So in an attempt to diversify on my everyday work out in the gym, given the fact that I am more flexible with timing and that my rollerblades have been sitting idle for around a year, I decided that rollerblading time it was. Although, it was unfortunate that the idea never came to mind before our “winter time” here. But the nevertheless, I thought the weather was still about tolerable.
Hmm..so I haven’t managed to get any picture of myself actually rollerblading, or my roller blades for that matter :-/…I’ll try to get a couple. I think this is mainly because I was too focused on finding the perfect venue, and with each one I cam across, I was too mesmerized.
The first rollerblading venue I could think of was Mamzar park, as that’s where I have previously rollerbladed. However as I was heading there, I remembered that the Mamzar corniche would be more suitable, given that it is a long stretch, allowing me to pick up as much speed.
This right here is it.
The good thing about it, was that there is hardly anybody there at that time of the day. Keep in mind it still was quite hot, but humidity on lower levels. Plus, the view of the blue sea on my side always captivated me and always kept me going.
This is where I rollerbladed, I would go through the whole thing 3 times, I tell you though, not something I could have done without my precious techno/trance music :). At the end I would treat myself and rollerblade through the light poles. Although I did not like the consturction in view, it was for palm Deira, but after I found my second venue, I realized that this is a U.A.E. landmark you cannot escape!
However, coincidentally, one night I went to Jumireh beach for a walk and I found a running and bike track newly put there, quite a distance from the shore. What was better about this one is the platform of the track. I could feel the power of my speed much intensely, and it is hard resisting going fast, especially with Armin’s State of Trance, playing on my mp3.
So Jumiereh beach was it. However, as the weather was getting quite intolerable, I started going after sunset, this venue still served as a better choice for there were quite a lot of people at night, given that it was by a residential area.
Night time however, gave a different feeling. It wasn’t all bright sunny summertime feeling, rather the lights from construction far beyond and Dubai’s skyline on one side, left a stronger imprint on the surroundings. It still was beautiful, in its own unique way, added that the moon was in sight. I would take my headset out, every now and then, to hear the waves so I wouldn’t forget that it was still there.
It really is nice when I see fellow rollerbladers or cyclists. Espeicially little kids, they always smile back and they remind me of myself. When I'd have that wander look in my eyes, thinking if I'd ever be able to go "that fast" with my rollerblades one day.
:p you can see my reflection in this one.
Rollerblading also reminded me of some public courteous manners, that some people seem to neglect. For instance, leisurly walking on the bike track, when the walking one is right next to it, which is how this nice smooth track, became a sandy one, not leaving my wheels in the best of conditions.
One thing I wasn’t very much impressed by was the horizon I had to look at, Dubai’s skyline, mainly construction and skyscrapers. I tried VERY hard finding something I could muse on with that, but with failure, because I just hate it.
The flag is by the union house :) It the biggest flag I've seen in Dubai.
The two circles at each end of the track are the best part :-D, they are my delight for finishing one side of the track.
Unfortunately rollerblading is off the schedule now as Dubai hits high temperature making it unbearable outdoors, even after sunset. Part of Dubai’s “Summer Surprises”, I guess :p
