Top cycling locations locally and globally

I’ve been living in the UAE for a while now and being a cycling enthusiast, I can tell you that I’ve explored it all and here are the top 3 locations as I see it:

Al Quadra Cycling track is a popular destination among Dubai’s local cyclists. The track  distance varies from 35km to 180km, boasting amazing views of the desert where riders may even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife. The track is equipped with resting stations along the way as well as restrooms located where Bab al Shams road meets Al Quadra and as well as refreshments available at Zads.

Jebel Jais: Conquer the mountain on two wheels while enjoying the essence and freedom of the high mountain. The climb starts at 162m and ends after 35km at 1608m with the slope being 4.1 percent. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to ride up this hill without stopping. The start would be after Ras Al Khaimah at the ablution facilities. Remember on the way down to adhere to the rules of the road.

Nad El Sheba: If you’re a cycling enthusiast, head over to Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park. The cycle track is four kilometers per lap with air-conditioned changing rooms too. There is also a track for children with street signs, speedbumps and roundabouts to teach youngsters about road safety. Evening times the circuit does get busy with various groups along the way. Be advised to always keep left and not stray over without a proper hand signal.

Cycling kit-list for local trips

Top 3 locations globally and their cycling kit-list

South Africa: Being a South African myself, this is by far my favorite location in the world. An extremely popular destination for Cyclists all over the world due to the favorable weather conditions and popular one day races available. The most popular being the Cape Town Cycle Tour. This annual race is hosted in Cape Town, usually 109 km long. It is the first event outside Europe to be included in the UCI golden bike series. Another popular event in South Africa is The Amashova that takes place each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban the distance is 106km.  Great weather and great spirits make these two rides a must do on anybody’s list.

Italy: The Munchen Venezia cycle route is a 557-kilometer route, most of the route is traffic free. It takes you through southern Germany, the Austrian Tirol and into Italy where it goes through the heart of the Dolomites before reaching Venezia. The other option being the Via Claudia Augusta which is a popular route across the Alps. It follows the historic that once linked Augsburg with the Po. Most people use it to go to Verona although there is a variant that goes to Venezia. Roughly 700 Kilometers long depending on the option you choose. It’s generally easy with the option of shuttles to avoid the tricky bits.

France offers a variety of routes and is probably the most historic part of the world when it comes to cycling with the world’s most famous Cycle race held in France being The Tour De France. This race runs for a month and before a few mountain stages cycle tours are available along the actual route. Some of France’s best cycling will take place between Bordeaux and Dordogne. This historic route is plus or minus 73 kilometers long and is well suited for the recreational rider. Best time to ride being June to September. Numerous cycle tours are available during this period.

Cycling kit-list for global trips