Edge Cycling is a Curve dealer situated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We asked founder Omar Salem Alsaadi what makes his backyard so special to ride. Edge Cycling hosts regular shop rides, and can also help you with a demo bike for the day.
Amongst cycling circles, UAE is fast becoming known for its endless manicured single purpose cycling tracks. These sprawl through the cities and disappear into the desert for endless miles of safe cycling. We are blessed to have this and we are eternally grateful to the country’s leaders for their generosity. There is, however, another beauty that exists and most cyclists have yet to experience it.
I’m talking about the glorious gravel trails. You don’t need to venture too far out of Dubai to find fast, sweeping descents, a few punchy climbs all happening in the rugged beauty of the mountains surrounding Masafi (50 km/750 m of climbing). The joy of gravel biking is that cyclists are encouraged to appreciate nature. You are rewarded for taking the time to stop and take a good look around you. The views are magnificent. One minute you are negotiating your way down the mountainside and the next you are peddling on a jeep track through golden dunes.
The ice-cream stop at the little local village shop is a welcome reprieve. It gives cyclists the opportunity to process it all. It also allows for the much needed opportunity to refuel. This is vital because, what comes down, must grind up.
The return trip delivers dividends in an entirely opposite manner. Going out is fast so going back means facing some solid climbing. What better way to build all-round bike fitness? Any rider would be forgiven for feeling virtuous at the end of the ride. Tucking into a delicious Biryani afterwards prepared by the locals is welcomed.
If this is the different cycling experience you’ve been longing for, give Edge Cycling a call. We would love to take you on one of our rides. You are welcome to ride your own gravel or mountain bike but if you don’t have one, we have some very special bikes for rental. The experience is well worth the very reasonable rental price and we are confident that you will be back for more. See you soon!
Ride the Masafi Route HERE
Learn more about EDGE Cycling HERE
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