The storm-related Al Qudra Cycle Track damage may have put paid to any upcoming rides in the desert, with several sections of the famous 86km cycling track currently inaccessible.

If you’re one of the cycling crew who spends their weekends (or early mornings) whipping your way around the Al Qudra Cycle Track loop, you’re probably looking for some alternative cycling routes while the track is repaired.

But panic not, there are plenty of places around the city for you to get your cycling thrills from. Here are some places for you to put pedal to the metal around Dubai.

Crank

Want to take your ride indoors? Head to Crank at Al Serkal for a serious hit of adrenalin. Get on your (hot) seat and prepare yourself for a high-octane 45-minute class, with options from low-impact and cardio-intensive workouts, to high-intensity SHAPE sessions. The workouts are set against beat-pumping tracks and state-of-the-art light and sound systems, that all up the adrenalin ante. You don’t have to be a spin pro to enjoy the class, but it guarantees a serious workout for those who like to sweat. The studio also offers ‘Crank On-demand’, so you can even enjoy a class in the comfort of your own home.

Unit 43, Al Serkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, crank-fit.com (04 321 2095).

Hatta Mountain Park

If you fancy looking further afield for your bike fix, stick your two wheels on a bike rack and head to Hatta Mountain Bike Trail for a more outdoorsy adventure. Spanning 52km in total, your ride will take you through the hills, wadis and farmlands of Hatta. And with multiple trails offering different levels, from beginning to advanced, it’s the perfect activity for the whole family. The trails are free and have markers along the route to ensure you don’t get lost. They’re also open 24 hours a day, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy throughout the year. While you’re in Hatta, you can also pass by Hatta Outdoors for some adrenalin-fuelled activities, Hatta Fort for a slice of history and Hatta Bee Honey Garden for a tour of its hives.

Hatta, Dubai, visithatta.com (04 820 5555)

Jumeirah Street Track

This 19km track gives cyclists plenty of room to stretch their legs. Plus, it gives you the perfect beachfront vantage point from which to explore the city, running parallel to Jumeirah Road and along Jumeirah beach. The cycle track starts near Burj Al Arab and runs all the way up to Dubai Water Canal, taking you past Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and Kite Beach. If you need some light refreshment en route, you can stop off at Arabian Tea House, Common Grounds or BookHero Café, where you can browse the bookshelves as you wait for your cappuccino.

Rta.ae

Mushrif Park

One for those who like a side-order of nature with their cycle, Mushrif Park is one of the greenest spaces to enjoy a bike ride. 15km in length, the track – which varies in difficulty – will weave you through 442 hectares of forest for a more natural immersion into the great outdoors. There’s also 20km of mountain biking trails, too. The park is known for its ghaf trees and spotting Arabian babblers, so it’s perfect for nature enthusiasts as much as cyclists. There are also plenty of cafés dotted around, kids play areas, horse riding, and Aventura Parks if you fancy adding some activities to your outing.

Al Khawaneej Road, Al Khawaneej (04 288 3624).

Nad Al Sheba Cycle Path

Away from the noise of the city, this leisurely bike path near Meydan Racecourse has loops of 5km, 6km and 8km, offering something for beginners through to more experience cyclists. While the loop is shorter than a ride Al Qudra, it still lets you get outdoors, into the fresh air and on your bike. Once a camel racetrack, the bike park is open 24 hours a day, and has available amenities for those also wanting to hire a bike. Whilst you’re whipping around the track, you can soak up the sights of the city’s skyline, with Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai as your backdrop. And if you’re wanting a family outing, there’s a safe cycle track for children too, that has street signs, roundabouts and speed bumps to teach cycling proficiency. The path is even lit at night, allowing you to carry on your city cycling after sunset.

Nad Al Sheba

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