rhythm of the race speeds you along, flicking wheels between boulders and using momentum to crest obstacles. As the organiser announced at the start briefing: “This is a Hot Cog course, challenging and testing.” And it was. Perpetually rocky, it linked together most of the well-loved rides in Showka to form an undulating 7.7km lap. Competitors formed up solo or in teams of pairs with very generous prizes for winners from numerous sponsors. The bike shop industry made this a special event by erecting their colourful tents to bring a much appreciated “professional” buzz to the mountain bike race. And a must-mention, thanks to Planet Coffee for providing free coffee for the event. What a magnificent idea. Only in Dubai. The bike community really came out to support this event and it was a belter.
Smile factor: Mountain bike racing at its best 5+ stars
