Cycle Tracks In Bahrain: Best Places To Explore

Cycling in Bahrain is a great way to explore the country and there are routes to suit all skill levels. From flat, downhill routes to challenging mountain trails, Bahrain has it all. The best time to cycle in Bahrain is during the months of May and October. There are plenty of cycling routes to choose from, including the Zallaq loop next to the Bahrain International Circuit, the road between Durrat Al Bahrain and Awali or Askar/Jaw, and the Areen & Umm Jidr trail in the Southern Governorate. For those looking for a safe and secure environment, the Bahrain International Circuit offers open-track cycling with full marshalling and medical support.

Mountain biking trails in Bahrain

Bahrain is an island country in Western Asia, comprising a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. It is a great place for cycling, with 950 cycle routes to explore, including mountain biking trails.

One of the most popular mountain biking trails in Bahrain is the Zallaq loop, which starts near the Bahrain International Circuit. Riders usually set off from either the 24-hour market gas station or the Midway point, closer to Sofitel. The route takes riders through farms and estates, looping back past the circuit and over to the Bahrain Sailing Club, before making a U-turn and heading back towards Midway. There is also a hill inside the Al Areen compound that some riders like to climb as a detour, as well as several side roads to explore.

Another highly-regarded mountain biking trail in Bahrain is the road between Durrat Al Bahrain and either Awali or Askar/Jaw. This route offers a nice long ride with a spacious emergency lane, providing a sense of comfort and security. Opting to go towards Askar and Jaw takes riders along a seaside route, while the Awali route passes through the tree of life area, with some slight rises and drops in a desert landscape.

For those seeking a challenge, the Areen & Umm Jidr trail near Umm Jidr in the Southern Governorate is a great option. This trail begins at Alaren, close to Alareen Palace, and features a downhill section with soft sand and loose rock. It then heads south and southeast towards a flat terrain before concluding with a challenging rock garden.

Additionally, Bahrain has several cycling groups catering to different skill levels. The Awali Wheelers, for instance, is a high-level cycling group that welcomes anyone to join their rides, which start a little after sunrise each morning. There are also lower-intermediate groups, such as the one organised by a girl named Sarah, who is part of the Triathlon commission.

Cycling groups in Bahrain

There are several cycling groups in Bahrain that cater to different levels of experience and preferences. Here are some of the notable ones:

Awali Wheelers

The Awali Wheelers is a cycling group that welcomes cyclists of all skill levels. They start their rides a little after sunrise every morning and maintain an average pace of about 26-32 kph. This group is ideal for early birds who enjoy a brisk morning ride.

Sarah's Low-Intermediate Group

Led by a woman named Sarah, this low-intermediate cycling group is perfect for those who are not total beginners but might not be advanced riders yet. Sarah's position on the Triathlon commission suggests she has a strong background in sports and fitness.

Skate Shack

While not exclusively a cycling group, Skate Shack is a helpful resource for those seeking cycling groups in Bahrain. They can point you in the right direction and help you find a group that aligns with your skill level and interests.

Team Bahrain Victorious

Team Bahrain Victorious (TBV) is a UCI WorldTeam cycling team from Bahrain founded in 2017. They are sponsored and financed by the Government of Bahrain to promote the country worldwide. This professional cycling team has participated in renowned races such as the Tour de France and features riders from various countries.

In addition to these groups, there are also foreigners who cycle on Fridays from the Seef district to Share3 il Nakheel, looping back from the Budaiya coast. There are also cyclists spotted doing a loop between the two Muharraq bridges.

The best times for cycling in Bahrain are said to be during the months of May and October.

Best time to cycle in Bahrain

If you're looking to explore Bahrain by bike, there are a few things to consider when planning the best time to go. The country's climate and your cycling preferences will play a role in deciding when to visit.

Climate Considerations

Bahrain's climate is typically hot and humid, with summer temperatures soaring well above 30°C. As such, cycling during the summer heat may not be ideal, especially for longer rides. The months of May and October see an increase in cycling activity, as the weather is more bearable during these transitional periods between summer and winter.

Winter, from November to March, offers milder temperatures, making it a more comfortable time for cycling. The winter months, particularly December and January, tend to have the coolest weather, providing a pleasant break from the intense summer heat.

Cycling Preferences

Depending on your cycling preferences and experience, you may prefer different times of the year. If you're an early bird and don't mind braving the early morning chill during the winter, you can take advantage of quieter roads and start as early as 5:30 am with groups like the Pinoy Mountain Bikers. They ride throughout the year, adapting their start times to beat the heat during the summer.

