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 Ventoux, Jebel Hafeet. See the Maps page for route details and the RIDERS' GUIDE for what to expect and how to ride in a group. Useful for all riders, not just newbies.
Spinney's Khalidiya
Time: 0530 Distance: Medium 100km / Long Option 130km
Start together but once we are off the Corniche and over the Saadiyat bridge we often split into A and B rides. The A ride group will be familiar to club riders, picking up as we go along and rotating at the front. After Shahama the group can sit in a paceline around 40km/h or more for extended periods. The front of this group may not stop for stragglers.
The B ride aims for around 30-32km/h average. Ask around at the start to see who is going in which group.
Both groups go to Shahama ADNOC (45km). The 100km ride heads back over Saadiyat while the long ride goes out the back of Al Falah. Anyone not up to the 100km ride can turn back at Yas if they like, which would be about 60km. Most weeks we have a support car which can help if necessary. 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.
The Raha Boys The Al Raha group has two rides each weekend – one on Friday starting at 0530, one on Saturday starting at 0730. Both start at the roundabout at the Al Raha International School on Khalifa City A. The Friday ride goes around Yas Island and then out to the ADNOC at Shahama - about 40/45 km. The average speed will be up to 32 kph. After the ADNOC break, the group will do a big loop to the south of the motorway, returning to the Mugg and Bean at Etihad Plaza via Al Reef and Yas Island - making the total ride around 110 km. The average pace for the return will be up to around 35 kph and some of the sections will be covered at around 45 kph - i.e. quite fast. If there are riders who cannot maintain that pace (no shame in that!) or do that distance then a second group will be formed at the ADNOC and that group will return at around 30/32 kph and return via the airport giving a total distance of 95 km. The Saturday ride is done mainly on Yas Island with an average pace of 30/31 kph and a shorter distance of around 50 km. Rides traditionally end at the Mugg and Bean at Etihad Plaza. For further details please contact Kev Duell on 056 1087563. Newbies Ride - First Friday of every monthIf 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. 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.
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