British expat Osman Akbar turned a childhood skill into an extraordinary feat, cycling dozens of kilometres weekly on his back wheel alone.
DUBAI: In a city known for its spectacular sights, Osman Akbar created his own during the recent Dubai Ride. The British expat captivated onlookers by gracefully wheelieing past the Museum of the Future, part of his remarkable weekly routine of cycling over 70 kilometres on a single wheel.
What began as a effort to reconnect with a childhood pastime has evolved into a unique passion, making Akbar a local celebrity in his Arabian Ranches community.
Rediscovering a Lost Art
For many, the bicycle wheelie is a fleeting trick from youth, soon forgotten. For Osman Akbar, it became a mission. After a sudden recollection of the skill in January 2024, he dedicated himself to relearning the delicate balance and control required.
“It’s a skill that demands practice and precision,” Akbar explained, referring to the need for perfect coordination and pressure application. He spent months practicing, gradually progressing from wobbly attempts to maintaining the balance for entire rides. His commitment transformed him into the neighbourhood’s “wheelie guy,” a title he wears with pride.
A Landmark Moment on One Wheel
Akbar only learned about the Dubai Ride—a mass cycling event that draws tens of thousands—last year. He immediately registered, seeing it as the perfect stage to achieve a personal dream.
The event featured two routes, allowing cyclists to glide past iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and along Sheikh Zayed Road. For Akbar, the highlight was his one-wheeled journey in front of the Museum of the Future.
“I never imagined I would be able to do a wheelie in front of such an iconic building,” he shared. “It felt really good.” His unique participation added a special flair to the festive event, which included live DJ performances and bike decoration stations, proving that even in a crowd of thousands, passion and individuality can shine through.
