Issue 25

Price: 10 DHS
THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST MIDDLE EAST
Riding fRom
The Transhajar MTB race oMan
the Roots
like us on Facebook!
Cath Runs From Dubai To Fujairah
Coast to Coast
Kings of + + the RoCK!

Mike and PeTe conquer The idwal BalaTa sakhria
masiRah island darryl exPlores The rugged oMani island

Great Escape:
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WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Issue 25, January 2013
starts 3 January 2013

Dubai:
The Dubai Mall, Level 2 Fashion Catwalk Tel: +971 4 325 3595 Email: gosport_dubaimall@almana.com
Abu Dhabi:
Doha:
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Level 1 Next to the Cinemas Tel: +971 2 586 8240 Email: gosport_bawabat@almana.com
City Centre Doha 2nd Floor Tel: +974 4 463 1644 Email: gosport_ccd@almana.com
THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST
JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
On the Cover: Sam Whittam photo by Daniel Birkhofer Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer Editors Kim Perks, Tara Atkinson, Angelo Cabrera Designer Oybek Daniyarov Administration Jane Mesina Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tara Atkinson Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 9398915 tara@outdooruae.com Published by Outdoor UAE FZE P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04-447 2030 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Distributor Tawzea, Abu Dhabi Media Company P.O. Box 40401, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Printed at Galadari Printing & Publishing LLC P.O. Box 11243 Dubai, U.A.E. 2013 Outdoor UAE FZE Issue 25 January 2013
Price: 10 DHS
New things are coming our way this 2013, and also, plenty of new and exciting adventures to look forward to Outdoors and in the UAE. Of course, challenges will be there, too; it is impossible to live a life without having to face one, no matter how great or insignificant it may be. But I believe that having them is good thing, as it defines your worth as a person and it adds flavor and excitement to your existence. In the new year, if the going gets tough, the tough get going, as they always say. Step up to the challenges that will come your way. And no matter how hard things could get, youll make it through eventually so as long as you keep calm, and carry on, as how Britain had put it during one of their most trying times. As for me, it has been a great time sharing with you my gift of words and vision for some time now at OutdoorUAE, and I wish you all the best with your lifes journey, and success in every step of the way. Always stay safe, and enjoy the world of the great outdoors.
Angelo
THE FIRST OUTDOOR MAGAZINE FOR THE UAE AND THE MIDDLE EAST MIDDLE EAST
Riding fRom
The Transhajar MTB race oMan
the Roots
like us on Facebook!
Cath Runs From Dubai To Fujairah
Coast to Coast
BETWEEN THE LINES
+ +
Tara Atkinson Sales and Marketing tara@outdooruae.com Oybek Daniyarov Graphics & Programming oybek@outdooruae.com
Kings of + + the RoCK!

Mike and PeTe conquer the Idwal Balata Sakhria
darryl exPlores The rugged oMani island
masiRah island

Great Escape:
Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Editor in Chief daniel@outdooruae.com

Get to us on Facebook!
WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Issue 25, January 2013
Kim Perks Copywriter and Editor
Jane Mesina Administration jane@outdooruae.com
Zaid Adham Arabic Editor
The information contained is for general use only. While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources, however the publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided as is, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. In no event will the publisher, its related affiliates or anyone else be responsible for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine. All contents are under copyrights and may not be reproduced in any kind without written permission. 2013 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.
EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS
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Gordon T Smith Desert Diver and wannabe Marine Biologist
Kit Belen Our fishing pro
Pete Aldwinckle Climber and all-round adventure seeker
Mike Nott The 4x4 expert
John Basson Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker
Tori Leckie Writer, runner, blogger, adventurer and adidas athlete
WHEN YOURE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!
Toby Foord-Kelcey
Climbing Expert WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! contact@outdooruae.com
Darryl MacDonald Photographer, journalist, climbing and hiking junkie currently living in Oman.
Ian Ganderton Kayaker, climber, mountainbiker and snowboarder. Enthusiastic jack of all trades, master of none.
OUTDOORUAE
CONTENTS
48 AN 18-MONTH OBSESSION
ON THE COVER
WITH 46 GETTING TO GRIPS
MTBing
EVERY ISSUE
05 BEST SHOTS 06 EVENTS CALENDAR 30 PRODUCTS 50 PEOPLE 67 DIRECTORY
EVENT REVIEWS
50 An interview with HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
10 URBAN-ULTRA DESERT STINKER 12 DUBAI CREEK STRIDERS HALF MARATHON 13 DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE 14 WADI ADVENTURE RACE 2 Featured Event 18 DMX TEAM PROFILES
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
20 WEST TO EAST UAE KAYAK CHALLENGE 22 TRANSHAJAR MTBING OMAN 24 SCALING JEBEL SHAMS 26 A LONG WEEKEND TO ICELAND
OUR EXPERTS
36 WINTER DOLDRUMS - THE FISHING KIT 38 ADVENTURE CHICK IN SOUTH EAST ASIA - TORI 40 CLIMBING IDWAL BALATA SAKHRIA - MIKE NOTT 42 CARS BIKES AND QUADS - JOHN BASSON
TIPS + TRICKS
62 ACRO YOGA - FLYING INTO THE NEW YEAR 64 FITTING YOUR BIKE WITH BODY GEOMETRY
22 RIDING FROM THE ROOTS: THE TRANSHAJAR OMAN

28 The Marmot Limelight 3P Tent
TRIED AND TESTED
OUTDOORUAE
14 THE WADI ADVENTURE RACE 2
BEST SHOTS
WINNER!
Here are The best shots sent in by
you for the monthly Want Fame? photography competition! Thank you for all your entries, they were all great and it was hard selecting the best photos this month. Congratulations to the top 3 winners (who each receive Buff headwear and 5 free copies of the magazine) Gordon T. Smith, Naomi Abboud and Sunil Bhalla. Well done!
To submit your shots simply email us at competitions@outdooruae.com with the subject Best Shots. You can submit maximum 3 image per month.
Naomi Crusing
Read Macadam
WINNER!
Gordon T. Smith
Merry Christmas
WINNER!
Camping with the Family
Sunil Bhalla
OUTDOORUAE
EVENTS CALENDAR
Stay up-to-date with the latest events
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Wadi Bih Mountain Bike Challenge
January 11, 8:00 a.m., golden tulip hotel (start Point), dibba, oman
The MTB race is set in the dramatic and stunning Hajar Mountains near Dibba Oman. Its route follows the Wadi Bih run course through the Wadi Khabb Shamsi into the Musandam mountains. Take note that due to current restrictions at the border crossing Dibba, the location of the route may change. For more information,visit www.wadiadventure.com or send your enquiries to john@wadiadventure.com.
Dunlop 24H Dubai: 8th Edition

January 11 to 12, 2:00 p.m., dubai autodrome, motorcity
Feel the ground vibrate as the drivers rev up their machines for this pioneering international endurance race for GTs and touring cars. More than 80 teams from all over the world will compete at the 5.39km grand prix circuit at this highly anticipated motoring event. For more information and tickets, visit www.24hdubai.com.
ZOGGS Aquathlon Series Race 2 of 3

January 12, 7:00 a.m., madinat Jumeirah, dubai
This run and swim race for adults and juniors is split into three divisions (Super Sprint, Sprint and Olympic) will take competitors through a running path along the Madinat Jumeirah grounds and then to a swim course. Super Sports Dubai encourages entrants to bring a towel to mark your transition area, preferably a distinctive one, so you can find it amongst everyone elses. Participants should also lay out goggles and any other clothing on the towel for an easy transition from run to swim. For more information, visit www.supersportsdubai.com or contact Warren at info@supersportsdubai.com or at 050 657 5021.
Surf Dubai Sunset Open
Between January 18 to february 16, Umm suqeim open Beach, dubai

The local surf school, Surf Dubai, in partnership Quiksilver with will be holding its 4th annual Sunset Open between January 16th and February 18th depending on weather conditions. Registrations for the larget local surf competition are now open for the Mens and Womens division, longboard division as well as two categories for youngsters groms (11 to 16 years) and super groms (5 to 10 years). Competitors can contact Surf Dubai at 050 504 3020 or visit www.surfingdubai.com.
The Polar Beast: Wadi Adventure Al Ain

January 18, 7:30 a.m. Jebel hafeet, al ain
Get ready for the challenging swim-bike-run race that was described as the toughest sprint triathlon in the world by a former Ironman world champion. Course through the beautiful lakes at Wadi Adventure, Al Ain, then cycle for 20km with 800m accent to the summit of Jebel Hafeet, then finally finish off with a 5km run. For more information, contact Dave Mutch at davmutch@gmail.com or 050 817 8955.
OUTDOORUAE
EVENTS CALENDAR
Wadi Adventure Race 2
January 19, 8:00 a.m., Wadi adventure, al ain
. 14 Featured Event pg
+ +
Wadi Adventure has organised a head-to-head individual race that incorporates five unique and adrenaline-fuelled challenges, which includes a unique 3km run, water retrieval, surf pool traverse, whitewater river navigation, extreme obstacle course and many more! Each challenge will test your physical and mental strength, but it will provide both spectators and competitors ample amount of fun! The race is open to men and women. Prizes will be given to both classes, and there will be water stations all over the course. For more information, call 03 781 8422 or email them at race@wadiadventure.ae or visit their website www.wadiadventure.ae.
Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013

January 25, 7:00 a.m., the Pavilion, downtown dubai
This years Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon will take place in Downtown Dubai adjacent to the Burj Khalifa. The start for the three-category race (42km marathon, 10km road race and 3km fun run) will be from the same start gantry location just up from the Burj Khalifa outside the Pavilion. The finish area will be through the same finish gantry location on the opposite side of the road from the start gantry. For more details and registration, visit www.dubaimarathon.org.
Transhajar MTB Race 2013
January 30 to february 2, 8:00 a.m., al amarat area, muscat, oman

This MTB event is described as a low-budget, grassroots stage race that offers participants four days of tough and challenging ride through Omans picturesque countryside. The key objective is to get as many people out racing and attempting a multi-stage MTB race. This is said to be riders preparation for their Cape Epic bid later in March, while others just take it on as a personal challenge. In any case, be assured that you will have a memorable ride. For more information, check out their website www.transhajar.com.
CSI3-W Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2013
January 31 to february 2, 11:30 a.m., emirates equestrian Centre, next to Bab al shams Resort
Watch Olympic medallists and local show jump stars display their skills on a horse and battle it out for the grand prize. This three-day event at the Emirates Equestrian Centre, which forms part of the region-wide Arab League, promises top-class entertainment from international riders, and family-friendly fun that includes food and beverage kiosk, activities like pony rides and prizes. To know more, visit www.emiratesequestriancentre.com or call 050 5587656.
Big Boys Toys 2013
January 31 to february 2, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., atlantis the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, dubai
Big Boys Toys is the Middle Easts premiere annual luxury lifestyle exhibition featuring latest technologies, the biggest brands and high-impact entertainment. The three-day affair provides an exclusive opportunity to showcase innovative products from the different exhibitors that will be seen for the first time in the region. This years edition promises to bring so much more in store for everyone! For more details, visit www.bigboystoysuae.com.
OUTDOORUAE
NEWS + COmmENT
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Trek UAE is proud to announce their sponsorship of the UAE Womens National Road Cycling Team 2012-2013
Trek UAE is delighted to have this opportunity to join with the UAE Cycling Federation in helping to support womens cycling at a National level, stated Faisal Al Marri, CEO of Gymcare General Trading, distributor of Trek bikes in UAE.
The Trek Bicycles UAE retail store in Oud Metha (next to Lamcy Plaza) will offer comprehensive workshop support to all members of the Cycling Federation, six days per week from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. This store is open to the public and has everything available, from fully-customised professional level racing bikes to entry level bikes, with specific designs for women and children and a wellstocked workshop with all necessary spares and accessories. In support of the UAEs Female Cyclists, Trek UAE will be providing the National Womens team with brand new equipment in sizes tailored specifically to their requirements:
15 Trek Madone 2013 Womens Specific Designs Carbon road racing bicycles Womens Specific road bike saddles, road bike helmets and road cycling shoes Bontrager road cycling jerseys uniquely printed with sponsors and teams logos Womens Specific road cycling gloves, socks, track suits, training shoes and other accessories.
Road Cycling Team to the highest possible level for many years to come. For further details, please contact Dominic Ford (Sports Division manager) on 04 335 0399 or dominic@gymcare.com.
Trek UAE looks forward to helping with the continued development of the Womens
Q&A
Can you name a good camping spot that has easy-medium terrain?
Location: Suwaydan Vehicle: 4x4 or by road in a normal car GPS: N2507.179 E05546.424
?? ? ?? ?
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This campsite is perfect for anybody and directly accessible via paved roads. Coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi take the Emirates Road 311, drive towards Hatta on the E66 until you reach the E611 exit to Sharjah. Follow the road until the Kalba exit E102. Then on to exit Makafiz E149, take the second left towards Makafiz and continue until you reach your coordinates. You can park your car on the road and walk to the campsite or call a friend to pick you up with a 4X4. If you are going off-road your starting point is : GPS: N2509.977 E05534.150, and in general it is very simple: follow the power masts on the off-road tracks until you reach a camel farm. From there you can enter the dunes on either side and head to the final GPS coordinates N2507.179 E05546.424.
We are an outdoor equipment distribution company based in DIP and we are looking for somebody to join our team, can you help?
Global Climbing are looking for somebody to join their team to work in the international purchasing, logistics and inventory management department. Applicants should be computer literate (MS Office), numerate and be able to work with an attention to detail. A significant amount to the work is communication in written and spoken English, so applicants should be able to structure correspondence and communicate effectively on the telephone. This is an office-based job with normal office hours five days per week. Previous work experience is not required and we are prepared to invest in the right candidate, who is looking for a start and an opportunity; is motivated, looking for a challenge, willing to accept responsibility and wants to work in a dynamic, multi-national and fun environment. Interested applicants should send their details, including education, interests, living location along with details of work experience and references to info@globalclimbing.com. These details along with any covering letter should not exceed two pages A4.
OUTDOORUAE
Words By: Gary Flint Photos By: backonyourbike.com
on thursday, 11th of October 2012, the lives of Richard Holland and his family changed forever. Whilst training for an Ironman Triathlon, Rich was hit from behind by a car and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries, including a severe injury to his brain stem, resulting to a persistent coma.
Back On Your Bike has been established to assist Rich Holland and his family by raising money to cover his immediate and future medical care. Richs condition is now stable, but he remains in a state of very low consciousness (semi-coma) and requires intensive medical supervision to care for him round the clock. Rich faces an unknown hospitalisation period. After a severe brain injury, particularly to the brain stem, which controls motor function, it is only possible to guess at the recovery time and the likely outcome. All that is certain is that recovery is a slow process and will take months and years, rather than weeks. Rich has received excellent medical care in Dubai from both Rashid Hospital and The
City Hospital. However, a key step in his recovery involves admitting him into a neurorehabilitation facility where he can receive the best possible rehabilitation therapies for a brain stem injury. As soon as he is stable enough, Rich will be medically repatriated to either a facility in his home country, South Africa, or a facility in Australia where his immediate family currently reside. Moving Rich back to South Africa or Australia means he can be given the intensive medical care he needs along with the much-needed support of friends and family. According to projected medical bills, Richs health insurance (AXA) will run out soon and he will then have no remaining cover. At this stage, he will not have medical cover in South Africa. AXA have graciously agreed to cover Richardsmedivac flight when he leaves Dubai and we are so grateful. Reachable fundraising goals have been set for the various stages of Richs recovery. The first fundraising target of 150,000 USD will cover the most pressing medical expenses and those of the next few months. These targets will be increased as we learn more about the Richs recovery process. Given the uncertainty of the recovery period, the total fundraising target is set at 1,700,000 USD. This amount has been estimated based on the first six weeks of treatment, the multiple surgeries he hasalready undergone,as well as future scheduled procedures, physiotherapy (neuro and physical) and the projected amount of rehabilitation treatment required in the long term. This amount was validated using information from the DANA Foundation which calculates the lifetime expense of a coma patient between 600,000 and 1,875,000 USD. The road to recovery will the toughest challenge Rich has ever faced. We all know him as a young man in the prime of his life; a fighter of fierce courage and steely determination. We believe that with love, care and support, Rich will get back on his bike and continue to live his life doing the things he loves so much.
For more information or to donate, please check out the website www.backonyourbike.com.
Editors Note: Continuing their campaign, the group also hosted a movie fundraiser on December 18 at Grand Cinemas in the Ibn Battuta Mall. Friends and family watched the premiere of the drama film The Impossible starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts. The film is based on a true story of a familys struggle during the tragic Southeast Asian tsunami disaster in 2004. As the group stated, Depicting moving scenes of determination and hope, this movie is a great opportunity to help maintain support and get Richard back on his bike. All tickets sold at 100 AED in Revolution Cycles, Adventure HQ, Ride Bike Shop, The Cycle Hub, Wolfis Bike Shop and during the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge went directly to the Back on Your Bike fund.
OUTDOORUAE
Urban-Ultra
EVENT REVIEWS
Words + Photos: Lee Bradbury
Desert Stinker
with my efforts, but the same cant be said for the drive home with lead weights attached to my hips! The stinker was a great event and well-organised with some good route selections. It was massively accessible with runners of all ages and abilities, entering into the two distances, and not just for the running elite. I would like to say a huge thank you to Louise Adamson and all the team at Urban-Ultra for a fantastic event and for helping me find a love for a landscape I had previously ignored.
For some, the desert is just something they drive past on the way to work or the mall. The sprawling open sand and rolling dunes are usually left to the adventurous drivers and their 4x4s. But today, many runners will be tackling this unspoilt beauty on foot in the inaugural Desert Stinker, with all the funds raised going to Macmillan Cancer Support and the Richard Holland Back on Your Bike fund.
So what is a Desert Stinker? Urban-Ultra, a Dubai-based events organiser, invited people to take part in a two-day race in the Bab Al Shams area, where competitors had the option of completing either 10k on the Friday and 10k on the Saturday, or 20k20k. The first distance would be completed under the delightful Dubai night sky with the second race posing a slightly more difficult challenge of running over the dunes the following morning. The stinker part comes in with the overnight camping. As the event organisers put it, no frills meaning no showers, so you can imagine the smell would be fresh, as I like to say. I have quite a bit of experience when it comes to running races across various distances, but running on sand was entering the unknown. To top it off, I threw myself straight into the deep end with the 20k-20k distance. So I arrived at the campsite for a very simple and easy registration where I was presented with some goodies from the events sponsors, including a handy can of deodorant. Before I knew it, the sun was going down, the stars were coming out and head torches coming on, setting the scene for the first run. The command was given to start and I can imagine it would have been quite a sight watching from a distance the mass of light moving as one, even if only for a short moment, before the route split with the 10k runners wishing the 20k runners good luck. The beams of light soon faded as the runners broke away from each other, it was however amazing to look back and see a long line of head torches bobbing away, with only the occasional sound of footsteps to disturb the silence. The route was well marked and easy to follow, and the terrain easily handled. This kind of event is why I love running I get lost in my music, take in the amazing scenery and let my thoughts just wander off. At that point, you feel so light on your feet, as though nothing else exists and its just you and the route ahead. This was compounded by the dark open landscape and, before I knew it, the finish was in sight and there was one last burst of effort to cross the line in 1hr
21mins. I was happy! All that was left now was to get the BBQ lit for some well-earned grub and listen to fellow campers singing songs around their fires. Disgustingly early on day two, it was time to rise, get some brekkie and prep my kit for the next race. As I said, this was more challenging than the last and it didnt take long to see why. Turning onto the sand and clambering my first dune, I was greeted with a never-ending sea of windswept dunes, seemingly untouched by anything. These untouched obstacles were relentless with a constant up and down, trying to stay light on my feet so as to not get bogged down in the soft sand. In spite of this, I was more than happy with how I was coping with the energy-sapping inclines and felt strong throughout. Then it went slightly wrong. The red and white markers that lined the route suddenly disappeared and a group of us mistakenly carried on (I was 4th at this point). It soon became apparent we had gone too far and we all headed for the main reference point, which were the electricity pylons. It wasnt long before we picked the route back up, but the damage had been done. My position had dropped dramatically and it turned out that I ran an extra 5k! Anyway, I kept pushing for the last couple of kilometres along the worlds longest straight track, which seemed to go on forever! It was here I had a mental battle with myself: one side of me imploring me to stop and the other side screaming at me to keep going! I kept up the fight and made it to the finish as I stumbled in, drenched with sweat and a time of 2hrs 21mins. Not ideal, but I finished which was an achievement in itself. I had taken on the challenge of the dunes and the open desert, coming out very happy
Lining up ready to start day 2
Kicking off the start of 20k over the dunes Post 20k over the dunes. It got surprinsgly warm towards the end
10
OUTDOORUAE
3rd January until 3rd February 2013
While stocks last.
EVENT REVIEWS
Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon

