Fat bike at Bab Al Shams
Not an insult shouted at us as we pull on Lycra cycling shorts, but a machine custom-built to be ridden on sand. Wide tyres make it easier to ride in the desert and guided tours allow you to see the dunes as never before.
Dhs210 per person. Daily. 8am-6pm. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, www.babalshams.com (04 809 6167).
Pedal to medals on the Yas Marina Circuit
Formula One cars hit speeds of more than 330kmph so it is a relief they aren’t allowed on the track during sessions. Instead, cyclists are the speedsters as they zip past joggers down on the surface of one of the world’s great sports venues.
Free. Sun and Tue, 5-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Central, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
Road races at Al Wathba
Surrounded by dunes on all sides and with multiple routes this track is a dream for families and emerging triathletes alike. The road is reserved for cyclists making it a safer place.
Free. Daily. 24 hours. Al Wathba Cycle Track, Abu Dhabi.
Get fit at Al Qudra
A proper cycle track for pedal-pumpers looking to put up professional distances. Two tracks, one 50km the other 18km, are flat, well-maintained and have many rest spots along the dune-dissecting routes. Just don’t expect to see the many club members taking a breather as the peloton goes flying by.
Free. Daily. Open 24 hours. Al Qudra.
Cycle up mountains in Hatta
Oh, you like to road bike? That’s cute. Now try the same thing with added mountains, cliffs, boulders and adventure. The Hatta Wadi Hub adventure centre has more than 50km of trails for varying adrenaline requirements.
Free. Sun-Thu, 7am-9pm. Fri-Sat, 7am-midnight. Hatta Trails, Hatta Wadi Hub, Dubai. www.visithatta.com (800 637227).
Glam cycling at District One
Trust Dubai to make huffing around in circles into an Instagram-worthy pursuit. An immaculate 8km loop, well-manicured grassy verges and the proximity of the swanky villas give rides here the feeling of an idyllic village jaunt, but look up and see the Burj Khalifa and you know it is something much better.
Free. Daily. 24hours. District One Cycle Track, www.district1.com (800 111111).
Go steady on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Riding a bike doesn’t have to be about thrills, adventure or workouts. If you just want a simple ride along, some grade-A people-watching and a break for karak, then there is no better spot than Abu Dhabi’s corniche.
Free. Daily. 24 hours.
