Showka short hills loop

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 53.8 km and 594 m of climbing broken into five short ascents rather than one long one.

A 53.8 km loop from Showka in the Hajar Mountains, with 594 m of climbing spread over five short ascents.

The loop leaves Showka and passes the village of Musseili at 2.4 km, with easy road for the first few kilometres before the climbing starts. The first ascent begins at 8.9 km and runs 2.7 km at 3.4% to 376 m, passing beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) at 11.5 km. A second climb follows almost immediately at 13.7 km, 3 km at 3.1%, topping out at 459 m, which is the high point of the day at 16.7 km. Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m) stands to the side at 14.8 km, and a viewpoint comes at 17.4 km. The middle section is the sharpest. A 1.1 km ramp at 4% from 25 km leads to 346 m, then at 26.9 km comes 1.5 km averaging 5.4% with a pitch of 13.9% to 423 m, under a 706 m peak at 28.5 km. The last climb is the longest: 4.1 km at 3.7% from 38.7 km, gaining 152 m to 458 m. From there the road drops steadily, reaching the low point of 243 m at 53.2 km just before the return to Showka. Just under half the climbing, 49%, falls in the first half.

Highlights

• High point of 459 m at 16.7 km, with a viewpoint at 17.4 km
• Beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) and Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m)
• Steep 1.5 km wall at 26.9 km, 5.4% average and 13.9% maximum
• Longest climb saved for last: 4.1 km at 3.7% to 458 m

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2–3 hours riding

Season

Recorded in May and September at 32-34 °C, so the cooler months either side are likely to be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• Short pitch of 13.9% on the climb from 26.9 km
• Recorded temperatures of 32-34 °C in May and September
• No cafés or water points listed on the 53.8 km loop

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