Diaries of a Mountain Biker in the lands of Oman

It’s more than just a sport...

It is a passion and a brotherhood. I never knew that the wheel of my bike would lead me to a world where the challenge of the terrain blends with the warmth of people — until I met Team Al-Waal. The first meeting was at the "Imti" race in Wilayat of Izki, where I discovered that this sport is not just about speed and skills it is about the spirit of Oman’s mountains themselves: tough when in challenges, yet noble in character.

I met the people behind the event, and their simplicity and sincerity felt almost Otherworldly... Captain Saeed Al-Mahrouqi, to whom I will dedicate an article recounting the inspiring role he played, alongside the amazing Joe Bunn, Captain Labeeb Al-Lawati, and Captain Hamad Al-Hajri — the founding pioneers of the sport in Oman, Oman Trail Builders.

The other side of the sport: the Unbreakable Brotherhood

What was even more captivating than the unique and diverse trails, or the exceptional and passionate competitions, it was the beating heart of this community. Captain Majid Al-Ya’qoobi and Captain Nasser Al-Sarkhi from Team Dhahirah were not just riders — they were the older brothers who share their experience along with a cup of freshly brewed arabic coffee.

Team Dhahirah, Team Waal, Filipinos, nor Team Sur are not just names — they are small families competing within a community, in a rare spirit of sportsmanship.

“Waal!”

The renowned Team Waal, which I was honored to join, and of which I became a “Waal”...

I remember how Captain Hamad Al-Wadhahi — one of the founders of the team — always reminded us: “It’s fun, man! Enjoy and don’t worry!”, “The hardest trail is the most beautiful.” Mansoor Al-Mahrouqi picked up, whose exciting openings and speeches always energized us. Captain Abdulmajeed Al-Farsi turned every training session into a lesson in team-working. As for "The White Shark," Fahad Al-Gharbi with his lively spirit and driving strength, he was like wind behind our backs on the toughest climbs and fastest descents, motivating us to break all the illusions that have been holding us back for ages...

The spirit of brotherhood doesn’t stop there, it lifts the barriers of boundaries and goes global, turning differences into a blessings. You’ll find us from all nationalities and backgrounds cheering each other in every language:
“Go go go! Aash Captain Aash! Allez Allez! Vamos Vamos!”

Yes, we cheered in Portuguese as well, as Captain Emerson from Brazil, residing in the United Arab Emirates, joins us — keen to participate in all events and races in the Sultanate.

Because it is the school of life!!!

“Why mountain biking?” my friends and colleagues used to ask me...

This sport taught me that falling is part of the journey, but what matters most is how you stand up, who extends their hand to help you rise again and again. The rugged terrains of Oman’s mountains — from Falaj Al-Sham and Ghala in Muscat to Jabal Akhdar in Nizwa, from Ibri in Dhahirah Governorate to Salalah in Dhofar during the Khareef season, through Al-Aliya village in Rustaq, and Sur in Sharqiyah — are not just fields of challenge, but stations for creating memories.

Even in the fiercest races, we would hear a voice from behind saying, “Easy captin, I’m right with you, brother!" On the fascinating descents of Fanja, or in the historical village of Sunub and the Thuwara trail... The descent twisted like a snake, while the riders’ chants pushed me forward...

Imagine covering a trail while the sun rises over the rocks of the Hajar Mountains!

During training, sometimes on the Bee Trail, other times on the Khoudh trails, from Hidden Views Trail to Tomb Raider and Jurassic Park, climbing High Hills and descending into the Winding Wadi... Words cannot describe their breathtaking beauty.

Today, after 15 years of dreams, I realize that mountain biking has given me more than physical fitness; it gave me brothers who are hard to find anywhere else. And while Oman is famous for its towering mountains, the most beautiful thing about it are the heroes of this sport who turn every trail into a story to be told.

So, are you ready to start your journey? Pack your bike and join this world... where there are no limits except those set by you, and nothing is impossible when the MTB community is your new family.