German cyclist and freelance journalist Thorsten Broenner recently cycled 850 kilometres in Oman over a period of 10 days. The individual press trip was arranged by the Munich-based German office of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) to showcase Oman as an ideal destination for cyclists. Broenner cycled from Muscat through the Hajar Mountains, Rimal Sharqiyah sands, several wadis, and along the Sea of Oman before returning to Muscat.
Broenner describes Oman as a country full of secrets and friendly people, with an exciting destination for cycling enthusiasts. During his trip, Broenner had many welcoming encounters with locals who provided water, food, and even spare bike parts when he had a flat tyre. He had many positive interactions with friendly locals, who were always willing to help him when he needed it.
“Oman is an exciting country full of secrets and friendly people. What made my trip special was the very helpful locals,” confesses Broenner. To make his trip possible, the ministry worked with hotel partners along the route to provide support, including the Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Starry Domes Desert Camp, and Wadi al Arbiyeen Resort. Broenner was also provided with a guide from Infinite Tours for his trip.
Broenner rides a gravel bike for his trips, which allows him to ride on both asphalt and gravel roads and carry necessary supplies. He experienced several flat tires on this trip but was prepared with spare tubes and assistance from National Cycling on 18 November Street.
Broenner was provided with a guide and stayed in different places every evening. He rode a gravel bike and carried his luggage on the handlebars, frame, and under the saddle.
Julia, a cyclist from Austria, accompanied Broenner for several days. They encountered a trader who gave them vegetables, and a family who offered them water, fruits, and cakes. Broenner recommends Oman as an exciting and friendly destination for cyclists. He is writing two magazine articles about his trip, with photos and information about the country, to help readers plan their own trips.
He also plans to publish three new books about cycling in Germany, on the Adriatic Coast, and in Europe by 2024. He also has plans of new cycling trips later this year in Tanzania, Germany, Jordan, Spain, Northern Europe, Italy, Azerbaijan, and the United States.
The ministry also worked with Infinite Tours, a Muscat-based Destination Management Company (DMC), to add a few bits and pieces to Broenner’s programme. The DMC arranged a caravan for him to spend the night in a very remote area where no accommodation was available.
He has been on the road for months every year as a freelance author and photographer for various publishers and trade magazines since 2005.
Over the past 30 years, Broenner has covered 330,000 km and enjoyed 234 bike tours worldwide. He takes more time for photos and encounters along the way.
“The main thing is to be on the road. The bike is a door opener to great experiences,” he says joyfully.
Besotted by Oman, Broenner (IG@thorstenbroenner) is currently planning a group bike tour with an Italian tour operator called FunActive Tours later in November.
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