With its imposing mountains and fascinating wadis, Oman is a paradise of sorts for those seeking adventure sports. One could venture out in any part of the country and find a trail that quells, rather builds up the adventure thirst.
While the summers are, generally, harsh, with temperatures rising as high as 50 degrees, it is the anxiously awaited winter that helps appease the adventure spirit. The pleasant notes of this season make biking a must do activity. According to ‘Bike and Hike Oman’, adventure and biking lovers from all over Europe and America flock to Oman for an unforgettable outdoors experience during this season.
“The cool breeze of the Omani mountains and lower temperature in the winters reduce the chances of unexpected tire bursts and enhance the overall biking experience which is much safer and relaxed than the summers,” says Akbar Abbas, Manager of Bike and Hike Oman, which organises exclusive, fully supported bike tours across Oman. Bike and Hike Oman is stationed in Al Hamra, a small oasis in the Hajar Mountains.
For those who have fitness listed under New Year resolutions, biking is the perfect outdoor activity to initiate, as it requires no formal training and is a low impact sport. And with winter perfectly complementing the backdrop of mountains and wadis, biking could be your best bet to experience Oman in an all new setting.
Following are some tips and suggestions from Akbar Abbas for biking enthusiasts:
Best places to indulge in biking Beyond Nizwa, in the Western Hajar Mountains, are the trails that are filled with options for an adrenaline rush and some strenuous climbs that challenge your endurance. The Jabal Shams Mountain is starting to gain its presence on the bucket list of every cycling enthusiast around the world. The Jabal Shams Plateau also has enough biking trails for a beginner cycling enthusiast to experience some off-road cycling with easy bumps and moderate corners.
The Trans Hajar biking trail is an ancient route that connects Wadi Ghul to the Sait Village in the south. It attracts thousands of hard-core cycling enthusiasts that attempt this segment and later compete with their best timings on International Cycling forums, like Strava.
Biking enthusiasts who are seeking a lighter yet fun filled biking experience, often venture into the secret hidden treasures of the Wadi Al Ala. This wadi is secretly accessible through an unknown bike trail, also known as the missing link. Enthusiasts looking for leisure biking fun with families, especially with their young ones, could do short rides through many of the small oasis towns in Oman like Al Hamra.
The green landscape and undulating traffic-free streets will enhance the pleasure of biking and also help you learn more about the traditional Oasis culture of Oman.
Bike and Hike Oman has flagship tours that serve as the best option for such leisure activities through the Aflaj System in Al Hamra and through the Old capital Nizwa where you ride through the ruins of the old town.
Dos and Don’ts:
Bike and Hike Oman strongly recommends selecting the right bikes, as some of the bicycles available in the supermarkets may be cheaper, but could do a much heavier damage on both your wallet and health later.
Opt for high-end mountain bikes with advanced quality disk brakes and professional quality gear system. These are regularly serviced, as the dust from the trails could damage the bikes as well as hinder your biking experience.
Other basic safety measures such as wearing of helmets are highly recommended. One should always double check the performance of their brakes before starting to ride.
Your ride in the trails should be well planned with a complete knowledge of the kind of terrain, distance and changing altitudes. You could hire a biking guide to help you plan your next adventure.
If you are riding at night, you must be clearly visible to the oncoming traffic. There are professional quality bicycle lights available in the market specifically designed for riding in the night.
its awesome and very useful