A View from the Back of the Pack
Words By: Stephen Turner
Did you like the fantastic goody bag when you collected your race number? Yeah, the best, said the woman to her friend before the 11th running of the Johnson Arabia sponsored race. Not the normal conversation on a startline, when personal best times are normally traded, or excuses about injuries or disrupted training plans are shared, but typical of the conversation for this well-loved race. A free sports kitbag, shirt, two water bottles, food, gels, skincare and many discounted offers from co-sponsors redeem the entry fee even before the race begins.
Filing into start pens that reflected the expected finish times, the elite elbowed to the front to ensure minimum hassle at the off. There was a short delay while the police approved the final road closure, and then finally the countdown to the hooter sounded for the 1600 runners and cheers erupted from the multitude of spectators at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Waves of runners separated by two-minute intervals ensured safety and a comfortable start along the access road and onto the proper roads. The course is essentially a figure of eight highlighting the most scenic aspects of the creek. Heading out towards the Aviation Club, the field began to thin. A stationary dragon boat crew at the river were hooting and hollering encouragement to the runners. At the top of the slope to the bridge, a man is already sitting down panting a bit early at 2km. The bridge framed an evocative sunrise as the large ball of fire cut through the humid mist to offer glorious views of the river and the water traffic, reflections dazzling in the low angle sunshine. Arent you hot? I asked a runner dressed in three layers, including a hoodie. Well it was cool at this time yesterday morning, was her response. Before the start, a group of Harley Davidson bikers had roared up to the race village. I naively assumed they had joined the wrong event. Nope, they were helping as road marshals. Dropping off Al Garhoud Bridge, the Eye of the Tiger boomed from one HOG bike to motivate us as we grabbed our first drink. Dubai Creek Park perimeter then led us to the Al Maktoum Bridge, the numerous smiling marshals en route, some clearly families of mum, dad and the kids, cheered us along. Three fit pony-tailed women runners had been chatting together from the start and continued to do so even now. At this point, most blokes were in the grunt and groan stage. How do ladies do it? After crossing the bridge, the route took us on the north side of the creek past the moored dhows, a mixture of diesel, tyre aro-
Photo by: Margot Turner
Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography
mas and cardboard filled the air. Their crews looked on in bemusement. You could only guess their confusion as to what we were doing so early on a Friday morning, but joined in the spirit with good mornings, claps and waves to reciprocating runners. The half way stage approached the pedestrian underpass to transfer us to the south side and the restored historic buildings. A welcome drinks stop manned by a local school offered wet sponges to cool heated bodies. Ahh, bliss.
Following the waters edge, we continued along and through the textile souk. At its exit were numerous spectators controlled by two enthusiastic bikers with loud speakers blasting Move that a** to the beat a wonderfully appropriate song. By now my shirt is soaked in sweat and Im not the only one, proven by the sweat drops dotting the flagstones past the Rulers Court. The sun is now higher in the sky and directly in our faces. I didnt wear my hat or sunglasses, so I am beginning to squint. I have a pain in the ball of my right foot. My hip hurts. My pace is slower than Marchs Emirate Hills Half. It must be owing to this hilly course the slopes up the bridges! Approaching Al Maktoum Bridge, I spot my marshalling wife. Quick kiss on the cheek and Im off, the blokes behind queuing for one too. Two kilometres to go. A voice in my head wonders about upping the pace. Another voice says, Err... no, just get to the end in an enjoyable state. The finish line approaches and two friends cheer my name. I try to look fit and cross under the finish arch into a sea of faces, and a Harley biker presents my medal. Now to find the showers and the post-race breakfast, whereupon my friend wins the top raffle prize selected by your race number two flights to Cape Town. Magic. Billed as the worlds best half marathon, it is certainly the most scenic urban half. Having raced around the world, I can attest it should also claim to be the best organised, too. Ismail won the mens race in 1hr 10mins and Anne-Mari for the womens in 1hr 20mins. Needless to say, a big congratulations to all competitors, Dubai Creek Striders organisers and the sponsors alike.
12
OUTDOORUAE
Tanguilig And Norvall Take Top Honours At

THE THIRD ANNUAL SPINNEYS
DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGE

Ryan Tanguilig from Team Jumeirah and Victoria Norvall from Team BMC were the first male and female cyclists to cross the line in the 3rd annual Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on December 14.
Over 1,100 cyclists set off on the Challenge at 6:00 a.m. and just over two hours later, riders from Team Jumeirah formed a breakaway to finish one and two. The president of the UAE Cycle Federation, Mr Osama Al Shafar, was at the finish line at the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park to wave the chequered flag as Tanguilig crossed the line just moments before the second place. Tanguilig set a time of 2hrs 12mins 14secs, beating last years finish time by one minute. Moments after crossing the finish line, he said: Its a great feeling to cross the line first in this event. We talked about who would cross first if we made a breakaway and we are a team, so it was a decision we made as a team. The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is terrific event. It is very well organised and supported, and I would like to thank everyone who has come out and supported it today. Victoria Norvall is a familiar name at the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge. The Team BMC rider has crossed the line first in the previous two years and her domination of the event continued that today. She set a finishing time of 2hrs 12mins 36secs, smashing her time last year by over 14 minutes. On being the first across the line again, she said: The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is something special and it rivals the best rides Ive done. The route is perfect and it goes past some of the worlds most famous landmarks. The organisation is excellent and the vibe here is just incredible. Ive done it every year and its getting bigger and better each year, she added. Finn Ramirez was first across the finish line in the new youth category. Congratulations to Ryan, Victoria and Finn on crossing the line first in their categories, said the challenge race director Stewart Howison. They recorded excellent times and they have raised the bar for next years Cycle Challenge.
Starting Line -
Photo supplied
by Cycle Challen
ge
I would like to thank Mr Osama Al Shafar, president of the UAE Cycle Federation for being here to see the riders cross the line and Dubai Sports Council for their continued support of the event. We owe a huge debt of thanks also to the RTA and the police for keeping the riders safe. Without them, none of this would be possible. We also are extremely thankful to our main sponsors Spinneys and Dubai 92 who have backed us every year and continued to do so, he added. We have had a fantastic response to the Challenge this year, he continued. The number of participants is the most weve ever had and the cycle track at Nad Al Sheba has enabled us to take the whole event, including the kiddie rides and the family activities, to a new level. I have no doubt this is an event that will continue to grow and the goal is to eventually stage an event along the lines of South Africas hugely popular Cape Argus, which attracts over 40,000 participants each year. The Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park was a hive of activity all morning with the popular kiddie rides at the Cycle Proficiency Track suitable for children up to 8-years-old and on a specially-designed 2km oval track for the nine to 15-year-olds. All children received a certificate and two from each event were selected at random to win a 300 AED gift voucher from Spinneys. There were also plenty of activities to keep families entertained in the Cycle Village like the bouncy castles, inflatables, bike stalls and more. All information on the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is available online at www. cyclechallenge.ae.
Mr Osama Al Shafar at the finish line Photo supplied by Cycle Challenge
The Kiddies Ride - Photo supplied by Cycle Challenge
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FEATURED EVENT
Biting off more than i can chew adventure challenges,

Tara and Oybek take on the world of mountain biking and CrossFit in a race to get fit!
Its 9:00 a.m. The wind is howling, and Im making my way up through a spectacular wadi. Im trying to focus metres ahead on the terrain, but I cant stop looking at the wadi walls starting to close in on either side of me and the growing lunar-esque summit towering above as we inch closer to the top.
Its technical and its not easy. Im winding my way slowly but steadily up to the top my legs are burning and lungs are on fire, but Im still pushing on. Taking the lead through the rocky wadi bed is Bobo from Mountain Biking UAE, who Id met by chance at the Showka Dam meeting point. Its been one of those days where everything went wrong: the GPS, the timing, the meeting point, the group I was supposed to leave with, but yet Ive made it Im riding. Once at the top, we took a break at the summit point of the single track, I could tell I was holding him back. I was starting to feel a bit broken after the first two hours. The wind was still putting up a good fight as I looked down on what was to come. Bobo reassured me, Its all downhill from here, but you should take it slow, and dont look down when you cross the bridge. I didnt, I kept my focus and kept a steady pace once back on the bike. I was trying to keep up, but lost sight of Bobo. I then noticed a steep incline, leading up to a rocky silhouette opening only to the sky. I pushed up and through, and suddenly found myself looking down a steep face. My tyres dig into the loose rock, then hard rock, then loose rock again. Uncertain, I stupidly break, the back wheel comes out, I hold the position onto the hard rock for a second or so, but then get scared, I break again. This time the back wheel slides all the way under me, and my leg is trapped under the bike as Im sliding down, trying to get it back up so I can get back on it, but as I stand Im falling forward... Lets rewind slightly. This little crusade of mine all started a few weeks ago when I was asked if I wanted to enter the Al Ain Wadi Adventure Race 2. I said yes without thinking. It only occurred to me a week after
A taster of what is to come this year.
Last years Wadi Adventure Race in Al Ain Water Park.
I gave my registration details that real people will be entering this event, the ones that run half marathons, do triathlons, cycle 92km and the list goes on. In a bid to make myself feel better about saying yes, I also convinced OutdoorUAEs designer Oybek to enter as well. Im not a big fan of regimented activity and I believe that getting fit should be fun. I mainly give into peer pressure and get roped into things that are above and beyond what Im capable off (for instance a 16km technical mountain bike ride at 7.00 a.m. on a Friday morning) exciting and fun things that do require some sort of fitness level. I do them, wipe myself out for a couple of weeks and then find something else to hurt myself with. Its a vicious cycle! Unfortunately for me, surrounded by longday specialists here at OutdoorUAE, it was only a matter of time until I decided to say yes to bite off more than I could chew.
Time to commit
By the time this goes to print, there will be only 19 days left till the Wadi Adventure Race 2. It will be held at the Wadi Adventure water park in Al Ain, and its a head-to-head individual race that incorporates five challenges. So far, they have only told us that it involves a 3km cross country run with a twist; water retrieval; 5kg bag run; surf pool traverse; whitewater river navigation; raft leap
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OUTDOORUAE
Taking the fundamentals class with Ben the head coach.
frog; balance beam; barb wire crawl; wall climb; bag toss; extreme obstacle course and so on. They also have a picture on their Facebook of a huge rope on the side of the wave pool with three bodies auspiciously climbing up it, waiting to take a seriously big wipe out. ( Pictured left). Their prerequisite is that you should be a good swimmer, have a
The verdict
This is the most regimented training (apart from PE class in school) that Ive done in a long time. Run by Lee, the class started with some dynamic stretching and warmup movements that prepare you for the
Oybek getting to grips with the fundamentals.
Quotes from my friends on facebook

Taras Facebook Update: First CrossFit session tonight! Wish me luck!
Im scared just reading this (on your behalf),said Matt Farr. One of the best forms of exercise. If youre not sick your first time, youre not doing it right, said Andy Valentine. That is going to hurt you!!, Johnathan Hallmark. Cross fit is mental!!! I went to a CrossFit gym once... Nearly died!!,Lisa Gould. Good luck! Let me know if you need a recommendation for a Physio, Dominic Ford.
basic level of fitness, be over 1.2 metres tall and expect to have a fun day (Wadi Adventure mentions the whole race should take an hour or so). In a bid to find out more about what type of fitness we needed to prepare ourselves for the race, we got in touch with Lee Bradbury (one of our contributors this month and a coach at Reebok CrossFit LifeSpark, who also enters adventure races, challenges, midnight and morning desert 20K runs). He put us in touch with Candice and Ben (the gym owners) of Reebok Crossfit LifeSpark in JLT, a facility that prides itself on enabling its members to say YES to any challenge. (LifeSpark believe that fitness is essential to a great life. Their coaching focuses on teaching movement techniques and skills, physical conditioning and the development of healthy workouts and eating habits). Lee suggested that with the mountain biking that I had taken up, we should also include CrossFit and some running into our workouts at least three hours a week to prepare ourselves for a good level of fitness for the adventure race. Having not really any idea what CrossFit was, or what I would be in for, I said yes a second time.
Tara practising a kettle bell swing.
Tara attempting to do a pull-up
WOD (Work Out of the Day). The WOD can include anything from dedicated strength work to stamina, endurance and flexibility training. That day the skill work was endur-
ance focused with 2 x 800m sprints with five minutes rest in between. In the WOD, we focused on stamina, adding in weightlifting movements using kettle bells and medicine balls. It was the longest eight minutes Ive ever been through and was followed by a cool down. I was aching, to say the least. My legs, muscles and lungs were burning, but I felt good, and caught myself laughing a few times at my disbelief that I was pumping some iron!
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Oybek, Tara, Candice and Ben.
CrossFit uses functional and compound movements with shorter, higher intensity cardiovascular sessions aimed to strengthen and condition your body, developing foundational fitness for other athletic endeavours or life. CrossFit view fitness and health on a continuum ranging from sickness to wellness to fitness. You cant have true fitness without health first. CrossFit training improves the 10 components of fitness; cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. All the things I would probably need in an adventure race and could build up in a short space of time. I really enjoyed the class despite my initial concern about it not being fun. CrossFit is as much and as little as you need it to be and it is different every time you go. Everyone who enrols goes through a three-hour fundamentals class which is run by Ben (head coach and co-owner), which educates you in the
One of the CrossFit classes focusing on strength and agility.
basics CrossFit movements and principles, WOD protocols, nutrition and much more. It is definitely more of a lifestyle choice and Oybek has already confirmed hes going to continue doing it even after the adventure race is over. In regards to training for specific skills for the race, there is a space on the members board where others have already signed up to the Wadi Adventure Race 2. This means that one of the nights during the week will be set aside to help build on skills essential to the challenges, which will be really helpful. The gym has not only great equipment, but it is run by people who want to help you get better and feels very community driven, the doors are always open and I would recommend signing up for a session to give it a try.
Ideal Training Schedule
2-3 Hours per week of CrossFit 1-2 hours or running per week (treadmill, park, or swimming if able to) 2-3 Hours of continuous exercise once a weekend (Mountain Biking/ Surfing or Paddleboarding)
Hoping that with all of this training and a spot of luck,I maybe able to finish the race. Make sure you get yourself down to the event and give Oybek and myself a cheer on the 19th of January. OutdoorUAE will also be down there giving away free magazines so come say hello.
Tara
The WWA Wake Park

The worlds
World Championships
Wired for some watersport action!

top wakeboard riders brought back the heat in Abu Dhabi this Words + Photos: Angelo Cabrera winter for three days At the end of the adrenaline-fuelled finals of intense wakeboardmatch, Australias James Windsor stole the ing action to prove who is king of this show with his display of sleek and snazzy years World Wakeboard Association tricks to grab the championship trophies (WWA) Wake Park World Championin both the Pro Mens and the Pro Features Only divisions. ships.
The international competition held from December 6th to 8th at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort was the final stop of the World Wake Park Championships Series. It brought together some of the watersports rock stars to battle it out for the grand prize. Tom Fooshee, Dominik Ghrs, and the youngest WWA champion, 15-year-old Daniel Grant, were among the stellar cast of contenders who showed their tenacity and athleticism as they pulled off a barrage of aerial flips and masterful manoeuvres that awed the spectators.
Fooshee and Grant, who are both good friends of Windsor, landed in second and third place in the Pro Mens division, respectively. They then traded places in the Pro Features Only match. Meanwhile in the ladies tiff, South African wakeboard rider Angelika Schriber took the gold in the Pro Womens division, knocking out Dutch contender Maxine Sapulette to second place and Austrias Astrid Schabransky to third place. In the amateurs competition, 13-year-old Scott Rosewell pulled off an amazing top podium finish in the Features Only division and bested men twice his age.
After the competition, fans had seized the chance to chat up with their favourite wakeboarding stars, who happily signed autographs and posed for photos. At the awarding ceremonies, the WWA presented a commemorative wakeboard signed by all the competitors as a memorabilia to Al Forsan for generously hosting the Wake Park World Championships for the second time. The celebrations continued with an after party that went into the night.
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Paramotoring in Dubai
Words + Photos: Ali Al Hammadi
Since I was a kid, Ive always dreamt of becoming a fighter pilot. But when I graduated from high school, my eyesight wasnt as sharp as I wanted it to be, so I decided to study civil engineering instead as the construction industry was booming in 2002.
During that period, I saw a video on YouTube of a guy with an engine and a fan on his back, taking off with a parachute. At that moment, I realised that I could at least achieve a little of my dream and have a taste of flying. In 2006, I ordered my first set of equipment online and tried to teach myself through YouTube videos, as we didnt have any instructors at that time. It was a rough road I was going through and full of accidents, thankfully none of them were major. Right from the beginning, I really started to like the sport. The idea of carrying an aircraft in the boot of your car and taking off from basically anywhere you want is an amazing feat. This is the future and it gives you a chance to see the world from a completely different perspective. Taking off after a short run, experiencing the speed and acceleration at take off, feeling the wind in your face as you ascend climbing to 3,000m, or flying low till your feet scratches the ground its just amazing! Later in 2007, I decided to take an instructors course in Empuriabrava in Spain and it was the first time for me to meet with pilots from around the world. After a challenging course, I successfully obtained the license and came back. Since then, I have tried to attend every event held in Europe and I have built so many friendships from all over the world. The paramotor community is relatively small in comparison to other sports, everybody knows everybody. Its very useful to have friends and connections as it makes things easier when you travel to other countries to fly. In 2009, I was invited to a competition in South Korea. It was during a yearly balloon festival and everything was paid for, so how could I resist? It was my first competition and I learned so much. Flying under stress makes you learn fast! I achieved 7th place out of 35 pilots. We had a chance to fly in Downtown Daejeon City, around buildings and over the motor ways. It was the craziest thing
a paramotor pilot could have dreamt of! I made a video of that trip and it went viral on YouTube. In 2011, we had a fatality in the UAE as a pilot fell in the water and drowned. It hit me hard as he was a good friend and I was devastated. This is where I realised that the sport was growing fast in the UAE and that safety measures needed to be introduced. So I organised the first Paramotor Safety Seminar. I invited two of the main heads of the sport to speak about various topics related to paramotoring. The response to the seminar was phenomenal and it was attended by around 70 people from all over the GCC countries. Other than the serious safety aspects of the seminar, we also included a fun flying part where the top pilots showed off their skills. The participants were greatly impressed! Unfortunately, the sport is not yet regulated in the UAE. It is similar to the quad
bikes, if you ride it in the city youll get arrested, but it is fine to ride it in the desert. Therefore, we tend to fly as far as possible from the cities to avoid any noise, privacy disturbance and commercial airplanes. We are currently working with Emirates Aviation Association and the General Civil Aviation Authority to introduce basic regulations to the sport. To date, Ive had two interesting close call stories that I can remember. One of which, happened when I was flying in the desert close to Big Red and 50m below me I suddenly saw an F-16 passing at a very high speed. I thought I was dreaming! It was like Wooaah! I better land now! The other incident was when I had an engine failure about 30km away from my car, I had to hike back and hope that someone would pick me up. With an approximately 45kg on your back, 45C heat and 90 per cent humidity, it was not an easy job. After an hour and a half of hiking, thankfully, my friends estimated where I was and they drove to pick me up. Such a mistake taught me to carry a bottle of water and a mobile phone on every single flight! I can see a huge future for this sport in the UAE. The perfect environment and minimum restrictions makes it one of the best flying places in the world. For training, I recommend a very good friend, whos a professional licensed instructor and has taught over 120 students. His name is Johan and can be contacted on flysometime@gmail.com.
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EVENT REVIEWS
TEAM
profiles
The Dubai Motocross Club riders are all
revved up for this seasons races! This month we catch up with the different DMX teams (Balooshi Futuretech, Bandits, Sandstorm and Sun Blast) to find out more about them.
The next race is Friday 18th January, check out www.dubaimotocross.com for more info
Balooshi
Bandits
Founded by Mohammad Al Balooshi and Tycho Lieske from Futuretech Engineering Group of Companies, the team aims to promote the sport of motocross and any form of off-road motorcycle racing in the GCC region. The team focuses on teaching young Arab riders how to be competitive in this demanding sport throughout the region and beyond. By providing training on and off the bike, as well as good service, we give our riders the needed support to become future champions. We participate in races across the gulf and we have a professional set up at race tracks across the region so our riders get the best support during competitions. The team consists of 10 riders in MX1 and MX2 classes. By competing all over the GCC, we give our riders access to international level of racing and a step-up on the ladder. Balooshi Racing would like to thanks its sponsors for their support: Futuretech Engineering, Delleuse Trading LLC and Al Marakeb Boat Manufacturing Company.
At the start of this years racing season, the DMX Bandits were formed by a disparate bunch of lost and lonely riders. Starting with only six members on the first club day, the team of young and young-at-hearts grew over the first race days. Now, they currently have a 12-member race team covering nearly all classes. The Bandits are a social team with members from age 10 to 50 who gets together on race days and enjoys the company and support of fellow team members and their families. Although they feel participating stands above winning, the young ones take their racing seriously taking many podium positions in the races to date. Meanwhile, some of the more senior members are happy to get round the track intact and make it to work on Sunday! This is reflected in the graphic design on the sleeves of the team shirts. The Bandits camaraderie also extends outside the track with Anybody who would like to be a racing member, desert riding member or supporting social member are most other like-minded riders joining welcome to join the DMX Bandits. up for weekly Bandit desert rides.
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sun Blast
Team Sun Blast is a Dubai-based motocross race team sponsored by Arab Beverages and Organic Foods & Caf. The team riders hydrate themselves with the Arab Beverages range of drinks, which include the Sun Blast range of vitamin waters recharge and rehydrate, as well the organic juices, coconut water and the Active O2 range of sports drinks. The team supports their diets with the product range from Organic Foods and Caf, which is also the club DMXs on site catering company. Team Sun Blast comprises of six riders including the only actively racing UAE woman rider. The team race in the UAE at the DMX Jebel Ali and Umm Al Quwain venues. Team riders include: 39-year-old Jens El-Accad (race number 4) of Germany, who is the team owner and races in master class; Birgitt Schelke (race number 128) of Germany, who previously successfully rode in the Womens European GP series; 13-year-old Erik Bjrn Landgren of Sweden (race number 11), who
was DMX Cadets Champion, overall Club Champion 2005, DMX Junior Champion in 2006, 3rd place in 65cc class 2007. The team also hosts Jimmy Jonsson (race number 44), a 34-year-old rider from Sweden who won
the Swedish Junior Enduro Championship in his youth; 30-year-old Clinton Wyngard (race number 5) from South Africa, who was 5th in 2008 in MX2 and 5th in MX1 in 2011; and 36-year-old Johan Engelbracht from South African (race number 556) riding in MX1.
sandstorm
Team Sandstorm supports many riders throughout the year from full sponsorship including bikes to discounted kit and race support. Pictured here a couple of Sandstorm teams current riders.
DMX Championship Round 4
65cc 1st Eugenio Barbaglia 2nd Abdulla Al Nuaimi 3rd Alexander Mortada 85cc 1st Jessie Lee Davidson 2nd Thomas Hudson 3rd Samuel Porter 125cc 1st Ryan Wynn 2nd Dean Jullien 3rd Darren Berry Clubmans 1st Jarno Elo 2nd Anwar Khusaif 3rd Saif Al Kumiti Masters 1st Brent Gregson 2nd Lee Corby 3rd Corrado Meneghello Pro Quads 1st Mansoor Al Suwaidi 2nd Nick Black 3rd Sebastian Husseini MX2 1st Ross Runnalls 2nd Sean Gaugain 3rd Dale Jullien MX1 1st Chris Moelecki 2nd Sean Gaugain 3rd Ross Runnalls
r For more images logon to ou .com/outdooruae facebook page www.facebook
OUTDOORUAE
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E EST TO EAST UA GE W YAK CHALLEeNd ability ranc an KA

