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Showka – Kalba Loop, Tunnel 1 Both Sides

Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesRoad

Route contributed by Marcus · Last ridden Saturday 30th November 2024

114 km
Distance
1,517 m
Elevation gain
Hard
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Showka – Kalba Loop, Tunnel 1 Both Sides

Elevation profile

Total ascent
1,517 m
Distance
114 km
0100200300400500600m0 km255075100114 km486 m · highest, at 104.9 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Suitable for riders ready to handle 113.5 km with 1239 m climbing on busy, fast roads.

113.5 km loop in the Hajar Mountains from Showka with 1239 m climbing on mostly paved roads.

Starting at Showka, the route climbs steadily for 2.8 km gaining 106 m, nearing Jabal Al Hinnah at 637 m height. Another climb follows from 4.5 km over 3.5 km with a 107 m gain reaching 487 m elevation, the highest point at 8.2 km. It passes Munay at 19.9 km and continues with smaller climbs and descents through Wahala at 45.1 km and Al ‘Ayn al Ghumūr at 51.6 km. The route features a longest stretch without café, shop or water for 56.9 km from the start, only reaching a kiosk and café near 59.8 km where there is also a petrol station. Most of the 113.5 km loop is on paved roads (99%) mixing 65% motorway and 30% main roads, including 70.1 km on Sharjah - Kalba Road. There are 109.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane and 61.2 km with posted speed limits of 80 km/h or higher. Subsequent climbs include several moderate gradients, the steepest 1.6 km at 12.5% near 26.6 km. Places passed after Wahala include Al Maqt'a, Al Saaf, Al Ghail, and Al Qilē'ī before returning to Showka and the bike shop. The climb and descent pattern is balanced with 29% climbing and 29% descending and 42% flat sections.

Highlights

  • Highest point at 487 m near 8.2 km
  • Wahla Fort at 45.1 km
  • Longest stretch without refreshments: 56.9 km from start
  • Jabal Al Hinnah near 2.8 km peak at 637 m

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Munay 19.9 km
  2. Wahala 45.1 km
  3. Al ‘Ayn al Ghumūr 51.6 km
  4. Al Maqt'a 61 km
  5. Al Saaf 62.4 km
  6. Al Ghail 62.4 km
  7. Al Uqdah 69 km
  8. Minazif 85 km
  9. Al Qilē'ī 86.1 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—0 km2.8 km106 m3.8 %5.1 %398 m
—4.5 km3.5 km107 m3 %5.2 %487 m
—21.8 km2 km49 m2.5 %3.6 %305 m
—26.6 km1.6 km76 m4.8 %12.5 %315 m
—31.5 km1.8 km93 m5.3 %12.1 %267 m
—64.5 km5.3 km119 m2.3 %3.1 %165 m
—70.3 km2.5 km97 m3.9 %8.1 %269 m
—77.5 km1.6 km82 m5.2 %12.2 %266 m
—80 km1.8 km57 m3.3 %6 %224 m
—82.2 km1.7 km82 m4.9 %10 %303 m
—85.9 km2.1 km64 m3 %5.1 %308 m
—98.7 km5.1 km148 m2.9 %7.8 %479 m

High point 487 m at 8.2 km; low point 2 m. Passes beneath Jabal Al Hinnah, Jabal Al Miqsha, Jabal Ash Shahayrah.

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
65% motorway · 30% main road · 2% major road · 2% quiet street
Main roads
109.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
61.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
Sharjah - Kalba Road (70 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
29% climbing · 29% descending · 42% flat
Steep sections
8 km over 5% · 1.9 km over 8% · 0.7 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 21.3% at 0 km
Longest descent
3.9 km from 104.9 km, dropping 107 m

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 57 km, from 0 km to 57 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 5.4 kmToilets · 30 m off route
  2. 56.9 kmKiosk · 100 m off route
  3. 56.9 kmToilets · 70 m off route
  4. 59.8 kmWALFA CAFE · café · 80 m off route
  5. 59.8 kmADNOC · petrol station · 80 m off route
  6. 63.1 kmKalba Health Center · clinic · 110 m off route
  7. 99.2 kmToilets · 80 m off route
  8. 112.5 kmShowka Bicycles · bike shop · 470 m off route

Worth a stop

  • 45.1 km — Wahla Fort (castle)
  • 56.9 km — Wildlife observation (viewpoint)

At the start and finish

  • Showka Bicycles · bike shop · 630 m

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
4½–6 hours riding
Season
January to November with temperatures from 18 to 26 °C.
Best months
Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • Longest stretch without café, shop or water for 56.9 km after Showka
  • 109.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane
  • 61.2 km of roads with speed limits 80 km/h or higher

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

11 photographs from the road

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