The winter edition of the event still begins from the coastal Sharjah lagoons, through the stunning Hajar Mountains across to the east coast and north all the way to Fujairah to your final destination, Le Meridien Al Aqah – the route stretches 165km with approx 1700m of elevation along smooth tarmac roads, winding through dunes, over mountain climbs and along the beautiful east coast to the finish where you can enjoy the fine sandy beaches of Fujairah. There is no Abridged ride for this event. All riders ride from the start to the finish. (We are still working on the approvals for the short ride into Fujairah, however, until this is received, the ride will finish as per 2023 Spring edition at the Khorfakkan viewpoint and all riders will be transported with their bike to the hotel).

• What are the Race Time & Location?

  The Race starts from Sharjah Mamzar Lagoons promptly at 06:00hrs

• Is Parking available?

  There is ample parking space and you can approach and park, on the Dubai Mamzar side or the Sharjah side.

• What if I want to ride with a friend or my cycling group in the same pod?

  You must make sure you all enter the SAME NAME or CLUB NAME so that we can identify you as wanting to ride together. However, you must also ALL submit the SAME avg speed that you aim to ride at. If you do not, we will assign ALL the riders to the SLOWEST speed that was submitted by any of your riders. Once speed pods are assigned, no changes can be made.

• What if I aim to get faster after training, but want to register now?

  Please enter the speed you are riding at now and anywhere up to 7 days from the registration closing date, you can go back into your account and change your average speed.

• Is my return bus included in my Entry Fee?

  No, you must purchase this from the STORE for an additional cost.

• Can I buy a Bus Transportation option?

  You have the option to purchase a return bus trip with your bike, back to Sharjah. You will find this option in the STORE at an extra cost. The return bus will depart from the hotel at approx. between 17:30-18:00hrs back to Sharjah. If you booked the bus and bike transfer, you must pack your bike using the provided packing material and then stow your bike in the luggage compartment of the coach upon arrival into the finish and collect your receipt. This receipt indicates the bus you should travel on, along with your bike. Multiple buses will all leave at the same time with your bikes on board, so if you want to arrive with your bike, please make sure you are on the same bus. Depending on traffic which can be very heavy in Sharjah please allow 2.5 - 4 hours for the journey. You and your bike will be safely and securely transported back to the start point. The drop point will be at the same point you started (Sharjah Lagoons Car Park), with no stops along the way.

• When is the raceBriefing?

  You will be briefed at the start of the challenge (05.45hrs) as you reach the start line for your Pod. Please take note of the information in the Rider's Guide and during the griefing to avoid putting your own and the lives of others at risk. Please remember, this event is NOT a race

• What is the Mandatory Kit?

  It will be dark when we start the ride at 06.00hrs and sunrise is 06:38hrs - please make sure you have front and rear lights. You must wear your
  bib number on both your jersey and your bike. Please carry your own water bottles, supply of spare tubes and pump in case you puncture along
  the way. Water will be pumped not given in bottles, so it is essential to bring your own hydtration pack or bidons.
  Please also carry identification (Emirates ID or International ID), and a mobile phone.

• Are there any Feed Stations?

  Water/Feed Stops will be located at 4 points. Water, nuts, dates, oranges, bananas and electrolyte will be available at these checkpoints. Please try to be self-sufficient on your bike. Ensure you have enough water bottles mounted and that you refill and refuel at every opportunity. All feed stations have toilets for comfort breaks.

• What are the Cut-off times & Pod speeds?

  Riders are asked to reach the finish riding a minimum of 27.5kph average speed.
  Riders struggling to keep with their assigned pod may drop back to the next pod should they find the speed too fast or mountains they are
  too slow. Should you not be able to keep up with the last pod, you will be asked to take a rest in the sweeper bus until the rendezvous point in
  Kalba, where you may be able to rejoin your original pod, or a slower one depending on timing of the sweeper bus (Time dependent). Please respect the guidance of the Sweeper Staff if you are asked to get in the bus.

• When and where Goody Bag Collection?

  A goody bag which will contain your (special edition cycle jersey if you qualify having ridden both editions and registered before Nov 12 2023), mandatory bib and bike numbers, along with other goodies will be available for collection at Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai during opening hours 09:00 to 19:00hrs - please refer to your email once registration has closed regarding dates for collection. Tel: +971 4 339 4453. Bags will be available a week before the event. Only international or participants living outside of Dubai can collect goody bag on the morning of the race, who indicated this at time of registration.

• What are Speed Pods & how do they work?

  A ‘speed pod’ is a group of riders riding at a designated speed. The ‘pods’ will be organised based on the km speed you have estimated you will average and have submitted on your registration, so please be honest. Each rider pod (max 45 riders) will start out approx 2 mins apart. Participants wishing to ride in the same ‘pod’ we will do our best to accommodate you, but please ensure you fill in the same TEAM name for each rider on registration, and understand that you must all cycle at the same pace/speed. If you are registered as a lower/higher speed than the majority of the other team members, you will be assigned a speed pod according to your registered speed.

• Is the BBQ included in the Entry Fee?

  Yes, your 5-star luxury BBQ buffet is included for you, the rider, as part of your Entry Fee.

• Can I buy BBQ tickets for my friends and family?

  Yes, please purchase with your registration or visit the online store to make your purchase. However these are limited so make sure you buy yours early.