Along with a settled mind there is an overwhelming feeling of calm when cycling through the desert, in the evening. A stillness within me, I can inhale deeply and I can exhale slowly. I can let go!
The silhouette of the dunes on the horizon. From the glow of the crescent moon their rippled ridges and peaks lit up. Eyes can be deceived into thinking they are covered in a blanket of snow. A clear sky, however it is not cold. The air holds onto warmth, it is soaked in humidity. Under the watchful eye of the moon, the stars, in their abundance, twinkle. A thousand eyes watching.
If ever there were an opportunity to cycle, without the risk of being prematurely erased from this world by reckless drivers, of which there are many here in Dubai, you grab it. Al Quodra Cycle Course. Albeit connected the course in divided into three sections. Prior to the recently added 'second loop' the course was affectionally known by many, as ’the Lollipop’. This being due to its outline.
This evening we are cycling the original loop which covers a distance of 50km.
We leave behind the dimmed lights of the carpark and head into the peaceful night. I wink back at the stars, its a friendly ‘hi’. I give my respectful nod to the moon. I feel reassured. There is only silence. Glorious silence, if not for the wind as it begins to roar passed our ears. It’s not angry. Neither is it at rest. We seem to be always looking toward the brow. Never beyond. Never below. The dunes appear to rise higher than when the stars are sleeping. They are inviting us to visit. We never seem to reach the top. Yet we are not always climbing. Our legs tell us so!
Beyond are the amber lights of a ‘Caution! Wildlife Crossing’ sign. Flashing furiously, they throw down the challenge. Our wheels are spinning. We hold our focus. We reach for them. They cannot move, yet they don’t seem to get any closer. It is difficult to estimate distance. Knowingly they deceive us. It is mental challenge created by silent darkness in unison with the wind. Our legs tell us so!
ON YOUR LEFT! SWOOSH! His head is down. His legs are working. The darkness takes the cyclist. We are left with nothing more than a red light. We hear a gear change. The wind carries the sound. Fading into the distance the light that reminds us we are not alone disappears completely. We are no match for the road cyclist, neither in ability nor bike. Then again, our intent has never been to escape drowning in what surrounds us. The wonder of sight is wasted on tarmac and speed.
Silence gives way to the sound from the Mosque. Evening prayer is called. The beautiful darkness gives way to street lights as we make our final push. Broken by a row of trees that keep us hidden from the occasional flow of traffic, the wind quietens.
It’s done! We are a step closer to our cycling tour of Sri Lanka.
