Cyclists.com

Showka to Hatta via Masfut and Wahala

Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesRoad

Route contributed by Marcus · Created from a ride on Saturday 13th January 2024

142 km
Distance
1,495 m
Elevation gain
Hard
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Showka to Hatta via Masfut and Wahala

Elevation profile

Total ascent
1,495 m
Distance
142 km
0100200300400500m0 km50100142 km484 m · highest, at 8.9 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Cyclists capable of moderate climbing over a long 142 km distance on varied road types.

142 km loop cycle route in the Hajar Mountains, UAE, starting and finishing at Showka with 1379 m climbing.

This 142 km loop starts and finishes at Showka in the Hajar Mountains of the United Arab Emirates. The route passes through Munay at 20 km, Al Wa'ab, Sikhēbar, Sha'biyyat Milāḩ, Al Qor, and Mudayrah, continuing through Al Warqa, Masfut, Shariyah, Hayl, Hatta, Sufayri, As Simsimānīyah, Huwaylat, Fashrah, Rāfāq, Al Naslah, Um al Ghaf, Wahala, Minazif and Al Qilē'ī before returning to Showka. Climbing is spread across several moderate ascents, including a 2.9 km climb gaining 104 m near the start, a 3.8 km climb gaining 109 m, and others ranging from 1.8 to 5.1 km with gentle gradients mostly under 4%. The highest point reaches 488 m at 8.4 km. The biggest descent is a 6.2 km stretch dropping 170 m beginning at 8.8 km. The profile is 23% climbing, 25% descending and 52% flat. The road surface is largely paved (97%) with about 3% gravel or unpaved track. The route primarily uses motorway (46%) and main roads (26%) with extensive sections on roads without cycle lanes (102 km) and 49 km on fast roads with speeds of 80 km/h or more. Notable roads include 52 km on Sharjah - Kalba Road. There is a longest stretch of 63 km without cafes, shops or water from 75.6 to 138.8 km. Facilities near the route include water points at km 56 and 64, cafés near 64 km, convenience stores at 43 km and 60 km, and bike shops at the start and finish in Showka.

Highlights

  • Climb to 488 m at 8.4 km
  • Passes through Masfut near a 550 m peak
  • Longest descent 6.2 km from 8.8 km
  • Peak Jabal Naselah near 90 km

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Munay 20.3 km
  2. Al Wa'ab 23 km
  3. Sikhе̄bar 23.5 km
  4. Sha'biyyat Milāḩ 28.8 km
  5. Al Qor 30.1 km
  6. Mudayrah 48.3 km
  7. Al Warqa 53.2 km
  8. Masfut 55.1 km
  9. Shariyah 55.4 km
  10. Hayl 60.8 km
  11. Hatta 62 km
  12. Sufayri 64 km
  13. As Simsimānīyah 73.1 km
  14. Huwaylat 76 km
  15. Fashrah 80.4 km
  16. Rāfāq 84.9 km
  17. Al Naslah 86.7 km
  18. Um al Ghaf 89.6 km
  19. Wahala 93.5 km
  20. Minazif 111.2 km
  21. Al Qilē'ī 112.2 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—0 km2.9 km104 m3.6 %5.4 %395 m
—4.6 km3.8 km109 m2.9 %5.5 %488 m
—32.8 km4.1 km110 m2.7 %4.3 %418 m
—64.5 km2.4 km68 m2.9 %6 %372 m
—102.7 km1.8 km59 m3.4 %13.4 %267 m
—105.6 km3.9 km134 m3.4 %9.1 %298 m
—111.2 km2.7 km72 m2.7 %5.3 %308 m
—124.3 km5.1 km149 m2.9 %7.9 %479 m

High point 488 m at 8.4 km; low point 87 m. Passes beneath Jabal Al Hinnah, Jabal Laim, Jabal Al Abyad.

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
46% motorway · 26% main road · 19% minor road · 4% quiet street
Main roads
102.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
48.9 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
Sharjah - Kalba Road (52 km), Al Watan Road (8 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
23% climbing · 25% descending · 52% flat
Steep sections
3.8 km over 5% · 0.6 km over 8% · 0.6 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 21% at 0 km
Longest descent
6.2 km from 8.8 km, dropping 170 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: 63 km, from 76 km to 139 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 5.4 kmToilets · 30 m off route
  2. 41.9 kmRestaurant · 310 m off route
  3. 43.3 kmMadrid Foodstuff Trading · convenience store · 70 m off route
  4. 52.7 kmMasfut Hospital · hospital · 130 m off route
  5. 56 kmDrinking water · 70 m off route
  6. 60.2 kmStones and eagles cafe · kiosk · 80 m off route
  7. 64.3 kmAl Yamm Cafe · café · 120 m off route
  8. 64.3 kmDrinking water · 180 m off route
  9. 64.6 kmToilets · 110 m off route
  10. 64.9 kmHatta Pharmacy LLC. · pharmacy · 120 m off route
  11. 75.6 kmnaseem al howailat · supermarket · 130 m off route
  12. 75.6 kmADNOC · petrol station · 40 m off route
  13. 125.5 kmToilets · 80 m off route
  14. 138.6 kmShowka Bicycles · bike shop · 450 m off route

Worth a stop

  • 54.9 km — Masfut Museum and Old Castle (castle)
  • 61.9 km — Tower (viewpoint)
  • 90.2 km — Jabal Naselah (peak, 178 m)

At the start and finish

  • Showka Bicycles · bike shop · 570 m

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
5–7½ hours riding
Season
January with temperatures recorded at 22 °C.
Best months
Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • 63 km without café, shop or water from 75.6 to 138.8 km
  • 102 km on main roads without cycle lanes
  • 48.9 km on roads with 80 km/h+ limits
  • 3% unpaved or gravel sections

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

12 photographs from the road

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