Two men in a little bo at, in a test of endu
This January , John Weston and dan Wills will be pushing off in their kayaks from Ras al Khaimah on the west coast of the Uae, and heading north towards the entrance the arabian gulf, the strait of hormuz. they will be in omani waters, known for 20 to 30ft swells and perilous currents. they will survive their unsupported six-day journey eating only the food they can catch along the way, and sleeping on beaches they find on the many islands dotted sporadically throughout the strait.
Once through the strait, they will head south and eventually back into UAE waters to Fujairah. Averaging around 30 to 40km per day, the challenge will be both mentally and physically exhausting and should take five to six days, depending on the conditions. They will encounter sharks, scorpions, as well as dolphins and hopefully, some whale sharks will join them for some much needed moral boosting.
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Words + Photos: John Weston & Dan Wills
From diving to kayaking
to hiking, John loves
the great outdoors.
John says
Kayaking from RAK to Fujairah started as a question, I wonder if I can do it? I kayak fairly regularly, and have always enjoyed the freedom the little boats give you, plus the exercise is fantastic! And so, I wonder if I can do it? Soon became, Of course I can do it, but how and when? and then I added the extra pressure to the challenge, I wonder if I can do it and only eat whatever I can catch along the way? The challenge started as a solo trip, many of my friends are into the outdoor life and sports, but I figured none of them would enjoy, being hungry, tired and wet for five to six days. So I planned to go solo. Its by no means the hardest challenge anyone has ever done, but it will definitely not be easy. The hardest aspect of this trip is to plan for the unknown. Theres so many factors to think about, weather, current, swell, food supply, water supply, energy, emergencies and the list goes on. All we can do is plan
for the worst and hope for the best. Dan and I, along with a group of friends, camped out in Oman and hiked up Jebel Shams last year. I told him about the trip I was planning and he naturally sounded very interested, and knowing what I know about Dan, and his history of enduring challenges, I thought to myself that if anyone was going to be able to complete this with me, its this
guy. So, the trip evolved yet again to accommodate an extra person. Well be kayaking in an open tandem kayak, carrying the fishing kit, GPS and a small personal dry bag each, in case we capsize and get separated. The small dry bags will have two-way radios so we can find each other again, and our personal effects, plus some water. We will be towing a small one-man kayak that will hold around 50l of water, our clothes, sleeping bags and the cooking equipment. The plan is to land on a beach each night and cook the fish that we hopefully would have caught during the day. We did a test run around the Palm Jumeirah, and, fully laden, we can expect to be averaging three to 3.5 knots. The plan is to complete 30 to 35km per day. We expect to take five to six days to kayak from the northern point of RAK to the northern point of Fujairah. As I mentioned earlier, the challenge isnt the hardest anyone has ever undertaken, and Im sure there will be people reading this wholl agree. The most difficult aspect of the challenge is actually the unknown. The Strait of Hormuz is very unpredictable. I have been in the strait on dive trips, and its been seriously unpleasant on a big boat, let alone in a small kayak with no engine. The currents are strong and can whisk a small kayak out to sea with no warning, the swells can be 20 to 30ft, and the weather in January will be as bad as it gets in the region. Plus, who knows if well catch any fish to eat! It will be a serious test of endurance and will power. It will be both mentally and physically exhausting. Ive always loved the outdoors; my family originated from a small village in the countryside of Essex in the UK, so being outdoors walking and working comes quite naturally to me. I joined the Royal Air Force cadets when I was 12, and soon found myself spending weeks away camping, fending for ourselves and hiking mountains in Wales and the Lake District. Also kayaking, rock climbing, shooting, flying, gliding and biking, basically anything that got us outdoors, and involved getting cold and wet. I remember sitting on top of a mountain in the UK when I was about 15. After spending a few days hiking, we were soaking wet, freezing cold and in danger of being blown off the top by the
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strong winds, but I just remember the awesome feeling when we were coming back down, I was obviously glad to be off the mountain and heading somewhere warm and dry. But most of all, a little part of me loved the achievement, from then until now, I prefer to be outdoors than indoors. I also took up fishing when I was about 10, and it soon became a hobby. Finding different spots to fish, camping out and just being surrounded by good friends was a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. So now, I live in Dubai, and for anyone that isnt already aware, this country has everything an outdoorsman could ask for, plus a lot more, and OutdoorUAE magazine pretty much covers it all. I now spend my weekends kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, diving and generally loving the outdoor life. Once the kayak expedition is over, I have one week break before the marathon, and then Im setting my sights on a sailing course and my skydiving accelerated free fall for 2013, and of course, theres few more challenges still in the early days of planning.
Dan says
The outdoors has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was brought up in suburban Melbourne, Australia, but holidays were always spent on family camping trips. I joined the scouting movement from the age of eight and military cadet training was part of my high schooling, which would have us out in the bush for a week at a time in semi-survival mode. From the age of 14, I started overnight cross country skiing, kayaking and hiking expeditions in the alpine areas of Victoria, and like John, although I would often find myself soaking wet, in freezing cold conditions and in very remote areas, the personal challenge and sense of achievement at the end eventually had me hooked!
My first big challenge was at the age of 16, which was the Kokoda Track in the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea. This was a gruelling seven-day hike through extremely tough terrain and was made famous by extensive fighting between the Japanese and Australian forces in 1942. This trip was also followed by cycling the length of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea. Joining university opened up many new opportunities, before long, I was a competitive cross country mountain biker and actively involved in rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, skiing, cross country running, etc. My love of hiking grew, and I spent every other weekend attempting a new trail in the Victorian Alps. Some notable hikes included the Overland Track in Tasmania, the Inca Trail in Peru (unsupported with a 30kg pack) and various routes within the Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile. By the time I reached the end of university, I merged my love of mountain biking and hiking into cycle touring and cycled the length of my state. Probably my biggest achievement to date was inspired by my ancestor William Wills, who was part of the famous ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition of 1862, in which they were the first explorers to cross the Australian Continent. My brother and I cycled unsupported from the southernmost to northernmost points of mainland Australia and along the way, we retraced the route taken by the Burke and Wills expedition. This took us through 5,500km of the harshest terrain that Australia has to offer; the route is through the middle of the Australian outback and over 5,000km was off road (mostly sand). My most recent challenge was several years ago, which at the time was the longest staged mountain bike race in the world (1,000km), the Cape Epic in South Africa. Since then, Ive been waiting for the next challenge and jumped at the opportunity when John suggested kayaking around Musandam. We spent a lot of time in the area diving, mountain biking, running and hiking, and to be able to take in the landscape from the water, with the added challenge of being without food, was an opportunity that was too good to miss. The kayak challenge is set to raise 3000 GBP for Cancer Research, a charity that is close to everybodys hearts. You can find out more about the Kayak Challenge and all of my upcoming challenges at www.jdweston. com and you can even sponsor us at www.justgiving. com/jdweston.
Dan and his brother went on a cycling trip across the Australian outback.
Riding FRom
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
A personal account of the Oman Tra
Words By: Michael Masson
the Roots
Wednesday, 1st February 2012, 08:30 a.m.
Months of training, hard work and long rides have all brought me to this moment. In spite of all the work, I am not entirely sure how well I will perform. But I have done everything I can to be ready. The training is now complete. The bike is cleaned, checked and lubed. My CamelBak is stocked with water and spares, and I have a couple of gels stuffed into the leggings of my cycling shorts. I am on the start line of day one of the TransHajar MTB Race in the magnificent Hajar Mountains in Oman. My stomach is in knots and I know todays race is mostly against the clock. Its the individual time trial and I am being counted down to my start. Riders are being sent out in one-minute intervals. Its a 39.5km course that offers a mixture of challenges and varying courses. The timekeeper finally bellows, 3-2-1-GO! My movement is certainly no F1 pace, but its got my heart thumping and my legs working. The course is marked with bright pink markers a brilliant choice. There is certainly no second-guessing the way to go and my focus is on the route. Im thankful for full suspension technology. Some of the obstacles certainly rattle my aging frame, but my Giant Anthem X is working flawlessly and my body is pumping. The magnificent scenery and perfect weather take some of the sting off, but not all of it. I reach the short sharp hills of the Arqi Loop just past the halfway mark and my
The participants at the starting line.
nsHajar MTB'ing race 2012
Photos By: Graham Fleet
heart rate is at an all-time new record. The hills are way steep and the downhill on the other side simply leads to yet another steep climb. By the time I reach the single track section, my legs feel like lead. The terrain through the single track is simply awesome. Only goat trails and the pink markers to light my way. My technical skills are truly put to the test as I round small boulders was splendid. The race was tough, but the view and trees to keep my pace up. I then reach the wadi bed that is covered in shoebox-sized rocks and aptly named The Rock Garden. I keep my poise and momentum and clear the wadi leading into a series of goat trails. I approach a narrow pass and to my surprise, I see nothing but a rocky steep descent that leads into the goat trails of a wider flat area. Im really pumping and my heart rate has never been so high. I clear the goat trails, cross a small rocky obstacle and enter a wide wadi with old tracks. I approach the last descent and Im surprised by the loose surface. I manage Thursday, 2nd February 2012, 06:30 a.m. to negotiate the turns and the fast approach into the soft pebbles of Just like an orchestra, alarms start going the wadi below. off within seconds from all over the camping I pass the finish line in grounds. People emerge from their tents; just under two hours and some are feeling the pain, while others look Im stoked. There are somewhat fresh I belong in the former three more days and they group. I start preparing breakfast: oats with guarantee to push my a banana and honey and a couple of fried limits. Im really looking eggs. The breakfast of champions! Race start forward to it. is 8:00 a.m. I originally entered the Friendly banter fills the air as the aroma race to prepare for the of coffee wafts around the camp. Todays Cape Epic in South Afstage is the first of three marathon stages rica in March, and this is and although the time trial of yesterday took perfectly timed for those some effort, we still have some in reserve planning to take on that for this 86km stage. No sooner have you big race. Besides, its finished breakfast, lubed your chain and got only a four-day race, so dressed, then its already time to head over how hard can it be? for the briefing. I finish putting up my The pre-stage meeting sees all the riders tent, and then take a congregate around the entrance to the Race shower at the shower
block in the Race village. I chill with the other racers near the Race Office and talk bikes with people from all over the Gulf region. Some have travelled from as far as Spain and Switzerland to be here today, and like all mountain bikers, theyre all pretty laid back. The timekeepers post the results of the day and like bees to honey, we hover around the results pages discussing the standings. The Race Village is well equipped with power generators and lights and a small chill zone of sorts. We retreat to our cocoons in anticipations of tomorrows stage.
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Office and race founder, Lake Arapakis, describes the challenge of the day. The various obstacles to be aware of and other details are described. He is joined by the route director and co-founder, David Beniston, who further discusses some of todays more notable sights. With 10 minutes before the start, we line up for the group start. Were all a lot more relaxed this morning having survived the time trial of yesterday. At 86km of racing, we were really in for a treat. The pace was fast, but the steep hills played a significant role in splitting the group. The lead riders had long disappeared and I was to discover later that they were all riding together for most of the stage until the last 20km, which saw all riders racing back to the Race Village finish line through Wadi Lahloo. The challenge here is that the wadi is mostly uphill and the steep little climbs only add to the effort. With 60-something kilometres already in our legs, this part of the race is just torture. My legs are cramping and my wellthought out nutrition and hydration plan is being put to the test. Im suffering climbing the last hill before the finish. The sight of footprints is both reassuring (Im not the only one to walk this last hill), and a warning of what happens next. Both my legs cramp at the same time and Im alone on the hill waiting for the muscles to loosen up. It takes a minute or so and I step off the bike and start the push over the top. The descent to the finish is one of the most excruciating mo-
riders, and those whose eyes I catch do not appear to share Lakes enthusiasm. We are told that there is a mix of tracks, blacktop, graded roads, and the soft wadi beds of Wadi Quriyat. The pace starts gently enough with the lead riders controlling the pace, until we hit the trails of the aptly named Power Line Trail. The leaders take off and a large plume of dust marks their progress. As for me and those around me, the effort of the last two days is speaking volumes. But its a race and we press on. The walls of Wadi Quriyat are simply magnificent and seem to rise into the sky. Small river crossings add a certain element of challenge that was really unexpected in a desert race. The wadi floor with its pebbles and soft trails really take a lot of work. We reach the climb of the old Quriyat Highway and even though its blacktop, its grade reminds you to do a bit more hill work. The ride to the finish seems endless, and then we turn into The Spike, an impossible climb that forces everyone to portage their rides to the top. The effort is debilitating and my calves are burning, but there is no point in stopping. The relief at the top is greeted by a steep descent and the last few kilometers over old tracks are welcomed. I reach the finish completely spent. I have just taken on one of the biggest days on a mountain bike, and I only have one more day before becoming an official TransHajar finisher.
Saturday, 4th February 2012, 08:00 a.m.

Everyones legs are feeling the past three days. Its just as painful for the guys struggling in the back of the pack as it is for those in the lead. Todays course will be shorter, but still tough. The plan is to get everyone across the finish in time for lunch and the closing ceremonies. Three nights in a tent and three days of solid racing have taken their toll on my body. I lined up for the start this morning with a determination to earn my finishers medallion. The course starts off with a massive climb. I just dont have the power today and I find myself amongst the majority of riders who resort to pushing their rides up this climb. The single track section tests the technical skills, but its hard to find the strength. There is nothing but relief at the finish. My smile says it all and I feel the pride overwhelm me. I have just completed four, great days of racing through some of Omans most picturesque scenery.
ments of relief that I have ever encountered. I find out later in the afternoon that everyone, including the lead riders felt exactly the same way.
Friday, 3rd February 2012, 7:45 a.m.

Weve just been told that we have 114km of incredible riding to look forward to today. I look around at some of the other
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Scaling Jebel Shams

I started from the wadi (start of the W4 footpath) at approximately 4:30 a.m. and 24C. i made my way to the canyon edge using the head torch. on previous visits to Jebel shams, the moonlight has been excellent, but i wasnt so lucky on this occasion. Walking alongside the grand Canyon watching the sunrise was amazing. then i continued to the summit ridge, only stopping briefly to take in the views of the omani mountains.
Jebel Shams is a climb of almost 1,000m from start point to summit, focus and attention should be given to the rolling landscape, additional height climbed and horizontal distance to the summit. The route repeatedly gains and loses height, which adds considerable time all the way up and back making this a very difficult mountain to summit not due of technicality, but because of the horizontal walking distance and amount of vertical height climbed. Its location and the climate makes it challenge too even for the experienced mountaineer. Its located in the Oman desert where temperatures regularly hit over 40C, with almost zero wind speed and heat reflecting
Words + Photos: Gary Edwards

