Nazwa to Showka and the Hills

Route overview

Riders able to cover a long distance with moderate climbing and comfortable with riding on busy main and motorway roads.

140 km loop in UAE's Hajar Mountains from Nazwa with 724 m climbing.

This 140 km loop ride starts and finishes in Nazwa, passing through Al Dafain at 13.6 km, Filli at 30.9 km, Shariyah at 75.8 km, Shawka at 81.4 km, Musseili at 89.3 km, Sha'biyyat Bahayis at 109.7 km, Al Fayah at 115.8 km, and Mahafiz at 128.9 km. The route climbs 724 m with the major ascents occurring in the first half, including two climbs over 4.5 km long around the 44 km and 60 km marks, reaching heights just below 500 m. A shorter climb starting at 76.3 km rises less sharply to 308 m. The highest point on the route is at 526 m around 49.5 km, while the lowest is 129 m near the end at 129.2 km. The profile features mostly flat riding (76%) with 13% climbing and 12% descending. The longest descent lasts 4.2 km starting from 71.7 km. The surface is 98% paved with a small 2% gravel or unpaved section. The ride is mostly on main roads (63%) and motorways (25%), with almost 130 km on main roads without a cycle lane, and nearly 54 km on roads with speed limits over 80 km/h. The longest named roads include Sharjah - Kalba Road for 15.7 km and Mahafiz - Al Fayah Road for 14.1 km. Between 31 km and 75 km there is a 44 km stretch without a café, shop, or water, although stops and refuelling points exist around the town areas. Facilities along the route include cafés near the start at 3.9 km, restaurants near 75 and 116 km, supermarkets near 26 and 103 km, drinking water near 75.5 and 99 km, and bike shop near 73.9 km. Peaks beside the route include Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m at 67.3 km), Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m at 70.6 km), Jabal Sakhbiri (360 m at 77.3 km), and Jabal Shauka (439 m at 77.8 km). Recorded temperatures range from 15 to 29 °C, with best seasons in February, October, and November.

Highlights

• Climb to 526 m high point at 49.5 km
• Pass beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) at 70.6 km
• 44 km stretch without café, shop or water from 31 to 75 km
• Route includes Sharjah - Kalba Road for 15.7 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4–5½ hours riding

Season

Feb, Oct, Nov

Best months

Dec to Feb — daily highs of 25–27 °C in those months

Know before you go

• 44 km without café, shop or water from 31 km to 75 km
• 129.7 km on main roads without a cycle lane
• 53.7 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more
• 2% gravel or unpaved surface

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