Cairo to Petra Cycling Challenge

Next week, a group of 50 intrepid bicyclists will embark on a breathtaking (literally) journey spanning 905 kilometers, seven days and two countries. Wheelers World Discovery, a cycling group based in Cairo, will be making the trek from Egypt’s capital, crossing the Sinai peninsula to Petra, Jordan.

Supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the initiative aims to promote tourism and an active lifestyle.

After an opening ceremony in Cairo on Feb. 21, the cyclists will begin riding on Feb. 22, with stops at Ras Sedr, Al Tour, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, Aqaba and finally Petra, covering an average of 150 kilometers per day until Feb. 28.

To prepare for the Cairo to Petra challenge, participant Sara Farouk told us that the riders have been training for the past month, starting with 20 kilometer daily rides and building up to 120 kilometers and longer.

“We train every Friday and Saturday,” she said. “Last Saturday, we went to Porto Sokhna. The weekend before we went to Alex, which was like nine hours all together.”

Anyone is welcome to participate in the challenge, which also has a short route option that covers 185 kilometers and joins the rest of the group in Sharm El Sheikh on Feb. 24.

Founded by four friends last year, Wheelers began as a project to promote the idea of cycling to decrease traffic on Cairo’s congested streets.

“To get across Zamalek during rush hour, for example, why don’t you go cycling? Why be stuck in traffic?” Farouk explained.

As the group grew in size and ambition, they started venturing outside of the city. Last fall, they took a cycling road trip to Bahareya. And next week, they’ll be crossing borders.

For more information on the Cairo to Petra challenge, check out the Wheelers’ page on Facebook and be sure to stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts as we follow their journey with daily live updates.

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