MUSCAT: In a rare and inspiring journey, a woman and her two children have set out on a long-distance cycling expedition from Suhar to Salalah to express their gratitude to Oman, the country they call home away from home.
Ramsheena, a native of Kerala’s Kannur district and the wife of a restaurant employee in Suhar, is travelling with her 12-year-old son Mohammed Hannan and 11-year-old daughter Amina. The trio has already covered nearly 600 kilometres of the roughly 1,300-kilometre journey and remains determined to continue riding day and night until they reach Salalah.
“The idea of cycling such a long distance came from a desire to do something different, driven by our passion for cycling and our wish to show gratitude to this country and its people,” Ramsheena said.
A flag-off ceremony was held at Ambar Park in Suhar, attended by social and cultural activists who extended their best wishes. Many praised the effort as laudable, noting that the family had no prior experience in long-distance cycling.
“They are not riding for adventure alone, but for a noble cause,” said one activist, pointing out that Ramsheena’s husband could not accompany them due to work commitments.
Preparations for the journey were completed weeks in advance, with the family gathering information from social media and other sources. Due to financial constraints, bicycles were sponsored by residents of Suhar, while several Omani citizens stepped forward to support the family’s expenses for the onward and return journey.
Ramsheena acknowledged the physical and mental demands of the trip but said the favourable weather has made the journey more manageable. She also cited inspiration from renowned cyclist Sarah Davis, who cycled 1,600 kilometres across Oman last year.
Describing the hospitality encountered along the way as exemplary, Ramsheena said her interactions with Omani families, women and children have reaffirmed her belief that Oman is a safe and welcoming country, even though cycling through long, deserted stretches toward Salalah remains a challenge.
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