BY JOU PABALATE
A few years ago, there were only a handful of spaces where women could ride a bicycle, the DQ being one of those havens. Fast forward to today and cycling has become a rising activity and sport in the city.
Growing up in Riyadh, I had always wanted to explore the city on a bike. After a decade of toying with the idea and seeing other women in Saudi champion the sport in recent years, I finally decided to get on board. I’ve only been solo cycling for a few months and I must say that urban exploring on two wheels is a liberating, exhilarating, yet equally meditative experience that highlights my week.
Below is a primer on how I went about getting into it. I cycle for leisure and see the city differently, hence, if you’d like to get more professional advice and take it up as one of your sports, I highly recommend connecting to a group or speaking to local veteran cyclists (the cycling communities in the city are mostly a friendly bunch and eager to share their knowledge).
Getting A Bike
When I first started, I decided to buy a department store bike for SR 400. I kept to the paved streets of the DQ, so it was a relatively okay starter kit — up until that time I decided to get on the trail and spent most of it grudgingly walking and pushing my bike uphill.
Wanting to further my two-wheeler adventures, I decided it was time to commit to a better bike. After asking cyclists I knew and doing some hard-core research (aka googling), it was a toss-up between a road or a mountain bike. My learned tip is to try out different ones (rent!) and see what works for you and consider the types of rides you’d mostly be doing.
While road bikes are lighter, built for speed, and easier to pedal on roads; I prefer the versatility of mountain bikes and feel more confident traversing the hilly topography and at times, rocky, or under construction, surfaces of Riyadh. It’s more comfortable for me to be in an upright position especially on longer rides in the weekends— plus, I like enjoying the views, so I don’t mind the slower pace. There are also hybrid bikes, which gives you a little bit of both.
Let’s Talk Safety
Admittedly, most of Riyadh’s streets, particularly the main ones are congested and are not bike-friendly. The first couple of times I ventured outside the backstreets and my comfort trails, it was daunting. However, once you get used to navigating your way and stick to some hard-fast safety practices, discovering different neighborhoods and sceneries you’d miss from your car window feels very rewarding. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Wear a helmet and safety pads (whether off-road or on-road).
2. Get head and tail lights. These will not only help you get through unlit streets at night, they also work in signaling drivers and make your presence known on intersections.
If you plan to ride on the streets or places in general that have car and pedestrian traffic, don’t wear earphones. Focus on the sounds and sights around you instead.
3. Dress appropriately (as I’ve been advised by more experienced cyclists). It’s best to make your presence known, especially since drivers are conditioned to watch out for other cars, not you or your bike. Smartly placed reflectors on your helmet and your bike and wearing reflective gear are the ways to go.
4. Always inform someone you’re heading out, what’s your general route, and when you’d likely be back.
5. Other essentials for a 1-2-hour urban ride: multipurpose tool, tire repair kit + portable pump, and water bottle
Tip: Those sharp dried thorns on the DQ trails can burst your riding dreams midway. My awesome mechanic down at Wheels eventually suggested I order some tire liners and masking tape. They have worked wonders against debris and thorn punctures since.
Weather
The cool months between September – March are amazing, you can ride out pretty much anytime of the day (sans dust storms). During the summer peak months (June – August), the safest and most comfortable timings are from 5 am – 7:30 am, or when the temperature is between 30-35°C. I also try to avoid open areas where there’s too much direct sunlight. Alternatively, a lot of cyclists also do their rides at the DQ in the late evenings.
Stay hydrated, take regular sips every couple of kilometers. Use a cooling towel on your nape to keep your core temperature a few degrees lower. Lastly, wear sunscreen, regardless if the sun is fully out or not.
The Routes Most Travelled
- Wadi Hanifah and Diriyah have bike lanes available, yey!
- DQ Trails
- Wadi Hanifah
- Diriyah
- Edge of the World
Bike Rental Shops
SPiN Rentals
Diplomatic Quarters
Opening Times: 5-11pm
+966 55 973 1117
Instagram: Spin.sa
Shack Bikes*
Ad Diriyah
Whatsapp:+966 54 961 2607
*Reservation required and only rents out to groups on weekends
Cycling Clubs and Tours
Dovesride
Female cycling group in Riyadh, arranges public events, classes, and bike tours too.
Instagram: @dovesride
Venture Outdoors
Best known for their Diriyah-Wadi Hanifah rides. And they combine it with other activities, like archery.
Instagram: @venture_od
Riyadh Wheelers
One of the first cycling clubs in Riyadh catering to enthusiasts and competitive cyclists. They organize races and runs during the season (September-April).
Website: www.riyadhwheelers.com
My Bicycle (Darrajati)
A cycling club that organizes different events.
Website: https://www.darrajati.org/
Nkazdr
A social club that organizes bike tours apart from other activities.
Website: www.nkazdr.wixsite.com/nkazdr
Instagram: @nkazdr
Bike Stores
Wheels Bike Shop (TREK Bikes)
Location: Prince Mamduh Bin Abdulaziz St, As Sulimaniyah
Contact No.: +966-11-4643321
Instagram: @wheels_bikes
Bike Lane
Shaikh Abdulla Al Makhdub St
Website: www.bikelane.com.sa
Procycling
Website: www.procyclingest.com
Location: Abdulrahman Al Ghafeqi St, Al Quds
Bikes Land
King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Almasiaf, Riyadh 12467, Saudi Arabia
Contact No.: +966-544083382
Instagram: @Bikesland_shop
My Bike SA
Contact No.: +966-596416765
Website: dirajati.com
Free Wheels SA
Contact No.: +966-569696380
Website: www.freewheels.sa
Bikes & Hobbies
Whatsapp: +966-557627406