from the baked rock which keeps the temperatures constant all the way to the summit. This requires careful attention. After walking alongside the Grand Canyon I reached the summit ridge, where I saw the rock face of Jebel Shams with a stunning vertical drop to the valley floor of approximately over 1,500m. Just when you feel youve completed most of the walk, you then realise youre probably little over half-way. Although this appears flat on almost every map Ive found, there are many descent points. Its a relentless mental battle of expecting the next high point that will lead to the summit, only to be shown yet another descent. Once on the summit, I took in everything: the beautiful view and the amazing feeling of another achievement over 1,000m direct height gain with a lot of additional height climb in severe heat up to 39C over good distance. Oman itself is said to be a very inhospitable desert and requires special skill set to walk. To be able to conquer the summit of the highest mountain in Oman and in the GCC is an incomparable personal accomplishment. I was lucky enough to have an eagle fly about fifty metres above. This was without a doubt one of the most amazing sights and landscapes Ive ever seen. After a rest, it was time to return and I set along the same route I took to the summit. I had planned my water usage correctly, unlike my previous summit in December 2011, which saw me climb down into a large wadi and drink boiled wadi water (not recommended). I had only used 3l by the summit with 3.5l remaining of the 6.5l which I started with. The journey back seems endless as your body tires more as the day continues, also you still need to climb many sections as you go back even until you reach the starting point. I was on a timeline so I continued straight on knowing that I didnt want to waste a moment, stopping briefly to
realise that I hadnt applied my sun cream for several hours and had not changed my top for the anti-UV. Once Ive changed and applied the sun cream, it was straight on to the worst part of the walk, which is returning to the car. I say the worst part because most accidents happen at the end of the day, where you become exhausted and not to mention the low sugar, salt levels and dehydrated state due to excessive physical exertion. Once I had negotiated what seemed like double the amount of wadis compared to earlier, I eventually could see the start point, which raised my spirits a lot higher. It soon became apparent, however, that there were still several more wadis to negotiate! This is where a mountaineers persistence comes into play and you just continue on regardless of everything else. Eventually, I made the last wadi climb and walked across the plateau descending into a wadi, which was the start point to my finish. The day was a great success thanks to the fantastic views. Mountaineering is my passion and I love the outdoors and all that it has to offer. I look forward to the next visit to the Omani mountains, which is an amazing environment to be a mountain leader, explorer and adventurer.
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
eland Ic
to ng weekend A lo
Were originally from the Northeast of England, where its cold, wet and windy most of the year. We live in the UAE now and we love the heat, the fact that theres little rain, and definitely no snow or ice (if you ignore the icing-sugar that dusts the highest peaks one day every few years in the UAE).
So where did we go for a long weekend? Iceland, in the North Atlantic - home of snow, ice, rain, volcanoes and earthquakes. Iceland is the country to go for extreme sports if you can face the cold and wet. The landscape is ancient, rugged, awesome and at the same time, beautiful like the Highlands and west coast of Scotland after a visit to Dr Frankensteins lab. Igor pass the lightning conductor! They apparently have more volcanic eruptions and earthquakes there than almost anywhere else on earth, and the landscape displays the evidence in abundance. Great cracks and fissures in the bedrock wherever you look. Precipitous mountain faces and boulder fields tell of massive earthquakes and gigantic lava flows are the fruits of volcanic eruptions, with steam and boiling water belching out of the ground everywhere. Icelanders get all of their electricity from geothermal sources and drinking water from the glaciers 40 years of natural filtration from glacier to the city then its free from every tap. At our age, we (my wife Janet and I, two adventurers in their late 50s), dont do anything too strenuous, but we do like to see the world and dabble a little in the exciting stuff. It was late September when we were there, just on the turn from warm(ish) summer towards winter. Wind and rain was generally the order of the day, and temperatures were in the low teens. We didnt know what the weather would be like as its very changeable, so our cases were packed to the limits with loads of warm and wet weather gear. Luckily, we didnt need most of it, but at least we were prepared. Wed pre-booked two days of adventures, as our stay was only for three nights. So, on the first day we were signed up for a ten hour off-road tour, in the type of truck made famous by the BBC TV programme Top Gear many years ago. A 4x4 on steroids, with giant tyres and can go anywhere and it just about did, with room for six passengers and all of their winter gear. Deep into the hinterland, we had to cross a mountain range to get to Langjkull Glacier, where we took part in snowmobiling on the glacier. It really made a change from dune bashing at Big Red and Liwa! There was no snow on the mountains or roads until we hit the glacier, but in the winter, snow covers most of the island and the whole travel experience gets fantastically exciting. The glaciers are up to 600m thick, so theres no chance of them melting overnight with a little rain. Unfortunately, the lack of
Words + Photos By: Geoffrey Car
twright
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fresh snow meant that there was a lot of exposed ice, made very wet and even-more slippery by the water. Very slippery, very rough and very cold ice, and with us novices on snowmobiles in misty rain and on bumpy ice, spells spills! Many in the party succumbed to the uneven battle of heavy snowmobiles leaning at all angles against the laws of gravity (but not us!). The experts said it would have been much easier in snow! But maybe not as exciting. We were kitted out in fleece-lined one-piece coveralls, with boots, gloves and helmets - geared up for the arctic and imagining we were Roger Moore chasing Jaws across the frozen wastes, limited visibility, freezing rain, headlights on just awesome. Ive not jet-skied yet, but I imagine its
pretty similar, if you forget the water, the sun and the near absence of clothes! Two hours passed very quickly, and we were all too soon back to the 4x4 and out to journey around the island. Allegedly the best inland, underground snorkelling in the world is here as well, we watched those brave enough to do it prepare, but we gave that one a miss this time. I cant imagine how cold the water must have been. We were due to take part in another full day off-road trip on our second day along the rugged southeast coast, crossing rivers, boulder fields and more mountains, but it was cancelled at the last minute. So we were then offered the chance to visit The Blue Lagoon; hot springs turned into a tourist attraction where you swim or wade around in hot water up to your waist, while ice cold rain pets down on your head and upper body. To be honest, it wouldnt have been our choice, but it was kind of foisted on us at the last minute and, because the tour company had messed up, it was free.You can see the steam, the rain and the fools in their bathing costumes in the picture below but just look at the lifeguard! Hes wrapped up for the North Atlantic convoys! Iceland has been on our bucket list for ages and now weve ticked it off, but we want to go back, experience more winter sports and explore the rugged landscape in detail. Well probably hire our own transport next time, the island is large enough to quite easily spend a week exploring and still only see a portion. Its an expensive place to visit, flights arent too frequent and hotels are rustic. Food, drinks, tours and so on are frighteningly costly but the rewards are there to be experienced. Marks out of ten (apart from the cancelled tour!)? Definitely ten and highly recommended. Now, its camping in the dunes and burnt feet next!
PRODUCT REVIEW
Sub-zero Heroes
Nizar tests out some great gear from Marmot in Ski Dubai
In last months issue of OutdoorUAE, we saw Nizar Fakhoury, the founder of Climb for Cancer (a non-profit initiative in Dubai), along with three members of his team spend 24-hours camping out in Ski Dubai as part of their climbing training program. Essential to their preparation for an expedition later this year, the team used this time to test out the gear they would be taking with them.
We caught up with Nizar to see if the gear lived up to his expectations in Ski Dubais sub-zero environment. The Marmot Baffin Hoody Jacket is likely the best piece of outdoor clothing I have tried in recent years.It has an alarming heat-to-weight ratio for a jacket that is extremely light (439g!), you wont even feel youre wearing one. It provides unbeatable warmth in cold environments down to slightly below freezing point with its Thermal R Eco insulation, requiring nothing more than a thin-layer underneath for optimal comfort. This jacket is not designed to be used as the outer layer on sub-zero expeditions; however, it is a perfect lightweight mid-layer during any cold-weather adventure. During long expeditions, you will cherish anything that is lightweight and this remarkable jacket is exactly what you need to reduce space and weight. Its water repellent qualities will keep you dry, but it should not to be confused as a waterproof jacket. The fabric is thin, making it overall sensitive to the rugged elements. The interior mesh pocket is ideal for keeping snacks or liquids close to your body and its large enough to carry few essentials. Its Angel-Wing design gives you freedom to easily move your arms perfect for climbers and mountaineers. Im very impressed with this featherweight jacket, which will definitely accompany me on my next adventure trip. Another essential piece of gear we put to the test is the Limelight
zero conditions. The tent has two D-shaped zip doors on both sides for easy access. Anyone whos ever camped will know how difficult it is to step over others in case you need to leave the tent at awkward timings, so this feature simply makes life very easy. It also has a small window perfect for looking outside without leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag. The flooring is waterproof to keep you dry on wet or snowy conditions, and it is also curved upward on all sides to avoid the doors opening directly on the ground. It also includes sufficient mesh storage on the inside to neatly tuck away your personal belongings. The mesh ceiling is a great touch to avoid tent moisture dripping on you while you sleep. This is a three-season tent which is very well-made, extremely easy to set up and super sturdy for those harsh weather conditions. And lastly, the Never Summer Sleeping Bag.In sub-zero temperatures, this bag will be your best friend! It performed nicely in temperatures down to 8C. The liner is extremely soft and with 600-fill goose down keeps you very warm and comfortable. The bag holds slightly more foot room than your traditional sleeping bag, which gives you more comfort and overall movement. A stash pocket located inside the bag is perfect to keep your batteries from draining overnight. The zipper guards do an average job as there is a good chance that the liner fabric will get caught in the zipper, so caution is required while zipping. The bag is easily packable and can be compressed to a decent size and weight. Another superb feature is the down-filled collar to ensure cold air does not seep into your body, plus it provides great comfort near your neck. The side seams of the bag located at the ground level allows a full layer of insulation above you from side to side. A small pocket close to your feet is great for people who like to use heat packets. Anything below 9C and this bag will do a great job in keeping you safe and alive overnight without any hesitation.
In support of Climb for Cancer, ZSI Trading, the official distributor of Marmot in the Middle East, supplied the group with Marmot award-winning products. To find out more about Climb for Cancer, logon to www.climbforcancer.org.
3P Tent. The amazing aspect of this tent is that it requires only two minutes to set up even for a first timer. This is perfect after a long day of climbing or trekking when your energy levels are at their lowest and you just want a comfortable enclosure within minutes. Inside, it is remarkably airy with mesh side panels, doors and higher-than-average ceiling. When sharing with two others, you will know how precious it is to be able to get some fresh air inside! As a result, this tent is not designed for extreme sub-
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ZSI Trading LLC, Official Distributor of Marmot in the Middle East. Marmot Collection available at GoSports, Mall of the Emirates, Adventure HQ, Times Square Centre, Snow Pro, Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates. www.zsicorp.com
Photographer Andy Mann
PRODUCTS
A round-up of quality products available right here in the UAE
Marmot Leadville Jacket 785 AED
Available at Go Sports Mall of the Emirates and Adventure HQ Times Square Center.
This non-hooded jacket delivers high-calibre, M2 softshell performance perfect for any active sport from aerobic sports to alpine climbing to cross-country running to spring skiing. With WINDSTOPPER fabric (windproof with maximum breathability), Angel-Wing Movement and a lightweight form-followsfunction design, it provides comfort and unrestricted movement. GORE WINDSTOPPER fabric that is wind and water-resistant Marmot M2 Softshell that is water-repellent, highly breathable, wind-resistant, durable and warm Windproof, water-resistant and breathable Hand pockets with concealed zippers Chest pocket with concealed zipper Venting side panels Adjustable Velcro cuff Reflective logos Elastic draw cord hem for adjustability in serious weather Angel-Wing Movement allows full-range of motion in arms so jacket doesnt ride up
Fox Instinct Boots (white with red) 2,600 AED

Available at Al Yousuf Motors showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. (Special offer from Al Yousuf! Get a free Fox Shuttle Gearbag with every purchase of Fox Instinct Boots).
The Fox Instinct Boots are made with new instep material and piping as well as new gasket material for improved abrasion resistance. Other features include a new instep pattern to eliminate any gaping and a TPU hinge cover to eliminate premature wear over the hinge bolt on inside of boot. Featuring rounded edges on all straps to prevent chaffing of instep, each boot also has a longer underlay on two lower straps. Claiming to be the boots that make you go faster, this piece of kit is an essential part of any motocross gear bag. RCI (Ride Control Interface) provides the rider with unobstructed contact with the bike DURATAC rubber compound on the outsole, burn guard and hinge cover to achieve optimal grip with bulletproof durability FRE (Full Response Engineering) hinge design provides a controlled range of movement allowing effortless linear mobility and incredible lateral stability
Trek Madone 3.1 WSD Carbon Road Bike 8,990 AED

Available at Trek UAE (Oud Metha, next to Lamcy Plaza) Tel: 04 335 0399 or visit www.trekbikes.ae, also available at Probike (Al Barsha 1). Already used to win by women cyclists at the very highest level worldwide, the UAE Womens National Team will also be riding and racing on the Trek Madone 3.1 WSD this 2013, as sponsored by Trek UAE. This bike packs a ton of high-end road bike tech into Treks greatest Carbon value yet, delivering superior performance and the winning legacy that defines Madone.
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ss Find your way to ultimate Fitne
with the new Polar rC3 GPs
If youre going to invest in one piece of fitness gear this year, make sure it is the Polar RC3 GPS, which guarantees smarter training and an improved performance by tracking your route, speed and distance using built-in GPS and then providing you with instant post-session feedback. The one-stop fitness aid incorporates some of the most state-of-the-art technology in sports equipment today and despite weighing in at just 58 grams; it packs a formidable fitness punch. A must for anyone looking to see real results. Here are six ways in which the Polar RC3 GPS will change your fitness regime forever: 1. Thanks to the new built-in GPS, the innovative Back to Start GPS feature directs you back to your starting point in the shortest possible distance when training, enabling you to explore more adventurous off-road routes in the UAE, safe in the knowledge that youll be directed back to your starting point at the press of a button.
2. With the Sports Profile feature, you can pre-select a sport before you begin your training. This easy-to-use pre-select option lets you monitor your training intensity to the demands of your specific discipline so you can be sure to train at the right level every time. 3. The unique Smart Coaching feature is your ultimate guide to boost your training for rapid improvement and feedback on your progress. Each feature can be personalised to your training needs for maximum motivation. 4. To get to grips with the effectiveness of your training, Training Benefit analyses each training session to make sure you are on the right track to achieve your targets. And for those looking to maximise their training, you can vary the intensity of training sessions to avoid any under or overtraining which can be detrimental to your fitness regime.
5. Running Index is the easiest way to monitor your running speed, in terms of how easily you can run at a given pace and how efficient your body is at maintaining this race pace. The most effective way to use this programme is to measure your Running Index over a period of time to monitor your progress as it develops so you can build on your performance day-to-day. 6. After training, the Training Load programme will tell you how hard youve trained and how much time it will take you to fully recover before you can begin training again. This way you can control your fitness regime effectively, identify your personal training limits and compare variances in recovery time between sessions to notice when you really begin to make improvements. The Polar RC3 GPS also captures all your training data and can be reviewed at the end of each session. To keep you focused and ontarget the Polar RC3 GPS enables you to log onto www.polarpersonaltrainer.com for free and is designed to motivate and support your training, from beginning to end.
RC3 GPS HR 1,450 AED

Available at Sport in Life in January 2013. The RC3 GPS includes training device, USB cable and H3 heart rate sensor. Sleek, complete with SiRFstar IV GPS technology and long battery life. Battery life in continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function ON up to 12 hours In continuous use when recording a training session with the GPS function OFF up to 1,700 hours When you train on average 1 hour/day, seven days/week with the GPS function ON up to 11 days; with the GPS function OFF up to 120 days; and when only the time view is used up to four months.
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SHOEI Hornet-DS 2013 2,780 AED

Available at Sebsports contact at 04 339 3399 or visit www.sebsports.com
The new dual-purpose on-and off-road helmet; SHOEI Hornet-DS delivers double action! The Hornet-DS is a SHOEI helmet designed for use on all terrains. It unites the advantages of a full-face helmet with those of an off-road helmet. The removable visor shield doesnt just look fantastic, it also ensures great aerodynamics and keeps the riders face safe from flying dirt on off-road terrain. The wedge-shape design reduces drag especially at high speeds as it diverts the airstream to the back of the helmet thereby reducing wind pressure. This is the perfect symbiosis of design and function. This model would make an excellent companion for your next road trip or adventure tour to the east coast or Oman.
Casio Pro Trek PRG-550-1A9 1,495 AED

Available at G-Factory Al-Ghurair (04 2525217) and all other leading watch outlets in UAE.
From Pro Trek, the watch trusted by outdoor adventurers everywhere, comes a new collection of easy-to-read analogue-digital combination models. Big, Neo Bright coated analogue hands indicate time, direction, altitude differential and barometric pressure changes. The simple design of the face makes measurement data easy to read, and a Tough Solar power system helps to ensure uninterrupted operation. Tough Solar Triple Sensor: compass, barometer/thermometer, altimeter Low temperature resistant (-10C)
MSR WhisperLite Universal 965 AED

Available at Adventure HQ Times Square Center
The ultimate, hybrid-fuel backpacking stove. The WhisperLite burns just about any fuel you are likely to find. Hybrid-fuel performance: patent pending AirControl technology creates the optimal fuel/air mix for top-notch performance with canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline Canister Liquid Feed: increased cold weather performance with consistent output regardless of fuel levels; canister stand Included Lightweight: aluminum mixer tube, extra-stable stainless steel legs and refined design keep weight to a minimum Easy transitions: liquid and canister fuel couplers pair with fuel-specific jets for quick and easy transitions Field maintainable: self-cleaning Shaker Jet technology and redesigned leg assembly facilitate fast cleaning and even easier maintenance in the field
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Icey-Tek Cooler 60L 750 AED

Available at www.iceytekuae.com. For more information, email Ali on ali@iceytek.com, or contact 050 611 5616. Icey-Tek is powered by pressure injected, medium-density ICI polyurethane. The 35mm walls, floor and lid, ensures ice longevity of up to 12 days using block ice. The boxes are NASA tried and tested; having been used for their insulation qualities! Thermoplastic latches Rope handles Heavy-duty hinge system Rubber sealed lids Dual bungs Packaging Largest range
Endura Equipe Race Gilet 375 AED

Available at Adventure HQ Times Square Center and all good bike shops. The compact gilet has a front windproof panel with waterproof rear pockets. Due to the nature of the material, the pack size will easily fit in a jersey pocket. Ultra packable stows in jersey pocket Windproof and shower-proof front with full zipper Stretch shoulder and side panels for non-flap fit Zipped security pocket Laser cut inner storm flap Stretch fit collar Mesh back for optimal venting Splash back waterproof back hem panel Silicone gripper lightweight hem 80% Polyamide (Nylon),10% Elastane (Spandex),10% Polyester Available in black and white
Scott Genius 730 16,795AED

Available at Wolfis Bike Shop This is the ultimate Trail bike. The all new Genius 730 features a totally redesigned frame optimized for 27.5 (650b) wheels. The 6061 alloy frame is offered in 150mm travel and a high end component spec. Frame: SCOTT Genius 27.5/650b Alloy 6061 Fork: FOX 34 Talas 650b Evolution, 3 modes, 150-100-0 mm Shock: SCOTT DT Nude2, 3 modes Group set: Shimano XT /SLX Brakes: Shimano SLX Parts: Syncros 1.5 / 2.0 series Wheels: Syncros XC-55 27.5/650b
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Jamie Oliver Wood Fired Oven Dome 60 6,995 AED

Available at The Dubai Garden Centre
Described as one of the best outdoor ovens out there, this wood-fired oven is an essential part to any outdoor cooking experience. Even more versatile than a BBQ, it will quickly become a social hub whatever the season. Reaching up to temperatures of more than 450C, and just 1m wide, it sits easily in a small garden or on a terrace and takes just 20 minutes to assemble. With great heat retention, you can even cook in it for up to two hours after the fire goes out.
Stanley Adventure Vacuum Food Jar (green, 18oz) 160 AED

Available at Go Sport The Dubai Mall
Featuring Stanley Classics superior double wall vacuum insulation, this stainless steel food jar will keep your grub hot or cold for six hours. It comes with a full-sized spork, 12oz insulated lid/bowl and a storage compartment inside the stopper to hold your matches, money or snacks perfect for hiking and camping.
Rose Sultani 69 AED

Available at The Dubai Garden Centre
Deep pink or purple-pink with an amazing and strong rose fragrance, this flower is perfect for the outdoors. This beauty has large, full roses with up to 26-40 petals in small clusters and quartered in bloom form. Once-blooming in spring or summer. Remember to remove old canes and dead or diseased wood, and prune after flowering is finished.
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2013
Sebsports Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
The 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is just a few months away, so if youre thinking of taking part in this great weeklong adventure nows the time to start thinking about getting your motorcycle or ATV set up for whats ahead. A lot of people dont necessarily realise the amount of work involved in preparing for an international rally such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, so make sure you start as early as possible. This will allow you to spend the weeks leading up to the event focusing on your mental and physical preparedness instead of the state of your motorcycle or ATV.
With countless years of Desert Challenge experience, the team at Sebsports offers customers a turnkey cross-country racing solution. Since the teams first Desert Challenge in 2003 we have worked with various original equipment manufacturers like Yamaha, Suzuki and KTM to help them achieve their racing aspirations. Indeed, Sebastian Husseini, manager of Sebsports, was the 2007 Fdration Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation or FIM) Quad Cross-Country World Champion. All these years have allowed us to build a deep body of cross-country racing and Desert Challenge knowledge, as a race-ready motorcycle or ATV is nothing like the one you would see on a showroom floor.
Auxiliary fuel tanks are installed to give you the extended range and autonomy that is required by the regulations. FIM-approved electronic communication, navigation and safety equipment is also installed to allow you to
navigate the course and communicate with safety officials. These systems also allow your family, friends and sponsors to track your progress online in real time. On the performance side, we typically recommend terrain-specific, custom-built racing suspension to ensure proper handling even with all the weight of the extra equipment. The suspension is coupled with heavy duty racing wheels and tyres that are designed to cope with the harsh environments encountered during the rally. Engine modifications are kept to a minimum in order to maintain factory levels of reliability we have seen great success with the simple additions of an oil cooler, high-flow air intake and free-flow exhaust system. We will, of course, re-map the engine control unit to ensure optimal engine performance with all these modifications. Sebsports offers a service package that includes maintenance, technical assistance and trackside support. We also handle the supply and logistics of spare parts, accommodation, transportation and branded race-wear if required. If youre a little crazy and enjoy pushing both yourself and your bike to the limits, then you should really consider taking part in this legendary rally. The terrain of the Empty Quarter is simply stunning and the atmosphere of camaraderie at the bivouac is second to none. Give us a call, wed be happy to discuss the various options with you.
Get geared up
The first & only online shop of its kind in the Middle East, sebsports.com is your one stop shop for world class off-road power sport accessories and equipment. Supported by a full-fledged workshop for services, repairs and customisation, sebsports.com is run by riders, for riders. Drop in, and gear up!
Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, U.A.E, Tel: +9714 3393399 GPS: N.25.09.602 E.055.14.338
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OUR EXPERTS
Winter Doldrums How to beat the cold and make your fishing hot!
Words + Photos By: Kit Belen
Winter is the peak time for fishing here in the UAE and Oman. The challenge is when it gets too cold, too fast.
Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column. thefishingkit@gmail.com
When the temperature drops, the fish suddenly get a bad case of lockjaw and finding success in these times could be very challenging. This is the time when catch rates just plummet, just as fast as t he mercury! Fish become lethargic in cold water and oftentimes refuse to feed as they normally do. Although you will still catch fish, the overall catch rate drops. Fish would be most likely be tight on structure and it becomes important to fish closer to cover, closer than you normally would in normal fishing conditions. As the air temperature drops, the surface water temperature also drops. This will force fish to move into deeper water looking for a temperature range that they are more comfortable in. This would be in places where the water temperature is warmer. Fish are cold blooded and their body temperature is regulated by the surroundings. They become lethargic in cold water, as their metabolism slows down. Since they will be extra lazy in these conditions, they will not be in the mood to chase fast moving prey. Although feeding wont be on top of their priority list (since their metabolism is slow, they wont be needing much food to survive) big meals are not needed, easy meals are! Food that dont take much energy to catch and
Storm Clouds and strong winds plus a cold morning launch told us not to expect much of the mornings fishing
Heading out in a cold morning
consume could trigger their feeding instinct. With those variables in mind, you can piece together the puzzle that would spell you some success in this challenging time: a snack, instead of a meal, fishing deep, fishing light and fishing slow is the name of the game. Although there are a lot of specialist lures you can use to fish in these conditions, the easiest to use would be soft plastic lures. Arguably the most versatile of lures, the soft plastic is probably the most confusing to the neophyte angler! With over a hundred variations and more colour combinations than the most psychedelic of rainbows, the choice to pick one is a daunting task! To make matters simple, I stick to the three basic ones that catch fish, and use most often: the curly tail, the paddle tail and the jerk shad type. Of the three, I most often use the paddle tail, followed by the grub. When the fish is most active or when Im prospecting, I use the jerk shad. Paddle tails are perhaps the most straightforward of all and has accounted for most of my fish in soft plastics. To fish it, you just simply cast out and reel it in. Depending on the fish youre after, you either adjust your speed by reeling in fast or slow, you can twitch it, jerk it and you can fish it just under the surface or slow roll it by reeling it slow just off the bottom. When the fish are actively feeding or when Im fan casting an area, I use a jerk shad. It is the first soft plastic I would rig with because its a fast-paced lure (although I know some people that effectively fish it slow with great success) I find that this type of soft plastic gets the most reaction bites and is still quite fast even when worked slow. The grub is my top choice for fishing in the slowest pace and is my top lure for cold weather fishing. The curl tail does its magic even in the slowest of
Lunch with the Boynes - Seabream caught with tiny jigs and very light leaders
Fishing with a light Madai Jig slowly off the bottom made all the difference for Alan Boyne, with this nice diamond trevally
Redbird fitted with more rod holders for trolling, the high winds made for some awesome sailing!
speeds and is deadly when its slowly falling towards the bottom after the cast. You get a lot of strikes when fish intercept it while on its slow decent to the bottom. One of the most important things to remember with soft
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A paddletail soft plastic bait, easy to use and fish love them, the micro sized ones are great for cold weather fishing!
Tiny soft plastics coupled with light line and leaders can make or break a cold day trip
plastics is to use just enough weight to reach the bottom. I see far too many people using a jig head thats far too heavy for the place they are fishing and is the key to fishing cold weather. The choice of which colour to use is a matter of personal preference, however, the choice of which type to use is a matter of experience. In cold water situations however, I stick with the curly tail grub and the paddle tail to help me catch my fish. Fishing with leaders as light as 4 to 6lb (2 to 3kg) breaking strain is not for everyone, but when the chips are down, I would rather have a strike and a chance at landing a good fish, than none at all! In the best of times, the size of the gear you use would not matter and you can catch a whole mess
of fish. In tougher times, fishing with light line and with the right rod, reel and lures or bait that goes with it will make a difference. Although fishing with light line will get you most strikes in ideal conditions, it shines its brightest in situations where you require stealth and cold weather fishing. If you want to try something new or when fishing deep water, dont miss out on the action and tie on a Japanese slow jig. The Madai jigs are very simple to use, just cast them out, let them sink to the bottom and slowly reel them in, hopping them occasionally or just reel them in with a slow straight wind. They are very effective and consistent producers the world over. There are a few places in Dubai that sell them, all of them work, just remember to fish them slow. The winter gives us some great fishing days, but we already know that the best fishing time for us isnt always the best time for fish to bite. It is up to us to find a formula that works. Flexibility and a little bit of patience goes a long way in our sport and before you know it, there will be a few things you will learn to apply to your regular routine by fishing slow and light. We still have a few months to go before the heat starts creeping in. Make each outing count! Till next tide change,
Grubs are great for working slow and deep, their tails move even in the slightest twitches of the rod tip
Kit
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OUR EXPERTS
venturiek Ch c Ad
in South East Asia
The weather was atrocious and many hours were spent in darkness, leaving me with plenty of time to reflect on the race and what I learnt along the way. Some, although not all, follow:
It need not be a hindrance to not know the

