The Cycle Bistro, Dubai
Any Dubai-based cyclist worth their salt knows that the best place to stop for a meal before or after a bike ride is at The Cycle Bistro, inside The Cycle Hub’s sprawling showroom in Motor City. Serving organic, paleo-style fare, the cafe also hosts weekly cycle meets. They even have paleo roast dinners on most evenings, from 6pm to 9pm. Bonus: the store is a one-stop shop for cyclists and stocks hard-to-find brands such as the Italian Pinarello.
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
As part of the StartYas and TrainYAS programmes (Sundays and Tuesdays, 6pm to 10pm), Yas Marina Circuit is open to anyone who would like to walk, run or cycle around the track. Additionally, starting today and every Wednesday, the track is open to women only (6pm to 9pm) as part of GoYas. Entry to the 5.55-kilometre track is free. Cyclists have to ride anti-clockwise around the track (with the exception of children accompanied by a walking adult). There are 50 free-to-use bikes, courtesy of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Bikes and helmets can also be rented for Dh30 from Fun Ride Sports. Helmets and closed-toe shoes, available for rent for Dh5, are compulsory.
• To pre-book bikes from Fun Ride Sports, email edward@funridesports.com. Register at www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Cycling groups in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The Raha Cycling group – one of the largest in Abu Dhabi, with more than 1,000 members – organises informal cycling rides for various abilities several times a week. After their rides, cyclists often get together for a meetup. Rides are usually scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Wednesday evenings. In Dubai, check out the Dubai Roadsters Cycling Group, which has nearly 5,000 members. Both groups are free to join.
• Find "Raha Cycling" on Facebook; www.dubairoadsters.com
