The wind moves the sand across the street, forming odd sculptures on the horizon. The tires whirr on the asphalt below us. It's hard to believe that cycling is so good here.
Dubai as a cycling destination is certainly a new, but welcome alternative for anyone looking for something different from their usual stay in Mallorca. For us, that "something different" is the 220-kilometer route from Dubai to Fujairah. We're traveling with Klaus Pirgosch. This German, based in Dubai, has been offering cycling tours in the Middle East for some time and is now joining us on an exploratory tour to Fujairah, the destination of the annual "Coast to Coast" event, a challenge where enthusiastic cyclists ride 220 kilometers across the United Arab Emirates.
“This tour is the highlight of a very special week I'm planning for November ,” Pigorsch explains as we leave Dubai behind. The road now runs perfectly straight from the west of the Emirates to the east. Along the way, we encounter quite a few cyclists. “This isn't an uncommon sight here; cycling is enjoying increasing popularity in the Emirates. There are more and more clubs and events. This allows us to share the developing infrastructure with guests from other countries as well.”
Pigorsch knows what he's talking about. His company, Cycling Holidays ME, offers a wide range of travel options in the region. The next highlight will be a seven-day event in November, which includes participation in the "Coast to Coast 2013" cycling race . "Here, participants will be riding in a field of more than 150 cyclists. They will leave Dubai as strangers and arrive in Fujairah as friends ," says Pigorsch.
We feel the same when we look at the track. Because in the meantime our small group has developed into a stately entourage in which the languages are blurred. Perhaps this is also because the Emirates is a relatively weather-safe area, but offers a sophisticated profile and family-friendly accommodation.
We reach Fudjerah in the evening - exhausted but happy. In the coming days we will look at a few more spots where you can train as you please.
//Route
Dubai offers many routes. From Dubai we drove across the country to Fudjerah. Details are available from travel providers.
// facts
You can explore Dubai on your own, but then you should bring local knowledge with you. Organized trips to Dubai are therefore recommended. CyclingHolidaysME is the leading organizer in the region. There are also Storck "Aernario G1" rental bikes available for the stay.
//bike type
Racing bike
//Accommodation
Jumaira Rotana: The 4-star hotel offers half board. It is located on Dubai's trendy 2nd December Street, just 10 minutes' walk from Jumeira Beach. The rooms are around 40 square meters and have free Wi-Fi access. The Five Dining Restaurant is located on the roof terrace. This offers international cuisine and an impressive view of Dubai's skyline.
//Tour operator
We were there with CyclingHolidaysME. [Link] The organizer offers organized trips, which are also managed by ex-professionals like Mike Kluge, from a price of 1499 euros. The next major event is the "Coast to Coast"week in November.