Visit the Bike and Hike Oman Blog to stay updated with the latest cycling and hiking trends. Here we bring you lots of interesting blogs related to hiking or biking in Oman.
The 2023 edition of the Tour of Oman has been announced and will take place next year at the beginning of February starting at the Al Sawadi Beach in Oman. The race is slowly gaining recognition despite its short history, as it has been operating for little more than a decade, compared to its more storied counterparts. However even in the short duration that it has been running, the Tour of Oman has managed to attract the top teams and cyclists from across the world, becoming key to the start of the racing season. As early as its fourth season in 2013 it seemed to be setting the pace for the rest of the season, with the winner of the Tour of Oman 2013, Chris Froome (Team Sky), winning the Tour de France later that year. While the Tour of Oman has not taken place in the last two years, in 2022 it was back with a bang after two seasons off the calendar. It started on February 10th, 2022 with seven WorldTour teams among the start list for its 11th edition. Former world champions Mark Cavendish (QuickStep-AlphaVinyl) and Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) were some of the headline names at the race, which follows the route of the cancelled 2020 race and was brought together by organisers Amaury Sport Organisation and the Omani Cycling Federation. Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) was the best on the high-speed finish to the line at Muttrah Corniche to win the sixth and final stage of the 2022 Tour of Oman. Australian cyclist Kaden Groves (BikeExchange-Jayco), and Belgian rider Amaury Capiot (Arkéa-Samsic) came in second, and third, respectively. Breaking his six year hiatus after winning the 2016 Tour of Austria 31 year old Czech cyclist Jan Hirt (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux ) secured the GC title, having resisted his rivals’ attempts to get ahead and retaining his dominance of the field after having taken the red leader's jersey after his stage 5 win up Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain). The Colombian ’Misil’ also won the opening stage, and furthermore took the points classification. Fausto Masnada (QuickStep-AlphaVinyl) came in at second position overall, with Rui Costa (UAE Team Emirates) coming in at third overall. The results of the 2022 Tour of Oman did much to stir excitement in the cycling world and we are excited to see what happens in 2023. The varied and rich terrain of the Sultanate of Oman offers glimmering opportunities for all-rounders, climbers and even sprinters to mount the podium, revving up their engines for the season ahead. The race is slowly gaining momentum and catching the interest of not only the professional cycling circuit but also the people of Oman, who come out to cheer these indomitable men as they speed along our coast and struggle up our mountains. The 2023 Tour of Oman is yet another exciting event to look forward to. Are you going to come cheer the riders or just watch from home as these experts take to the road of Oman.
Oman is not often thought of as a cycling destination, but cycling in Oman is becoming quite popular these days. Each weekend many cycling enthusiasts in Oman take to the road and head out to experience the land by cycle. If you find cycling indoors boring or if main roads are not your thing, then venture to the hilly regions Jebel Akhdhar or Jebel Shams where you can explore the mountains on either a road or mountain cycle. While discussing options for cycling routes, Oman is a haven for cyclists with a plethora of different landscapes, and though some of the remote areas may be sparsely populated you will meet people in even the most remote areas who will probably ask if you need help. The country is fairly safe anywhere you decide to. However, cycling is not just about getting fitter and healthier, but knowing that it is so much more fun to explore a city or a new cycling route with a group of like-minded people. We can help you find the best routes and other essentials for a perfect cycling trip to Oman. Oman is an excellent place for cycling through a large part of the year. Although summers are super hot in Oman making it a no go time for most cyclists, the colder months from November to May, have ideal temperatures for cycling throughout Oman and are much less tiring than summer months. A major point to keep in mind while cycling in Oman is that you should always stay hydrated as the arid atmosphere can creep up on you before you know it. You should consider carrying a hydration pack along with you and sipping water through your entire journey to prevent dehydration and heat strokes. Apart from that we would suggest that you should try to go cycling with a group of people. This way, you can minimise the chances of your getting lost in Oman's vast uninhabited stretches, and have fun with like-minded people at the same time. Ofcouse for this you may have to put in some effort to learn group riding etiquettes to maintain the right equation with your other groupmates. On the other hand if you do at some point decide to venture cycling through Oman solo, do inform your friends or family members before leaving for the trip and let them know your expected time of return. So, in case something goes wrong on your trip you can easily be located. For long-distance trips, we suggest that you select a cycle with more features than that of basic bicycles, as you never know where you could land up passing through. Also do get cycling gloves and a helmet as gloves provide you with a better grip and can prevent your hands from blistering or gaining any other injuries while cycling and as we all know helmets are important to prevent accidents and should be used even for recreational rides. When you look at cycling as an activity is not just a form of exercise but also a great way to make friends. In Oman, the recent popularity of Cycling Organisations provides tourists with an opportunity to enjoy Oman along with the locals. However, with a little bit of effort applied to planning, there are plenty of ways to safely explore Oman by cycling though it solo. So if you are planning to venture through the countryside of Oman by cycle just be cautious, prepare and have fun on your cycling trip. After your first few rides if you find yourself hooked on cycling in Oman, there are some events and races you can enter and you don’t have to be an