Yes we do ride on the roads here, we just get up very early.
Training is mostly individual or in small groups but there are club rides on Fridays and other events. We make occasional trips south to tackle the mountains around Hatta or the UAE's answer to Mont Ventoux, Jebel Hafeet at Al Ain.
Friday Club Ride
Saadiyat - A and B rides
Start: Spinney's Khalidiya (changed from Bateen Mosque as of Dec 4)
Time: 0530 (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, at least until we can't stand Dee's moaning any longer)
Distance: Medium 100km / Long Option 130km, variable pace
Start together but once we are off the Corniche and over the Saadiyat bridge we split into fast and slow groups.
The fast group will be familiar to cycling club riders. An easy start at about 34-36km/h but picking up as we go along and rotating at the front. On the way back after Shahama the group can sit in a paceline style at speeds of around 40km/h or more for extended periods.
The slow group would aim for around 29-30 km/h. Ask around at the start to see who is going in which group.
Both groups go to Shahama ADNOC (45km) where we stop for coffee. The 100km ride heads back over Saadiyat while the long ride goes out the back of Al Falah and back to Abu Dhabi over Saadiyat. Anyone not up to the 100km ride can turn back at Yas if they like, which would be about 50km.
Most weeks we have a support car which can pick you up if necessary or help you catch up. The car will usually go with the slowest to Shahama and then follow the long group, so if you are on a shorter ride and have trouble that stops you getting back then just find some shade and wait.
Newbies Ride - First Friday of every month
If you're unsure about joining the group ride then come along on the first Friday to check it out.
The group will start with the main bunch from Spinneys Khalidiya at 0530 and then ride depending on speed and ability, ensuring new riders don't get dropped or lost. And there'll be some tips on group riding, signals and other essential info.
Notice is not compulsory but it would help to let Nick Jackson know you are coming so he can touch base at the start. Nick is on +971 50 667 1936 or nick_jacko2000@yahoo.co.uk (after 5pm Thursday use the mobile number). Or check the Forum and leave a message there.
NEW RIDERS' GUIDE - Some tips and explanations about what to expect and how to ride successfully in a group. Useful for all riders, not just newbies.
Once you've been on a ride we hope you'll come back for more. If you aren't quite ready to keep up with the main group then ask around, use the forum, and find a group that can ride at a similar pace and distance. There are enough people on the Friday rides now for multiple groups and abilities.
Other Rides
There is often a short ride before or after the Saturday morning sea swim at the far end of Ladies Beach.
The Mangrove bunch ride before the Monday evening swim but only from late spring to autumn.
Check the forum for these.