tori
writer, runner, blogger & adidas athlete PS. My email address is tori@fitchicksandfastwomen. com for thoughts, ideas, and suggestions or just to say hello!
jestic mountains of Manaslu, Nepal, I returned to the sandpit for a short hiatus before heading off to the bright city lights of Hong Kong for yet another brutal event. This time for the Oxfam Trailwalker race an arduous 100km trail race and the original in the now global Trailwalker series.
The route was stunning and saw some 4,000 competitors take part, all in teams of four. This was my first team event, a prospect I found as daunting as the terrain and distance itself. Putting a solo artist-slash-introvert into a group setting is like forcing a fish out of water, but actually, with the giggles we four adventure chicks had, I wouldnt have swapped it for the world.
After last months awesome 100km in the ma-
course or route. My team and most others trained often on them. I opted instead for my usual little sand-based excursions here in Dubai, normally pack on back and list of errands in tow. That and my much-loved stair-climbing in Media Citys Twin Towers. I welcomed this and found there was always an element of surprise and wonder. The views from the top of some mountain ridges were nothing short of spectacular truly stunning! Support crews in races such as these are a godsend. We had a cracking crew who proved quietly efficient, super supportive, ber motivating, helpful, kind, encouraging and just total rock stars. Ditto when it comes to the volunteers. They remain kind, helpful and supportive for hours and hours on end and are rarely given the thanks they deserve. Team dynamics are really important. The four of us had never trained together, but despite being on the trails for a very long time, much of which was in the dark, with torrential downpour, strong winds, mammoth and some pretty technical ascents and descents, never mind the sleep deprivation this brings, not once was a bad word spoken. Regardless of the challenge that lies ahead, you can never have a too glamorous team. We may be total adventure chicks, but an up-to-date buff and polish is essential, as are a lash of mascara, a swipe of lip gloss and perhaps a little bling thrown in for good measure. Bungee rope is a marvelous invention to support team members in need of a bit of a tow. Of course, my back disagreed postrace after doing it for so long but still Never listen to marshalls when they tell you how many kilometres remain. I swear we must have covered 105km and the look on the faces of my team when I ran back to say, heres the finish guys, only to realise that the flags denoted last 700m will remain forever etched. Partying straight after the race was deferred in place of some much needed shuteye, but we made up for this the following nights at some of the cities coolest night spots. Post HK, I cushioned the blow of leav-
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ing the scene of most of Adventure Chicks formative years with a petit vacances in Thailand. Well, if indeed you can call it a holiday. You see, for the first time, I was on tour not for a race myself, but to support a race the Ironman 70.3 in Phuket where I was an official TWAG, meaning Triathlon Wives and Girlfriends! I must admit, I spent the days leading up to the event with complete and utter race envy. The electric atmosphere, the growing anticipation, the nervous excitement they are feelings we all love to hate prior to a race. I spent my days asking every
competitor I spoke to a myriad of questions. The quest to learn about another sport becomes a sport in itself. And I spent a lot of time thinking about why Ironman races and triathlon, in fact, has become such a phenomenally massive sport. I came to the simple yet sweet conclusion that its down to the lure of having a big, hairy and audacious goal. People love big goals. BIG goals. Most New Years resolutions fail not because people make them with an intention to fail, but rather because they set them too small. Choose little goals and they dont matter, they seem unimportant and not worth the hassle to achieve. But set yourself a big challenge and the will to win becomes worth committing to. You stir up motivation and determination from deep within. On that note, this issue of OutdoorUAE will hit the shelves at just the perfect time
to set some new goals for yourself in 2013. Christmas will have been and gone and with any luck the calorie-laden brunches and excessive drinks will be behind us. The weather however, remains glorious, so get outdoors and embrace the cool crisp air and the joys of being active.
Love Tori x
636
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THE 2013
OUR EXPERTS
Some things are worth waiting for

Climbing Idwal Balata Sakhria in Musandam
Its said that patience is a virtue. But sometimes, its not by choice and it can be the source of much angst. In 2007, while travelling in the Musandam, Oman with my family, I caught sight of an unfeasibly large rock slab. Although it lay beyond a couple of distant ridgelines and seemed unlikely to be easily accessed, we wanted to see if we could get close to it. We drove to the head of the last wadi nearest to it the Wadi Baneh where we were met by a head wall that, at the time, appeared to be too horribly loose and precipitous to scale. So, our plan to see the slab up close was thwarted. Having subsequently found it on Google Earth, the easiest way to reach it appeared to be a 22km long walk-in from the coastal village of Limah, which is only accessible by boat. So the plan to ever get there was put on to the back burner of aspirations.
Words + Photos: Mike Nott
is an avid adventurer. He is also the expert behind the ME4x4 supplements that we have shared with you over the year. We will also be bringing you his opus, if you will, in the form of a book entitled Advanced Off-Road Adventure Routes for the UAE and Oman. Available now at www.outdooruae. com and Adventure HQ, Times Square Mall, Dubai.
mike
on a Thursday evening and headed up the E611 and on to Ras Al Khaimah, Sham and the border crossing to Al Dhara, through which we passed very swiftly. We went along the coast road, over the ridge down to Khasab and then off-road for 65km. The off-road section is one of the most picturesque drives in the region and it was Petes first time to do it, though its not quite the same in darkness! We eventually reached the head wall at the end
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>>
The author finding it thirsty work.
In July 2011, I ended up in the same place again, but this time the prospects of getting to the slab had improved considerably. A new wooden pylon line had been constructed over the ridgeline that had previously barred the way. There was now a rough construction track beneath the pylons up and over the ridge. Being so horribly hot in July, I went back in December and proved the route. This was also tied into my plans for the Musandam Adventure Race, which subsequently took place in February
last year). From the ridgeline, the slab could be seen in all its glory and it was immense. So, after having waited patiently for five years, the plan to climb this slab was now a goer. Pete Aldwinckle, a local climbing guru and legend, partner in Global Climbing LLC and, more importantly, my friend, was persuaded to come and climb the slab. Two weeks before the agreed date, I walked the route over the ridgeline and up to the base of the slabs and dumped three litres of water, which I hoped would save us a bit of weight on the actual walk-in to the climb itself. We left Dubai at 6:30 p.m.
Pete defying gravity
of Wadi Baneh, arriving there at about midnight, put up the roof tent, got out the chairs and a couple of tinnies and marvelled at the stars and the meteor shower that was on show. Up at around 6:00 a.m., we ate breakfast and packed a lead rack, rope, harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, water and vegetable spring rolls and samosas. We headed up the interminable slope to the ridgeline, rested briefly at the top and enjoyed the wow factor view. We headed down the other side on the at times exposed and vertiginous construction path. Then we had the prospect of walking up the next wadi and scree slope to the base of the slab and reached it by about 9:30 a.m. The slab lay in front of us and the technical ease of the ascent became immediately obvious, though not disappointingly so. We geared up, tied into the rope and started off up the slab, picking the line as we chose and enjoyed being in the cool of the morning shade. The route comprised some smooth, slippery faces, thin cracks, rough slabs and a couple of ledges, but all at an angle that really didnt present too much danger. I placed a runner on pitch one, but after that we had 60m run-outs with no protection apart from the belay stances for the next five pitches. Pete placed a runner on about pitch seven and even took his fleece off. By pitch nine, we had reached the summit and the ridgeline edge at about 12:30 p.m. Our guesstimate was that after nine pitches, wed climbed 450m (1,440ft) or so. The sight of the slab from the top was even more expansive than from the bottom and the views over towards Limah were superb. The drop-off on the other side of the ridgeline from the slab was huge and impressive, and we enjoyed it as we ate lunch. Then followed well, for me the least fun part: the descent off the slab. We traversed the decidedly sharp ridgeline along the top to the edge of a scree slope. Pete confidently strode out along this knife-edge, while I, at times, resorted to back climbing until I was able to let go and walk off. Neither of us is in the spring of youth, and the descent from the slab bottom was a painful experience as our knees cried out. We then faced the depressing prospect of the ascent up the construction path and the even worse descent back down to the car, but we plodded on, reaching the car at
Pete about half way up.
about 4:30 p.m., thats nine hours after we had set out. After a quick change of clothes, we packed the car, drank and ate again and headed off back towards Khasab, passing through the Jebel Al Sayh cutting at a chilly 10C, and arriving at the border at Al Dhara. Again, we swiftly passed through immigration, only stopping for hot chocolates at Petes preferred garage in Ras Al Khaimah. We arrived home by 10:30 p.m. and we were pretty shattered. We agreed that the chances of either of us going back to climb the slab again are almost nil, but it had been a great day out and in a place that we can confidently say had not been visited before by climbers. If youre keen to have a go, the base of the slab is at N25 54.988 E56 19.359.
Mike Nott
The start of the slab
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OUR EXPERTS
cars Bikesd Quads an

when
my friend Alex invited me, and told me about some of his latest camping and riding gadgets, I just had to join! (Alex and I seem to have a competition to see who can own the most gadgets.) As I was in the market for the new Go-Pro Hero3 helmet camera, I used this as an excuse to get past my wife, who was not keen on camping that weekend. Better I know what I am buying than just buying, were my words. Ha-ha, you are going to buy it regardless, was her reply.
Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker
John
The camping was just outside Abu Dhabi at Alexs regular spot, Die Dooie Kameel (The Dead Camel). And as I still had lots to do, I only joined them at around 16:00 hours that Friday, the National Day weekend. As most will remember, there was quite a bit of rain during that weekend and for about 30km between Sweihan and Abu Dhabi, I
drove through a very heavy downpour. Luckily for us, the rain clouds had passed for the night by the time I arrived at the campsite. It was a rather large gathering of about 40 South Africans and all camping in true traditional style, just like back home! For those who read my article on Camping and the Bare Necessities, well, these guys all have the same mindset when it comes to camping. In fact, the campsite looked more like semi-permanent structures rather than what most people are used to. These guys had
some impressive gear and everything was custom-made to their personal requirements! Awesome stuff! Well, this article is not about the camping gear, but rather the great family combination ride we had the following morning. As the rain had hardened the sand, the group decided to do a big ride with the vehicles, quads and bikes. This was going to be the first time I was riding with vehicles as part of the ride and not sure how things would turn out. There were four vehicles, nine quads and three bikes. It was decided
that each group would stick together and just keep the other two groups visual and advance in the same general direction to a predetermined point. This way, no one would interfere with each other, yet we stay together. I was pessimistic at first, but it worked very well and it was a lot of fun. No one was out to race or impress, but rather to all have fun. We even had four dogs to accompany us in the vehicles. Due to wet sand, the vehicle drivers were a bit overconfident and did not even deflate their tyres. This worked well for the first ten or so kilometres until the first guy got stuck. Then things went as follows: FJ pulls Cruiser, Jeep pulls Ford, Jeep pulls Ford again, FJ pulls Jeep, Ford pulls Cruiser, and then the guys deflated their tyres with no more pulling after that! The morning was perfect with overcast conditions as we started, and then clear, clean blue skies by the time we finished. I think the worst (or funniest) thing about the day was that three of the four dogs didnt seem to enjoy the dune riding as much as their owners thought. Luckily, there were spare clothes for those riders whose dogs became slightly car sick whilst sitting on their laps! Then there was my quad. I suspect that some water must have entered into the fuel system the previous day on my way to the camp in the heavy rain. The quad would be
fine and then suddenly it backfired once or twice, lost power and cut dead! It was not possible to start her using the starter and then the list above became: Jeep pulls Suzuki, Jeep pulls Suzuki again and one more time Jeep pulls Suzuki! Each time Mark towed me at least 50 to 100m before she started in a hail of coughing and backfire! By the third time, I told Mark that I was going to head back at full-power to keep the engine at very high RPM hoping that this would limit the effect of the water in the system. Chris, who also rides very well, then accompanied me on my kamikaze run for the camp just in case the quad died again. It worked and luckily we made it back safely, well ahead of the rest. It was a great day out and enjoyed by old and young, slow and fast. Ride Safe and Go For Gold,
John Basson
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COAST TO 222km Run COAST Dubai to Fujairah

The Coast to Coast Challenge Dubai, is a popular single-stage road cycling event held twice a year and organised by Wolfis Bike Shop (check out www.dubairoadsters.com). Cyclists ride from the Lime Tree Caf on Beach Road in Dubai and across the UAE to the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, taking them anywhere between five to eight hours. The event raises money for UNICEFs Road to Awareness campaign. I have ridden in this event once before, but this year I decided to see if it was possible to run it and in a sub-30 hour time.
Words + Photos By: Cat h Todd
REPORT
On the 14th November, I went to see Nic, manager of Sport in Life, to get some much required Aqualyte for hydration throughout the run (available at www. sportsouq.ae or Adventure HQ) and to see if I could potentially raise awareness for Rich Holland, a good friend, Sport in Life rep and avid member of the triathlon community, who had recently been knocked from his bicycle and was in a coma suffering multiple life-threatening injuries. After the Coast to Coast, the website www.backonyourbike.com had been set up to help raise funds for Rich, who still is, at the time of writing this article, in a critical condition in hospital. I also dropped into Wolfis Bike Shop to have a quick brief of the course and to note any potential danger-zones. Besides the major freeway junctions, including the 611, as well as those along the 44, the tunnels were apparently hazardous. Thankfully, during the run the tunnels had pedestrian paths on either side, so we were fine to run through them. With a final quick chat to Wolfi, who joked that he could loan me a bike if I needed it (its ok, I already have two bikes from Wolfis), I headed home to get my kit together and have a quick nap before running the 222km to Fujairah. I didnt sleep a wink and at midnight, I headed down to the Lime Tree Caf with crew captain James Hares, for a 1:00 a.m. start on November 15th.I headed off with James who was leap-frogging in the Jeep, past Safa Park and on the way out of town. Shafi, my other crew member for the start, met us at Safa Park and ran with me for a while. We got a bit lost around Meydan, but were back on track in no time and as James and Shafi took turns at pacing me, we made
our way out of town. The roads were surprisingly quiet, even the 44 (Al Khail Road), and around sunrise I hit the petrol station on road 50 at Al Awir. For the first 50km I had been suffering from stomach problems, but after sunrise they seemed to subside. Im finding on many races that sunrise is a boost for the soul and with the sun coming up, I made my way to the 611 (Bypass Road) and soon onto the long haul down the 116 (Kalba Road) towards Fujairah. After a short stretch down the 116, I decided to change from my road runners into my Salomon trail shoes and move further away from the road. I ran most of the 116 off-road in the sand and loose gravel for safety, as it was the busiest road I encountered, with the traffic heading to the coast for the public holiday. Around 8:00 a.m., I was met by my next crew team, Bethany Dunnett and Helena Hyde, who took it in turns to pace me during a hot part of the day until around noon. Again, the crew leap-
frogged along and always parked off-road for safety. At one stage, the car looked a bit stuck in the sand, but Helena and Bethany, managed to get it out quickly. It was a hot, long stretch running the 116. Around Fossil Rock, I decided to sit down on the cool box for five minutes, to try to take in some food. Until then, Id been eating and drinking as I ran along, but I needed a quick reprieve from the sun. I couldnt chew or swallow a sandwich, so I had some avocado and crisps (the ultrarunners bomb) and some more fruit juice, then started back running after dowsing a t-shirt in the ice water and wiping my face, neck and arms with it. Soon after the stop, I was met by my next crew team, Marianna Marx and Scott Bunce. Marianna drove and crewed whilst Scott paced me, still along the long haul 116. It was still hot and I could see the mountains, but they didnt seem to get much closer. It was around 100km that the mountains were nearing and it was with great relief when we reached them. There were a lot of gorgeous pools where families were camped and enjoying the water, but we just kept running along the road up into the mountains. As the sun started to go behind the mountains it began to cool off and my next crew team, Anja Hav Thomsen and her husband Alan, joined. Alan drove and crewed, whilst Anja paced. Anja had read a book on pacing and
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was very, very good at running up to get special-needs foods and drinks, chatting and giving me some peace when I needed it. All of my crew were amazing. They really kept me going. I had a patch in the mountains, where I didnt feel so good, so I sat down for five minutes, treated my blisters, changed my clothes, socks and shoes, put on my night vest and head torch, drank some yoghurt and soon after starting
again, I felt much better. The mountains were surprisingly not too difficult and I did enjoy that section. The tunnels were fine, although it seemed to take a while to reach them. After passing through the tunnels my spirits were up, Anja and I were chatting and the run didnt seem too bad at all. I guess we were around 150km by then. We had a few locals who stopped to see if we wanted a lift or any water, they were very friendly. After passing through the mountains and on the way down towards the coast line, a friend, Sean James, who works in Fujairah thought hed come out to say hi. This was a nice surprise and around this time, James returned to crew. Anja and Alan soon headed home, as did Sean, and James crewed alone. This proved quite tricky and soon I discovered that I had 60km to go. All of a sudden I had my worst patch in the run. I did not feel good. I felt incredibly tired (it was the second night in
a row I had not slept), sore and just not in good spirits. I had to ask James just to agree with me, irrespective of what I said, and he did. Sean rang James to see how I was getting on and thankfully came out to help. Sean and James paced and crewed me through Fujairah, possibly the toughest section of the run; you know youre close, it seems close as youve hit the coastline, but its still a long, long way to the hotel. Apparently, the cyclists feel this way too when they hit this stretch. After a while, with bits and pieces of food, and some sips of coffee that James had brought with him, I was running fine again. Sean knew the stretches along the coast and we ran most of it off-road (the cars were going quite quickly and there wasnt much room to run on the side of the road). Sean directed us through a town along the way, which was good as there were a few turns. For the last 30km, I was running six minute kilometres, which is not too bad for the end of a 220km run, and I was in pretty good spirits. However, with 24km to go I felt a sharp, immense pain on one of my toes. I had to stop and take my shoe off. A blood
blister had formed all around the top of one toe and the nail was loose, and digging into the blister with every step, but I couldnt rip it off. After a long time of trial and error with Band-Aids, flip-flops (no, you cant run after 200km in flip-flops), a team-effort and new innovation came about. I put a lot of padding around the toe, some large blister plasters over it, cut a hole in the sneaker and sock, and ran with my toe sticking out of my shoe. Thankfully, it worked and I was happily running again, pain-free. Around 10km from the end, James twisted his ankle and around 7km I tripped over a cats eye and ate asphalt but it was surprisingly smooth and I was back up running, with a bloodied knee and elbow. A few kilometres from the end, my knee started getting a lot of pain so I strapped it up the best I could and kept running. That final 3km towards the hotel was bliss and a glow was starting to appear in the sky. The last 1km, I ran to meet Sean and James at the end. I felt another blister pop as I ran down the final stretch and into the hotel car park. The nice security guy got me a seat and it felt good to take those sneakers off. The hotel manager came out to greet us and after a few photos, we headed in for showers, drinks and a well-earned rest, both me and my crew. The cyclists came in around lunchtime and they seemed pretty happy to get to the end too, enjoying good food and a speech from Wolfi. The Coast to Coast took 29hrs 29mins and 10secs to run, finishing November 16th just before 6:30 a.m. The best part: my crew (awesome friends), who learned the difference between crisps and Pringles, lemonade and sprite! Worst part: the Fujairah coastline. Its beautiful, but seemingly endless!
Cath Todd
REPORT
Getting to grips with

