Now that Qatar has been awarded the Hosting of the 2022 World Cup, the next Major Event to come to Qatar could be the start of the Tour de France –Expect Amazing- Recreational cycling doesn't actually spring to mind when one thinks about Qatar with the crazy traffic and extreme weather conditions of wind and heat; however, it is surprising the number of people passionately cycling the roads and desert in Qatar.

What started with a few expatriates coming together to cycle along the Corniche or to Al Khor early Friday and Saturday mornings, has now grown into a community upwards of 300 cyclists of all ages, with more than 25 nationalities represented from different types of industries, educational institutions and other organizations.

We named ourselves Qatar Chain Reaction (QCR) and this community continues to grow by about five members a week. Some are extremely dedicated and competitive cyclists, awakening at 330am in the summer months to tackle the road before the real heat sets in; some are more relaxed, cycling the slower paced Bike and Babble ride or just participating in the road or mountain bike events; others are only interested in reading our news. Irrespective QCR is open to all living in Qatar with members from Doha, Dukhan and Al-Khor.

In summary Qatar Chain Reaction is a multicultural bunch of recreational cyclists.

For roadies, the group meets weekly on Fridays and Saturdays between 5 and 630 am, depending on the time of year, at the Corniche by the Sheraton Park for a 100 kilometre challenge to Al-Khor. The pace is generally fast and competitive, each member driving the peleton and trying to outride and maneuver the other. The cyclists re-group at the Al Khor petrol Station for some much deserved rehydration before the return ride. The more relaxed group meets at the Doha Golf Club before cycling off to Simaisma and Al Khor. While the emergency shoulder on the 120 kilometre an hour highway between Al Khor and the Doha Golf Club provides a good road surface, the roadies will take a break from the traffic whizzing past and train at night at the well lit service roads outside the Lusail International Race Circuit or head for the Dukham hills, the 50 kilometre undulating stretch between Dukhan and Umm Bab.

Mountain bikers regularly explore the various off-road parts of Qatar. Favorite areas include the hard packed track along the coast and the interior of Zakreet and Ras Abrouq peninsula and the Firing Range, located in the southeast of Qatar, the area of highest elevation and challenging drop-offs bike skiing down sandy banks. The Dukhan Hills provide a good power climb or Simaisma a more relaxed cycle along the hard packed sabkha.

Closer to Doha is the Quarry, an area between the Dukhan highway and the Shamal road. Mountain bikers are challenged by the steep sharp climbs and loose drops of the Quarry and the jebels in the surrounding area while herds of camels regularly entertain the group.

There is always a passing Qatari or camel herder that wave in amazement at the adventurous group of mountain bikers taking to wilder parts of Qatar. Foxes, snakes, hedgehogs, horney toads, camel spiders are some of the wildlife that have been observed on the mountain bike rides.

In addition to the regular rides, QCR has held number of events: three individual time trials, a team time trial, a 100 mile Century Ride and four mountain biking events since its inception in September 2009.

The service road outside of the Lusail Race Circuit is ideal for holding time trials. Two laps of 11kilometres with 1-minute start interval between riders sets the challenge to beat the clock and the seeded rider ahead. The team time trial is the most exciting where three riders strategise and work together to out-handicap the competing teams. Upwards of 50 cyclists take part in the Lusail time trials.

The Century ride covers a remarkable and inspiring 100 miles (160 kilometres) through the Qatar desert terrain along the roads connecting Doha, Al Sheehaniya, Al Qaaiya, al Ghuwairiya, Al Khor and back to Doha.

The four mountain biking events have proved an exciting challenge for male and female participants of all ages and technical ability. The first events were held on a disused track of land behind the Civil Defense. A handful of volunteers built the challenging off-road course that had climbing sections as well as sharp turns, some sand, and single track through the brush. The course was intended to test bike handling skills versus a less technical venue where individual horsepower is more dominant. A hot humid day didn’t dissuade the 50 participants in October or the rain in December to compete over the 15 kilometre course. The kids probably enjoyed the 1kilometer course in the rain the most.

The Zakreet Rambler in February, a 40 kilometer race north along hard packed coastal sabkha and returning along the plateau with checkpoints at the film sets, was eagerly attended by 51 racers. However, the sudden sandstorm made this to be one of the toughest mountain bike races held. The competitors soldiered on and still recount their adventure.

Forty kilometers of hard packed sabkha interspersed with sand and six sand dune crossings during the course, each one of varying heights from 30 to 60 metre made the Sealine to Inland Sea Traverse unique. The 40 competitors showed a diverse technique of hauling the bikes over the dunes, carrying, pushing or the most distinctive styles of slinging the bike over their backs, head down and marching up the dune. The BBQ at the end attended by racers, families and volunteers was well deserved and great fun.

QCR are also working with Qatar Cycling Federation to promote cycling in Qatar. The Federation gave its approval for QCR to ride a portion of the final stage of the Men’s Tour of Qatar in 2010. More than 80 cyclists took this huge opportunity to participate in the biggest annual cycling event in the region.

We hope this will be repeated in 2011. Weekly rides will take place all year round and QCR are looking forward to the upcoming to 2011 season. All are more than welcome to join us on rides, compete in events or volunteer. For more information go to www.qatarchainreaction.org

my email address is  ben.keane@mercury.ie