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- Social Family Cycling Event, a first of its kind two-day sporting event, was hosted by Jebel Sifah over the weekend (January 26 and 27), establishing its intent to become an integral part of Oman’s growing tourism industry, which has, in the recent past, made adventure tourism an important facet of its development.
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- Organized by Oman Bicycle Shop and Muscat 360, the event sought to provide a unique avenue for families and cycling enthusiasts to realize their sporting spirit in the most picturesque locale of the capital. Around 60 cyclists participated in the inaugural event in Jebel Sifah’s panoramic setting, which features the majestic Hajar Mountains and turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. They had an up close and personal experience of its natural bounty as they cycled through the terrain with the weather playing the patron.
- Titled ‘Bike, Brunch n Boat’, the event kicked off at 2.30 in the afternoon, officially launched by Issam Al Barwani, Vice President of Human Resources, Muriya. Road Bikers started their event at 9 am from Muscat, reaching Jebel Sifah at 12 noon along with other participants who traveled by cars or boats. The actual event began with a mountain bike ride that had exploration of the wadis around Jebel Sifah woven into it. Families had the option of riding through the Sifah Bay roadside.
- Following the cycling trip around Jebel Sifah’s pristine setting, the riders were treated to ‘Jebel Sifah Impressions’, a collection of photographs capturing the natural essence of Jebel Sifah and the Sifah village through the eyes of the participants who had done justice to the mesmerizing beauty of Sifah. They also had an opportunity to share their observations of the first family social cycling event in Sifah.
- The beautiful picnic-weather provided a much needed respite for biking members, many of who came with their families and friends for a fun-filled event that was packed with biking on the road/mountain, brunch at Al Sabla, overnight stay at Sifawy Hotel and an opportunity to utilize the Water Taxi Service.
- Participants had the option of staying at the recently opened Sifawy Boutique Hotel, which is located in the heart of the picturesque marina town with views of the soothing blue waters, the imposing mountains, winter night sky etc. Since its opening in mid 2011, the Hotel has been wowing guests with its fascinating location as well as its attractive features, including outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, children’s pool, health club and gym, water sports and desert excursions to name a few.
- The second day featured an opportunity to explore the Al Sifah area. The day began at 7 am for seasoned bikers who followed a more complex route, with climbs and down hills packed for added measure on the winding road. The day began at 7 am for the road bikers, with an optional mountain bike or family cycling exploration of the Al Sifah area scheduled for 8 am. Following a brunch at 10 am, the road and mountain bikers left the venue at 12 noon, many of them using the water taxi to Bandar Rowdha.
- Andrea Wenke, organizer of the event, said: “It’s great to have so many cyclists here. Oman is blessed with some true natural beauty and Jebel Sifah is a fantastic host. This event is the first of what will become an annual occurrence, I hope it will grow year upon year.”
- The Water Taxi Service, which was initiated last year, ferried participants to and from Jebel Sifah at convenient timings to suit the needs of the event.
- Jebel Sifah is a mere 45 km from downtown Muscat, has, in a very short span of time, made it a must-visit destination in the itinerary of visitors as well as residents in the capital and outside. Its distinctive appeal lies in it being a beckoning getaway with close proximity to the capital as well as its setting and the unique architecture. It is a 6.2 million square meters of sheer haven for nature lovers as well as adventure seekers, like the participants of the first Social Cycling Event.
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