Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Hessa Al Rumaihi is sharing her love for the kingdom by providing locals and expatriates cycling tours around the island in a bid to promote healthy living as well as offer a glimpse of Bahrain’s rich culture and heritage.
The talented product designer, who works alongside local handicrafts, launched Global Wheels two years ago after being approached by her friend Zain Al Khalifa, the co-founder of the Localppl platform created to provide authentic experiences organised by locals.
Hessa, 26, living in Hamala, said: “I knew I wanted to do something outdoors that was unique to the island, educational and fun at the same time.
“I felt that a lot of locals were disconnected from nature and this was my way of inspiring people to get up and learn about the history and culture of their country as well as exercise!
“Global Wheels is a bicycle tour company aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle, educating about our rich history and culture as well as raising awareness about our environment such as not littering at the beach. Not only does it target tourists, but also locals and expats.”
The three-and-a-half-hour tour, which is BD19 per person inclusive of bikes, helmets, water and snacks, starts off in Janabiyah with a visit to the Royal Camel Farm where people can get up close and personal with the magnificent four-legged beasts.
“I’m currently only doing the Janabiyah to Jasra route since it’s the safest and greenest path,” explained Hessa who operates the tours on her own. “There are a couple of hidden gems that i don’t want to give away just yet but what I can tell you is that we start off exploring at the Royal Camel Farm and after trying some fresh camel milk, we get on our bikes and head to a hidden beach. That’s where I offer a sense of old Bahrain trekking through a beautiful lush marshland that’s connected to the sea.
“Making our way over the Saudi Causeway, there’s a small path that takes you to Jasra. Once we’re in Jasra, we will visit the Jasra Handicrafts & Training Centre where we have a healthy picnic sponsored by Al Osra.
“Then we will visit the Jasra House, where the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was born highlighting the old architectural houses of Bahrain before the discovery of oil. Then we will visit an organic farm located opposite the house were you can see what grows seasonally and get to harvest your own produce to take back home with you.
“I want people to enjoy and experience something different, for them to take something home with them, open their eyes and minds to important issues and most importantly challenge and get out of their comfort zones. I want guests to simply enjoy a beautiful day out.”
Although tourists have been enjoying the tour, locals, in particular women, have been flocking to participate in the fun-filled activity.
Hessa. “I’m so very grateful for the feedback I’ve gotten and I am surprised that I get a lot more locals than tourists, especially women!
“The tourists appreciate experiencing Bahrain with a local that is moving away from traditional tourism. Most of my guests want to experience the raw and off the beaten path alternative aspect of tourism. For locals, most of them have never visited any of the sites I’ve mentioned earlier. A lot of locals thank me for showing them a different perspective of Bahrain and are more motivated to explore other sites and historical monuments wanting to understand the environment they grew up in.”
When Mariam Al Umran’s cousins Andrew and Jasmine Almoayyed were visiting from the US along with friends Amber Spicher and Carl James Dyke, she knew she would take them sightseeing but wanted something different.
Mariam, the creative director of Vogue Group and the founder of fashion outlet, Meemo Space and Be Inspired Bh, said: “My cousins were coming with their friends from Iowa and staying in Bahrain for 10 days. I knew we would mostly be doing family stuff but I thought at least one day we needed to do something that was touristic with some kind of fun activity involved. I could have driven them around Bahrain to show them our beautiful island but it wouldn’t be as fun being stuck in a car. Plus, this was Amber and Carl’s first time travelling out of the US and also visiting the Middle East. I wanted to show them the true beauty of Bahrain through the eyes of a fellow Bahraini.
“I spoke to Hessa and she explained that all we needed to know was how to ride a bike and that she would be supplying the educational and fun aspects of the tour. It was also the perfect thing for us to do as I wanted to show them camels as they both love animals. It really was a different experience for them.
“We saw camels and how pottery was made. There was a bit of everything for us to see which was great for showcasing our culture and heritage. We ended the day with a picnic at the house in Jasra and watched the sunset together. It was the perfect day!
“Amber and Carl loved it and said it was the best activity in Bahrain by far which offered a bit of everything. Honestly, I loved it myself. As a Bahraini who already knows the country, I felt that it was a completely different experience as I have not gone to these places before. I felt so proud and so much love for the kingdom I call home. This is a highly recommended tour. Also, I love that you are working out and being active as well as learning something new.”
Helping others get fit is another one of Hessa’s goals. She believes that with the high numbers of cholesterol and diabetes found in the kingdom, biking is a great way to stay healthy.
“I’ve noticed a lot of people have been biking especially in Saar and Jufair,” said explained Hessa. “It’s a growing movement and we should have more bike lanes. We only have one cycle path in Zallaq now but there are rumours that Saar will have one pretty soon.
“I’d love to see alternative tourism get more attention, especially eco-tourism. I hope that one day we can collectively make a difference. It all comes down to community. Together, we can all shift our lifestyles, our eating habits; take more care of our health and environment in hopes of making our island a better place.”
To find out more, follow Hessa on Instagram @global.wheels or visit www.localppl.com/porfolio/biking-in-jasra/
