Oman 6 Al Hamra till Balad Sayt Snake Gorge

21/12 Al Hamra till Balad Sayt Snake Gorge 37 km

I start the climb, which follows 24 km. I immediately enter in a land made by a gentle slope covered by grey stones, very monotonous. But the climbs aren't gentle at all. In fact the road climbs 2 km very steep, 15% about, and then climb softer, at 6% for 2 km, etc. .. So I have to push hard the bicycle half way. And for a boring countryside. Well I push 2 hours and it is enough. A car driver proposes me a lift till the top, I take it. I recommend to do all by car.

The other side of the mountain is stunning, awesome. It is all sculpted, with colours in black grey and brown, with narrow valleys and slopes very steep. 

Well the down hill is very difficult. First it is a gravel road, narrow, winding, with sometimes a slippery layer of sand. And there are parts at 20% down, where I have to walk to retain the bike. Also there are some very steep climbs where I have to push hard the bike. 

About water there is a village not far from the top, and then farms now used as guest house. It took me about 2 hours to join the second farm, after a big climb. 

I decide to stop here, after 13 km, it is just the entrance of Snake Canyon.

It is a canyon only a few meters large which runs a few km. In summer it gets water and holes to swim, but now in winter dry season to visit it ropes are necessary to pass the holes. 

I go to the farm neighbour to feed my bottles of water it is a guest house the guide is French he invites me to finish the tuna salad an I chat with the tourist family and him.

Then I go to rest and dinner.