Have you heard Dubai closing the Sheikh Zayed Road for cyclists and runners? If you haven't heard of it, there's an initiative in line with the Dubai Fitness Challenge over the years. As a result, it became a yearly event called Dubai Run and Dubai Bike Ride. Together with my hiking family, we get to join the Dubai Bike Ride this year starting from Coca-Cola Arena! Curious to see some photos from the event? Scroll down below!
FURTHER READING: A Beginner's Biking Experience in Mushrif Park in Dubai, UAE
Bike Ride - Starting Point:
The Dubai Bike Ride has a general route* along Sheikh Zayed Road with a total of 14-kilometer distance. However, there are different starting points to choose from such as:
- Lower Financial Centre Road - Gate 1
- Dubai World Trade Centre - Gate 2
- Al Satwa (isn't it Zabeel Park?) - Gate 3
- Coca Cola Arena - Gate 4
- Business Bay - Gate 5
*The General Route is the route for all participants. Meanwhile, there is a Family Route that starts at Gate F - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd with a distance of 4 kilometers and is intended for young cyclists and families.
Bike Ride - Ride Proper:
Our ride started from Coca-Cola Arena and merged to Sheikh Zayed Road heading South (Abu Dhabi). After cycling for a few kilometers, we reached the Dubai Canal bridge and then took a ramp close to Safa Park to cross to the other side. Upon crossing the Sheikh Zayed Road, we are now opposite the Habtoor Complex.
Continuing with our ride, we passed the Dubai Canal bridge once more, then cycled through with the view of Downtown and the famous Burj Khalifa. Eventually, we cycled through the Financial Center, and Museum of the Future and turned around from the World Trade Center area. Back at the road heading South, we then took a ramp after the Financial Center to exit the road and go back to our starting point.
Dubai Bike Ride 2021 Experience:
Although this activity is a little different from our outdoor routine, I absolutely loved the experience especially the thrill of cycling across Sheikh Zayed Road. It's amazing to see different people with their groups cycling together, as well as different kinds of cyclists - couples, friends, professionals, and some very active children who took the General Route as well!
While I may not be able to cycle regularly (I don't own a bike unfortunately), I loved the event and the thought of leisurely cycling along Sheikh Zayed Road with my friends! The event also made me want to pursue cycling too which is a good thing. So let's see how it goes from here. See you in my next post!