Martin Harris talks about what to expect and how to prepare
mountain biking
Outline of cycling in UAE
With the rising profile of cycling among both the expat and Emirati population in Dubai, it is good to see that the Al Qudra, Nad Al Sheba cycling tracks, and the Motor City Autodrome, are being increasingly used by more and more people wanting to get out and about on two wheels. In parallel with this, other aspects of cycling are gaining popularity along with the recent invitation to the Track Cycling Velodrome in Sharjah, there are significant numbers of riders heading to the hills for a more rugged version of riding. Every weekend, numerous groups meet around the Showka area (on the Madam road en route to Kalba) to ride the trails in the vicinity, varying from 4x4 graded track to technical single track, covering rocky wadi beds, steep but short descents and everything in between. This might sound like something beyond the skills of the average cyclist; however, its an excellent way of getting out of town, improving bike handling skills, meeting a great bunch of enthusiastic amateurs and seeing another beautiful aspect of this lovely country.
the trails of Showka, there is an area of sand and construction at the rear of the Meydan race track, which offers a taste of off-roading without the intimidation of steep slopes and sharp rocks. (This is normally held at night.) Mountain biking off-road is a good way to increase bike handling and general confidence, which can be useful when riding in groups or on the road. Being able to react quickly to uncertain terrain and sudden changes in speed contribute to bike handling skills significantly. Its a very different type of fitness road riding tends to be more constant and the benefits of drafting other riders are notable, whereas mountain biking can be much more like interval training, i.e. periods of hard work (up inclines with loose surfaces) followed by rest (the whizzing down the other side, screaming with glee).
Benefits of MTBing
The key aspect is to have appropriate equipment. There are many bikes available which are sold as mountain bikes but would disintegrate if challenged with anything more than a beach surface. Reputable cycle shops will give advice depending on the style, frequency and terrain of your rides. Other equipment would include:
MTBing here in the UAE
There are regular gatherings of riders in and around Dubai to get experience or commonly known as time in the saddle, by riding on flat unpaved terrain. Besides
Easy to start
Starting out can feel quite daunting everyone will be better/faster/fitter, have the right equipment, and be more experienced in handling the terrain. My personal experience was in the UK, chasing riders far more experienced than I was, petrified that I would get lost or left behind. It was very different in UAE. Thanks to Facebook, its easy to find a group who are of like mind, who will tackle rides of appropriate skill and duration, and give advice where necessary.
Protection bike helmet (vital!) sports eyewear /sunglasses, elbow and knee and shin pads (helpful, but not vital) sunblock, padded gloves and sturdy riding specific shoes Spares - spare inner tubes, pump, multi-tool set and, more importantly, the knowledge of how to use it. Zip ties and allen keys are also handy! Hydration and nutrition small snacks, gels or bars (which wont melt, like Fruseli/nut bars and SIS gels) a backpack with enough water for your ride (CamelBak are a good example although there are others) and some energy drink like Gatorade, Pocari Sweat or Lucozade for salt replacement which minimises cramping. Front and back lights and high-visibility clothing for night rides.
Levels of skill/experience
Photo by: Guida Verschut
Before heading into the hills, its important to be confident with your skills. Riding a bike down the street is only the start! Find somewhere quiet where there isnt any traffic, and try riding over kerbstones or down a few steps. Also try bringing the bike to a complete stop and without taking your feet off the pedals, ride away again. Try to balance
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Photo by: Martin Harris
Photo by: Guida Verschut
for as long as possible between stopping and starting (its called a track stand, due to this skill being necessary in the Velodrome but thats another thing altogether). Its a lot harder than it looks! The 4x4 trails in UAE range from graded tracks to single track with surfaces from shingle/sand to substantial rocks. There can be quite a lot of walking involved in mountain biking! Riding in a group is important, as mountain biking is inherently dangerous. If anything goes seriously wrong, its good to have people around to assist or go for help. Its also a very social affair with lots of chat the only downside being is that chatting takes up time, which should be used for riding! Within the group should be at least one experienced rider who knows the trails and can advise on whats coming up steep descents or other hazards requiring caution and consideration. Ideally, there should be one experienced rider leading the group and another bringing up the rear ensuring that everyone is doing well and avoiding any accidents.
Photo by: Martin Harris
Events
After some practice rides and developing your confidence, there are events being run periodically which offer not only a good social gathering, but also a good test of recently gained skills. These events vary from short out and back rides to six-hour endurance rides, to multiple day stage races like the TransHajar Race. Its up to you, get involved and try something new! For more information about mountain biking and how to get started, get in touch with OutdoorUAE, contact@outdooruae.com.
www.trekbikes.ae
+971 4 3350399
OUR EXPERTS
bsessiOn O
kle Words + Photos: Pete Aldwinc
An 18-month
Under Nant Biddy wall. The first real view of the route.
articles have little of interest for non-climbers as the focus are often technical climbing details and use of jargon such as crimp, crush, send, sloper and similar. However, the majority of people will relate to the situation when you just do not want to pick up the phone when its your parents calling. This is usually due to their immaculately bad timing such as childrens bath time, when you are in a noisy location with rowdy comPete pany, who will be very enthusiastic Climber and all-round adventure seeker to talk to them or just at the end of a bad day that you do not want to burden them with.
My parents were calling on my mobile, this was definitely a do not answer moment. The timing was very bad and potential subject matter of discussion would be incomprehensible to them. I was hanging on a thin rope 200m directly above the wadi floor with 100m above me to the top of the rock wall. Hanging between my legs was an industrial hammer drill and my rucksack was laden with spare batteries, water and other accoutrements of sports climbing route development. A cooling breeze was slowly spinning me round giving views of sweeping vertical rock walls, the moon rising over the mountains on the other side of the wadi and the ground below me disappearing into an increasingly inky darkness. The phone continued to ring, but I realised I was too exhausted to even contemplate answering it. With 100m still to ascend to the safety of the summit, I needed to conserve my energy. Every metre gained ascending the rope was a struggle between the desire to be safe and my body telling me that enough was enough. Think being strapped into a gym exercise machine, pushing yourself to your limit, then repeating it for the rest of the day, and every time you
Many climbing related
stop youre given electric shocks and beaten until you restarted. This self-imposed masochism was almost the culmination of an 18-month project that had developed into a near obsession. The previous summer, Mike Nott had taken Toby Foord-Kelcey and me to a potential climbing location near Dibba. Mike had named it Nant Biddy. A short walk from the end of the road took us into a narrow wadi with towering rock walls on either side. Unlike many of the cliffs in the region, one of these walls was not a series of steep sections divided by horizontal steeps; it was vertical and in some areas there were enormous capping overhangs above steep slabs. This was a truly unique mountain feature for the region. Early autumn 2011, Toby and I made our first attempt on this wall from the ground up using traditional climbing techniques. We were repulsed without making significant progress. Loose rock, heat and dehydration, lack of protection and the enormity of the undertaking got the better of us. A different approach was required, so we carried drums of rope, drills and bolts the long way around to the top and abseiled down to work out the complex topography of the wall. After several weekends of exploration and numerous aborted forays down potential lines, we indentified a continuous line that appeared to be climbable from the wadi floor to
Hamad seconding Pitch 5.
Carpark preparations
the top. The following months were spent cleaning the loose rock from the route, bolting and generally scaring ourselves. By the end of summer, there was a nearly established route, only two relatively short sections remained. Toby completed one of them prior to his departure to Canada and despite the best efforts of the revised Dibba border protocols, I had now closed the final gap. Eleven pitches of climbing with 300m of vertical ascent were waiting for an attempt from the ground up. I did reach the summit of the mountain after my parents call, and by eight oclock the following morning, Hamad and I are on pitch one. We are sharing a rucksack with a couple of litres of water, some snacks and our walking shoes for the descent from the top via potentially ankle-breaking boulder fields. We had set ourselves a target of climbing a pitch every hour in order to get over the major difficulties during daylight with the final relatively easier climbing and descent to be completed by head torch. Hamad was now climbing pitch one, with me who sat safely at the first belay. Suddenly the rope snapped as Hamads weight came on it and a large piece of rock crashed into the wadi below, not the ideal start. Pitch two was dispatched without
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Hamad reaching The Balcony at end of Pitch 5.
Pete resting at bottom of Pitch 8.
Hamad leading Pitch 2.
Petes hobbit feet at top of Pitch 10, 250m above the wadi.
Hamad seconding Pitch 11.
drama. I was now leading pitch three, the first relatively hard section of the route that required climbing an overhanging corner that would give access to a relatively easier groove and slab system. The previous days exertions caught up with me high in the corner. My fingers slowly opened and
Pete and Hamad happy to be at the top.
despite a desperate lunge for better holds, I was falling into the void below the corner. After a short rest, I returned to the struggle in the groove and made some progress until I was again falling and swinging in free space. These processes we repeated several more times until, with heaving lunges and destroyed arms, I pulled myself onto the belay ledge. Once Hamad joined me on the ledge, retreat was now impossible, we were committed to climbing to the top as our ropes would not reach the ground and the rock topography made it impossible to abseil to the previous belay stances. Two further pitches of climbing established us on The Balcony about an hour ahead of our schedule. This was the first good ledge to take a rest. It was also where Hamad was hit by the mind-numbing exposure, expressed in a few unrepeatable expletives. He recovered from this wobble and confidently led the next pitch up a very steep wall with a couple of hanging tombstones of rock attached to the main wall by a thin layer of crumbling mud. We continued upwards until the penultimate pitch. I knew it would be extremely difficult climbing, but had completely misjudged just how difficult. Fortunately, the rope I had used to ascend the wall the
previous night was still in place and with some Boy Scout knots and improvisation, we overcame the difficulties and headed to the summit. Changing into walking shoes for the descent was a relief as our feet were skinned, numb and bleeding from our climbing shoes. Eleven hours after leaving the car, we were back where we started. Our route, still unnamed: F6a, 6a, 6b+, 6a, 6b+, 6b, 5, 6a, 4, A2 (hooks)/8a+?, 5 and scramble to the top; approximately 350m. A note of caution to those that enter into Nant Biddy (turn left at Dabba Dam, follow tarmac road to dirt road to the far side of small village and park just beyond the stone bungalow on the rise after the dip in the track). The residents of the village close to Nant Biddy should not have to put up with inconsiderate driving or parking, car door slamming, indiscreetly dressed climbers, litter and rubbish etc. If you are going to Nant Biddy, be on your very best behaviour at all times. Particularly to the elderly gentlemen that lives in the bungalow where you will park. While his behaviour may appear a little eccentric, it is his house and you are on his land, so please be polite, humble and discrete. In addition to the route described above, there are a number of single pitch sports and traditional climbs in Nant Biddy. This is an extremely serious climbing venue of Alpine proportions. Good rope work, self-sufficiency and an ability to sensibly improvise when required are all required once you move more than one pitch off the wadi floor. There is potential for falling rock, cut ropes and debilitating exposure. While death or serious injury is not guaranteed, be prepared to be challenged and very scared. Many thanks to Toby Foord-Kelcey for his major contribution to this project and companionship on the wall. Guida, Theo and Marie for their supporting roles. And Hamad for joining me on a great day out on the wall, you can go back to your boulders now.
The view from The Balcony.
Pete Aldwinckle
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PEOPLE
An exclusive interview with
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan is a lover of nature and has a very special relationship with it, whether on land, sea or air. His favourite sport is kitesurfing, as well as paragliding. Sheikh Ahmeds passion for sports in general goes back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his hadith proclaiming, Teach your sons swimming, shooting, and horsemanship.
As such, Sheikh Ahmed does not leave any local sporting event unattended, in hopes of encouraging local youth to participate in sports. In fact, most of these events are under his sponsorship. It is this passion for sports education (particularly physically demanding sports), that has encouraged the Sheikh to publish Land Sea Air magazine to teach the youth and shed light on the heroes and champions of those sports. How did the idea of Land Sea Air the first magazine dealing with extreme sports come about? The story of the magazine goes back to 2002 when I began to kitesurf. Through some friends, I got to know this new sport. I then embarked on an arduous trip in an attempt to find mention of it in any Arab sports magazines, newspapers and websites, but to no avail. During this journey of exploration, I discovered the importance of having a publication that specialises in these types of sports written in Arabic. I dont mean kitesurfing alone, of course, but all non-traditional sports such a parasailing, surfing, skating, boat sports such as kayaking, jet-skiing, base jumping, climbing, endurance sports, yachting, boating, diving, hunting and many more. How did your relationship with sports, specifically marine sports, first come about? The pursuit of sports activities in general is one of the matters that Islam encourages.It mentions that our children should pursue sports and learn them, most notably swimming, archery (or shooting) and horseback riding. Thats why I always make sure to befriend those who practise them. Sports in general are very beneficial. Marine sports, for example, teach us about wind directions and the tides. It nurtures our knowledge of nature, and drives us to be creative and strategic, especially since one could be alone at sea without a chance to think of anything else except handling the givens of nature. When did you begin kitesurfing? I started around the year 2002. Although I was a fan of sailing sports, I was always on the lookout for more exciting things to try. From there, I contacted a sports equipment agent in Dubai and purchased all the necessary equipment to begin practising. Despite my initial concerns, it wasnt difficult and very soon I was able to partake as an amateur. I gradually began to enjoy it and practised independently, all the while keeping up with all advancements and news via the Internet. I also watched videos of kitesurfing professionals and amateurs from around the world and applied what Id seen to my own sessions. Gradually, the circle grew and the sport began to attract more marine sport fans in the UAE and not just locals too! This included residents from other nationalities who were only on the fringes of the sport. Those numbers soon grew and I was keen on following kitesurfing events, from official contests to amateur gatherings in suitable locations. I also participated in the Dubai
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Kitesurfing Championship, locals division, and won first place! Does the sport require any particular physical fitness level? Kitesurfing doesnt require any particular level of physical fitness, however, all sports have a certain requirement that those who participate in them have a basic level of fitness and have the physical ability to withstand them. This of course applies to any sport out there. What is the difference between kitesurfing and buggykiting? Kitesurfing and buggykiting (or landkiting) are practically one and the same sport, using the same equipment with very few differences between sea and sand. I personally believe that buggykiting is more dangerous because the kite can reach speeds of up to 60kph, sometimes even 100kph. Its not as popular
as kitesurfing however, and those who practise it are few, whether here in the UAE or outside. It does not have as many championship events organised for it. Where are the best locations to practice kitesurfing in Abu Dhabi? The UAE has some very fantastic beaches and the country benefits from very suitable seasonal winds that are an advantage for kitesurfing. The UAE also has long coastlines, and some of the greatest places to practise are the beaches of Al-Mirfa in the Gharbiya region, the northern tip of Yas Island, and elsewhere in Al Dhabiya Island. Sheikh Ahmed added that through this magazine, they aim to highlight the athletes of these extreme sports and become the definitive guide of these activities for Arabs.
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: .. .. .. ( ) .. .. () . .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. . ().... ( ) . 2002 .
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Matthew Barron
Age: 26 Occupation: Buyer Land Sports, Adventure HQ Nationality: Australian
PEOPLE
three-stage race at Mt Buller in Australia against some very tough competition. I think I actually trained properly for that one! How did you train for this? Get out on your bike and ride, is the first thing that comes to mind. Ive been doing some long road rides and getting out on the mountain bike. Doing long, steady rides and some short intense intervals to replicate the steep ascents and technical sections of the trails will certainly be the main part of my training plan. My aim is to train around 10 hours a week, which will be enough to get through the race. What is the most gruelling race experience youve had? Racing for eight hours on a wet, muddy, clay-filled course. Once you were out of these sections, your bike was so full of mud that you could barely get going again. Most descents were filled with ruts, roots and rocks that were so slippery that I think I spent more time sliding down the descents on my a** than riding them. That was a long day. But what is the best experience? The best experience was competing at the inaugural Tour de Timor in 2009. It was an amazing event and it really opened my eyes to Australias nearest neighbour and, at the time, the newest and poorest nation on earth. The race was fast and hard, and the scenery was breathtaking. There were some spots I certainly wish I had my camera instead of shedding every bit of extra weight to ensure we made it up and over the massive mountains! It was my first mountain bike stage race and the five days certainly tested my physical limit. Riding into Dili on the final day was a full-on Tour de France experience with thousands of people lining the streets and parting before you. That was easily my best cycling experience. Whats your game plan this year? Im looking forward to doing more riding in this region and seeing new places I wouldnt have seen living in Australia. Salalah in Oman looks like a great mountain bike trip to do, along with a load of road rides Im yet to do all over Oman and the UAE. Being close to Europe certainly makes me ponder some summer cycling adventures. I just have to make the toughest decision: take the mountain bike or the road bike. The ultimate trip would be to ride the Trans-Provence, which is right up there on my cycling trips list to do. What is your advice to our readers who want to get into the sport? Ride regularly and build up your fitness gradually. Try throwing in an interval session once a week to push yourself and get prepared. When its time for race day, relax, smile, enjoy and remember, it never gets easier, you just go faster.
How long have you been in the UAE? I moved in April of 2012. I came to Dubai to work as a buyer for Adventure HQ and build a world-class store with quality products and premium brands. Tell us more about the races youve entered and your passions. My main passion is cycling. It takes up most of my time and money! I have raced in almost all forms: downhill, 4X, cyclocross and cross country. Now, Ive started racing on the road here in UAE. What races should we look out for this year? This month, there are races on every weekend, as well as two of the biggest mountain bike for the road racing calendar. The Wadi Bih Race is on the 11th of January and the TransHajar Race is on from the 30th of January to the 2nd of February. What is your main goal for the TransHajar? The goal for the TransHajar is to finish every stage! I havent been riding my mountain bike enough, so it will be a tough race. My goal for the year is looking at a race in Italy in May. Still planning that one! What do you think is your biggest race achievement so far? I do a very good job of filling in the numbers and not podiums at events. Marathon racing on a mountain bike requires a lot more training than I usually give it! The most recent major achievement was setting a new personal record and improving my placing by 90 positions at the Otway Odyssey this year, the largest mountain bike marathon race in Australia. In my age category, I finished 239th out of 383 in 2011. After focusing more on my training, I managed to finish 148th out of 466 in 2012. My best result to date was 14th at a two-day,
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Occupation: Planning Engineer Nationality: Iranian

