Showka – Shinas loop 142

Route overview

Suited to riders comfortable with a 141.5 km day, though the gradients are gentle and the 1,379 m of climbing is spread over four short climbs.

A 141.5 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains, crossing between the UAE and Oman four times and passing Hatta, with 1,379 m of climbing.

The loop leaves Showka and begins climbing almost at once, with a 3.5 km rise at 2.6% from km 4.3 topping out at 418 m beneath Jabal Al Hinnah. The road then drops to the lowest point of the day, 187 m at Al Wa'ab, having passed Munay at km 20.3, and picks up a second steady climb of 3.6 km at 2.7% from km 32.8 to 355 m. The middle section runs through Mudayrah, Al Warqa and Masfut, passing beneath Jabal Laim and Jabal Al Abyad, before reaching Hatta at km 62 by way of Hayl and Jabal Abu Samasimah. Hatta and Sufayri hold the only listed food and drink on the route, between km 55.9 and km 64.8, and a short 2 km climb at 2.2% follows from km 65.1. From there the route heads through As Simsimānīyah, Huwaylat, Fashrah and Rāfāq, past the low summit of Jabal Naselah at 178 m, then on to Minazif and Al Qilē'ī. The last climb, 3 km at 3.1% from km 126.4, leads to the high point of 435 m at km 129.9, close to a viewpoint and Jabal Ash Shahayrah, before the run back to Showka.

Highlights

• High point of 435 m at km 129.9, with a viewpoint alongside
• Hatta at km 62, the main services on the loop
• Past Jabal Al Abyad (559 m) and Jabal Abu Samasimah (550 m)
• Opening 3.5 km climb to 418 m beneath Jabal Al Hinnah

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

5–7½ hours riding

Season

January, with temperatures around 22°C.

Know before you go

• Four crossings between the UAE and Oman — carry documents
• No water, café or restaurant listed after km 64.8, some 77 km from the finish
• 76% of the climbing falls in the first half of the loop

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