Khor Fakkan hills loop 85

Route overview

Fit riders comfortable with 84 km and over 1,000 m of climbing, including a substantial ascent in the final 20 km.

An 84.1 km loop from Khor Fakkan into the Hajar Mountains, with 1,045 m of climbing and a high point of 419 m.

The loop leaves Khor Fakkan past Ar Rufaysah and Al Qadsia and heads inland, running beneath Jabal al Qitayliyah (323 m), ‘Iqāb Shawābiq (240 m) and Jabal al Ḩabillih (196 m) on the way to Madha at 13 km. A viewpoint at 17.8 km comes just as the first climb begins: 3.1 km at 3% to 266 m, easing through Al Nahwa Old Hamlet and Nahwa. The main work starts at Sa‘d, where the road climbs 4.5 km at 4.8% with a maximum of 8.5% to 403 m, passing beneath a 609 m summit and Jabal Half (569 m). The route tops out at 419 m at 29.3 km, then a third rise of 3 km at 2.7% from Hajar Bani Hamid reaches 414 m beneath Jabal Muhammad Bin Salim (516 m). Drinking water at 44.8 km and a café at 48 km break the descent towards Mirbah. The coastal section runs through Al Musalla, Al Burdi, Al Khaledya and Al Rifa'a, dipping to the low point of 18 m at 57.7 km. Back at Khor Fakkan at 65 km the final climb starts: 6.5 km at 4.5% to 336 m, with a reservoir observation deck at 69.4 km and peaks of 745 m and 848 m above the road before the run back in.

Highlights

• 4.5 km at 4.8% out of Sa‘d, topping out at 403 m
• High point of 419 m at 29.3 km beneath Jabal Half (569 m)
• Reservoir observation deck at 69.4 km
• Closing 6.5 km climb at 4.5% from Khor Fakkan

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–5 hours riding

Season

The single March recording showed 30°C, so cooler months are likely to be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• No water or café listed between 1.4 km and 44.8 km
• 30°C recorded in March
• Maximum gradient of 8.5% on the climb from Sa‘d
• Late climb of 293 m after 65 km

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