Showka to Tunnel 1 and back

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with 75.9 km and 812 m of climbing, none of it steeper than 6.2%.

A 75.9 km loop from Showka into the Hajar Mountains of the UAE, with 812 m of climbing spread over eight short gradients.

The loop leaves Showka and passes Musseili at 4.5 km before the road begins to tilt upwards. The first climb starts at 9.4 km and runs 2.5 km at 3.5% to 411 m, going beneath Jabal Al Hinnah at 12 km. A second, longer rise from 13.6 km covers 3.4 km at 3% and tops out at 502 m, the high point of the day at 17.1 km, with a viewpoint marked just beyond at 17.8 km. The middle section is a sequence of short ramps rather than a single climb. Munay comes at 29 km, followed by rises at 31.1 km, 35.8 km and 40.7 km, each between 1.3 and 1.6 km long and averaging around 3%. Jabal Al Miqsha stands close to the road at 34 km. The lowest point of the route, 203 m, arrives at 43.6 km. From there the road climbs again at 45.1 km, passing Minazif at 48 km and Al Qilē'ī at 49 km, with another 1.7 km rise straight after. The final effort is the longest: 5 km at 2.8% from 61.7 km, reaching 492 m, before the run back to Showka past Jabal Ash Shahayrah at 69.1 km. Forty-two per cent of the climbing falls in the first half.

Highlights

• High point of 502 m at 17.1 km, with a viewpoint just beyond
• Beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) at 12 km
• Village of Al Qilē'ī and the hamlet of Minazif at 48-49 km
• Final 5 km climb at 2.8% to 492 m from 61.7 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2½–3½ hours riding

Season

Recordings span January, March, September and October, with temperatures of 17-28°C; the cooler end of that range is the easier choice.

Know before you go

• Temperatures up to 28°C recorded; carry water for the exposed sections
• No cafés or water points listed anywhere on the 75.9 km loop

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