experienced pro cyclist to join and enjoy them. While planning a cycling holiday, decide on the type of vacation you want to book for there are a huge variety of cycling holiday options available in Oman and part of the challenge is just narrowing it down to your favourites. While certain trips will include riding your bike as just part of a number of active adventures, such as hiking or snorkelling, while others may see you cycling almost every day, covering greater distances. From a day outings with a leisurely ride through the city to a week long tour riding through the sparsely inhabited countryside, there is a cycling tour to suit every taste but you need to decide how intense a trip you want to plan and how much time you wish to spend on two wheels, and plan ahead from there. The next thing to do while planning a cycling tour in Oman is to choose whether it’s roads or mountains you’re after. Road cycling is for good reason the most popular two-wheeled challenge opted for and is also the one that offers the largest variety of options for everyone from beginners to those looking to test their limits. You can race up the steep, smooth tarmac of the Omani main roads, or bump along the lanes in the offroad rural tracks of the hinterlands. If you are on the search for adventure and have got the stamina, a mountain biking holiday may be for you, particularly because there is a special thrill in freewheeling down the mountain, an adrenaline rush that can’t be matched by road cycling. If you are a novice or just looking for something not very strenuous then hit one of the many bike hubs around Muscat where folks can rent bikes to tour the city. A good place to explore via bike is the Muttrah Corniche area, where the famed Muttrah Souq lies. On the other hand, if you’re up to something a little more daring, then there are a host of cycling routes starting in Muscat for all types of adventure. One of the more picturesque and wildly popular cycling routes involves starting somewhere on the Muscat coastal road and heading all the way up to Sur, with the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf on one side, and the vast Eastern Hajar Mountains on the other. Apart from that there are routes that run from Nizwa-Wadi Bani Awf to Rustaq, or the mountainous rides up to Jabal Shams. There's a variety of terrains available for cycling enthusiasts in Oman that can be explored either with a group or solo throughout the year. Finally, know your limits for while it may be good to push yourself, but your legs will thank you if you stick to something that is within your current physical limits as it’s a holiday, after all. Remember to check out the terrain as different places have different terrain. This can have a major impact on your overall experience as advanced cyclists may be searching for somewhere with challenging mountain rides with steep climbs and fast descents. For a cycling holiday that will take you through beautiful and rural locations, Misfat Al Abreen or Jebel Akhdhar may be good destinations, offering road and mountain biking options of varying distances. City tours like those offered in Nizwa are a great destination for all abilities, and interest groups where you can try a short tour with low commitment. The point is to factor in the type of terrain you will be riding on, the gradients you will face, and the weather during your trip. Oman is a particularly great destination for those searching for somewhere to cycle between October and May. Oman may not at first glance seem like a perfect cycling holiday destination, but contrary to popular belief, this Gulf country is not just desert and offers cyclists fabulous landscapes to explore while staying fit. Another thing to decide on a cycling holiday to Oman is whether to take your own bike or not. Now the good news for those searching for a hassle-free holiday is that bike hires are available throughout the country and you can ask for them to be included in many cycling tours for a very nominal cost. You just need to opt for it when you book. So this means that you are not required to know that much about bikes because they are chosen for you according to the type of terrain you will be cycling through. There are mountain bikes with front suspension and upto 27 gears, while other hybrid bikes may be selected, or bikes more suited to tarmac. However, if you are a dedicated cyclist, you may prefer to take your own bike, which you can do by boxing it up for transport via flight or get a cycle rack for your car for trips you plan to drive down to. You don’t need to be super-fit to embark on a cycling holiday. If your plan is simply to glide through Oman’s hilly roads, stopping off at quaint villages along the way, you need to be physically active but not technically expert. However, if your goal is to spend a month cycling more than 80km a day across the countryside, you’ll want to get some training in before you leave. It will probably be a good idea to start an somewhat regular exercise regime before you leave so as to increase your cardio fitness and ensure you will be able to cycle as you want. Get your leg muscles used to pedalling for the longer durations that you will encounter on your cycling tour by planning some regular bike rides or heading to the gym or other physical activities before your trip so you don’t shock your body with sudden long activity. Keep your energy levels up by eating balanced and nutritious meals, and make sure you’ve got a kit prepared. In the end, all you really need to set out on a cycling holiday in Oman is the ability to ride a bike and a passion for seeing the world on two wheels. Here’s a handy list of everything else you should consider packing for your cycling holiday in Oman- Water bottle or hydration pack. Small, lightweight backpack. Or, if you only have a few things to carry, a small bag containing the essentials like your money and phone will do the job, while your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. Padded cycling shorts. A gel seat cover if you would enjoy the extra comfort. Cycling gloves as they give you more grip when your hands are sweaty. Closed shoes or your clip-in shoes and pedals if youown them. Energy Gels for when you need that extra boost. T-shirts, ideally choose high wicking fabric that will keep you cool and avoid cotton options as they hold sweat close to your skin. Layers, including a windcheater. Sunscreen. Sunglasses or cycling glasses. A camera – so you can capture the memories of your cycling holiday.
