New to Qatar?
Yes, it is completely possible to cycle in Qatar. Not only is it possible but there is a healthy riding and racing scene for both mountain bike and road. Sure, Doha's network of multi-lane express ways doesn't put it on any list of cycle-friendly cities but a lot of progress has been made in recent years. New bike paths are appearing everywhere; opening the possibility of family rides and, in combination with the new Metro (folding bikes only), commuting by bike is now viable for many. Some of these cycle paths are useful for longer rides or even training and the construction of the Olympic Cycling Track - a road dedicated to cyclists - has been a game changer for the serious cyclist. There are also places to cycle where the roads are quiet; sometimes eerily so as we head out of town on our Friday ride.
Nevertheless, the unbelievable but frequent sight of wrecked cars on completely straight, wide roads with perfect visibility leaves many of us seeking the reassurance of safety in numbers or taking car-free routes like the cycle paths to the airport and along Ceremonial Road, or almost car-free routes like the service roads around the Moto GP track at Lusail. Find out more on the Where to Ride or Where to Ride MTB pages.
Qatar is flat. Substitute the challenge of a tough climb with fast, exhilarating riding on super-smooth roads. That is, unless the wind turns against you! Even so, if riding in a group, expect your average speed to be higher than you'd reach on a club ride back home.
For the off-roader, Qatar has some unique scenery to explore and you may feel like adding a fat-bike to your stable to make the most of it. This is not a country for the down-hiller, but those craving something even remotely technical have carved out trails and the Filipino-organised races around them are very popular. Tubeless tires with sidewall protection are highly recommended as courses tend to be rocky and the rocks tend to be sharp!
Cycling is a rapidly growing sport here but it still has a cosy community feel. From September to May, there is a thriving race scene, both on and off-road.
Qatar doesn't really have cycling clubs as you might understand a club to be but there are many groups which have formed organically around social media. You could find yourself with a bit of an identity crisis as you join the QCR ride on Friday, then a shop ride on Saturday and then don Qatar Cyclists kit on race day. Taking part in QCR rides doesn't require any sign up or registration fees, instead you'll contribute 10-20 Riyals per ride towards hiring a support car.
This article wouldn't be complete without mentioning the heat. It gets hot here. By mid June it can be in the low forties Celsius at the end of a ride, then just as summer starts to turn a corner the humidity kicks in and that's worse. Yes, it can be hard but our rides have support cars that can get you home or at least blow air con until you have cooled down.
If you are a reader in a foreign land and that last paragraph sways your decision to leave the bike out of the packing, think again! For eight months of the year the climate is great for cycling. Even in summer, early starts make the most of the best part of the day. It's going to get much hotter later and those morning hours of outdoor exercise hold back the cabin fever of an air conditioned life. You haven't bothered to pack arm warmers or a gilet, have you? Put them in now or treat yourself to a new set from one of Doha's bike shops. You are going to need those for winter mornings and nights.
What else to bring? One thing that is essential is a good set of lights, a daylight visibility rear light in particular. Apart from that, much depends on your relocation budget - your indoor trainer, work stand and bike rack may be expensive to replace but do they fit in the packing? Most things are available from local stores, typically costing around the recommended retail price - you don't tend to get sale bargains here, but the days when bike stuff came at a hiked up price via a middle-man in Dubai are thankfully over. For anything you can't get locally, some mail order companies ship to Qatar at not unfavourable rates once tax is removed and delivery charge added, but factor in an additional 6% duty and customs charges payable on delivery.
Qatar is a conservative Islamic country with a modern outlook. For both men and women, it is perfectly acceptable to wear your normal cycling clothing, but I wouldn't do my grocery shopping on the way home from a ride without first meeting the 'Dress Respectfully' code. Cyclists are still a novelty on the roads here and the aggression you may have experienced from drivers in your own country is largely absent so please ride in a way which keeps it that way.
Welcome to Qatar or, if you have been here some time but just got yourself some wheels, welcome to Qatar Chain Reaction.
Nevertheless, the unbelievable but frequent sight of wrecked cars on completely straight, wide roads with perfect visibility leaves many of us seeking the reassurance of safety in numbers or taking car-free routes like the cycle paths to the airport and along Ceremonial Road, or almost car-free routes like the service roads around the Moto GP track at Lusail. Find out more on the Where to Ride or Where to Ride MTB pages.
Qatar is flat. Substitute the challenge of a tough climb with fast, exhilarating riding on super-smooth roads. That is, unless the wind turns against you! Even so, if riding in a group, expect your average speed to be higher than you'd reach on a club ride back home.
For the off-roader, Qatar has some unique scenery to explore and you may feel like adding a fat-bike to your stable to make the most of it. This is not a country for the down-hiller, but those craving something even remotely technical have carved out trails and the Filipino-organised races around them are very popular. Tubeless tires with sidewall protection are highly recommended as courses tend to be rocky and the rocks tend to be sharp!
Cycling is a rapidly growing sport here but it still has a cosy community feel. From September to May, there is a thriving race scene, both on and off-road.
Qatar doesn't really have cycling clubs as you might understand a club to be but there are many groups which have formed organically around social media. You could find yourself with a bit of an identity crisis as you join the QCR ride on Friday, then a shop ride on Saturday and then don Qatar Cyclists kit on race day. Taking part in QCR rides doesn't require any sign up or registration fees, instead you'll contribute 10-20 Riyals per ride towards hiring a support car.
This article wouldn't be complete without mentioning the heat. It gets hot here. By mid June it can be in the low forties Celsius at the end of a ride, then just as summer starts to turn a corner the humidity kicks in and that's worse. Yes, it can be hard but our rides have support cars that can get you home or at least blow air con until you have cooled down.
If you are a reader in a foreign land and that last paragraph sways your decision to leave the bike out of the packing, think again! For eight months of the year the climate is great for cycling. Even in summer, early starts make the most of the best part of the day. It's going to get much hotter later and those morning hours of outdoor exercise hold back the cabin fever of an air conditioned life. You haven't bothered to pack arm warmers or a gilet, have you? Put them in now or treat yourself to a new set from one of Doha's bike shops. You are going to need those for winter mornings and nights.
What else to bring? One thing that is essential is a good set of lights, a daylight visibility rear light in particular. Apart from that, much depends on your relocation budget - your indoor trainer, work stand and bike rack may be expensive to replace but do they fit in the packing? Most things are available from local stores, typically costing around the recommended retail price - you don't tend to get sale bargains here, but the days when bike stuff came at a hiked up price via a middle-man in Dubai are thankfully over. For anything you can't get locally, some mail order companies ship to Qatar at not unfavourable rates once tax is removed and delivery charge added, but factor in an additional 6% duty and customs charges payable on delivery.
Qatar is a conservative Islamic country with a modern outlook. For both men and women, it is perfectly acceptable to wear your normal cycling clothing, but I wouldn't do my grocery shopping on the way home from a ride without first meeting the 'Dress Respectfully' code. Cyclists are still a novelty on the roads here and the aggression you may have experienced from drivers in your own country is largely absent so please ride in a way which keeps it that way.
Welcome to Qatar or, if you have been here some time but just got yourself some wheels, welcome to Qatar Chain Reaction.
