Shees hills loop from Khor Fakkan

Route overview

Fit riders comfortable with 86.5 km and 1,229 m of climbing, much of it in short, steep bursts.

An 86.5 km loop in the Hajar Mountains from Khor Fakkan, with 1,229 m of climbing across the Shees hills and a high point of 581 m.

The loop starts climbing immediately: 2.1 km at 6.7%, with a maximum of 8.5%, topping out at 548 m past a viewpoint at 1 km and a 925 m peak at 2.6 km. A second, gentler rise begins at 9.6 km, 4.2 km at 2.7%, as the road passes Ghadf and Al Ghamarah, where there is fuel and a restaurant around 15-16 km. The route drops to its lowest point of 338 m at 25.7 km, immediately below Al Ghūnah, then climbs 2.4 km at 6.5% with a pitch of 10.7% to 496 m. Al Khalabiya, Yalah and Ash Shubah follow before a rolling middle section through the hamlets and villages around Sal Al Asum, Al Jaroof and Sidr, beneath Jibal Lahshamat (519 m) and Jabal Shemah (539 m). Short climbs at 45.7 km, 50.8 km and 53.8 km break up this stretch, the last with a maximum of 11.8%. After Al Tayyibah and Al Baha the road runs to Masafi at 70.6 km, then past Daftah into the final climb: 5.1 km at 3.9% from 74.6 km to 571 m, with the day's high point of 581 m at 80 km beneath Jabal Daftah (878 m). Shis at 84.2 km marks the run-in.

Highlights

• Opening 2.1 km climb at 6.7% to 548 m, with viewpoints
• 10.7% ramp above Al Ghūnah from the 338 m low point
• High point of 581 m at 80 km, beneath Jabal Daftah (878 m)
• Hill villages from Sal Al Asum to Al Baha

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–4½ hours riding

Season

February suits the route well, with 25°C recorded.

Know before you go

• Pitches to 11.8% on the short climb at 53.8 km
• Drinking water listed only at 1 km; carry supplies for the hills
• 25°C recorded in February - heat is a factor outside winter

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