The day’s aim was to conquer the Dalhoun-Saida Loop, a route I labeled “easy ride”.
It was a day defined by brilliant sunshine, 130C that felt like 100C, a stiff, cool wind, and a healthy dose of drama, both on and off the bike.
The Wake-Up Call: A 16% kicker
The ride starts with a proper jolt to the system. Forget easing in; the route throws a sneaky little switchback climb to Ketamaya right at the beginning, complete with a 16% “kicker” to awaken the legs.
After that initial burn, the reward was a beautiful, long downhill rush to Rumayla, followed by a blissful flat spin along the Saida seafront.
The Canine Challenge
Before hitting the busy inner roads, I encountered the route’s most entertaining hazard: dogs. I passed a few sleeping dogs, but then one decided to make a run for it. He chased hard, showing off his impressive initial speed. He had plenty of speed, but no stamina; thankfully, that’s the exact opposite of my cycling prowess.
Saida Scramble
The Saida seafront was a moment of peace, nice, flat, and fast. However, urban cycling in Lebanon always demands focus: keeping an eye out for sudden pull ins for that roadside coffee shot, double-parked cars blocking the lane, and trucks creeping closely up behind and beside you.
The Climb: History and Hidden Dangers
The main event, the climb back to Dalhoun, began in earnest; a steady, manageable 6-8% gradient out of Saida on a smooth road surface, allowing for a strong, consistent rhythm. I felt powerful at the impressive Ministry of National Defense tank memorial at Aabra. This tribute to the Lebanese army was the perfect, spot for a quick snack and a moment of reflection.
The ride then plunged into the valley near Bqosta, setting up the most strenuous part of the day: the steep, punishing climbs to Joun, hitting sustained grades of 8-10%+.
As the clock ticked past 3:00 pm, the air turned cool with the setting sun. I stopped to swap my sweat-soaked maillot for a dry one. It would have been a perfect opportunity to grab a few fresh oranges from a tree, but it seems every piece of accessible low-hanging fruit had already been picked by this time of year!
The Final Burn and a Sobering Note
Most of the day’s energy was spent battling to Joun. However, the route saved the worst for last: a few short, soul-crushing 12%+ climbs to Mazboud. This confirms a critical training goal, I desperately need to improve my resilience on these demanding, end-of-ride kickers.
The reward for the effort was a straight road home.
Upon arrival home, I heard reports of an Israeli drone strike near the village of Sibline, which tragically killed the driver of a snack delivery truck, suspected of transporting Hezbollah arms. On my way out of Dalhoun I had passed within 1-2 km of that strike spot, about four hours before the incident. Fortunately, my return route kept me a safe 10 km away. It’s a stark reminder of the realities of riding in Lebanon, and a reason to feel grateful for a safe return.
The Stats
Here are the final numbers of the day’s ride:
- Ride completed on December 16, 2025.
- Distance: 45 Km
- Total Climb: 1,131m, Max gradient 16% and max > 10% for almost 20 minutes!
- Moving Time: 2 hours 54 mins
- Calories Burned: 2,195
- Exertion: 7/10
The Dalhoun-Saida loop is a fantastic, challenging ride, a true test of stamina and focus, with views and elevation that reward every pedal stroke. You can click on the Strava link and try the route yourself.
What’s the steepest climb you’ve ever hit at the end of a long ride? Let me know in the comments!