How long have you been in the UAE? Ive been here since March 2008. Why did you come to the UAE? My girlfriend, who has since become my wife, grew up in Dubai. On completing my military service, she suggested I move here. I have always been interested in living in a different country, so it seemed like a great idea. Besides running, what are your other passions? Before coming to Dubai, I had never participated in a running race. Six years ago, I wouldnt have even considered running a 10km, but after moving here, I began running and really enjoyed it. Back in Iran, I used to do a lot of mountain climbing and skiing. What I enjoy most is climbing a mountain with my skis on my backpack and ski down. I also like to take part in cycling, running and triathlon races. One of my biggest ambitions is to finish an Ironman with my brother were very close and have had a lot of adventures together. When I moved to Dubai, I thought my mountain climbing days are over, but after a while I realised there quite a few challenging mountains in the UAE and Oman. Out of which, I found Jebel Shams and Jebel Bih the most challenging so far. We heard that you ran 72k solo last year at the 2012 Wadi Bih Race. Some may think this is a bit mad, others would say a challenge. Why did you do it? Before signing up for Wadi Bih, the biggest run of my life was 21km. The idea of running 72km was so temping and daunting that I had to try it. I know someone who had done it the year before. This guy was so sure of himself and once we ran together, I realised he was not much better than me, so I decided to sign up and put myself to the test. Some people were calling me mad, but when I was at the race, I realised there are really crazy people out there. There were some who started the
Kayvan Bahraini
What is the most gruelling part of the run? I think after about 55km, I developed some kind of injury in my right knee, which made it quite painful to run. I was contemplating on giving up. My running mate recommended a Brufen tablet, which temporarily stopped the pain and allowed me to continue. The next Wadi Bih Race is on the 8th of February, what is your main goal for this race? Last year, I was a bit concerned about the race, so I didnt partake in any of the fun on the race night. As soon as we got to Dibba, I ate something and went to my sleeping bag on the beach. Normally, you would have a team of five with a support vehicle. Generally, one person is running and every 7km the runner will swap with one of the passengers, which makes the event more fun and social. This year, Im thinking of entering as a team, but instead of having the support vehicle, we have four bikes. So each team member should cycle instead of sitting in the car. This way, you end up cycling about 55km and run about 17km. I think this will be much more challenging and environmentally friendly! What is the best experience youve had outdoors? I have so many great experiences related to adventure sports and have met many good friends through it. Once, with couple of my friends, we attempted to do the Stairway to Heaven in RAK. We started the trek 6:00 a.m. in mid-April. After 15 hours of walking, doing the full loop, we
race at midnight and ran the whole thing twice! How did you prepare for a run like this? I think my biggest hindrance is Im not very regimented. I generally do not train enough. Im just overconfident with my physical ability that I think I can do almost anything. Sometimes it works, sometimes it leads to injury. For Wadih Bih, I looked into a few 16-week programmes, but they were very demanding and required hours of running. Being a bit lazy and not completely focused, I only did two big runs (about 35km), and I also did the marathon two weeks before the race. So I hoped that my regular weekly football was intense enough to keep me going for 10 hours. In reality, I was not prepared at all for a full 72km race. After the Wadi Bih, I had to take a month off exercise.
were lost in a canyon with big drop in front of us. We were so exhausted that we could not move, we were running out of water, it was dark and very humid really desperate stuff. After half an hour of a very tiring and disheartening search, we managed to find the way out. The feeling when we were sure that we had found the way out was one of the best feelings of my life! What would you recommend our readers who want to start running? I would like to encourage people to be more adventurous and to try new things. Be more outdoorsy and try to live closer to nature. UAE and Oman have much more to offer than the shopping malls and five-star hotels. Its certainly worth exploring them.
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LOCATIONS
CAR CEMETERY
Perhaps not everyones cup of tea, but for an underwater photographer looking at micro photography, this is one of the best sites on the east coast. some may consider it a boring dive if youre not interested in small critters like nudibranchs and shrimps, however, when the visibility is good on this site it is totally awesome.
Words + Photos: Gordon T. Smith
EAST COAST
Gordon
UAE Local Dive Sites
There is no mooring at this site, although plenty of fishing pot markers are visible, but not a 100 per cent reliable indicator, so a GPS is essential in locating the exact spot to drop the anchor (N2525.128 E5622.606). Previously, we used to line up some landmarks in order to find the location, but when it is hazy on the surface this method is not practical. The vehicle wreckage, which sunk here in the late 80s as an artificial reef, barely resembles the original shapes of vehicles. Although you can make out wheels and the odd chassis, there is such a lot of growth and debris around, including old fishing nets and line that could be an entanglement hazard. It is advisable to make sure you and your buddy are carrying some tools such as knife or line cutter to free any possible entanglement. Try to establish your buoyancy about one meter from the bottom in a nice horizontal position and refrain from vigorous fin movements. The visibility at this site can drop dramatically when divers fail to observe this posture underwater.
Location
Access: Boat Experience Level: Novice to experienced diver Max Depth: 16m Dive Profile: Square profile dive Hazards: Sharp debris, fishing net or line, sea urchins, occasional electric ray, poor visibility and, sometimes, strong currents can make this a challenging site to navigate. Other Notes: If diving with Nitrox you can easily achieve a nice, long relaxed dive at this site. No decompression limit (NDL) on air is 72 min; NDL on EAN32 is 130 min, provided of course your surface air consumption (SAC) rate is good enough.
Marine Life
Once you have descended the anchor line, take note of its position and if visibility is very poor it might be worth running a line from a spool attached to some object near the anchor. If you attach the line to the anchor, be aware that if the boatman suddenly decides to pull the anchor up for any reason you may have to abandon the line or go with it!
Bring a torch, there are a lot of dark hiding places around with some very nice colourful surprises in particular nudibranchs, my favourite subject. And you might also find an elusive pinecone fish (Monocentris japonicus), sometimes mistakenly called a pineapplefish. There are a variety of shrimps and lots of small gobies and blennies, as well as a couple of very large honeycomb moray eels. If you do decide to kneel on the sandy bottom, be very careful not only of the scorpionfish, but also the electric rays. I have spotted some very large ones at this site, and you could be in for a nasty shock literally! If you do strike it lucky with good visibility, you will notice a shoal of snapper that exists in the area as well as dozens of circling barracuda. Theyre small ones though, so nothing to fear. As I mentioned before, maintain your buoyancy at least a meter above the bottom, maintain a horizontal position and frog kick to avoid silting up the area and reducing visibility. If you cannot locate the anchor line at the end of the dive, shoot your surface marker buoy (SMB) and ascend using it. The boatman should be able to locate you easily and possibly be close by the time you have completed your safety stop and surfaced.
Gordon T. Smith
Editors Note: No maps are are avalible for this site because it is on a flat bottom.
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Alpha 250 Adventure tent 525,TOTAL WEIGHT PACK SIZE PITCHING TIME 3.6 Kg 58 x 16 cm 10 min
The New 2 man Alpha 250 is strikingly different in both design and user features. The arched front pole with U shaped door opens up the front of the tent and adds head room. The NEW Linked in Groundsheet transforms the traditional flat groundsheet into an enclosed groundsheet which shelters the porch area.
Available at: Go Sport in The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Ibn Batutta Mall, Mall of The Emirates, Adventure HQ in Times Square Center
Distributor info@globalclimbing.com
Oman escap
LOCATIONS
es
Words + Photos: Darryl MacDonald
Visiting Masirah Island off the southwest coast of Oman for the first time feels like taking a trip back in time. With its rugged interior and rocky shoreline, the island hosts 12 small villages, one small town and a military base spread primarily over the northern end of the island. In total, there are nearly 180km of untouched, uninhabited, easily-accessed beach offering a true desert island experience; making this one of the true hidden gems of Oman. Dotting the coastline are many traditional examples of the Arabian dhow and several wellpreserved shipwrecks.
The locals here still drive their 1970s Land Rovers, many of which have been fixed up to look like new, giving the island a unique sense of nostalgia. The temperatures range in winter from the low to mid-twenties and in the summer from the mid-twenties to low thirties during the Khareef (southeast monsoon), making it a cool reprieve from the high temperatures in northern Oman. One of the other highly appealing features of the island is the consistency of the winds during the Khareef. From May until September, the winds average between 12 to 16 knots creating large rolling waves and transforming this small desert island into the perfect playground for kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing and body boarding. The island is not only popular with tourists in the summer months, but with turtles as well. Loggerhead, green, hawksbill and olive ridley turtles arrive on the beaches en masse to lay their eggs in the sand. The entire season for the various turtle species ranges from February until October, peaking in the summer months. For this reason, the beaches are extremely sensitive during these months.
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At the time of this writing, there are currently no protected areas in place on Masirah Island, but all beaches should be treated as such during the peak periods in order to aid in the protection of these fragile, indigenous populations. More information on the turtle population in Oman and on the island can be found on the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) website (www.environment.org. om). As the summer monsoon comes to an end and the seas begin to calm, fisherman flock to the island for the start of the fishing season. This is the perfect time of year for camping along the coast and exploring the island. Humpback and Brydes whales have been spotted off the coast this time of year along with several species of dolphins including bottlenose and common dolphin. The southwestern end of the island, in part because of its unique bathymetry, offers some of the best snorkeling in Oman and, for the same reason, generally has clearer water than the rest of the island. Massive schools of fish and excellent examples of both soft and hard coral can be found in this area including some of the best opportunities to see turtles. The only way to access the island is via ferry that leaves from the town of Shina, which is about a four-hour drive south of Muscat along the coast. The ferry generally runs from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. depending on the sea conditions and will take you to the town of Hilf, on the north end of the island. Once on the island, there are a small range of hotels to choose from and plenty of opportunities for camping. If you are there for the watersports, a company called Kiteboarding-Oman (www.kiteboarding-oman. com) runs a Bedouin style camp about 40 minutes south of town between the months on May and August. They offer room, board, rentals and lessons and are a great source of information for the rest of the island. Masirah Island offers a wide range of adventures for just about everyone and is definitely a place worth exploring. If you decide to undertake this weekend adventure, its always a good idea to bring extra supplies including water, first aid kit, snacks, sunscreen, etc. If you do any camping on the beaches, a 4x4 is a must and its generally a good idea to carry off-road supplies like a compressor, shovel, tow strap and tools; and travel in a convoy. As we like to say in Canada, get out there, have fun and keep your stick on the ice.
Darryl MacDonald
LOCATIONS
Game Controller
THE NEXT STEP!
Route 3 Medium - Hard 4 to 4.5 hrs
Get Them Off That (Part 3)
JEBAL AR RAS ASH SHARIQ, 792m
Happy New Year mountain goats and kids! With the New Year comes new challenges. Now that you have completed two previous mountain walks, Fossil Rock and Jebel Rawdah are nicely in the bag, its time to push onwards and upwards. The previous two routes should have given you a great feel for the ground here in the UAE and will prepare you for some more demanding routes in the future. Fossil Rock at around 6km is a very steady and easy introductory walk for you and the kids, while Jebel Rawdah at around 4.5km may be 1.5km shorter, but it does have a much steeper ascent and will definitely get the heart pumping a little more. So with that in mind, its only right that you should now start to increase the height and distance of your walks. But if you found Jebal Rawdah hard or the kids were making you look bad, you should probably consider working on your fitness before attempting any more difficult routes. If hopefully there were no problems, then you are well on the way to becoming a Jebal goat, bagging peaks like they are going out of fashion. Jebal Ar Ras Ash Shariq is a standalone peak at nearly 800m high, right next to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Yibir, which is 1,525m high. The route up to the plateau before the push for the peak, although higher and longer than the previous routes, follows a well-used until recently donkey supply route to the farms above. This easily followed route enables you to simply follow a track and to always see the peak without having to concentrate too hard on checkpoints.
This mountain walk is part of a series of routes and is in conjunction with the advice covered in routes one and two. Do not attempt this route if you are a beginner or inexperienced in mountain walking.
Words + Photos: Jim McIntosh
LEG 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 A
FROM 1100 3266 1038 3250 1012 3250 0960 3310 0898 3275 0906 3171 0891 3171 0939 3181 0949 3241 1012 3250 1038 3250 0906 3171
TO 1038 3250 1012 3250 0960 3310 0898 3275 0906 3171 0891 3171 0939 3181 0949 3241 1012 3250 1038 3250 1100 3266 1012 3250
DISTANCE 650M 250M 700M 800M 1100M 580M 460M 600M 650M 250M 650M
DESCRIPTION Start point to shoulder of hill Small field check point 1 (cp 1) Small track junction/ tree, cairn (cp 2) Farm (cp 3) Track wadi jct (2 cairns in open look left) (cp 4) Top of track flat area, wadi running away Small field Summit, communications mast (cp 5) Small field (cp 6 and 2) Shoulder of hill Start point
The route
GPS Datum: (Military Grid Reference System) MGRS, World Geodetic System (WGS84) Head north out of Dubai on to the Emirates Road to Ras Al Khaimah and turn right on to the E87 to Dibba. Follow this road until you come to the first roundabout, head straight across and look for a sign to
Escape route, if you dont want to go up to the summit at cp 4 head down to cp6
From cp 4, head up the wadi and through grid 0891 3171 as if heading up to the summit on route card. As you come around the back side of the hill, you will see another lower field (not the higher one you would pass if going to the summit) and a track heading down the right side of a large wadi. Follow this back to cp 1.
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Tawiyen. You will need to do a U-turn after the civil defence station at grid 0706 2188, which is the route into Tawiyen. Once in Tawiyen, drive through, pass the two schools and head down a dirt track behind them. Cross over the road and follow the track up on to the new main track that heads up into the mountains following the main wadi, Osaq. Follow the track up and over the high ground to a T-junction and turn left. You will now see the track that that goes up to Jebal Yibir grid 1193 3260 and is marked by two green and yellow border guard signs. From the signs, turn left at the pylon, follow the track down and over the wadi, tracking to the left, passing a water tower. Then head to a small white building at grid 1101 3266. Plan on 1hr 15mins travel time from the Mirdif area and do your homework before leaving home.
From the start point, head up the obvious well-worn donkey track to CP1, a flat field area with a rock wall. Look up to the top of the Jebal and you will see the track has widened to quad bike width and heads to the right of the summit. At this point, if you look to your left (southwest) over the large wadi, you will see the track coming down the left side of the wadi, this is the
Using the sketch map
route down marked escape route on the sketch map should you not want to continue to the top of the Jebal. From here, follow the quad bike track up and over the rise, and continue to follow it down to a small junction with a tree and marked with a cairn, this is on the left side of the track just before it starts to head downwards and northerly. This track follows around the base of the Jebal and down to a small farm (the farm is tended by a nice guy called Zahab, so say hi). Pass the farm on the left hand side and pick up a small track to the left of the wadi. Follow this track until the ground starts to flatten out and the ground becomes flatter and less rocky. When you come to some piles of rocks, look for two cairns, look left and you can see four trees and a track heading up the right side of a small wadi. Head up to the top flat area and on the other side is a steep wadi heading away from you. Pick up the track that is to the left and follow it around the back trying to maintain the same height. As you come around the back, gradually start climbing upwards. If you find yourself crossing a small wadi and a large flat area (the escape route) turn left and head up the wadi to a smaller flat farmed area as per the sketch map. From here, pick your own route up to the left of the mast to the summit.Once you have had a brew and a bite to eat, head down to the western end of the mast fenced area until you can see CP 1. Carefully pick a route down to the field and then retrace your footsteps back to the start.
T E C H N I C A L
C Y C L E
A P P A R E L
Distributor
Global Climbing
Available at Adventure HQ in Times Square Center, Micahs Bike Shop in Al Quoz area, Revolution Cycles in Autodrome Motor City
TIPS & TRICKS
Flying Into The
New Year
Words + Photos By: Sandy Joy Edwards
If you are a young at heart thrillseeker and an adventurous daredevil, then you may just have found the right yoga practice for you. Take the mindfulness of yoga, add the thrill of acrobatics, blend with the therapeutic powers of Thai yoga massage and you get AcroYoga a practice that is fun, explorative and just a little bit crazy.
It works like this: you have a base (person on the ground), a flyer (the person in the air) and a spotter (the safety officer, who doesnt usually make it into the photos). The base lies on the floor and the flyer is lifted up onto their feet or hands to experience the exhilaration of flying (and sometimes a healthy dose of fear). As you progress in the practice, the transitions between one posture to another become faster and soon you are spinning through the air, communicating with your partner only through touch and breath. This practice is centered around trust, communication, clear role definition and fun. It requires teamwork and commitment to succeed, and teaches you to stay calm in situations that are rather usual. This last point comes in handy a lot in regular life too. It is a very reflective experience. You will soon learn whether you like to lead or follow; if you find it easy to trust or are afraid of falling; and how much are you prepared to let go of limiting beliefs. Its designed to bring you out of your comfort zone and face your fears with the support of your partners. And, of course, its oh so fun. While it looks very impressive and it feels like youre defying gravity, its actually very easy. AcroYoga works with the principals of bone stacking. Once the bones are aligned at a perpendicular angle to the ground, they become like strong steel structures and its very easy to hold the entire body weight of another person on them. In these so-called power lines the muscles can release and the bones can do the work. It is also incredibly healthy and nourishing for the bones to bear this weight. I started practicing AcroYoga two years ago when a guest teacher was visiting Dubai. I attended her workshop, she flew me and that was it I was hooked. Since then I have practiced a few times a week, attended countless trainings and started to teach the practice in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and South Africa along with my teaching partners at our company, Phoenix Rising. We now host regular AcroYoga trainings, Thai massage trainings and weekly workshops and classes. There is a growing demand and we feel this is because more and more people are look-
ing for ways to forget about stress, do something out of the ordinary and come back to what we knew so inherently as children it is fun to play! What I find so beautiful about this practice is that it puts the principles of yoga into a real life scenario. It is extremely meditative to base or fly, and you really have to be in the present moment. If you are not 100 per cent focused, then its likely you will fall or drop somebody (hence, the spotter). While it requires concentration and attentiveness, it also requires equal amounts of tenderness and understanding. It teaches me constantly that in softness there is a lot of strength; in allowing yourself to be afraid, there is so much bravery; and in trusting, there is always freedom. There are many physical benefits too, such as improved bone strength, improved flexibility and longer, leaner muscles. We do a lot of partner stretching before our sessions and in the practice itself. Basing lengthens the hamstring muscles in the back of the
thighs, strengthens the quads, belly and arms. For the flyer, its a full-body workout. And anybody can do it. Its not just for the super fit yogis. By using the right technique, this practice is accessible to everyone. But dont take my word for it, try it for yourself. If you walk away feeling less than empowered, I will be surprised. When people hear about this unusual practice they often simply ask me Why? Well, I say, for the same reason that you would climb a mountain, ride out into the desert for hours or row off towards the horizon. Its about the journey, the camaraderie, the teamwork and a strong determination to succeed. Its not about the destination, its for the glory of the ride.
Sandy Joy Edwards
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ParTNer
stretches
Backpack psoas and quad stretch
The base puts your bum on the low back of your partner and gently leans forward with a flat back. The flyer fills an opening through the psoas muscle, quads and upper back. Sit back to back. One partner comes up onto their feet and places sit bones onto partners sacrum. The other partner leans forward as the weight of their partner opens up the back of their legs.
Sit facing each other with the legs as wide as you can get them. Cross arms and take a wrist to wrist grip. One partner leans back with a flat back as the other leans forward with a flat back. Work slowly and keep communicating.
Straddle stretch
Hamstring stretch
Both partners face away from each other and bend forward to look between their legs. Cross arms and hold wrist to wrist. Gently lean away from each other equally.
Hamstring lean
Stand facing each other, palms to palms. Lean into the hands of your partner and push your chest towards the floor and your hands up. Keep the back flat.
Shoulder opener
, Daenrt the D se
Gardener
loves
Bougainvillea
There is one word to describe bougainvillea and that is spectacular.
It is one of the most popular ornamental plants and will be one of the most colourful plants to have in your garden, and it comes in; pink, magenta, purple, red, orange, white, yellow and Coconut Ice (a combination of white and pink). The middle of the flower is small and generally white in colour, but then there is a cluster of bright coloured bracts, which remind you of very thin tissue paper.
In the UAE, it can be planted directly into the ground or in a pot and it is even used as hedging here. It can be pruned to make a standard and can grow along fence lines on
walls or up a trellis. It can be a Bonsai or in a hanging basket. Its versatility is legendary and well-used in the Middle East. Bougainvillea is native to South America and because of interbreeding there are over 300 different types. It is nearly pest-free and disease-resistant. Philibert Commeron, a French botanist, is thought to be the first European to see the plant while he was sailing around the world in 1798. He named it after the French Navy admiral and explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville whom he was travelling with at the time. Bougainvillea is salt, drought-tolerant and grows best in dry soil with full, bright sun. It can flower all year and requires little water once established so perfect for the Dubai climate. The plant is a thorny, woody vine and can grow from one to 12m high. You need to make sure you position bougainvillea in your garden in a place where there is no foot traffic as the spiky thorns can give a nasty cut. Bougainvillea is an absolute must in that sunny spot of your garden in the UAE.
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63
TIPS & TRICKS
So, your femur is 4mm longer on the

left side and you want to be a cyclist?
Specializeds Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology is what you need...
Words + Photos: Sam Sayadan

