Dubai: Jalal Bin Thaneya, all set for a bicycle ride of 5,000 kilometres, is attempting a major challenge that will push his mind and body, fellow cyclists say.
Bin Thaneya will cycle 5,000km from Muscat in Oman, through UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and to end in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — covering all six capitals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — to raise awareness about people with special needs.
The event is expected to start on December 15 and will see Bin Thaneya cycling for around 10 hours a day, covering roughly 150 kilometre daily for about two weeks straight, in order to cover the distance.
Wolfgang Hohmann, better known as Wolfi, owner of Wolfi’s Bike Shop and member of Roadster Dubai cycling group, said, “It is challenging to drive this distance in a car, so imagine cycling it.”
He added that the ride will test Bin Thaneya’s endurance because of the long cycling hours. Hohmann explained that pacing his cycling from the beginning is one of the most important tips he can give Bin Thaneya.
“He should also need enough recovery time, nutrients, stretch and massage to stay hydrated.” He added that good equipment and changing into fresh clothes also helps when cycling great distances.
“He must stay positive.” Hohmann emphasised, adding that cyclists either try to get into a meditation state and keep positive thoughts to go through the long hours, or some focus on enjoying the scenery.
Alexander Silva, regular cyclist, who started cycling in 1983 and has done a number of races and challenges, said that Bin Thaneya’s challenge is one of the hardest one can take.
“There are cyclists going around the world and cycling for 300 consecutive days. But the weather and the conditions that Bin Thaneya will face make it a lot more difficult than we would expect based on the distance alone.”
Silva added that this will be an inner challenge for Bin Thaneya, a race against himself.
“Body endurance will play a massive role but the biggest challenge is the psychological one. Also the conditions will be a lot harsher, facing the desert, the weather, unexpected menaces, poor road infrastructures, almost no support (except for his support vehicle) and so on.”
Silva said that Bin Thaneya has to ride at his own pace and not exert himself as that could lead to muscle cramps.
“Dehydration can also occur if he doesn’t drink the right amount of water and get enough minerals. Protein ingestion plays an important role to ensure he does not lose muscle size and strength.”
Other challenges that will face Bin Thaneya, Silva added are sun burns, rashes and postural pain, which is is due to the long hours on the bike.
As to why nothing similar has been attempted before in the region before, Silva said that the “Gulf region doesn’t have a strong cycling culture so it’s normal that no one has attempted it, in Europe or America this more common. Also there are a lot of factors to consider, which make it a big challenge in every way.”
He finally added “Enjoy the ride and the landscape, It’s always easier if you’re having fun… a good book to read at night, music to relax and stay in touch with friends and followers” Silva said.
