[oman-l] Sports in Oman

[Billyboy]

In a recent e-mail, Eileen asked about:

> mountain biking, bicyclying (on-road)

There seems to be a keen group of cyclists.  Early morning
cycling is popular.  I saw a recumbent the other day.  The
motorists out here aren't too used to cyclists, hence the
early morning when it is cooler and the motorists are
asleep.

> hiking, camping

Wadi bashing (driving in the interior along non tarmac roads
and tracks) followed by a hike and involving camping out is
very popular.

> and rock climbing.

The rock climbing is said to be superb.  There is a group of
rock climbers.  some folk go the other way, and explore the
caves.  Oman hosts the second largest (known) underground
cave in the world!!!

The sea-sports all have their following - jet ski, Laser
sailing, a few sailing yachts, and of course snorkelling and
world class diving.

> I should mention that I am a female. 

I kind of guessed that as you are called Eileen!!  I know an
Eileen here, and people find her name difficult (especially
over the phone) as it is not a well known name here.

> I have already heard that there is a rugby club ...

A very good one.

> .. and a running club.

It's called HHH (Hash House Harriers, for reasons that are
too devious to go into here).  During the day, someone
(termed 'The Hare') goes out with a sack of powdered chalk
and lays a trail with lots of loops and dead ends.  In the
evening the runners (or Hounds) try to follow the trail.
The fleet of foot run round the loops, slower folk can cut
accross.  The fleet of foot run up dead ends, the slower
folk plod past them.  The general idea is that the fleet
ones and the slow ones all finish together.  At the finish
line there is a massive bar, full of ICB (Ice Cold Beer) and
an even massiver BBQ.  Some folk miss out on the running
altogether, and go along for the Beer 'n' BBQ.

> I understand that it will probably be too hot most of the
> time to take part in these activities .....

You jest!!  If you start using the heat as an excuse for not
doing things, nothing would ever get done.  BOR is the
watchword - Bash On Regardless!!

Look forward to your stay here - you'll enjoy it!!

Toodle pip!!

Bill