propulsion. There should be a full review of your body and spinal curve, lengths and muscle mass. Its a real eye-opener when someone is actually looking at the mechanics of your body and explaining how things work together. Having recently completed my Specialized Body Geometry Fit training, (a service now offered at The Cycle Hub), I also became the physical test subject for the training. During this time, I was able to learn and witness firsthand the changes in my cycling comfort and performance through this system, and Im sincerely keen to shout it to the world. Everyone should be aware that the bike needs to be fitted to them to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable cycling experience.
The BG Fit adjustable stem is an incredible tool. It allows a multitude of angles and length to be applied in seconds to reach the optimum. Observation is the key.
Checking the angle of the arch
The proud graduates.
Leg flexibility is acceptable.
Cycling has always been a great pastime, mode of transport and, of course, a tool for winning trophies and gold medals. Anyone can and should be able to get involved. Its as easy as just walking into a shop, choosing a bike and riding away knowing that you are doing something good for yourself and the environment. But it can be complicated to enter into a new sport where the elite are just amazing and the technology can be bewildering.
Bicycles are made by manufacturers taking into account averages. They calculate average heights of people in each of the markets they serve and value the riders fit, comfort and success. They use research and racing results to build bicycles that are close to as many averages in terms of leg length, reach and bone structure as possible. It is possible that your bicycle is the right size for you when you are able to reach for the bars and touch the ground with your feet, but that is probably where the match of rider and bike ends. Now, consider human body calculations. Realistically, it is necessary to understand how exactly you are built and how to adjust the bicycle to fit you. It sounds so logical, but when was the last time someone asked you if you had a varus (big toe up) or valgus (big toe down) cycling action? Half of the bones in the human body are in the feet and legs, and they should be one of the key starting points in making adjustments and aligning the working of the mechanisms that provide human-powered
Something as simple as knowing my left femur was 4mm shorter, and being able to adjust the inner sole of my cycling shoe by adding a wedge and shifting my cleat position (where you attach your feet into the pedals) allowed me a smoother action and reduced the effort my muscles were compensating for. Now, I can cycle a little further if I want to and have less tension in my leg muscles, which I used to think was caused by my left leg being weak! We also managed to remove the tension and hunching in my shoulders while riding with a stem change. We replaced the 100mm stem with an 80mm stem and made better saddle adjustment. Imagine being able to cycle 15 per cent further or longer just because you made adjustments to your own bike! The variances become so evident when you know what to look for and the solutions always immediately show improvements. It is no wonder that Specialized invests so much in the program with Dr Pruitt at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, and offers a complete range of equipment such as BG shoes, BG arch supports, BG shims, BG saddles and BG gloves to support the program.
The plumb to show exact lines of distance to the pedal crank centre from the saddle position.
Angle of the handlebar drops.
Levelling the axles of the bike to set the starting measurements.
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The Body Geometry (BG) FIT PROCESS
Pre-Fit Interview Every fit whether its for a novice or experienced cyclist starts with a brief interview between a trained technician and rider that addresses the individuals injury history, needs and goals.
Flexibility Assignment This evaluation gains an accurate picture of the individuals flexibility and other physical attributes, including assessment of foot structure, knee position, spinal curve, shoulder extension, hip flexion and leg length, among others.
Side View Assessed using the side view of the rider. The goal is to deliver a correct neutral position thats both powerful and comfortable through adjustments to seat height, handlebar height, stem length and cleat position.
Front View Analysis from frontal view to optimise hip, knee and foot alignment for greater performance and balanced power delivery. It includes analysis of pedal and shoe placement and squareness on the saddle.
Follow-up After a week or so, the technician calls to discuss the effectiveness of the adjustments and to answer any other questions or concerns the rider may have.
A sceptic could easily assume that in our commercial world, its just another marketing tool to sell. However, once you take a moment to consider the fluidity of your body and the limited action of a
bicycles mechanism when it comes out of the showroom, you are thankful that there is a comprehensive solution from a major cycling brand which ensures the continuity and growth of their core business making it
easier, safer and more efficient for people to be one with their bicycle. For enquiries or to book a Body Geometry consultation, contact sam@thecyclehub.com or call 050 552 8872.
FINAL ThOUghTS
31ST OF DECEMBER
2012
Today, for the first time since I moved to the UAE, I commuted to work on my bike and it felt great. I live just outside Arabian Ranches and Global Climbing Towers is in Dubai Investments Park (DIP). In the pickup, its a 15-minute tootle along the Outer Bypass Road (611). On the Moonlander (fat bike), its a 45-minute, 15km cycle ride through the desert along disused sandy tracks.
Bikes have become a recreational toy, but they are at their best as a mode of transport. Wikipedia says bicycles are the most efficient form of transport, twice as efficient as walking and an equivalent of 879mpg, or 373.701 km/l. Today, while riding to and from work, I could feel this efficiency. The extreme fat tyres of the Moonlander dont feel as efficient compared to a fast road bike on the blacktop, but on the sandy stretches they make light work of this low-grip surface and make cycling easy in places all other bikes would flail.
The route Ive found is mainly on sand and sandy tracks with just a bit of closed road to a postponed golf development and the last kilometre or so in DIP to the office. No traffic, no fear, no faff, just me and my bike moving with purpose, going somewhere. The reason Ive finally got off my backside, recced the route and started commuting is because Ive always found that Ive been at my fittest when Im cycling back and forth to work (in London and North Wales). The commuting miles hardly take any time out of your day and that daily mileage soon racks up into significant fitness gains. I need these fitness gains because there are some big projects on the horizon. Ive decided to participate in the TransHajar MTB Race in Oman and there are two big fat bike adventures in the pipeline. All of these are going to be epic and will need all the endurance fitness I can build in the run up to them. Now the game is to turn these mind-clear-
ing morning commutes through the desert into a habit. I know from experience the first three weeks are always the tough ones. The last day of 2012 feels like a pretty good time to be making this resolution.
Ian Ganderton
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DIRECTORY
general sports equipment megastores
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +97142839392 Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +97143253595; Ibn Battuta Mall: +9714368 5344; Mall of the Emirates: +9714341 3251; Mirdif City Centre: +97142843034 InterSport, Dubai, Times Square Centre and Dubai Festival City, +97142066587, www. intersport.ae Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping centres, +97143504444, www.sunandsandsports.com Sport in Life, Nad al Hamar Rd., Ras al Khor, Dubai, +97142896001, www.sportsouq.ae www.rahhalah.com Relax Tours Travels, Dubai, +97144221776, www.dubairelaxtours.com Wild Guanabana, Dubai, +971567954954, www.wildguanabana.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, & Adventure Club, +971504920860, mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com
air
Ballooning Adventures Emirates, Dubai, +97142854949, www.ballooning.ae Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah, +9716139859, www.jac-uae.net Seawings, Dubai, www.seawings.com Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai, +971501533222, www.skydivedubai.ae
adventure tours and desert safaris
Boating & sailing
MMI Travel, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata Travel Centre, Shk Zayed Road, Dubai, +97144045888, www.mmitravel.ae Alpha Tours, +97142949888, www.alphatoursdubai.com Bike and Hike Oman, PO Box 833, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Oman, +96824400873, www.bikeandhikeoman.com Cyclone Tours & Travels, Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, +97126276275, www.cyclonetours.com Dadabhai Travel, Sama Bldg. next to Al Mulla Plaza, Dubai-Sharjah Road, Dubai, +97142209393,www.dadabhaitravel.ae Desert Rangers, Dubai, +97143572200, www.desertrangers.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503, Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com Dream Days, +97144329392, www.dreamdays.ae Dream Explorer LLC, Dubai, +971433198801, www.dreamexplorerdubai.com Dubai Relax Travel, Dubai, +97144221776, www.dubairelaxtours.com Element Fitness, Dubai, +971502771317, www.element-fitness.net Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai, +97142861991, www.explorertours.ae, Gulf for Good, Dubai, +97143680222, www.gulf4good.org Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre +97144045880, www.gulfventures.com Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, +97126794656, www.netgroupauh.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.com Rahhalah, Dubai, +97144472166,
GoSport The Dubai Mall Tel: 04-3253595 Fax: 04-3253590 gosport_dubaimall@almana.com
Manufacturer Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +97167436443, www.alshaalimarine.com Gulf Craft, Ajman, +97167406060, www.gulfcraftinc.com Distributors and Dealers Art Marine, Dubai, +97143388955, www.artmarine.net Azure Marine, Dubai, +97143404343, www.azuremarine.net Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191 Luxury Sea Boats, Dubai, +971505589319, www.luxuryseaboats.com Macky Marine LLC, Dubai, +971505518317, www.mackymarine.com Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +97165576818, www.nautilusyachts.com UAE Boats 4 Sale, Dubai Marina, +97144471501, www.uaeboats4sale.com Western Marine, Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +97143039744 The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143405152, www.theboathouse.ae Equipment Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Deira, Dubai, +97142263220 Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Extreme Marine, Dubai, +97143992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com Repairs and Maintenance Extreme Marine, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +97143992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh, Al Quoz, +97143391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators 4 Yacht Arabia, Shop No. 5, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, 800 92248, www.4yachtarabia.ae Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +97126665491, www.marinaalbateenresort.com Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dibba, Musandam, +96826836550, +97165441232 Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, TheWalk JBR, +97144243191 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite the British Embassy, +97143994994 Bristol Middle East, Dubai Marina, +97144309941, www.bristol-middleeast.com Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +97126507175, www.captaintonys.ae Delma Industrial Supply and Marine Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, +97126668153, www.delmamarine.net Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, +971504586171, www.edenyachting.com Emirates Yachting, Dubai, +97142826683 El Mundo, Dubai, +971505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Four Star Travel and Tourism, Dubai, +9714 2737779, www.fourstartravels.net
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +97192449888, www.rotana.com Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971558961276, +971503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com JPS Yachts and Charter, Room 225, Emarat Atrium building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143437734, www.jpsyachts.com Khasab Divers, Oman, +97156 7255889, khasab.diver2@gmail.com Khour Shem Tourism, Oman, +96826731919, www.khourshemtours.com
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Smoke Dragon Of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club, +971507011958/+971504546617 Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +97142573084 The Club, Abu Dhabi, +97126731111, www. the-club.com The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel Marina, +8008044, www.theyellowboats.com Marinas Abu Dhabi International Marine
+971 50 552 8872 sam@thecyclehub.com www.thecyclehub.com
LY Catamaran, Dubai, +971505869746, +971566506683, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, Dubai, +971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Nautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126503600, www.noukhada.ae RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton Marina, +971504912696, +97172066410 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +97142951011
Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater, +97126815566, www.adimsc.com Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, +97126440300 Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 7 2682333 or +971 50 4873185 www.aljeerport.ae Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, +968 9423 9777, www.mourjanmarinas.com Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai, +971 4 380 1234, www.dubaigolf.com Dubai International Marine Sports Club, Dubai Marina, +97143995777, www.dimc.ae Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai,
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Cycling
ZSI Trading LLC Exclusive distributor for Marmot

www.zsicorp.com Currently Available at Adventure HQ( Time Square Centre), Go Sports (Mall of the Emirates) and SnowPro, SKI Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
+97143627900, www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina, Dubai, +97143455545 Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai, +97143941669, www.dosc.ae Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi, +97143388955 Festival Marina, Dubai, Festival City, +97144498400, www.igy-festivalmarina.com Festival Marina, Dubai, Festival City, +97142085100, www.mourjanmarinas.com Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar, +97444948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com Fujairah International Marine Club, Fujairah, +97192221166, www.fimc.ae Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina, Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +97126666888, www.intercontinental.com Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +9714814 5555/5029, www.jebelali-international.com Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar, +9745584 3282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman, +96824737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +97144068800 The PearlQatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar, +9744965801, www.ronauticame.com Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club, Umm Al Quwaim, +97167666644, www.uaqmarineclub.com Dragon Boat Groups Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating, Dubai +971508795645 (Michael), www.dubaidawnpatrol.org Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, pier next to 360, Dubai, +971501547175 (Nick Hando), www.dubai-diggers.com UAE Dragon Boat Association, +971507634008 (Jason), www. dubaidragonboat.com
www.trekbikes.ae
+971 4 3350399
blingmytruck.com Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi +97124437802 Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143951113 Tresspass, The Dubai Mall, 2nd floor above ice rink, +97143398801 Tour Operators Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Libra, +971559228362, www.libra-uae.com Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +97143480214, www.mountainhighme.com Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba, +97150336046, www.sheesabeach.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503, Dubai, +97142959428, www.arabiatours.com
Equipment/Dealers Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg., Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97143415415, www.cyclesportsuae.com Micahs Bike Shop, Warehouse no.4 6th st. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +97143805228 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +97143255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City, +97143369007, www.rage-shop.com Ride Bike Shop, Dubai Mall, Festival City, Oasis Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +97143750231, www.ridebikeshop.com Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +97143697441, www. rcdxb.com Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road & Jebel Ali, Dubai, + 97143388644 Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126222525, www.tamreensports.com The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai, +971505528872, www.thecyclehub.com Trek Bicycle Store, 1a Sultan Business Centre, Oud Metha, Dubai, +97143350399, www.trekbikes.ae Fun Ride Sports, Rm no. 4, Mezzanine flr, C-13 bldg. Khalifa A City, Abu Dhabi, +97125566113, www.funridesports.com Peak Performance, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Dubai, +97143413056/+97143308023 Wolfis Bike Shop, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143394453, www.wbs.ae Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, www.dubairoadsters.com
diving
Caving
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +96824543002, www.holiday-in-oman.com Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +97143480214, www.mountainhighme.com Oman World Tourism, Oman, +96899431333, www.omanworldtourism.com
Climbing
Camping & hiking
Equipment Blingmytruck.com, +971505548255, www.
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Equipment Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +97148829361, www.globalclimbing.com Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.com Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi +97124437802 Services Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, +97143065061, www. climbingdubai.com E-Sports UAE, Dubai, +97142824540, www.esportsuae.com The Club, Abu Dhabi, +97126731111, www. the-club.com Information UAE Climbing, +971506456491, www. uaeclimbing.com
Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000,www.masaoodmarine. com Blue Waters Marine, +97142232189, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +97126710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com Premiers for Equipment, Abu Dhabi, Sh. Zayed 1st. Road, +97126665226, www.premiers-uae.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +9714 3444468 Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +97192388477, www.scuba-2000.com Scuba Dubai, Al Barsha, Al Khail Road, Dubai, +97143414940, info@scubadubai.com Diving Centres 7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +97192387400, www.7seasdivers.com Al Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, + 97143422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam, +97172682333, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971501118125, www.divemahara.com Al Marsa Musandam, Dibba Harbour, Musandam, Oman, +968 26 836550, www.almarsamusandam. com Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +97172226628, +971502428128 www.arabiandiver.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Deep Blue Sea Diving, Dubai, International City, +97144308246, www.diveindubai.com Divers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +97192370299, www.diversdown-uae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www. edc-ad.ae Euro-Divers Oman, Muscat, Oman, +96895035815, www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Ziggy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +96826735555, www.extradivers.info Free Diving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Dubai, Al Wasl & Dibba, Royal Beach Hotel, +97143944275, www.freestyledivers.com Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +97192449888, www.rotana.com Global Scuba Dive Center, Civil Aviation Club, Oman, +96899317518, www.global-scuba.com Khasab Divers, Oman, www.khasabdiver.com Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +97192449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Moonlight Dive Center, Madinat Qaboos, Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +97150 3289642, www.holiday-in-oman.com Neptune Diving, +97150 4347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Nomad Ocean Adventures, www.discovernomad.com, +971508853238, Dibba, Oman Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +96824284240, www.omadivecenter.com Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai,
68
OUTDOORUAE
Run by riders, for riders!

Online shop for power sport accessories and equipment. Full-fledged workshop for services and customisation.
Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, U.A.E, Tel: +9714 3393399 GPS: N.25.09.602 E.055.14.338
+97144068828 Scuba Oman, Oman, +96899558488, www.scubaoman.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +97150 784 0830, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.com The Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +97144068828 Clubs Atlantis Underwater Photography Club, Dubai, +97144263000 Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai, www.desertsportsdivingclub.net Emirates Diving Association, Diving Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai, +97143939390, www.emiratesdiving.com Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC), Dubai, UAE, +971 56 6952421, www.thefilipinoscubadivers.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971507840830,
www.fishabudhabi.com Blue Waters Marine, Dubai, +97142232189, www.bluewatersmarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +97143466558, www.barracudadubai.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +97148829361, www.globalclimbing.com Leisure Marine Beach Hut, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191, www.leisuremarine-me.com Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com Operators Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, +97143422993 Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +97143459900, www.adventure.ae Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +97172434540, www.alhamramarina.com Al Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971501118125, www.divemahara.com Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +97126429995, www.alshaheenme.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing (Al Wasl Passenger Yachts and Boats Rental LLC), Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai, +97142394761, www.cruiseindubai.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah International Marine Club, +9719222558 Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi,+97126594144 Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +97126507175, www.captaintonys.ae Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +97153244550, www.funbeachsports.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971558961276, +971503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +97126811900 Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +97192449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +97126503600, www.noukhada.ae Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971502898713, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +97142573084, www.summertimemarine.com Soolyman Sports Fishing, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971508866227, www.soolymansportsfishing.com Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +97144327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, +971554986280, www.dskc.hu
Goal Zero, +971509128353, www.goalzero.ae Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai, +97142840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi +97144437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www. kitesurfsup.com Sakeen General Trading, +97147094224, www.sakeen.ae Tresspass, The Dubai Mall 2nd floor above ice rink, +971 4 339 8801
horse Riding
Equipment Al Asifa Horse Equestrian & Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, +971554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi, +97126422237, www.blackhorseuae.com Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies, 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, +9172 2222433, www.cavalosuae.com Emirta Horse Requirement Centre, Sheik Zayed Rd, Dubai, +9714 3437475, www.emirtahorse.com Horse & Carriage Equestrian Equipment LLC, Dubai, +97142895069, www.horseandcarriageuae.com Mirzan Equestrian Equipment, Dubai, +971 4 4472808, www.metdubaihorse.com Equestrian Clubs/Centres Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.com Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street, Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +97142988408, www.alahliclub.info Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055, equestrian.centre@alsahra.com Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai, +971508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy. com Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +97143618111, www.poloclubdubai.com Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai, +971503099770, +971501978888 Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai, +97143238010, www.desertpalm.peraquum.com Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.com Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971555528182, www.goldenstables.ae HoofbeatZ, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971501810401, www.hoofbeatz.com
Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, +97142571256, www.mushrifec.com Qudraland Community, info@qudraland.com, www.qudraland.com Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971566127914, www.rahalranch.com Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, lessons@ rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +97165311188, www.serc.ae Racecourses Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +97124455500, www.adec-web.com Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +97125629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +97143474914 Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +97143270000, www.meydan.ae Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +97165311155, www.serc.ae Equine Hospitals/Clinics Dubai Equine Hospital, behind World Trade Center, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143178888, www.dubaiequine.ae Gulf Vetcare, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, +971508617590, www.gulfvetcare.com Sharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge no. 6, Al Dhaid Road, next to Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Center, Sharjah, +97165311881, www.seh.ae Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, next to Dubai Equestrian Hospital, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +97143375165, www.cvrl.ae
Jet ski
www.bsac406.com
general sports equipment distributors
fishing & Kayaking
Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +9714 3444468 Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971506146931,
800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 4 346 7751 www.800sport.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Flip Flop Arabia, flipme@flipfloparabia.com, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +97148829361, www.globalclimbing.com
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Opposite Arabian Ranches P.O.Box 7477, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 361 8111 Fax: +971 4 361 7111 Email: info@poloclubdubai.com www.poloclubdubai.com
Dealers Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Rentals Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 5 3244 550, www.funbeachsports.com The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, +9717206000, www.rotana.com Xventures, Dubai, +971555404500, www.x-ventures.ae
motocross & atVs
Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +97143390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42,
OUTDOORUAE
69
CM
MY
CY
CMY
motorsports
Al Ain Raceway International Kart Circuit, Al Ain, +97137686662, www.alainraceway.com Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +97143678700 www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +97167681717 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmarinacircuit.com
C
off-Road
CM
MY
CY
CMY
www.element- tness.net
+9714323151, www.ktm.com Golden Desert Motorcycles Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai.com Polaris UAE (atvs), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, +97142896100, M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +97125555144, www.polarisuae.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04-3419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +97143393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai, +97148321050, www. wildx.ae Equipment Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503, Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +97144548388, www.2xwheeler.com Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +97143470270, www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +97143393399, www.sebsports.com Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial Area, +97142852200, www. wildx.ae
Dealers 4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, +97143384866, www.4x4motors.com Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 8005423789, www.libertyautos.com Repairs and Services Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143392449, www.offroad-zone.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +97143476939 www.salukimotorsport.com Equipment Advanced Expedition Vehicles, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143307152, www.aev.ae Bling My Truck, +971505548255, www. blingmytruck.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +97143382744, www.icon-auto.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +97148321050, www.wildx.ae Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +97142898060, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operators Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
Walltopias ME Sales Showroom will be opening in late April 13. Climbers training memberships for Out of Working Hours bouldering, now available. Discounted Early Adopter membership closes on 28 February 13. facebook.com.rock.republic.dubai or info@globalclimbing.com
Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +97143999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +971556010997, www.surfschooluae.com Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, +97148876771, www.watercooleddubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com, abudhabisup@gmail.com UAE SUP www.uaesup.com
Water Parks
Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +97167681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, +97137818422, www.wadiadventure.ae Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, +97143484444, www.wildwadi.com
abudhabitriclub.org Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Abu Dhabi Striders, admin@abudhabistriders.com, www.abudhabistriders.com Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org
other leisure activities
stand up Paddling, Kite & surfing, Wakeboarding
motorcycling
Distributors and Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, www.aym.ae/yamaha Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.dusejamoto.com Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97142822144, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +97142896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, +97143330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshops and Services 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +97144548388 Dune Bike, Dubai, Al Khail Road, +97143272088, www.dunebike.com Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143476712, www.dusejamoto.com Gecko Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz, +97143413550, www.gecko-moto.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +9714 3393399, www.sebsports.com Clubs Dubai Motocross Club (DMX), Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971506950764 (Tom Wynn) www.dubaimotocross.com
kawasaki@liberty.ae
Dubai, +97142959429, www.arabiantours.com Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +97143034888, www.arabian-adventures. com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +97142628889, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971507665522, www.almost4x4.com ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, suffian.omar@ yahoo.com, www.jk-funclub.com Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders. com
Running
Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.
Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +97142894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +97143468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Leisure Marine Beach Street, Dubai, The Walk JBR, +97144243191 www.leisuremarine-me.com Picnico 04 3941653 Jumeirah Beach Road Opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai Pearl Water Crafts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971553749398, www.pearl-watercrafts.com Surf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim, +971505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +97143791998, www.surfshoparabia.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971505626383, www. ad-kitesurfing.net Distributors Ocean Sports FZE, +971559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store, International City, Dubai, +971504559098, www.kitepeople.ae Operators Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +97125568555, www.alforsan. com Dubai Kite Surf School, Dubai, Umm Suqeim Beach, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.com Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, +971508703427, www.ducomaritime.com Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,+971507586992, www.dukite.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971502547440, www.kitesurf.ae Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi, +971505441494, wwww.kitepro.ae Kite4fun.net, Abu Dhabi, +971508133134, www.kite4fun.net Nautica1992, Dubai, +971504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Shamalkitesurfing, Umm Suqueim Beach Dubai, +971507689226, www.shamalkitesurfing.com
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, + 97125588990, www.adgolfclub.com Dolphin Bay Atlantis Dubai, +97144260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +97143369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +97142316292, www.iflyme.com Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +97125578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +97143999005, www.golfandshootingshj.com SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates, +97144094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, +97124463653, www.spacewalk.ae
health, safety & training
Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Safety & Leisure Training Middle East, Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +97144502418, www.sltme.com Sport and Health Centres The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +97144370570, www.physiocentre.ae
Dubai - Tel: 04 3390621 | Dubai Auto sport 04 3388822 Abu Dhabi - Tel: 02 5588890 | Abu Dhabi - Buteen - 02 6660591 Sharjah - Tel: 06 5388066 | Ajman -Tel: 06 7410004 Al Ain - Tel: 03 7211444 | Fujairah - Tel: 09 2221188 Ras Al Khaimah - Tel: 07 2351592
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The Transhajar MTB race oMan

Cath Runs From Dubai To Fujairah

Kings of + + the RoCK!

masiRah island darryl exPlores The rugged oMani island

Issue 25, January 2013

starts 3 January 2013

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

The Transhajar MTB race oMan

Cath Runs From Dubai To Fujairah

BETWEEN THE LINES

Kings of + + the RoCK!

darryl exPlores The rugged oMani island

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and Editor in Chief daniel@outdooruae.com

Issue 25, January 2013

Kim Perks Copywriter and Editor

Jane Mesina Administration jane@outdooruae.com

Zaid Adham Arabic Editor

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Kit Belen Our fishing pro

Pete Aldwinckle Climber and all-round adventure seeker

Mike Nott The 4x4 expert

John Basson Moto/ATV and all round adventure seeker

Tori Leckie Writer, runner, blogger, adventurer and adidas athlete

WHEN YOURE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Climbing Expert WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! contact@outdooruae.com

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

WITH 46 GETTING TO GRIPS

50 An interview with HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

22 RIDING FROM THE ROOTS: THE TRANSHAJAR OMAN

14 THE WADI ADVENTURE RACE 2

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Here are The best shots sent in by

Camping with the Family

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Wadi Bih Mountain Bike Challenge

Dunlop 24H Dubai: 8th Edition

ZOGGS Aquathlon Series Race 2 of 3

Surf Dubai Sunset Open

Between January 18 to february 16, Umm suqeim open Beach, dubai

The Polar Beast: Wadi Adventure Al Ain

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2013

Transhajar MTB Race 2013

January 30 to february 2, 8:00 a.m., al amarat area, muscat, oman

CSI3-W Dubai Show Jumping Championship 2013

Big Boys Toys 2013

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Words By: Gary Flint Photos By: backonyourbike.com

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

3rd January until 3rd February 2013

While stocks last.

JANUARy 2013 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon

Photo by: Margot Turner

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography

Photo by: Barry Morgan BM Sports Photography