Kalba classics hills loop

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with a long day of 117 km, where 1,022 m of climbing is modest and mostly saved for the second half.

A 117 km loop from Kalba through the Hajar Mountains and across the UAE-Oman border, with 1,022 m of climbing concentrated in the second half.

The loop leaves Kalba and runs inland past Jabal Al Miqsha, threading the villages and hamlets of Al Qilē'ī, Minazif, Fayyad, Harrah and Shia within the first 15 km, with peaks of 812 m and 826 m standing above the road at 15.8 km and 17.3 km. The lowest point of the day comes at 20 km, 207 m, and the ground stays gentle from there: only 8% of the total climbing falls in the first half. A restaurant at 23.8 km and a café at 29.4 km break up this stretch before the route continues through Al ‘Ayn al Ghumūr, Wahala, Um al Ghaf, Al Naslah, Rāfāq, Fashrah and Huwaylat. The climbing starts at 64 km with a 2 km rise at 2.1% to 273 m, followed immediately by a harder 3.5 km at 3.9% averaging, with a 10.3% pitch, topping out at 408 m. A viewpoint at 74.3 km and a café just after lead through Sufayri and Hayl, beneath Jabal Abu Samasimah, into Hatta at 81.3 km, where several cafés and restaurants sit between 83 km and 85 km. A final 2 km at 2.7% from 91.6 km passes Jabal Laim and Jabal Mudayrah to the high point of 452 m at 94 km. The run home drops through Sha'biyyat Milāḩ, Al Qor, Yaif and Munay back to Kalba.

Highlights

• 3.5 km climb from 66.2 km to 408 m, with a 10.3% pitch
• High point of 452 m at 94 km
• Hatta at 81.3 km, with cafés and restaurants
• Peaks of 812 m and 826 m above the road near 16 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4½–6 hours riding

Know before you go

• Four border crossings between the UAE and Oman - carry documents
• No café or restaurant listed between 29.4 km and 75 km
• Short 10.3% ramp on the climb after 66 km

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.