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Saudi Arabia - A New Frontier for Cycling - Part 2

6/8/2017

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Ramo Pro Cycling Training Camp

Contributing to a Cycling Revolution in Saudi Arabia

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Mission Statement

To lead the current and younger generation into the future by helping to create significant changes in infrastructure and awareness in cycling in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

It is hoped that the Ramo Pro Cycling Training Camp can help to inspire Saudi's in the field of cycling, by introducing new experiences and expanding knowledge, leaving its fingerprint wherever the training camp goes. Like a pebble dropped into a lake, it is hoped the cycling message will spread from its source to other areas in Saudi and beyond.

The Company

In August 2013, ex professional Syrian Sprinter, Omar Hamad, created Ramo Pro Cycling in his hometown of Famagusta in Cyprus, with his business dealing in cycle rental and tours. Omar later developed a wish to bring cycling to schools and inspire future generations of cyclists and his desire to coach and educate has now been brought to faraway Saudi Arabia.
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The Team

An international team of specialists was brought to Saudi Arabia. The team consisted of Omar Hamad (Director / Event Organiser / Head Coach); Ameer Alrimawi (Logistics Coordinator / Public Speaker / Team Motivator); Phil Welch and James Novak (Cycle Coaches); Constantinos Demosthenous (Head Mechanic) and Dr Rayan Karkadan (Health and Fitness Coach).

Standard of Equipment

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With the exception of a couple of specially imported road bikes (Merida and Specialised) the majority of bikes were Trek or Performer and were mainly heavy hybrid and mountain bikes. On our first day, we were confronted with bikes with baskets, bells and horns and the majority had flat pedals, the riders flat shoes.

Level of Knowledge

Several of the riders told us they were 'pros' but it appears that the use of this word merely meant that the cyclists here rode regularly and had more advanced equipment than their peers - not that they were being paid to cycle!
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Cycle Coaching

Coaching took place on the first five days and concentrated on improving bike handling, core cycling and group riding techniques by improving bike handling skills, balance and coordination, developing rider awareness of others around them, signalling and the ability to select the appropriate gearing and cadence for the chosen terrain. The riders were divided into three groups (beginner, intermediate and advanced), each group coached by a member of the Ramo team. While riding on public roads the cyclists would be led and protected by the local police and ambulance service, support cars, a mobile mechanic and recorded by a professional film crew.
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Cycle Touring

Two days were devoted to Cycle Touring, where the group would ride together as a peloton, again supported and protected by a team of vehicles. Local areas and places of interest were visited, providing the opportunity for the group to socialise, drink tea and eat local specialities, sing, dance and generally enjoy the beauty of the mountain surroundings.
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Strength and Conditioning

Five evenings a week, the riders would be engaged in exercises to develop their strength and conditioning for cycling. Nowadays,it is well known that cyclists need to work on their strength, particularly their core and lower body, but also their upper body strength. Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity and strength training will help build bone density while building stability and power. Stretching, understanding and experiencing how to use foam rollers and trigger- release balls for myo-facia release will help protect the riders from injury, reduce pain and increase flexibility.

Cycle Education

Evening seminars were given in the History of Cycling, Cycle Safety, Mechanics and Nutrition to help educate the riders in these four crucial areas.

The Future

Ramo Pro Cycling hopes to help increase knowledge and awareness in cycling in the Al-Bahah region and for this to spread across the country and beyond. Ramo represents an important link in the chain, driving the wheels of change and bringing knowledge and awareness to future cycling generations.
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Saudi Arabia - A New frontier for Cycling

4/8/2017

4 Comments

 

Rugged, Rocky Mountains, a Cornucopia of Delicious Food, Vicious Wild Dogs, Suicidal Drivers, Genial Locals and an Omnipotent King

Eight Lessons to be learnt from my first Eight Days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia and Surrounding Countries
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Al Bahah Region
I was first contacted, at the beginning of May, by Cypriot company, Ramo Pro Cycling, regarding a coaching and ride leading position abroad. I assumed it would be Cyprus but, to my surprise, it was in Saudi Arabia. I was intrigued as this appeared to be a great opportunity to gain invaluable practical coaching, as well as life, experience in a faraway and rarely travelled Arabian Kingdom. I patiently awaited details of the trip and, by July, my contract was confirmed in Al Bahah, in South-western Saudi Arabia.

Lesson 1: Visas are almost impossible to obtain...unless you know the King

I was now given the task of obtaining a work visa, which proved to be a major obstacle to my trip. Initially advised to go through an agent, I was asked for a substantial amount of money and an array of documentation that would take weeks to collect. The agent would provide extra assistance but for an ever-increasing amount of money. Desperate, I decided to go directly to the Embassy. This was once again met with numerous obstacles but once the Embassy knew the Prince of the region was sponsoring our cycling event, the mood changed, people mobilised and a visa almost instantaneously appeared in my passport. Miraculously, I was going to Saudi Arabia.