5 Reasons Why Your Next Vacation Should Be A Hiking Tour From silent moments of self reflection, invigorating challenges to witnessing the stunning beauty of nature, hiking provides a number of benefits; both physical and mental. Here are our top five benefits of hiking and active holidays. To Get Fitter Fitness doesn’t always come easily for everyone. Sometimes, you have to go the distance just to get fit. For a lot of fitness enthusiasts, hiking is a great way to incorporate fitness into their schedule in an exciting and fun way. Why hit the treadmill when you can take a walk in the mountains? The road to fitness requires a positive mindset and a great amount of motivation, both of which hiking offers. To Destress and Clear Your Mind Don’t we all feel our brain needs a break? Oftentimes, our minds get overloaded with worries about work, commute, family, health, children’s school, repairs, and the hundreds of things that plagues our daily life. Just taking a walk in the craggy hills relaxes the mind. Nature is an amazing stress-buster which helps detox your mind from its daily stresses and provides times where you can free your mind of thoughts. Besides, even the time it takes to hike to somewhere beautiful can give you time to sort out your thoughts and put everything into perspective. To Make Memories and Capture Moments When you head out on a hike you will experience amazing moments that will stay with you forever. It's a unique and thrilling experience to push against your limits sometimes alone sometimes surrounded by friends and family. When you’re been continuously hiking for hours on end and stop to take that first sip of water, it will be the most amazing water you’ve ever tasted. Be sure to enjoy every moment on your hike and take lots of pictures to remember it by. There are even some that hike to take snaps that they won’t be able to get anywhere else. Every step, every moment in the mountains is an opportunity for fantastic views. To Be One With Nature Many people go hiking to immerse themself in nature and enjoy a few moments of serenity surrounded by it. Hiking teaches you a thing or two about why the environment matters. When you witness the enchantinting sights of the serene untouched mountains, you will wish to protect them for their own sake. You will begin to realise exactly why it is your duty as a hiker, adventurer or explorer to leave no trace behind and clean up the mountains and protect nature. It is only when you protect that, you can enjoy and make the most of these places. When you go hiking, you learn to respect that which you have, you start reusing items, recycling whatever is necessary and making the best out of what is already there. To overcome challenges If you enjoy challenging yourself, hikes can be one of the best ways to do so. Nature is non-judgmental, it will not disqualify you if you struggle, and the trails do not belittle your effort if you take a long time to reach your destination. In nature you can be your own person. What hiking trails offer, are challenge and aim and once both of those have been achieved, you will experience the thrill of a lifetime that no one can take away from you! And finally hiking will help you learn that occasionally you may fail and that is okay. Everyone who spends enough time hiking can tell you one thing for sure, that no two hikes are the same ever again, and to expect the unexpected. The weather could change in an instant, or a whole host of things could happen, meaning your plan, your itinerary, everything else could change, it is all dependant on nature. You can be just a few metres away from your destination and you may have to turn back due to circumstances. Hiking will teach you that things are always changing and you need to be prepared to overcome that change and take some hard decisions. With all the lessons you learn, you learn something new every time you go hiking and these things shape you as a person, build your perception and help you become a better human being.
While one hardly needs a reason to head out on a bike, after reading about these scientifically-proven benefits of cycling you can pat yourself on the back for remaining healthy while indulging in this favourite activity of yours. And well if you haven't yet started cycling more frequently here are more reasons why you should.
