Trail Tales: Exploring Oman’s Hidden MTB Gems

"Is that a fox?… look, it’s running up that side of the rock!"

That was my first reaction at the sight of a wild sand colored animal, which ran away, unfamiliar to our noises and loud laughs.

"It’s a fox! We are in the middle of nowhere, literally," Amiel replied. "Indeed! We are in the real wilderness."

This moment perfectly captured the spirit of our latest trail-building project, "Eagle’s Nest." Far from the city, surrounded by rugged nature, the camaraderie and shared passion for mountain biking brought us together. I had the privilege of participating in a couple of its construction sessions. I joined on the second session call, and worked alongside Captain Said Al-Mahrooqi and Hamad Al-Hajri, shaping challenging switchbacks and clearing rocky sections. The third session was even more vibrant, as Said and I were joined by riders from the Filipino Team—Orly the Senior, Amiel, and later Marco and Percival. Together, we carved new lines, reinforced berms, and shared ideas about the trail we are building, other trails stories along with DIY electrolytes and fruits that turned hard work into a celebration of community and wilderness.

Spotlight on Forgotten Gems: Beduminati & Loud Man

In a scene that often revolves around the newest lines and most hyped routes, some trails quietly fall off the radar. Beduminati and Loud Man[1] haven’t hosted a group ride or event in the last couple of years—but they’ve lost none of their edges. Hidden in Oman’s capital surrounding rugged hills, these two trails still offer raw challenge, sweeping views, and a reminder of what riding used to be: no noise, no crowd, just you, your bike and the mountain.

[1] Mahrouqi, Said Ahmad & Joseph Bunn. OmanTrailbuilders’ Trails Handbook, 2nd edition. Oman Cycling Association, Muscat. 2022.

Trail Names with Stories

Both Beduminati and Loud Man carry names born from real people and local lore. Beduminati, which loosely means “the big secret,” was named by trailbuilder and rider Joe Bunn, who coined it during the early days of mapping its brutal descent. The trail once hosted Oman’s national downhill championship and connected into “Beyoncé’s New Album”, extending the race run into a punishing 8-kilometer drop from ridge to valley. Loud Man, known for his booming voice and for always carrying a traditional weapon while patrolling the upper ridgelines with his sheep. His presence was loud, unmistakable—just like the trail that now bears his nickname.

Trail Names with Stories

Both Beduminati and Loud Man carry names inspired by the local population and their heritage. Beduminati, which was devised by OTB’s own, Joe Bunn -knowledgeable rider and trail builder, during the early days of mapping the brutal yet technical descent, might mean – and this is the author’s interpretation – a fusion of the two words “Bedou” and “illuminati”. The trail once hosted an enduro race and on another occasion a climbing race. The trail connects with “Beyoncé’s New Album”, extending the race run into a punishing 8-kilometer drop from ridge to valley. Loud Man, on the other hand, was named presumably after a mysterious herder, known for being a poetic philosopher despite the harsh environment. His presence was loud, unmistakable—just like the trail that now bears his nickname.

Beduminati: The Big Secret

After our encounter with the wild fox and the sense of true wilderness that defined our work on Eagle’s Nest, it’s clear that Oman’s mountain biking scene is about more than just the ride—it’s about immersion in rugged landscapes, technical challenges, and the thrill of discovery. This same spirit is captured in one of Muscat’s most demanding and rewarding trails: Beduminati.

Nestled in Sa’al village, Beduminati stretches for 1.4 kilometers and rises to an impressive 821 meters, making it the highest mountain bike trail constructed in Muscat. This trail is not for the faint of heart—its steep, technical descents are littered with large rocks and offer limited line choices, demanding advanced bike handling skills and a confident attack position. Riders must navigate tight switchbacks, rocky features, and sections that could only be described as gnarly—a term in mountain biking for rough, rugged, and challenging terrain. The trail’s elevation rewards those who reach its heights with panoramic views spanning Muscat, Al Ansab, Falaj Al Sham, Ghala, Al Rusayl, Al Khoud, and Fanja, offering a visual feast that matches the adrenaline rush of the descent.

Beduminati is a favorite among experienced mountain bikers seeking a true test of their abilities, as well as trail runners who use its steep gradient for both ascents and descents. The trail’s technicality means riders often rely on full-suspension bikes—known as "full squish" in mountain bike lingo—for better control and comfort over the rough terrain. Features such as rock gardens, drop-offs, and off-camber sections challenge even the most skilled, while the silence and fresh mountain air provide a rare escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

For those who crave adventure, Beduminati is more than just a trail; it’s a rite of passage. The combination of demanding features, breathtaking views, and the sense of isolation makes every ride a memorable journey into Oman’s untamed mountain landscape.

Loud Man: The Short Trail That Echoes in Your Bones

Just down the ridgeline from Beduminati lies a trail that doesn’t look long on paper—but delivers intensity in every meter. Welcome to Loud Man: 2.9 kilometers of exposed singletrack, clinging to the mountain above Sa’al village and overlooking the quiet sprawl of Sakhna.

Built by the dedicated crew at Oman Trail Builders (OTB), Loud Man is the result of over 200 hours of sweat, shovels, and stubborn determination. It’s also one of the most accessible trails near the capital, Muscat—close enough for a quick after-work session, wild enough to feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

The trail starts near a telecom tower and climbs gradually, weaving through terrain dotted with desert shrubs, acacias, and strange, mineral-rich rock formations. What begins as a mellow ascent quickly turns serious. As you gain height, the path narrows and the exposure kicks in—one side a craggy slope, the other a sheer drop with panoramic views.

Then comes the descent.

Loud Man rides fast and tight, with off-camber corners and rocky ledge sections that demand total concentration. There's no room for hesitation here. It’s technical but clean—built with flow in mind, shaped by local riders who know how to balance thrill with rideability.

What sets Loud Man apart isn’t just the terrain—it’s the feeling. The sharp silence, the wind wrapping around switchbacks, the scatter of gravel under tire. It's a trail that rewards mindfulness as much as skill, a line that tests your nerves without punishing your ambition.

And while the trail itself is solo and sharp, its creation was anything but OTB’s collective effort—weekend warriors, veteran riders, and first-time diggers alike—poured into every contour and berm. Their work transformed an inaccessible slope into a dynamic ride, all while preserving the natural rhythm of the land.

Loud Man may be short. But with its raw exposure, community roots, and views that stretch from village farms to distant skylines, it’s not the longest trail in the book—just the one that echoes in your bones.