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Achievements of Team Al Waal for Mountain Biking – 2024 Season: A Story of Success and Excellence

Team Al Waal for Mountain Biking is one of the most prominent teams representing the Sultanate in the sport of mountain biking. Throughout the 2024 season, the team achieved significant accomplishments on both local and international levels. These achievements reflect the team’s growth and professionalism, proving their capability to compete at the highest levels.

1. International Kickoff in Sri Lanka (April 2024)The team started its season in Sri Lanka by participating in the Asia Endurance Race Series, securing advanced positions in the competitions.2. “Hello Summer” Competition (June – July 2024)The team organized the “Hello Summer” competition, which marked a strong beginning to the summer season. The event was managed with professionalism and enthusiasm.3. Local Brilliance in Races (August 2024 – February 2025)The local season began with the Jebel Akhdar race in August 2024. The team excelled in all local races organized by the Oman Cycling association and managed by Oman Trail Builders, asserting its dominance on the local scene.4. Participation in Nepal (November – December 2024)The team traveled to Nepal to compete in the Pokhara Race and the Asia Endurance Series, achieving honorable results and podium finishes in both races.5. Fujairah Race (December 2024)Team Al Waal participated in the Fujairah Race in the UAE and delivered outstanding performances, securing a place on the podium.6. Season Finale – Sultan Haitham City Race (January 2025)The Sultan Haitham City Race concluded the season with innovation and uniqueness. The team achieved podium finishes, ending the 2024 season with an exceptional performance.

The 2024 season was a year of brilliance and accomplishments for Team Al Waal, as they shone in both local and international races, earning top positions in major competitions. With their podium finish in the Sultan Haitham City Race, the team continues to cement its position as one of the leading mountain biking teams and is gearing up for more success in 2025.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an exciting outdoor activity that involves riding bikes over rugged mountain terrain, such as dirt trails, rocky paths, and forest tracks.

It combines elements of endurance, strength, skill, and adrenaline. Mountain bikes are specially designed with features like:

• Strong frames that can withstand impact,

• Wide tires that provide stability and prevent slipping while riding,

• Advanced shock absorption systems,

• Multiple gears to handle uphill climbs and downhill descents.

Downhill bikes are designed specifically for descending.They are not suitable for climbing because they don’t have many gears and are equipped with a very large suspension system.Enduro bikes are designed for descending hills.They are not built for climbing, but they can still climb with some difficulty because they are relatively heavy.

Trail Bike bikes are quite similar in design, but some models offer greater shock absorption and more speed — like having two bikes in one. They are excellent for both climbing and descending.

XC Bike bikes are designed for cross-country riding.They are built for climbing and speed races, so they must be very lightweight and have very minimal suspension systems.

Mountain Bike Gear

Some of Trails in Oman

Hamriya Enduro:

https://www.trailforks.com/region/hamriya-21404/activitytype=1&z=12.7&lat=23.55133&lon=58.57842&content=trails,labels,nst,region,poi,directory,polygon,waypoint,routes_featured

Fanja DH:

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/funja-national-champs-line/

Halban:

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/al-nahal-bees/

Joe Bune: The Godfather of Trails and the Legend of the Mountains

In a land where the mountains breathe history,and the horizons of nature tell their timeless magic,
there was Joe Bune, the trail magician,
dreaming of building enchanted paths.With the first steps on the rugged rocks,the story of crafting Oman’s stunning trails began.
New trails carved the earth with hope,
as birds soared above, singing nature’s name.Ten years passed, and the work never ceased.Joe Bune planted hope in the heart of the mountains,
creating an arena of challenge and competition,
where determination defied fierce winds and shattered towering barriers.From every corner of Oman, a new trail emerged,cutting through rocks like an arrow in the sky.
Every challenge became an exciting adventure,
uniting hearts and stealing breaths with unstoppable force.It wasn’t just about races,but festivals of passion and dedication,
where the echoes of rocks colliding with bike tires resonated deep in the mountains,
under Oman’s blue sky, amidst dry lands and palm oases.Then came the grand event—the endurance race.A dream realized through tireless devotion.
Despite storms and fierce winds, they stood strong,
until Oman became a global racing destination.A land filled with stories, a sky celebrating champions.Thus, Joe Bune and his companions embarked on their long journey,
building Oman’s trails, where pride never fades,
and the mountains continue to narrate their tale, across time and space.Then came the sorrowful day—the day of farewell.When Joe Bune decided to leave Oman,
hearts sank in sadness, eyes welled with tears,
and the mountains echoed, “Goodbye, dear friend.”The trails lit up in his eyes as memories,the paths he built still alive and thriving.
Yet, departure was inevitable, and leaving carried a glimmer of hope—
perhaps tomorrow would bring him back.Today, Joe Bune leaves, but his determination remains.His name will forever be engraved in the mountains and trails.
With every new path and every breath of fresh air,
people will feel his presence, as if time never left these trails.

Mountain biking is one of the most exciting and challenging sports, involving cycling on rough terrain and mountain trails that pass through valleys, forests, and rocky areas. This sport requires special riding and control skills, along with high physical fitness to tackle steep descents, tough climbs, and narrow paths.