While traditional architecture, well put together cities and vast deserts are what usually come to mind when you think of Oman, these wonderful things are not the only things that are signatures of life in Oman. The amazing natural beauty and fantastic hiking spots in the region are often overlooked by many. The stunning desert landscapes of Oman are peppered with sand dunes and majestic mountain ranges. All across the Middle East, it is fairly common to see ‘Wadis’, which are similar to canyons or valleys, with a riverbed of flowing water. Oftentimes these Wadis are present in the form of a dry riverbed that makes for the perfect hiking trail. For most serious hikers, climbing these trails will definitely be a milestone to celebrate. To ensure that nobody hiking in Oman misses out on any of these exciting opportunities, here is our list for the best hikes in Oman! The Al Hajar Mountains range is our first overall pick for hiking in Oman, as this range combines everything you can expect from a fantastic trek; It is a tourist hotspot with an abundance of archaeological sites and off-road explorations, and some interesting options in adventure sports for adrenaline junkies, including rock climbing and trekking. This beautiful stretch of rocky mountains starts from Northern Oman, spanning through Muscat, before finally coming into the UAE. This mountain range offers adventure seekers all kinds of hiking trails from easy to difficult hikes and that too with a variety of lengths and durations with some suitable for overnight camping. Jabal Shams whose name translates as the ‘Sun Mountain’ is the highest point in the Al Hajar Mountains, rising to an altitude of 3,009 metres above sea level and a climb atop here lead people to the famous balcony walk, which gives thrill-seekers an unbelievable view of the cavernously deep Wadi Ghul that lies alongside it. The straight-sided Wadi is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Oman or the Grand Canyon of Arabia, as it fissures abruptly between the flat canyon rims, exposing vertical cliffs of over 1000m. The Jebel Akhdar is another popular hiking area that lies in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman. Jebel Akhdar itself refers not actually to a mountain, but to an area that encompasses the great Saiq Plateau, at 2000m above sea level. The labyrinth of wadis and terraces here make for a great hiking trail and the cooler mountain air and greater rainfall encourage scented Damask roses hikers will be lucky enough to witness during springtime in March as well as the other fruits like pomegranates, apricots and such that grow here in abundance. There are many other beautiful hikes to tiny mountain-side villages like Misfat Al Abriyyin among others that make for a pleasant and culturally enriching hike while still taking those routes that are a challenge for those looking for one. All in all with the Hajar Mountains being the highest mountain range in the Arabian Peninsula, the views on all these hikes are absolutely breathtaking. One thing to be noted is that if you choose trails on the Hajar Mountains most hikes here are only a few hours from the countrys’ capital, Muscat, however, it should be noted that parts of the mountain range fall within the UAE and some enthusiasts may wish to head out on longer hikes across international borders. We recommend that you carry all necessary documentation with you including visas and passports and anything else that is required if you intend to cross over on longer treks. Some final tips before you go hiking in Oman While hiking trips are exciting, but you need tips and preparation for a memorable experience. Hikers should also bring along all the necessary equipment for the trip, especially enough supply of food and water to sustain you through the challenging climb. If you are camping overnight make sure to also pack other essentials, including blankets and jackets as the temperature can drop quite a bit during the evenings and nights. There are many hiking trails in Oman that is why you need to have a guide and a plan to avoid getting lost. Before leaving your hotel in Oman, or choosing a hiking trail, you ought to check your fitness capability. Do you have experience hiking and camping outdoors? Do you have any medical conditions that could hinder this activity? Answering these questions helps you to determine if you are ready for the trip. The best months to visit are between November and April when the temperatures are conducive and not too hot. High temperatures, exhaustion, sun exposure, poor preparation can lead to negative consequences. When enjoying the hiking trails in Oman, it is advisable to have a map and plan your route carefully. Tell someone about your trip and don’t rely on your phone signal. This helps in case you get lost so people can organize search parties to find you. Eat a healthy meal before leaving and drink enough fluids, preferably water, to stay hydrated, and as we’ve mentioned before do remember to pack salted snacks, fruits, and water for sustenance. All hiking trails in Oman require you to dress appropriately for the activity. Sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and thick-soled sneakers are suitable for this terrain. Also, do keep in mind the variation in the weather before setting out on your trip. Finally do remember to take the opportunity to explore the region’s many hiking trails during the cooler months. From mountains to wadis, deserts to dams, there are plenty of places to go to escape the city and learn more about the culture and heritage of Oman on foot. Not only is hiking a wonderful way to see more of the landscape, but it’s also a fun way to be active in a place where we are all more inclined to use four wheels rather than two feet. You can speak to some of our experts at (968) 97233189 or reservations@bikeandhikeoman.com to find out about the best hikes to try in Oman from beginner level to advanced.
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