11. Abbasiya to Wadi Rum

You’ve passed all the big climbs! Now you just have to deal with desert sand. From, Abbasiya ride across open desert terrain with the sandstone buttes of Wadi Rum in the distance. The riding begins to get sandier as you approach Quwayrah and the Desert Highway, but the route is still rideable. Take a break in Quwayrah before continuing toward Wadi Rum. On the outskirts of Quwayrah, the route becomes sandier, and some sections may require pushing your bike (depending on your tire size/pressure). Shortly before Shaqriya, rejoin a paved road and follow it to Rum Village, where you can arrange for a stay in a Bedouin tent in the area.

BEGINNING:
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ON ROUTE
Quwayrah has stores and a small (falafel) restaurant. On the paved road going to Rum Village (just after Shaqriya) a small “Bedouin Coffee Shop” — only drinks here (water, soda, coffee, tea).

END:
Rum Village has several stores and restaurants.

• Wadi Rum: There is a wide choice of Bedouin tent accommodations. We recommend Rainbow Camp and Bedouin Directions Camp.
• Rum Village: The Rest House at the entrance to the village is a simple, budget option.

Camping

The Rum Rest House allows camping for a small fee. The Rest House also has its own tents for use for a slightly higher price.

From Rum Village the next ~10km are very sandy, and likely unrideable unless you have large, plus-sized tires. If staying in a Bedouin tent, your hosts will probably take you by jeep to their tent. The following day, they can return you to the trail where the route is slightly more solid, ~10km south of Rum (most of the tent accommodations are in this general vicinity, anyway).

Wadi Rum