For the past five years, HKCC and Muntada Aid have organised the annual Hijrah Ride, which starts at the doorstep of the Kaabah, Islam’s holiest mosque and after cycling for 3 days, navigating the desert, mountains, heat, wind and cold over a distance of 550Km, the ride ends in the courtyard of Masjid-e-Munawara, the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Each year, hundreds of riders apply to join the team, but only a handful get selected. On the surface, Hijrah Ride is an inclusive ride welcoming people of all abilities, but commitment to training and discipline are key parts of selection.

The drill for organising the ride focuses on building stamina, endurance, and the psychological game. By early autumn, the H&K Cycle Club organises long-distance training rides for the team each Saturday. However, conditions are the opposite in Saudi Arabia; the team really wants to build resilience and discipline.

Come rain or shine, the team meets outside a London park every Saturday for long-distance rides.

On travel day, cyclists from across the UK arrive in London, pushing their large bike boxes through the Tube to Heathrow Airport; for some riders who trained in other parts of the country or Europe, this is their first time meeting the whole team in person.

From there, the team flies to Jordan, where they change from joggers into two pieces of white cloth known as Ihram.

Every adult Muslim man who wants to perform the Umrah pilgrimage must be in the state of Ihram.

The clothing represents equality, simplicity and ultimate truth about life. From here on, until they leave the state of Ihram, cycling has to wait, as the spiritual side takes centre stage.

It is the moment of reflection for all. It is a time when each rider seeks forgiveness from Allah; it’s a time to understand life’s true meaning and purpose, and to remember that every human being, regardless of where they come from, is equal before their Creator.

“Umrah is a journey of faith, humility and devotion aimed at enriching the spiritual wellbeing of those who believe in Islam as they pray and reinforce their commitment to Allah and the principles of Islam.”

After riders leave the state of Ihram, most change into various forms of Arabic thobes and enjoy the full range of culture and international cuisine this melting pot of cultures offers.

During the two-day break before the ride, the senior ride management team gives a detailed brief on the ride and what to expect.

The second most important thing happens in the hotel car park, where they open the bike boxes and assemble the bikes.

For most riders, it’s a nerve-racking moment as they assemble and check their bikes after a long flight.

On the morning of the ride, most riders stay within the holy city of Makkah for last-minute prep. As evening approaches, they pray and eat dinner locally.

Most riders and support staff don’t sleep before the ride, and by midnight, the crew starts loading the trucks and support vehicles with everything needed on the road.

As the riders gather in the hotel lobby, fully geared, the excitement and nervousness create a special atmosphere.

For the senior team, this is a truly special moment; it is a five-year marathon of hosting these cycling events in a country, and particularly from a city, where such events are not only rare but, before 2021, had never taken place.

For the past five years, the ride has started before dawn to avoid the heat and rush-hour traffic.

The ride from the holy city of Makkah to the first breakpoint is always full of excitement and nervous energy.

This is when new and experienced riders acclimatise to the roads, fellow team members, and weather conditions.

This part of the journey sets a clear direction for what to expect on the road for the next three days.

The team always aims to reach the first breakpoint before morning prayers.

As the first sun rays embrace the ride, this vast country gradually opens itself to this team, breaking stereotypes as they start building new memories.

Day 2 of the Hijrah Ride starts in King Abdullah Economic City and heads to the holy city of Badr. This is one of the longest stretches of the journey, as riders cross vast industrial complexes and coastal towns to the arid, mountainous region of Badr, where Muslims fought one of the most decisive battles.

Day 3 begins with excitement. As riders embark to the city of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they pass various historic places, including Masjid-e-Quba, where Prophet Muhammad actually stayed upon entering the town of Madinah. Upon reaching Masjid-e-Nabawi, all the tiredness and fatigue give way to raw emotion, tears of joy, and a strange sense of accomplishment. It is one of the sweetest emotions.

It is a Journey like no other.