Having hiked Stairway to Heaven UAE-Oman couple of times, I wanted to add a twist to make it more challenging. So I decided to carry my mountain bike all the way up the hike and mountain bike the descent from the other side.
So I did. On the 11th of December, 2015, I carried my bike (weights approx. 10 kg) through the narrow and exposed passages and staircases of Stairway to Heaven. No, it was far from being comfortable but it was a price I was willing to pay to get the bike up. Now of course I could have drove my way up with the bike on the off-road track from Khasab, but that would have taken the thrill and challenge away from it.
![Ascending with my bike up stairway to heaven](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender-1-1024x576.jpg)
There is no heroic stories behind it, the bike was big and heavy, therefore put me into many dangerous and tough situations on the ascending trail. But I was determined to continue because I knew I can – that’s all what I am about anyway…
![One of many ways I carried the bike up Stairway to Heaven](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender-3-1024x768.jpg)
After 4 hours, I reached the famous Stairway to Heaven plateau, which made feel a great accomplishment, knowing I didn’t even start the descent – which has no record of anyone doing it before.
![On the edge of stairway to heaven's plateau](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender-4-1024x768.jpg)
I decided to cycle around the mountain and meet the hikers on the descent starting point on the other side of stairway to heaven. So off I went. It started downhill, but soon enough it took the joy from me. The track quickly changed to uphill, steep and dusty, but I didn’t stop.
![Cycling around the mountain](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender2-1024x250.jpg)
I reached the turning point, but it had a warning sign with prohibited entrance on. So I waited for someone to pass by so I could ask. And to my luck a local passed by, so I stopped him and asked him direction to Wadi Ghalila, which he clearly didn’t know but insisted I go towards Wadi Bih road and Dibba. I was confused, but hey!!! He’s the local. So I cycled about 8 km off-my way – knowing it’s wrong, but did it anyway. Reached a military post which they told me I’m on the wrong side and have to return. So I cycled back almost to the sign post, up until an army vehicle followed me and asked me to return to the post for some questions.
![Panorama taken on the other side of Stairway to Heaven hike](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender4-1-1024x239.jpg)
Tired, thirsty and hungry hopped into the 4×4 and headed to the army post. They were nice soldiers, asked me few questions – which I believe they were just curious to know – and then gave me a bottle of water and let me go.
With some frustration, having lost 1.5 hours, I cycled this path once again to the turn I had to take from the start, if I had not listened to the local dude. But it is all part of the adventure, right !!! 😛
20 minutes from the turn, I reached the Stairway to Heaven path that leads to the descent. And I was hit by reality, the reality of how bad this track is for cycling, nevertheless cycling DOWN !!! But I was determined and thrilled to be the first one to attempt it.
![Panorama taken on the other side of Stairway to Heaven hike](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/FullSizeRender3-1024x228.jpg)
The descent was dangerous, but adrenaline pumping !!! Yes, I was scared on some parts and no, I couldn’t cycle all the path especially the top part as it is VERY steep, short paths with sharp turns. But I managed to cycle at least 60% of the Stairway to Heaven descent and it was enough to make my knees shake.
![Little surprise left for me by my friends :)](https://idoitcauseican.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_4852-1024x768.jpg)
I will put the rest of the story in the below video I edited from the shaky footage I recorded. I hope you like it and don’t throw you off your seat 😛
Please note: What I have done is dangerous, and if you are not both experienced hiker and mountain biker, please do not attempt this.
Remember, you can if you truly want to.
Toufic