Well there are no big trees as far as your eyes can see in the desert, but there surely is enough space to ride a bike. Rugged terrains are no longer out of limits for cycling enthusiasts thanks to fat biking! Fat-bike bikes have tyres which are around three to five inches in width making it suitable for cycling on sand. Fat biking has in fact become a sensation among most adventure-loving travellers with many of them visiting Abu Dhabi to experience it first-hand. A top-favourite among Abu Dhabi excursions, the sport is one that can be enjoyed by anyone over 14 years of age.
The best place to embark on fat biking is in the Empty Quarter, situated on the dunes of Qasr Al Sarab. The Empty Quarter is incidentally the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world giving cyclists the opportunity to cycle through enormous sand dunes and stunning landscapes. Cycling enthusiasts who are interested may head over to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, which is the first in the region to offer fat biking as an outdoor activity allowing guests to choose from a fleet of 10 bikes. Sessions usually take up to about one and a half to two hours and are usually accompanied by a trained guide. On tour, cycling enthusiasts can discover animal tracks and may even come across rare sightings of indigenous flora and fauna. The tours come at a slightly affordable price and of course are ideal for those looking for some intense exercise.
As fat biking can be physically demanding it’s extremely important that participants are well nourished and hydrated before they take the tour. The ideal time to embark on a fat biking tour is right after breakfast and before noon when fitness levels are at its highest. Enthusiasts are also advised to keep an eye out for sand gazelles, lizards and desert mice. The first few metres of the tour will be quite a challenge especially for those who are not familiar with the hills and slopes. Though physically challenging, fat biking tours offer much fun and are a more ‘healthier’ way to discover the Arabian sand dunes.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
