Come Out and Ride – Bicycling Tips, Tricks and Tracks

As the winter sun sets and temperatures drop, we have seen quite a surge in people making the most of these pleasant days by embracing the outdoors.

This week we re-introduce to you another amazing activity that is sure to take you places – Cycling.
Once a staple means of transportation, it is still quite popular among fitness enthusiasts and country riders.

But don’t worry, even if you haven’t ridden a cycle for a few years, we have a quick guide to help you get back on the wheels, minus the training wheels.

Why You Should Get On The Bike?

• Better sleep
  Stanford University School of Medicine researchers asked sedentary insomnia sufferers to cycle for 20–30 minutes on alternate days. It resulted in the time to fall asleep to be reduced by half, and sleep time was increased by almost an hour. This in turn resulted in a multitude of overall health benefits. Mainly because exposure to sunlight reduces cortisol, the chemical that hinders a good night’s sleep.

• Improved brain functionality & mental health.
  Pedaling helps your brain work better. How? Researchers from the University of Illinois found that a five percent improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 percent in mental tests. Exposure to sunlight also resets the circadian cycle which results in good hormones like serotonin to be released. These have a ‘mood-enhancing’ effect and add to the already known tons of health benefits.

• Cycling promotes weight loss & builds muscle
  Cycling burns calories between 400 and 1000 an hour, depending on intensity and rider weight. Work around that with your diet and you’ll be dropping pounds in no time.
  But cycling doesn’t just burn fat: it also builds muscle too – especially the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. Cycling raises your heart rate and gets the blood pumping round your body, and it burns calories, limiting the chance of your being overweight.

TLDR; According to research from the University of North Carolina, people who cycle for 30 minutes, five days a week take about half as many sick days as couch potatoes. Enough said.

Now that you have an idea of what you stand to gain, below are some places you can blaze a trail on your bicycle.

Cycling Trails That You Can Blaze

• Nad Al Sheba Park (UAE)
  Located near Meydan, Nad Al Sheba’s cycle path is actually a converted camel track. The track offers a brilliant view of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. It has three different loops – 4km, 6km and 8km. Air-conditioned changing rooms and shower facilities are also available on site. The course is even lit for night riding.

• Al Qudra Cycle Track (UAE)
  This track gives the choice of two cycling loops. If you are a beginner, try the 18km path. If you prefer a longer ride, the 50km loop is the one for you. The longer route is breathtaking with refreshments en route to Bab Al Shams. If you don’t own a cycle, you can easily hire a bike right there from Trek Bikes.

• Dubai Autodrome (UAE)
  The Autodrome offers a closed 2.5km circuit with no booking necessary but helmets and safety gear are compulsory. Every Wednesday night the Dubai Autodrome’s doors are opened to cyclists where they can put their skills to the test on the circuit. The track is also open to children, so it makes for a great place to take your kids if they enjoy cycling. Rental bikes are also available on a first come first serve basis.

• Jeddah Waterfront (KSA)
  A hotspot for families, the Jeddah Waterfront is a scenic getaway in the middle of the city. The cycling track is quite sought after, especially in the mornings and evenings. Absorb the sun and ocean ambience as you pedal along.

• Wadi Hanifa Trail (KSA)
  Experience the desert, the mountains and the geography of the countryside as you cycle along. This trail starts near Bujairi heritage park snakes through the country terrain for around 11 km. It is quite famous among country cyclists for its Instagram-worthy scenery.

• Wadi Laban Trail (KSA)
  48 km of rugged landscape, that’s what you get on this cycling trail. One for the intermediate-frequent cyclists, brave the desert wilderness as you make your way through the wadi. It is truly an adventurer’s delight.

That’s the gist of all you need to know. Time to get that cycle out the garage.
Pedal to the metal people. Let’s get riding!

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