Behind the rope: (l-r) some tourists, Rifai, Adam, Paul, Bima and Joe
How was the last mtb “holiday-I” ride? Holiday-i!
After previous week race it was expected to be “calm” and number of participants was low – only 6 – Paul S., Joe, my Adam (only 6 but he is eager to ride with group, especially after last week and as it was close to our home and “izy”, why not) and 2 newbie’s – Bima and Rifai (and unfortunately later one with no helmet, 30 ryals ruwi Philips bike with broken front break lever as we found out later). We set off on pavement behind Intercon and in Shatti we rode down the concrete ramp to the beach. Suddenly we heard scraping noises – it was Rifai trying to break with both of his soles and stopping just centimeters from edge – he almost fell to sea! However we continued, in spite of marine charts I saw the tide, even if getting low was quite high and sand still relatively soft. Near Shatti hospital we had to get on pavement again not to get wet. In 1 point fisherman pulling the net from the sea stopped us.
We went on and climb the steps near British Embassy. Rifai “felt dizzy” so he called it the day – I have to say that 6-year old Adam was in better shape ;) However it is not easy to cycle on such a ruwi cr@p – so good effort but pls invest in the bike which is “sport equipment” as we tend to make rides which are sport activity, not sight seeing and prerequisites are well maintained bike, protection – helmet is must - and being self sufficient on spares/tools. We appreciate that somebody did the effort and came for ride, but you ride for yourself and I can’t imagine u can enjoy it without proper stuff. So just stack on and come again. Near British embassy we deposited Adam to mommy’s car and we were down to 4. We circumnavigated embassies, desalination plant, cut thru “Lake park” and around Chedi back to the Azaiba beach where we met Michel on road bike. For few hundred meters we went on the beach but had to get on road again because of that soft patch we got stuck up to knees on last beach ride.
Last bit of beach was quit soft, so we sent Bima (feeling tired) back to Chedi and just in 3 we bravely pushed forward. Paul got into his roadie position and we almost could not keep with him (riding around 25 kmph on places) so last bit to Azaiba pier was really tough. Joe arrived minute or 2 later, sweating profusely so we with Paul were taking p!ss “He is here so we can go back” … “and have a look how his hands are shaking”, haha, good effort mate. But all of us we needed small rest. Joe took road back to Chedi and we with Paul struggled back via soft sand and headwind clocking only 12-14 kmph(!).
All we regrouped in cofee shop near Chedi/Lake park, soft drinks went down without touching the sides.
We returned in relaxing pace on pavement, watching families outing on beach, usual football games and catching sun.
Nice ride again. Well done Bima to manage this ride – and riding back home to Ruwi! And good points for good working bike and helmet!
More pics on flicker