Showka to Dibba loop

Route overview

Riders comfortable with a 100 km day; the 713 m of climbing comes in steady, moderate gradients rather than steep ramps.

A 100.6 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains via Masafi, with 713 m of climbing and a high point of 470 m.

From Showka the loop runs south-east past the 217 m top of Jibal Al Hamrah and through a string of small settlements: Adhan at 5.1 km, Ayim, Kub, then Sram, Ar Riwedah and Jerief around the 19-20 km mark. Just after Jerief the first graded climb arrives at 21.5 km, 1.6 km at 2.5% to 258 m, with a 512 m peak standing off to the left near km 26. The road then drops through Zahir al Ya'ad and Zahir As Safwah, passing beneath Qarn Fardah (310 m), to the lowest point of the day at 61 m near km 36. Al Busserah, Dab'ah, Al Halah, Abadilah and Al Ghūnah follow on gentler ground, and a fuel stop at 46.4 km breaks up the middle section. The main climb begins at 55.6 km: 4.6 km at 3.3%, topping out at 459 m, with the route's high point of 470 m at 60.8 km. Masafi comes at 67.7 km, followed by Thoban, Manama and Al Haniyah on the run back, passing beneath Jabal Tus (557 m) and Jabal Ashqar (270 m). Just over half the climbing falls in the first half.

Highlights

• High point of 470 m at km 60.8
• 4.6 km climb at 3.3% from km 55.6
• Masafi at km 67.7, with fuel and a restaurant nearby
• Beneath Jabal Tus (557 m) and Qarn Fardah (310 m)

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–5 hours riding

Know before you go

• No fuel, shop or restaurant listed in the first 46 km
• Recorded at 30°C in May - carry plenty of water

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