Showka to Khor Fakkan loop

Route overview

Suited to riders comfortable with a 102 km day and 719 m of climbing, most of it concentrated in the first half.

A 102 km loop from Showka through the Hajar Mountains, with 719 m of climbing and a high point of 508 m near Al Baha.

The loop leaves Showka and runs south-east through a string of small settlements: Saram at 4 km, Sram, Ar Riwedah and Jerief by 10 km. A short rise starts at 11.2 km, 1.6 km at 2.7% to 277 m, before the road passes Al Muhtarqah, Zahir al Ya'ad and Zahir As Safwah, with the 310 m summit of Qarn Fardah off to the side at 22.9 km. The lowest point of the day, 84 m, comes at 25.5 km near Ghub. From there the route works through Al Busserah, Al Halah and Abadilah before the main climb of the loop: 3.4 km at 5.4% from 43.2 km, topping out at 479 m with a maximum of 10.4%. Al Khalabiya and Al Baha follow at 48 km and the high point of 508 m arrives at 50.9 km. Masafi is reached at 57.9 km, and with 91% of the climbing already done the second half is far easier. The road runs beneath Jabal Tus (557 m) at 65.5 km, then past Thoban, Jabal Ashqar (270 m), Manama at 78.6 km and Al Haniyah, with Jibal Al Hamrah (217 m) at 91.6 km before the return to Showka.

Highlights

• 3.4 km climb at 5.4% from 43.2 km, topping out at 479 m
• High point of 508 m at 50.9 km near Al Baha
• Beneath Jabal Tus, 557 m, at 65.5 km
• Masafi at 57.9 km, roughly the midpoint

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–4½ hours riding

Season

Recordings in May and September both saw 30-31°C, so the cooler winter months are likely to be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• Ramps to 10.4% on the main climb from 43.2 km
• 30-31°C recorded in May and September
• No shop, café or fuel listed between 63.8 km and 101.5 km

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