Doha’s Playgrounds
It’s hard to stay ahead of the construction but Doha’s creative mountain bikers are always finding new places on our doorstep which offer some challenge. Undulating scrubland areas such as Duhail and Al Kheesa in the north of the city and Mukaynis to the south aren’t as pretty asZekreet or Fuwairit but the proximity to Doha makes them popular. Further afield, Al Khor offers a small but interesting area which provides some of the best short course racing.
Zekreet
The Zekreet peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas of Qatar and forms part of the Al Reem UNESCO designated biosphere; Qatar’s largest nature reserve. It’s also one of the best places to go mountain biking, with a variety of terrain and scenery and attractive beaches where you can cool off. Please keep Zekreet beautiful by taking your litter home and cleaning up all evidence of barbeques.
There is plenty to explore. Create your own routes taking in the landmarks of Zekreet Village, East-West-West-East statues, Film City and Mystery Village (abandoned film sets), remembering that there isonly one gate in the fence bisecting the peninsula. Your route must pass through it. Be sure to be self-sufficient in food and water as Zekreet has no facilities.
Jebel Fuwairit
This 1.5 kilometer long rocky outcrop located around one hour north of Doha offers fun riding up and down the gullies, drop-offs and smooth rock faces. As a bonus, this is right next to one of Qatar’s best beaches.
For a longer ride, follow the coast track north to Al Mafjar and another great beach. On the way there are more rocky outcrops, providing jumps and drop-offs. You will see historic settlements (Please show respect and don’t ride through the old buildings and cemetery) and mangroves.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea)
The longest, steepest and most intimidating descents can be found among the sand dunes surrounding the inland sea in the south (start point at Sealine). It’s daunting at first but you quickly learn how to balance while riding down the steep sand. Until you do, you’ll have a soft landing. Needless to say, the fat bike is king on the dunes.
Each year the Al Adaid Desert Challenge follows a route of salt pans from Sealine resort to the Inland Sea, crossing sections of sand and dune on the way.