For those seeking a more social and active cycling community, spring and autumn might be better choices. These seasons offer more comfortable temperatures, and you'll find more cyclists on the roads. The Awali Wheelers, a well-known cycling group in Bahrain, start their rides a little after sunrise, which can be a great option if you prefer cycling with a group.

Landscape and Scenery

The scenery in Bahrain also varies throughout the year. While the country may not be known for its lush landscapes, certain areas, like Budaiya, can offer a refreshing change of scenery with their greenery and sea breeze. If you're looking to capture the best of Bahrain's natural beauty, winter rides to places like Sakhir, known for its interesting landscapes, can be a great choice.

In conclusion, the best time to cycle in Bahrain ultimately depends on your preferences and cycling experience. Winter, with its milder temperatures, is ideal for those seeking comfortable riding conditions and diverse landscapes. However, if you're an early riser or prefer a more active cycling community, spring and autumn can also offer enjoyable cycling experiences. Remember to consider your own comfort and safety when planning your cycling trips, and always adapt to the changing weather conditions.

Cycling routes in Manama, Bahrain

There are over 950 cycling routes in Bahrain, most of which are flat or downhill. The best time to cycle in Bahrain is during the months of May and October.

Manama-Tubli-Riffa Loop

This 105km route takes you through Hunainiyah, Zallaq, Al Areen, and Nahkeel before looping back to Manama. It covers a variety of terrain, including farms, estates, and the Bahrain Sailing Club. There is also a hill inside the Al Areen compound that many cyclists like to climb as a detour.

Manama-Tubli-Riffa Clock

This 75km route takes you through Hunainiyah, Riffa Walk, and various highways before looping back to Manama.

Golden Birthday Ride

Starting at the Riffa Mosque, this 75km route takes you through Zallaq Highway, BIC, U-turn Bilaj Al Jazayer Camp, and the Nasser Water Station before looping back to the Riffa Mosque.

Dolphin Park-Bahrain Bay

This route takes you through Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Port, Al Nahkeel Highway, and Salman City. It is a great option for those looking for a challenging uphill ride.

Janabiya Loop

Starting in Saar, Al Hashimi Resident Compound, Seef, or Al Fatih, this route is suitable for intermediate to expert riders with good fitness levels. The route is mostly paved and suitable for all skill levels.

Coral Beach Loop

Starting in Al-Hidd or Al Fatih, this route is perfect for an easy bike ride and is great for any fitness level. The route is mostly paved and suitable for all skill levels.

When cycling in Manama, it is important to keep in mind that the summer months can be extremely hot and humid. Motor vehicles also tend to drive very fast on Bahrain's roads, so it is crucial to be cautious when cycling on busy roads. Public parks and walkways are available in most major areas if you prefer to avoid traffic.

Cycling the Bahrain Grand Prix track

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. The track first came to life in 2004 when it became the first-ever track in the Middle East to host the Formula One World Championship. Since then, the circuit has delivered some of the most iconic moments of modern-day F1 racing.

The Bahrain International Circuit features five different track layouts and offers a range of track experiences for both experienced and beginner cyclists looking to cycle where F1 cars race. The circuit is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert and is known for its large run-off areas, which are criticised for not punishing drivers who stray off the track, but they do help to prevent sand from getting onto the track.

There are a few popular cycling routes around the Bahrain International Circuit. One option is the Zallaq loop, which starts at either the 24-hour market gas station or the Midway closer to Sofitel. Cyclists then make their way through farms and estates, looping back past the circuit and over to the Bahrain Sailing Club before U-turning and passing Midway again. There is also a hill inside the Al Areen compound that cyclists like to climb as a detour, with a few other nice side roads in the area.

Another route is the road between Durrat Al Bahrain and either Awali or Askar/Jaw. This is a nice, long road with a large emergency lane, making it a comfortable ride, especially in the morning. The route to Askar and Jaw is a seaside route, while the Awali route takes you through the tree of life area with some slight rises and drops in the desert.

Cyclists can also start at the Bahrain International Circuit and head towards the Bahrain Sailing Club, then continue towards the Bahrain Fort before looping back to the circuit. This route offers a mix of desert and seaside scenery, with potential detours to explore the local farms and estates or take on the hill climb.

When planning a cycling trip to Bahrain, it is essential to consider the weather conditions. The hottest months are typically June, July, and August, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Therefore, the best months for cycling are usually May and October, when the weather is more moderate.

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