Al Adaid Desert Challenge 2018 - Part 1 (Race Simulation)

From left: John Bonalos, me, William Yerro, Maricar Estacio, Andrej Filip, Saad Ferzam

When I was informed by my colleague, John, to do a race simulation ride at Khor Al Adaid, immediately I said "yes"! Indeed I was excited for two reasons. Firstly, my instinct of joy to ride and the next in mind was to scrutinize my level of capacity whether to push my limited limits to survive when the race comes. On the other hand however, I could have another two reasons as well. The advantage of familiarizing the terrain and to decide whether to push through with joining the race or quit. But hey, I've done the registration and already paid my entry fee which only meant there will be no turning back!

A few km from the start point, ahead of us will be the ocean of sands and rolling dunes.

OK, I'm ready!

Armed with excitement and thrill, we were all set and start pedaling. The weather was just fine and notwithstanding what lies ahead, my fear was far beyond hesitation - that's because we had a couple of four by four vehicle support that would back us up.

Midway of the route are waves of dunes.

Traversing the vast northern desert left us no choice but to dismount and push our mountain bikes. This is where my leg muscles started to feel tensions. Running or just walking on dry sands will immediately consume your energy let alone climbing and descending on hilly dunes. The good side however, the sun was still kind to us and the wind still showed comfort from time to time.

A selfie with Egay. I tried to hold my breath for a while and managed to smile for this.

While in the middle of the desert, Egay got down from the support vehicle and did a selfie shot just in time when I was approaching near him. Of course I needed to smile and pretend to look smart, pretty smart for me not to be closer otherwise the photo will reveal my pretensions.

This wasn't a selfie shot but this time the photo revealed my low inertia but the photo-bomber at the back was still in high spirit. No wonder, she's Maricar Estacio - a DH and Enduro goddess in her time!

It seemed that Saad was regulating his tire pressure and Eddie offered help while John and Andrej were checking the GPS. 

The final stage at last!

The good news? We all managed to reach the finish line! Not on a race-pace though but doing the simulation was just good as doing the actual race.

Happy together while going back en-route to where we parked our cars.

A big thanks to the two big guys from Qatar cycling Federation (QCF) who gave us the opportunity to be part of this mission: Mr. Andrej Filip and Mr. John Bonalos, the Event Director and Operations Director respectively of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge 2018. A big shout of course to Eddie Padilla and Edgard "Egay" Galang for the lift and support.
The Riders: Andrej Filip, Maricar Estacio, William Yerro, Saad Ferzam, Me
Photo Credits: John Bonalos, Eddie Padilla, Egay Galang

Wadi al Sail…an MTB Trail that it was

Wadi Al Sail is a neighborhood just within the heart of Doha, it was once a settlement with housing units and establishments. Behind this settlement lies a tenantless empty zone which can still be seen along Khalifa Street corner Majlis Al Taawon Street leading to Al Corniche. Though much renovation and development have undergone in recent years and settlements are gone, the empty sector remains intact until now. Memories protrude along the hilly hills where some tracks remained clear, for a decade ago, it was a haven for early Mountain bikers.

The hilly section of Wadi Al Sail.

Minaret of the Grand State Mosque in the distant.

Stone wall between the park and the barren section.

Going back at the park, oh yes, there's a part to climb!

And of course, a long way down overlooking the metro towers from above!

The crawling stone wall beside the bike lane at the south-side serves as the borderline between the present and part of the past. Those who once rolled their MTB rigs here a decade ago would definitely stop within this spot for a while and playback some of their memories. The charm of the past will bring their feet to cross the other side and feel the ground once more. 

Notes to consider: 

1. The park has already been opened for public but lot of finishing works are still in progress.
2. Cycle paths are still not fully constructed. 
3. Bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways are mostly constructed side by side. Taking a lot of care when cycling there is a must.
4. No enough signboards yet on cross-lines and blind spots. 
5. The undeveloped part is under entry restriction. 

Exploring the sunset ridge, mountain biking off-road to the highest point in Qatar

Photos: Manuel Abella, Noel Ancheta Cuarton, Richard Rodriguez, Michael Francisco
                       
Along the coastline in the south west corner of the Arab state lies a vast array of tower lines erected in continuous extent of lengthy trail underneath. The off-road trail climbs its way towards the canyons taking over the landscape in the area and proceed to traverse the contours rolling across the hillside with gradual climbs and descents in the other end.

Standing over on the table top of the plateaus will show you a 360 degrees view of the encompassing horizons.  As far as your eyes can see, the chain of hills is unending and narrows side by side with magnificent cliffs.

This is the highest peak I have been so far in Qatar and one with best routes that I haven't ridden. Looking down towards the coastline ignited the sense of adventure within me. There is no better way to explore this nature's beauty and it's wilderness than by bike.

The place homes for Camel, Goat and Sheep farms. We just kept our way a bit of a distance to preserve the animals' privacy specially in other areas where you can see them on loose.

Two boys from the local farm dwellers were amazed seeing us cycling around the neighborhood. We were amazed to see them around living in this place as well.

Dexter on his Specialized Endo was my ride Buddy for that day. Whenever we go for an exploration ride specially on unfamiliar trails, we always put safety as the top priority, thus, Buddy system is enjoined. Ariel "Poging Bagsik" in the background while John was trying to gather the riders.

Tough lady riders were able to keep their pace and proved their might even more than some of the men. From left: Debie, Jenn, TinTin, Irene, Lynn & Olga. They are the Doha Chiqlistas pioneers. You can catch them ride regularly during Saturdays at the Airport Bikelane but you might not catch with them in the ride! They're really tough and fast, believe me! 

 We rode together...we stayed together.

A big salute to Nelson Mabag, our Trail-master, for guiding us all the way and to sir Rowel (Johnvid as we used to call him), for introducing and bringing us to this place.

Our vehicle supports: Pres. John Bonalos, Fulvert, Ka Egay, Jeyson and Eddie Padilla's Prado....many thanks! And to all the riders...we shall return and do this again!