Osman Akbar, a British resident, revived a childhood skill to become a local sensation, recently showcasing his unique talent at the iconic Dubai Ride event.
DUBAI: While 40,000 cyclists pedaled along Sheikh Zayed Road during the recent Dubai Ride, one participant stood out by riding on just one wheel. Osman Akbar, a British national and Dubai resident, wheelied past the Museum of the Future, fulfilling a dream by combining his rediscovered passion with the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Akbar, who now cycles an impressive 70 kilometres per week exclusively on his back wheel, relearned the skill in early 2024 after first mastering it as a child.
From Childhood Memory to Community Fame
“I used to be able to do wheelies on my bicycle as a child, but as I grew up, I kind of forgot how to do it,” Akbar told Khaleej Times. “In January 2024, somehow I remembered the skill and decided to brush it up.”
The decision led to months of dedicated practice in his community at Arabian Ranches. A wheelie—a maneuver that requires precise balance, coordination, and force to lift the front wheel off the ground—is difficult to master. Akbar admitted it was challenging at first, but his persistence paid off.
“I became known in the community as the wheelie guy,” he said with a laugh. “Everyone knows me. I enjoy the feeling of doing a wheelie. It takes me right back to my childhood.”
A Dream Realised on Dubai’s Streets
Despite being an avid cyclist, Akbar was unaware of the massive Dubai Ride event until he read about it last year. He immediately marked his calendar for the 2024 edition and intensified his training.
“I never imagined I would be able to do a wheelie in front of the Museum of the Future,” he said. “But I got this opportunity and it felt really good.”
His participation was part of a larger celebration of cycling in the city. This year’s Dubai Ride offered two routes: a 12km path down Sheikh Zayed Road and a 4km loop around Downtown Dubai, complete with music from DJs and styling stations for bikes, creating a festive atmosphere for thousands of participants. For Akbar, however, the true joy was found on a single wheel, reliving the simple thrill of a childhood pastime on a grand, public stage.
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