I almost forgot, it's January 2019 and March is approaching. It only mean one thing for those who are following the MTB race calendar for this season, the Al Adaid Desert Challenge is expectedly in the air.
I had this blog created almost six months ago but unable to publish due to some reasons of torpidity in me. Aside from that, I was preoccupied by race events and other activities this season and being involved as one of the organizers really made me sluggish to initiate writing and make up with my pending posts like this.
Better late than never, here it goes...
With a welcoming weather gateway for the not so far approaching summer in the country, the organizers, media men, volunteers and race participants alike broke the calmness of the wind that early morning of March 02, 2018. I arrived in the venue having with me a huge expectation of myself, not that podium thing in mind but a quest to conquer the 40-km desert track over 6 challenging sand dunes to reach the finish line.
Take note, it's a full desert route and there’s no road!
This was my first attempt to join the race. I have been a volunteer crew since 2016.
I had this blog created almost six months ago but unable to publish due to some reasons of torpidity in me. Aside from that, I was preoccupied by race events and other activities this season and being involved as one of the organizers really made me sluggish to initiate writing and make up with my pending posts like this.
Better late than never, here it goes...
With a welcoming weather gateway for the not so far approaching summer in the country, the organizers, media men, volunteers and race participants alike broke the calmness of the wind that early morning of March 02, 2018. I arrived in the venue having with me a huge expectation of myself, not that podium thing in mind but a quest to conquer the 40-km desert track over 6 challenging sand dunes to reach the finish line.
Take note, it's a full desert route and there’s no road!
This was my first attempt to join the race. I have been a volunteer crew since 2016.
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| Waves of sands... |
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| ...where the dunes meet the sea. |
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| Desert monsters! |
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| Pinoy Off-Roaders...ready to rumble! Our Pinoy pride vehicle support for the event. |
This event was initially started just a fun race by Qatar Chain Reaction, an expat group of Mountain bike enthusiasts about eight years ago which was once called the "Inland Sea Traverse". The Qatar Cyclist later found to realize that this event would be somewhat distinctive event and as well foreseen to be a hit in the country and possible attraction for MTB race enthusiasts from the whole Gulf zone. Then in the very first inauguration race in 2016, this event concept was formally re-defined and renamed to "Al Adaid Desert Challenge" lifting up its level and became one of the top off-road cycling occurrence in the region.
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| The Route (Photo credit to Media Hub from www.aladaid.qa) |
Race Format: “MTB Race – XCP, UCI Class 3 (point to point
race) The race will run under UCI regulations. All participants ride on
their own responsibility. Applicable Provisions – For all that is not regulated
under this present regulation, the Commissaire Panel will apply the
International Cycling Union regulations and the Qatar Cycling Federation
regulations in compliance.” (excerpt from https://www.aladaid.qa/)
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| All my race kit are packed and getting ready...but wait, I have to make sure sands won't get inside my shoes. |
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| The race is about to start |
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| The actual race ground in action |
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| First climb conquest but still more to traverse! Suffering has begun in the first dune but doing a sensual passion like this, fun outweighs the agony. |
I had no other motto than "move on, there's no way back" for this race specifically. There wasn't too technical and demanding pumps and flows or berms to show-off some cornering prowess but the trail was loaded with mixed affairs though, flowing sections with some sharp descents that made worthwhile and enough entertainment to riders.
Known as the inland sea and the desert marvel of Qatar, this area is boasted with several towering dunes. Tracks without trails are long and packed with sudden drops and unending sand traps. These features require commitment to proceed, so this made not in some way suitable for inexperienced riders.
I actually trained as hard as I can prior to this event. Cycling on sands is not that easy and there were several times you need to dismount and push your bike up the mountainous dunes. Portions like these made the course unforgiving, it made my knees overburdened and my leg muscles strained. I found it challenging, however, when I see other riders pushing hard too and of course the cheers from the field marshals boosted me even more. Having them on site was really a big added bonus!
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| Reached the finish line at last with my first major race medal this year! |
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| Finisher's kit |
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| Not too bad out of 151 Riders in my category |
My experience in the Al Adaid Dessert Challenge-2018 was indeed remarkable. Not a usual trail for Mountain bike race formats but the event has proven a lot to justify.
Planning to race again in 2019? Well, watch it out!
To learn more about the Al adaid Desert Challenge, have a look at https://www.aladaid.qa
(Photos are credited to UFMBQ Marshal Photographers and the media hub from www.aladaid.qa)
