I Went Cycling in the Desert

None of the brands or businesses mentioned were involved in the writing of this article, and the author received no commission.

I was in Abu Dhabi, UAE for a few days in November. The city has a desert climate and a strong history of road cycling, and is a site among others of the annual UAE Tour that attracts the best male and female road cyclists in the world, and has also hosted other high-profile events.

Seen in downtown Abu Dhabi

As a cycling enthusiast myself, it was only natural for me to visit a cycling track, rent a bicycle for a few hours and go riding.

I made my way on a Monday morning to Al Hudayriyat Island, a purpose-built island for sports and leisure. I had reserved a rental bicycle online, and since I arrived early, there was time to explore the island. I went to check out a large bicycle store called Wolfi’s.

I learned that Breitling has bicycle-themed watches

Of note, in addition to the bicycles and associated equipment and apparel, there was a signed jersey from Tadej Pogacar on display.

Four-time winner of the Tour de France for UAE Team Emirates

I also checked out the nearby Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.

Where there was a statue of Pogacar in his iconic finish line pose

At 11:00 am it was time to pick up my rental bicycle. I was given a Scott Speedster, an aluminum-frame road bicycle with mechanical shifters and mechanical disc brakes. I received some recommended directions from the staff, and then was off.

Scott Speedster. Notice also the handy course map in the background.

The mechanical disc brakes were new for me, and took some getting used to as they are less responsive than the hydraulic disc brakes I use on my own bicycle back home. Other than that, the bicycle worked well.

The course itself consisted of long stretches of asphalt surrounded by sand and the occasional manned outpost. I only noticed two or three other people cycling on the track during my four-hour rental period, so I largely had the place to myself.

Being on an island, I was never far from the water, and had a good view of the mainland.

There was also a bike park with themed installations and a winding, go kart-style bike path. I stopped here a couple of times to rest and to admire the park.

After a couple of laps I figured out the course I wanted to repeat for the remainder of my rental period, consisting of a 10 km loop around the island. There was limited shade until later in the day, and combined with the strong sun and 30-degree weather (a cool day by Middle Eastern standards), ensuring proper hydration was essential. Fortunately there were water taps outside the rental building for water bottle refills.

By 3:00 pm that afternoon I returned the bicycle and paid my bill. I stayed on the island for a couple more hours, exploring (on foot) the other bicycle shops. After that I headed back to the mainland, marking the end of my time on the cycling island.

I had a fun time riding a bicycle in a country known for its high-performance cycling culture, and in a desert no less. It was cool to be able to do something I enjoy in another country and in a completely different environment than I am used to.

Hopefully there will be future opportunities for me to go cycling abroad; stay tuned for more updates!

Yes it is, random graffiti artist