Wadi Dayqah Challenge 240/140 KM (2026)

Welcome to the 5th Edition of Wadi Dayqah Challenge 2026, a one of a kind, non-competitive cycling event set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Al Hajar mountain range, which stretches across 700 kilometers through the UAE and Oman. This challenge is designed for cyclist who are eager to push their limits while immersing themselves in the natural beauty and rugged terrain of one of the most scenic regions in the world.

The Wadi Dayqah Challenge is not about competition, but about personal achievement and self-discovery. Riders will traverse winding mountain paths, explore dramatic valleys, and experience the thrill of conquering steep climbs and descents, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclist. Whether you're seasoned cyclist or an adventurer, this challenge offers an opportunity to test your endurance in a truly unique environment.

The Wadi Dayqah Challenge provides two distinct routes, catering to both seasoned cyclists and those seeking a more accessible, yet equally thrilling experience.

• 240 km Challenge: Designed for experienced cyclists, this route covers the full span of the Al Hajar mountain range, incorporating demanding climbs, challenging descents, and breathtaking views.
• 140 km Challenge: This slightly shorter but still challenging route offers participants a chance to experience the beauty and difficulty of the Al Hajar mountains, with a route that's both accessible for intermidiate cyclists and rewarding for those new to long-distance riding.

Why the Wadi Dayqah Challenge Stands Out:

• Dual Options Route: With the two distance options, the challenge is inclusive, offering opportunities for both experienced riders and those newer to endurance cycling.
• Stunning Terrain: The Al Hajar mountains and Wadi Dayqah Dam offers narrow wadis, steep climbs, and panoramic views, provide a spectacular setting for cyclists seeking adventure and personal achievement.
• Cultural Exploration: This challenge also allows riders to explore the diverse cultures of Oman, creating a truly unique cycling experience.

The Wadi Dayqah Challenge 2026 is about more than just completing a ride; it's about setting personal goals, experiencing nature up close, and sharing a sense of camaraderie with fellow cyclists from all over the region. Whether a rider chooses the 240 km or 140 km route, they will face both physical and mental challenges that will test their limits and create lasting memories.

Route:

240 km route with 2300m of vertical gains is very diverse and combines all needs for road cyclists: starting at the sea level in Muscat, steady as well as rolling sections with a few punchy climbs, highest point at ~400m at the far corner of Arqi loop, return point at the Wadi Dayqa Dam, famous Quriyat old road climb with 240m elevation gain and more including a quality tarmac surface all throughout. 

Strave link for 240km Route (Click here) 

To download GPX file (click here)

140 km route with 1800m of vertical gains starts and ends at the entry point of the Arqi loop (50km from the start of 240km route) and covers the most scenic part including Wadi Dayqah Dam

Strava link for 140km Route (click here)

To download GPX file (click here)

Below map shows overall planned route of this amazing trip.

For a visual recap of the 2025 event, you can watch the following video:

Start:

1. 240km group starts around 5:45 AM - 5:50 AM from Qurum Park – Click link below to see drop pin in Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BZqbf5N16zgo6omn6
2. 140km group starts at 6:45 AM - 7:00 AM from the entry point to the Arqi loop – Click link below to see drop pin in Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/8YkfPWtfrqrmaMTE9

Instructions for the ride:

• It is a social ride with a significant dimension in terms of distance and climbing. It is therefore important to keep moving at a solid steady pace with frequent, but not excessive stops, to be able to arrive back to Muscat at a reasonable time. There will be individual pace segments specially the climbs which will be communicated during the ride breifing (In Whatsapp group). There will be about 5 stops/reassembly in both ways (Muscat to Wadi Dayqah and Wadi Dayqah to Muscat), this will allow riders to fuel up and re-group with other riders.
• Refueling stations will be stationary and will not be moving along with the riders. This will ensure that all riders passing each stations should have enough food and water supply to move along the entire route.
• Riders shall sign up to a respective SPEED GROUP and DISTANCE
• SPEED GROUP indicates expected average speed over the total ride.
• 140 kms group will join respective 240km groups at 140kms START POINT
• Faster rotation after every 2 minutes in the front are highly recommended for a steady pace
• Those are unsure of his/her performance can stay behind drafting all throughout the ride to save some energy and can prepare for the climbs.
• Those who will find themselves struggling with the high pace group can drop off and join the slower groups at the back.
• This is a group ride and for maximum safety, ONLY STANDARD ROAD BIKES ARE ALLOWED to ride. ( TT BIKES, E-BIKES AND BIKES WITH TRI BARS ARE STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED)
• Standard safety equipment required such as HELMETS AND FRONT/BACK LIGHTS.
• Riders can choose to be in one of the following groups (see table below):

Entry Fee Inclusion:

• Support Vehicles, there will be four supporting cars and one ambulance.
• The Police car support will only be available at the start and end section of the entire ride to manage the traffic at Qurum park.
• Softdrinks and Water will be available in the designated refueling stations
• Buffet food will be served at the end of the ride at Qurum park (Start Point) from 3:30pm till 6:30pm
• Medals will only be given to the Finisher. If in any reason you did not complete the challenge you will not received the medal.
• Jerseys with Wadi Dayqah Logo will be given only to the riders who will registered before November 2025. If in any case there will still be left overs, this will be on a first come first serve basis.

• 240 km riders who has the pack lunch should bring only a disposal pack that will be collected from the start point at Qurum park and will be utilized only at the Wadi Dayqah Dam. All the uncollected pack lunch will be dispose after the event.

Please be informed that if ever you plan to change your group, we can always change it for you until a week prior to the event. 

Do not be worry, just book your ticket as early as November and you will have the chance to grab a Limited Edition Wadi Dayqah Jersey!!