A Brief History of Mountain Biking

The history of mountain biking as a sport dates back to the late 1970s, when groups of adventurers in the United States and the United Kingdom began using bicycles on unpaved trails and rugged mountain paths. From there, the sport evolved and gained widespread popularity, leading to the development of specially designed bikes equipped with advanced technologies such as modern suspension systems and wide tires for better stability on rough terrain.

Types of Mountain Bike Races

Mountain biking is divided into several types of races and challenges, including:

1. Downhill (DH) Racing – Focuses on speed and steep descents, with riders competing on fast downhill courses filled with natural obstacles.

2. Cross-Country (XC) Racing – Covers long and varied tracks, requiring endurance and physical strength over extended distances.

3. Enduro Racing – A mix of climbing and descending, balancing both physical stamina and speed.

4. Freeride – Allows riders to explore trails freely without race restrictions, emphasizing jumps and technical maneuvers.

Mountain Bikes and Their Features

Mountain bikes differ from regular bicycles due to their durability and ability to withstand tough terrains. Their features include:

• Front and rear suspension systems to absorb shocks and ensure a smooth ride.

• Wide, treaded tires for added grip on uneven surfaces.

• Lightweight yet strong frames, usually made of aluminum or carbon fiber.

• Powerful braking systems, such as hydraulic disc brakes, for precise control on steep descents.

The Development of Mountain Biking in Oman

Mountain biking emerged relatively late in Oman, around 2010, when a small group of enthusiasts began exploring dirt trails and valleys with their bikes. Over time, the sport gained popularity and became an integral part of adventure and outdoor activities.

Oman’s diverse landscape makes it an ideal destination for mountain biking, featuring rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and extensive desert trails. As interest in the sport grew, local organizations started hosting events and competitions, attracting international participants and boosting adventure tourism in the country.

Sports and Tourism in Oman

Mountain biking has become an essential component of Oman’s eco-tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the world who seek a unique experience that combines sports, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Several tourism companies now offer specialized biking tours, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry and showcasing Oman’s natural beauty.

Conclusion

Mountain biking is more than just a sport—it is an exhilarating adventure that offers the perfect blend of challenge and exploration. With its growing popularity in Oman, the sport is set for an exciting future, with more events and trails encouraging youth and adventure seekers to embrace this thrilling experience

Valid questions… and the answer lies in the belly of the whale… (A tale from “The One Who Trusts in God” about the Builders of Oman’s Trails)…The axe wrestled with the surrounding mountain rocks, its echo ringing with the chants of the Builders of Oman’s Trails, which begin with:

“The earth knows its Creator and Builder… and the axe rings out across its far and near ends…”

These mountainous verses stretch over fourteen farsakh (an ancient distance unit).After a struggle that lasted over seven harsh years, the axe decided to declare a truce with the earth.

Here is part of the poem:

“To You belongs the kingdom, O King of Kings…He who holds the axe fears not the barking of dogs…
Our will is firm… and our ambition is sharper than axe-heads…
The mountains have crumbled in awe, and the earth trembled beneath our steps…
Our vessels climbed their trails…
Plowing through night and day without fatigue or weariness.”

• The federation’s organization of four mountain races is considered an initial achievement and a step towards a near successful future — a fruit still in the ripening stage.

• Organizing takes time, and the Builders of Oman’s Trails team has been working hard — and silently — for years in this transitional phase. We hope efforts will elevate and come together for success.

• Their efforts were present in today’s race (we always wish for the best), and we are continuing to push the wheel of progress forward.

• Transitional phases and efforts in such matters require patience and perseverance.

• Incentive prizes are not usually part of official major events. The Builders of Oman’s Trails team adopted this approach to add joy for the attendees and to encourage them. This team is a volunteer group, while the federation represents a government entity.

• Media promotion was absent, and the concerned parties were informed about this point — and it has been taken into account. We hope it sees the light soon… Let’s stay optimistic. Thanks to all the youth who covered today’s race — without them, we wouldn’t have had any media presence.

• Team Al Waal is evolving and shaping into its best version day by day — as are all involved entities. It requires continuous effort and tireless work.

And in the closing notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, and the Federation’s 2nd titled “Blows of Fate,” we say what pleases our Lord…“And whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it…” until the end of the hadith.

In short… your point is valid. We are in the process of turning the “mutant” into something useful.

Signed: Mr. Axe

One of the most beautiful and outstanding initiatives carried out by non-traditional sports teams here in Oman is the initiative of the “Oman Trail Builders” team to build and develop mountain biking trails.

The team has done an exceptional job — quietly — and through voluntary efforts by its members, who are passionate mountain biking enthusiasts. With their own hands and simple tools, they have developed dozens of mountain bike trails in various regions.

The trails they built are very well-suited for mountain biking, and they are also open — with no private ownership restrictions — to those who enjoy hiking, walking, and short nature outings.

Be like someone walking on sand — leaving a mark without making a sound.
Do not be like someone walking on rock — making noise but leaving no trace.
I believe the team applies this saying in their real-life work.You can download the Mountain Bike Trail Guide from this link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G9481KWQgD-Z-wvSN2-vRXC9WKrYJwwe/viewFollow the team on Instagram:https://instagram.com/omantrailbuilders