Lesson 2: Saudi Arabia is not just a burning hot desert

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Al Bahah Waterhole
Initially, I was astounded that a training camp would take place in the desert in the middle of summer with temperatures of around 50 degrees. How on earth would that work? However, the city of Al Bahah is nestled in the southern part of the western coastal escarpment and consists of rugged high mountains at an altitude of over 2100 metres with accompanying cooler temperatures and precipitation blown from across the Red Sea. Temperatures range between 18 and 30 degrees, with some rainfall, conditions more than conducive to pleasant and comfortable cycling.
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Soaking in the ambience

Lesson 3: Drivers in Saudi are maniacs

An unmistakeable truth is that every driver here appears to have taken a cocktail inducing insanity and impatience in equal measure. Crossing the main street in Al Bahah becomes a mission in speed, agility and reflexes - reaching the other side unscathed a minor victory each time the task is undertaken. Car horns remind me of a symphony of cicadas, only these are man-made sounds that do not calm the senses. Being driven in a car, no matter who the driver, offered no further comfort to personal safety. Two lanes are filled by three cars abreast, signalling is non-existent and speed limits ignored. On our first day, we witnessed two collisions, the occupants of the cars gesticulated and just drove on blasé to the damage to their vehicles. It appears that traffic rules are merely suggestions. I was even told that Saudi drivers don't use their indicators because they believe that they shouldn't let their enemy know their next move.

Lesson 4: Saudi Air is Polluted

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Riyadh is one of the most polluted cities in the world, although not as bad as Khuzestan in Iran or Ulan Bator in Mongolia. Apart from heavy traffic, the occurrence of sandstorms and pollutants from industrial waste contribute to the poor air quality in Riyadh. Fortunately, Al Bahah is over 900 kilometres away, is high up in the mountains and doesn't suffer as much from pollution. However, one of the most noticeable aspects of being outside in Al Bahah was the smell of car fumes. Not surprising, when so many drivers choose to drive large four wheel drives and the cost of petrol is over five times less than the UK. Breathing in the dry air also resulted in inhaling small airborne sand particles although the rain that fell in our first week helped to clear the atmosphere. Unfortunately, several of the historical sites and beauty spots we visited were covered in discarded litter although this issue is apparently being addressed.

Lesson 5: Saudi life is structured and religious

The official religion of Saudi Arabia is Islam and the people pray five times per day. To allow workers to pray, shops and restaurants will close for around 20 minutes. Incidentally, Al Bahah is a mere 300 km south of the Holy City of Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammad, the site of Muhammad's first revelation of the Quran and the direction of Muslim Prayer.

Lesson 6: Saudi People are friendly and respectful

Saudi citizens invariably welcome visitors with a smile a warm handshake and sometimes even a hug. They are keen to practise their English and equally to teach their own language to anyone willing to stumble their way through their lexis. They are a respectful and hospitable people who are undeniably proud of their families and genuine in their offer to accommodate your stay.
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Attempting the dance of the local tribe wearing the traditional Ghutrah

Lesson 7: Saudi Food is delicious

One of the wonders of travelling is sampling the regional and national food and drink. Saudi food frequently consists of rice, lamb, chicken, yoghurt, potatoes, breads, fava beans and dates. Saudi is the highest consumer of broiler chicken in the world and this might explain why our initial hotel served our party of five chicken and rice three successive days despite us all ordering a variety of different dishes from a seemingly extensive menu.
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Typical Spread of Saudi Food

Lesson 8: Animals are not cute and cuddly

On our first day we managed to see a harem of Hamadryas Baboons, which are found in large numbers in these mountainous regions, crossing the road ahead of us - if you threaten their territory they may be driven to defend themselves or if you have food (we were carrying bananas), they may try to attack. We already knew that baboons could be exceedingly dangerous and we waited for the troop to leave the road therefore allowing us to pass safely. On my third day in Al Baha, I was riding in the mountains when a pack of wild dogs cut off the road, led by the alpha male, a snarling, slobbering mass of white fur. I was at the top of a climb, breathing heavily and in no state to remain calm - I beat a hasty retreat down the mountain, returned a few minutes later to the same spot but the dog didn't relent in its aggression, sending me scurrying for a second and final time.
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Hamadryas Baboon

Concluding Thoughts

Saudi Arabia is, in no way, the country I expected it to be, at least from my brief experience in Al Bahah. I'm sure this is partly due to the image portrayed in the media and the fact that it is not completely open to non-Islamic tourism. This image seemed to be confirmed by the difficulty I had obtaining a visa but, once in Saudi, this image soon melted from my mind. Al Baha has wonderful mountains, green areas and an agreeable summer climate. Its people are structured and religious but they are also warm, relaxed and extremely friendly. Caution does however need to be heeded on the roads and when confronted by wild animals. But humans always have the last laugh - shortly after arriving in Saudi, I witnessed in full public view, a live sheep being thrown unceremoniously into the boot of a Mercedes car as my local driver sped manically along the main street - perhaps this is the reason why Saudi food is so fresh and delicious.
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High Mountains are a constant feature of the Al Bahah region
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    Author


    ​Level 3 Road & Time Trial Cycle Coach with British Cycling (BC) & the Association of British Cyclists (ABBC)

    National Master Wattbike Instructor


    Cycle Strength & Conditioning Coach 

    ​Cycle Trip Leader

    Sports Scientist (Honours degree in PE & Sports Science - Loughborough University)

    Postgraduate Teaching degree in PE & History (Loughborough University)


    Silver Medalist in WEMBO's World MTB 24 hour 40-44 solo at Finale Ligure, Italy, 2012 

    Silver Medalist at the Australian National MTB 24 hour 40-44 solo, 2012 & 2013

    I have completed several of the World's biggest stage races, including the Crocodile Trophy in Australia, the Mongolia Bike Challenge, the Sudety in Poland and the Andalucia Bike Race

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