Road · United Arab Emirates
Yaif to Kalba via Al Uqdah and Wahala
- 97 km
- 1,184 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 1,184 m
- 97 km
Route overview
This ride suits cyclists prepared for a nearly 100 km distance with moderate climbing and some sustained gradients.
A 97 km point-to-point ride in the Hajar Mountains from Kalba, featuring 565 m of climbing.
This 97.1 km route starts at Kalba and passes through several small towns including Yaif (2 km), Al Qor (4.4 km), and Munay (15.3 km). The route contains a series of climbs, with the steepest being 1.5 km at 5.1% average and peaking at 13.6%, near 23.5 km. Other notable climbs range between 1.3 and 3.1 km in length with gradients mostly between 2.5% and 6.2%. The highest point near the road is Jabal Al Miqsha at 400 m, located about 21.9 km along the way. The road surface is mostly paved (99%), with only 1% gravel or unpaved. The route runs predominantly on motorway (47%), main road (41%), and some minor or major roads, with 87.6 km on main roads without a cycle lane and 43.3 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more. The longest continuous stretch without a café, shop or water is almost 48 km from the start. Facilities such as a Starbucks café, toilets, a kiosk, and a petrol station (ADNOC) are clustered around 49-52 km, near the Wildlife observation viewpoint. Wahla Fort lies near 63.5 km, slightly off route. The profile is mixed with flats making up 50%, climbing 23%, and descending 27%. The route features a descent up to 8.1 km long dropping 157 m from about 40 km. It runs through the Hajar Mountains region and ends at Kalba. The ride was recorded in April, the only month noted.
Highlights
- Jabal Al Miqsha peak near 22 km
- Longest descent 8.1 km from 39.7 km
- Wildlife observation viewpoint at 52 km
- Wahla Fort near 63.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 12.4 km | 1.3 km | 44 m | 3.4 % | 6.2 % | 278 m |
| — | 18.8 km | 1.8 km | 49 m | 2.7 % | 4 % | 305 m |
| — | 23.5 km | 1.5 km | 78 m | 5.1 % | 13.6 % | 315 m |
| — | 28.4 km | 1.8 km | 92 m | 5.3 % | 11.8 % | 267 m |
| — | 33.3 km | 3.1 km | 89 m | 2.9 % | 6.4 % | 270 m |
| — | 52.6 km | 2.8 km | 84 m | 3 % | 7.7 % | 95 m |
| — | 69.2 km | 1.9 km | 46 m | 2.5 % | 3.7 % | 186 m |
| — | 74.5 km | 1.5 km | 90 m | 6.2 % | 13.4 % | 267 m |
| — | 77 km | 1.9 km | 68 m | 3.6 % | 6.9 % | 231 m |
| — | 79.3 km | 1.6 km | 90 m | 5.6 % | 10.5 % | 303 m |
| — | 82.9 km | 2 km | 67 m | 3.4 % | 5.1 % | 308 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 47% motorway · 41% main road · 6% minor road · 3% major road
- Main roads
- 87.6 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 43.3 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- Sharjah - Kalba Road (36 km), Al Watan Road (4 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 27% descending · 50% flat
- Steep sections
- 5.4 km over 5% · 2 km over 8% · 1.1 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 21.4% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 8.1 km from 39.7 km, dropping 157 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 48 km, from 0 km to 48 km.
Food, water and shops
- 46.1 kmKalba Health Center · clinic · 160 m off route
- 49.8 kmStarbucks · café · on the route
- 49.8 kmToilets · on the route
- 49.8 kmADNOC · petrol station · 80 m off route
- 51.9 kmKiosk · 100 m off route
Worth a stop
- 51.9 km — Wildlife observation (viewpoint)
- 63.5 km — Wahla Fort (castle)
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 4½–6 hours riding
- Apr
- Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 47.9 km without café, shop, or water from start
- 87.6 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 43.3 km on fast roads (80 km/h+)
- 1% gravel or unpaved surface
