Cycling in Ras Al Khaimah

Cycling guide to Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah sits at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, and the riding from here is built around a single road into the range. All three routes listed climb towards Jebel Jais, either as an 81.1 km out-and-back with 1,784 m of gain, an 83.5 km loop with 1,520 m, or a shorter 45 km out-and-back that starts the ascent immediately at Lahsa, Wadi Jib and covers 1,131 m. The approach passes Ad Daqayiq and Khab Al Lis on the lower slopes before Lahsa, Wadi Jib marks the start of the serious climbing. Higher up the road threads past Sal, Dafalas, Baighit, Wassab and Atmar, with sections that run through Omani territory before returning to the UAE. High points reach 1,645 m and 1,646 m on the two out-and-back routes, and 1,515 m on the loop. The descent back to the coast is the same road in reverse on the out-and-back options.

Best time to ride

Rides have been recorded from February to April and October to December, when temperatures range from 16°C to 30°C. May and July recordings show 36°C and 32°C, making the long climb considerably harder in high summer.

Terrain

Terrain is mountainous with a long, steady main climb rather than short pitches: 24.3 km at 5.5% with a maximum of 7% on the longest route, and 21.8 km at 5.2% on the summit climb. High points sit between 1,515 m and 1,646 m, with total gain from 1,131 m to 1,784 m.