Why not try some pedalling to ramp up your social network?

What would you rather do on a weekend? Slump back in your couch and watch a serial on TV or put on your cycling gear and ride around the UAE? It's not difficult to guess what you would be doing after a tiring work week.
But unlike many expats who love to laze around on weekends, Dubai Marina resident Parth Jain, 30, prefers the healthy path. "Dubai's sedentary lifestyle gifted me with the dreaded Dubai stone within months. I had to make a lifestyle change," he told City Times with conviction. Committing himself to a gym or follow a strict diet was not something he planned on doing, so, last year, he bought himself a bicycle on an impulse.
"Expats hardly explore the UAE beyond the glitz and glamour of Dubai. You know, exploring the rocky trails of Hatta, Masdar City and other emirates on the cycle keeps me connected to the city," he says. As well as that, cycling also helps Parth connect with his social circle as he pedals with fellow cyclists during weekends. Not all impulsive decisions are wrong after all!
For the uninitiated, an hour of cycling can burn upto 483 calories, depending on the intensity at which you pedal and your weight. And if you're seeking inspiration, join a group that cycle regularly. For starters, we would recommend you try the UAE Mountainbiking Jumeirah. The group, which was formed in 2013 by Frank Boton, has metamorphosed into one of the biggest cycling outfits in the city today. They have a strength of about 500 riders.
The group usually set out for their weekly rides on Sundays at 8pm. The ride starts at 2nd December Street and goes all the way to Burj Al Arab before turning back. It's a 32-km ride and takes approximately two hours to complete. However, you don't have to go the whoel way. You could always join the beginner's level which means you don't have to go through the entire stretch. "We have 15 sub-groups spread across different areas and riding stages. A new rider can join at the newbie level. They will be guided by a team leader, and as you progress, you can go for longer rides," Boton explained.
To be part of the UAE Mountainbiking Jumeriah group, you need to have your own bike, fitted with front and rear lights, a helmet and a high visibility jacket. But before you can go for a ride, you have to meet the members, and once you are approved, you can join them for their scheduled trips.
The group's out-of-town rides include trips to Ras Al Khaimah or Hatta on Friday mornings. But due to the heat during summer, they set out on Thursday nights, at 10pm with overnight stopovers.  
Coming to the investment, a road bike could cost you upwards of Dhs250. But some mountain bikes could set you back Dhs1,000 or even higher, depending on the brand you opt for.
Now that you know what 30 minutes of cycling can do for your overall well-being, perhaps it's time to indulge in this healthy hobby.

How to hire a bicycle
If you are a beginner and not yet passionate about cycling, it would be best to hire a bike instead of purchasing one. Try the ByKy stations that rent out two-wheelers. The prices start at about Dhs15 for 30 minutes, Dhs20 for an hour, all the way to Dhs80 for 24 hours. For easy access, download the NextBike app (on iPhone and Android) or sign up at one of their rental stations. There are cycling points spread across Dubai Marina, Jumeriah and The Palm. Once you are registered and have put in your credit card details, all you have to do is add the details of the bike and receive a unique code to unlock the cycle. And once you are done, you have to drop the bike back to the renting point.  
For details, visit www.bykystations.com
anita@khaleejtimes.com