Cyclists.com

Showka to Tunnel 1

Showka, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab EmiratesRoad

Route contributed by Marcus · Last ridden Friday 26th March 2021

76 km
Distance
1,023 m
Elevation gain
Hard
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Showka to Tunnel 1

Elevation profile

Total ascent
1,023 m
Distance
76 km
0100200300400500600m0 km20406076 km488 m · highest, at 17.4 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Suitable for riders prepared for 75.9 km with 812 m of climbing and some steep sections.

75.9 km loop ride in the Hajar Mountains from Showka with 812 m ascent.

This 75.9 km loop starts and finishes at Showka in the Hajar Mountains, United Arab Emirates. The route passes through Musseili (4.5 km), Munay (29 km), Minazif (48 km), and Al Qilē'ī (49 km). The climb profile includes several moderate hills, with the highest point at 17.2 km reaching 489 m elevation. Significant climbs include a 2.9 km section averaging 3.7% and a 3.4 km section at 3.1% gradient early in the ride, plus shorter climbs ranging from 2.5% to 5.7% average gradients.

Highlights

  • Highest point at 489 m near 17 km
  • Climb of 2.9 km at 3.7% gradient
  • Passes villages: Musseili, Munay, Minazif
  • Peaks near road: Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m), Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m)

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Musseili 4.5 km
  2. Munay 29 km
  3. Minazif 48 km
  4. Al Qilē'ī 49 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—9.1 km2.9 km107 m3.7 %5.4 %399 m
—13.8 km3.4 km106 m3.1 %5.5 %489 m
—30.8 km1.9 km49 m2.5 %3.9 %305 m
—35.8 km1.4 km81 m5.7 %13.5 %314 m
—40.7 km1.4 km62 m4.3 %12 %245 m
—43.1 km1.8 km67 m3.8 %6.5 %229 m
—45.2 km1.9 km97 m5.2 %8.5 %314 m
—49.1 km1.8 km67 m3.7 %5.3 %307 m
—62 km5 km149 m3 %8 %485 m

High point 489 m at 17.2 km; low point 162 m. Passes beneath Jabal Al Hinnah, Jabal Al Miqsha, Jabal Ash Shahayrah.

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
86% motorway · 12% main road · 1% quiet street · 1% track
Main roads
74.7 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
51.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
Sharjah - Kalba Road (63 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
28% climbing · 30% descending · 42% flat
Steep sections
4.6 km over 5% · 1.3 km over 8% · 0.8 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 18% at 0 km
Longest descent
4 km from 67.2 km, dropping 109 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: 76 km, from 0 km to 76 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 62.2 kmToilets · 40 m off route
  2. 69.9 kmToilets · 30 m off route
  3. 75.5 kmShowka Bicycles · bike shop · 440 m off route

At the start and finish

  • Showka Bicycles · bike shop · 580 m

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
2½–3½ hours riding
Season
Jan, Mar, Sep, Oct with temperatures between 17 and 28 °C.
Best months
Dec to Feb — daily highs of 24–26 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • Longest stretch with no café, shop or water: 75.7 km
  • 74.7 km on main roads without cycle lanes
  • 51.2 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more
  • Steepest 500 m section at 18% gradient at start

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

6 photographs from the road

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