Saudis OVERWHELM 😧 With Arab Hospitality

Day 306. 71km (69938kms)
After all the trouble folk went to for me when I camped at a Qatari servo, I’d chosen a mosque at which to sleep. Instead I emerged from the prayer room to find a traffic policeman had seemingly spent the night in his patrol car as I slept comfortably inside. He even generously invited me to his family’s house, which was regrettably in the wrong direction. So he waved me off into the hands of a police car waiting for me on the highway.
If anything the wind was slightly behind me today so the going was easy. I was glad of my security car for the 100m during which the shoulder was sand-covered, but otherwise I found it unnecessary. Saudi Arabia is amongst the safest places I’ve ever travelled; 24hr security is absolutely overkill.
After giving my cycling and camping plans to the road captain I was given the go-ahead for the remaining 20kms. Yet infuriatingly on turning off the highway not 10kms later I was stopped by new security detail and told to wait. While phone calls were made a friendly group of Saudi tourers showed up who took videos with me and handed over gifts of fruit, chocolate, and sports drinks. At last I was let go, only to be stopped again just a couple of kilometres later. I was losing patience now; “The road is dirt”, “it’s too cold to camp”, I negotiated my way on. 6kms later at the end of a compacted and ridable sand road was Muriel, an Italian tourer I’d been in contact with for some time. My security car still with me (why?!?!?) we now both had to give our passports for checking and photographing again, and after much assurance that we would be fine, were finally and reluctantly let alone by the well-meaning traffic police.
Earlier in the afternoon Muriel had been invited to dinner by a group of young Saudi men who duly returned to collect us just before sunset. After bouncing through the dunes for a bit we arrived in a sheltered alcove in the cliff where the men were practicing archery and preparing coffee. Later we feasted on succulent camel-meat and spent the evening covering the usual questions to cyclists; “how many kilograms?”, “how many kilometres” and the usual questions to Saudis; “how many wives to you all have?” (one) did any of you ever drink alcohol?” (no). I for one had a fantastically enjoyable and informative evening, one which had I not been with Muriel, I would probably not have experienced.
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#saudiarabia #cycling #travel

[@jlq1247]

Quite the shock to hear my name in one of your awesome videos!! You're more than welcome - love following your adventures 💙😍💙

[@helsonwheels]

Hi!! I couldn’t find you on Insta on fb to thank you that way, looking forward to splurging on some indoor accom that isnt a mosque floor! 🤣
Many thanks again 🤩 🌟

[@bb1786]

It’s impressive that you do this and film a lot of it to create an entertaining content while showing your perspective of our Arab culture enjoy 😊❤

[@helsonwheels]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. I’m very glad you enjoy my little vlogs 😀

[@sobiasafdar8709]

Stay safe dear, your videos are quite interesting

[@helsonwheels]

Thank you 😊 xo

[@Freddie330]

The cyclist you saw probably she refused them or she started cycling from inside the country “she didn’t entered the country cycling”. As for your complaint about the highway patrol “menace”, they’re just doing their job and they’re responsible for it. They’ll held accountable if gods forbid something bad happened to you while you’re cycling in the road they’re responsible for.

[@helsonwheels]

I think the cyclists was a man for what it’s worth. The pair in question I described (misguidedly) as becoming a menace had stopped me already 3 times in just 5 or 6 kilometres for no obvious (to me anyway) reason. So I was getting frustrated because I’d already given all my plans to their captain who’d given me the go ahead. Mostly the traffic police have been very helpful and friendly, but this pair seemed rather less competent. Certainly I can always work on my patience in these bureaucratic situations though.. 🙃

[@harmmas]

Nice vlog

[@helsonwheels]

Thank you! 😃

[@SAM7c1]

Tomorrow Friday, it’s weekend most of places closed

[@helsonwheels]

Yes, thank you, I’m terrible at remembering what day of the week it is!

[@k.d6670]

A lot of people get lost in these roads that’s why the cops were walking behind you

[@helsonwheels]

I see. Possibly. I mean I was only 5kms from town heading to a very distinctive tall rock visible from town. I don’t doubt heir intention is good, that they solely want to look after me.. but solo cyclists are - by definition- accustomed to independent travel, so it’s a just a bit of an adjustment.. 🇸🇦🚴🏻‍♀️

[@k.d6670]

@@helsonwheels The reason is because you are a tourist, anything will happen to you the policeman in charge of the shift will be called ,, all for your safety.

[@helsonwheels]

I understand. They were very attentive, coming to check on us the next day when we decided to camp an extra day. They couldn’t believe we voluntarily wanted to camp in the ‘cold’ 😁

[@seaf49]

When you listen to the sound of the call to prayer. I know that you are in the country of safety and security, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and you will be welcomed with warmth and appreciation
In Saudi Arabia, their interest in security is due to the fact that human life is priceless. Islam commanded us to take care of it
In America and Europe, the most important thing to them is money. Animal life is more precious to them than human life

[@helsonwheels]

While I think it’s best to avoid making generalisations about such broad groups of people as allll Europeans 😆 I certainly feel warmly welcomed in Saudi Arabia. I can’t say I always feel safe on the roads here though.. some Saudi drivers don’t seem to share your respect for human life 😏

[@seaf49]

I am talking about the traffic men and the police. They are keen on their work and respect people's lives... As for the drivers, Saudi Arabia has millions of all nationalities.. As for the Saudis, you mentioned their generosity and kindness, not me.
Europe has the least respect for human beings, it is racism
It turned its law into inquisition courts

[@helsonwheels]

Can you provide any citation that ‘Europeans have the least respect for human rights’? Because without it, that statement smells of racism to me 🫢

[@alanhanley2981]

Well your not that worried about the value of human life in Yemen are you?
This is a travel vlog save your views for another forum...thanks

[@seaf49]

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the closest example. Germany left football. They did not respect the culture of an Arab country, even the Minister of the Interior.. She foolishly wore the slogan of homosexuality.. They violated the laws in a dirty way.. Just because the host country is an Arab country. In Russia, Europe, its society did not dare to object to Putin's laws 😉 Also, Europe is also a coward .. France is a dirty European citizen who killed many Kurds .. And the French public, after losing the World Cup, demanded the expulsion of black French players to Africa .. A dirty German European deputy demands to expel the Arabs from Germany. I mean Europe or racism. Didn't you hear that? Looks like you're in. another planet

[@taypurupuri]

[@helsonwheels]

😃🚴🏻‍♀️🇸🇦