Showka loop 60

Route overview

A manageable day for riders comfortable with 60 km and 518 m of climbing, with no gradient above 5.6%.

A 59.9 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains villages, with 518 m of climbing and a high point of 485 m.

The loop leaves Showka and runs out past Musseili at 6.2 km, with the ground gradually rising. The main climb of the day starts at 15.9 km and runs for 3.6 km, gaining 127 m at 3.5% average and no steeper than 4.9%, topping out at 483 m. The high point of the route, 485 m, comes shortly after at 19.7 km. From there the road drops through a string of small settlements: Yaif at 25.6 km, Al Qor at 27.9 km and Sha'biyyat Milāḩ at 30.2 km, then Sikhе̄bar and Al Wa'ab, where the route reaches its lowest point of 239 m at 36.1 km. Munay follows at 38.9 km. The return leg carries the second half of the work: 53% of the total climbing comes after halfway. A second climb begins at 47.5 km, 3.3 km at 3.1% with a maximum of 5.6%, cresting at 465 m, with a viewpoint at 50.4 km. The final stretch runs beneath Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m) at 53 km and Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) at 56.4 km before the return to Showka.

Highlights

• High point of 485 m at km 19.7
• Village sequence from Yaif to Munay, km 25-39
• Viewpoint at km 50.4
• Beneath Jabal Al Hinnah, 637 m

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2–3 hours riding

Season

The single April recording showed 29°C, so cooler months are likely to be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• No cafés or water points listed anywhere on the 59.9 km loop
• 29°C recorded in April; heat is a factor on the exposed climbs

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