Between the Jebels and the Wadis

So then we entered Oman though Al Ain, and what a contrast!
Within an hour, we left the eternally straight roads through the deserts behind us, to enter hills and mountains. Quite suddenly, there were curves and climbs, bushes and rivers, eagles and goats, and wild camels. Looking back: after having left the Zagros Mountains behind in Iran, we didn't experience this diversity any more, and we roared through the valleys in joy and harmony.

Looking for a place to stay we found a small hidden wadi, one of these dry river beds adorned by some palm trees and inhabited by the chirping birds Oman is known for. We get to know Mars and his friends who came in their big adventure trucks from Germany to Oman. They already spent seven weeks hanging out in the wadis, mountains, and beaches . This wadi even had a hot water spring, potable and flushing out of the rock making it perfect for a natural good morning shower!

We ride and ride, stop by little corner shops to get just the essentials, and enjoy being in the wild. Another day, in Wadi Al Hawqain, again we have the opportunity to get a good wash in a natural warm water pool, before finding a shelter under palm trees for the night.
After a good rest, RidingKismet opened her eyes in the morning, saying "let's kick ass". We would go for some gravel today, to kick dust and see how far we make it.

And as the jet pilot once described it: "it began with a piece of cake, continued with an enjoyable challenge, and ended in a harsh fight".

We filled up water and snacks, and had a chai at a fuel station. We rode up the tarmac road into the mountains to then turn left into the gravel. We had the greatest day ever in the canyons, took some nice photographs, a road side special in the shade. Then we decided to go to Hamra, since it's not that far and we still got some time. But the road conditions, Habiiiibi...

Steep, steep stuff nearly 100 % inclination up the hill, together with deep, deep, puffy dust, filled with hidden loose rocks. In many cases, IronChris would ride ahead, park and walk down to give RidingKismet a high-five on the fly as she walked upwards, to collect her bike and ride it up. By this, IronChris would have the pleasure to experience the ride on two bikes not one, and RidingKismet to walk up the hill but not to ride since, Madonna, it's good for your health.

The last bit before the Jebel Hatt pass, it was then around 1.5 km in one stretch...
Up there, clean air, and the sunset ahead. In peace, we rolled down the winding road to Hamra in soothing engine break into the night.

This day had the potential for us to reach peak irritation, to be stressed by so many drops into the dust and end up sick of it all. And yet, not only was it actually a splendid offroad thrill, but the opportunity to be a team and to push through when the road gets bumpy.
Still covered in dirt and giggling we drank our bebe beers next to the adventure machines in front of our guesthouse in Hamra, one of the best preserved old villages of Oman.Read more