Africa

[jvaughan]

Not sure how many Hard Core riders have done the blast down through North Africa to Maracesh via the Atlas Mountains.
Just been watching a program on one of the satalite channels about a trip. Now that would be fun !.... 2 - 3 weeks me thinks 2006 - 2007 ?

[Darkenbad]

Jase, just got back mate, its doable in two weeks, less if you want to leave the off road silly stuff out. Its a good trip; makes a change from scuttling around europe.


PK

[Spangle]

Great fun, although I don't think my a*se can take the punishment again. Invest in a comfy seat!
If you stick to the toll roads, Algeciras is only 2 and a bit days away.

[Boxer Dog]

Sounds like a good plan. I would be up for it althou 2007 would be better as i am a bit short of Annual Leave for next year

[jvaughan]

Well, Ive been talking to the wife, and she would love to come along too. I am thinking a Dominator or maybe Transalp for her. That is if we can get the grandparents to look after the baby.

Might start saving. 2 weeks sounds like a plan. Was looking at maybe getting the bike shipped to spain on the french overnight trains... that was it avoids about 800 miles of motorway.

[willb]

2007 sounds good to me!

2006 has weddings I have to attend (not mine)!

[iswoolley]

Done this sort of trip a couple of times in the past. My preferred option is the ferry to northern Spain, then it's only 1 day on the motorway to Algeciras. Assuming 16 days (3 weekends and 2 working weeks) you lose about 4 days just getting there and back. But that still gives you 11 or 12 days in Morocco, which is plenty if you're selective about where you go.

To date it's been quite hard to organise an xrv.org.uk crew to leave the country. <2p> Will a trip to Morocco be any different? </2p>

[jvaughan]

OK, Im gonna have a chat to the wife this evening, and see if we can get a date in 2007 and see if we can commit to it.

Ferry to Spain then, Maybe stop off at Gibralta, then the step to the African Continent.

As Ian points out... it will be difficult, but I rekon if we planned far enough in advance, then it is do-able.

Also, if anyone was interested, then putting aside £50 a month would be more than adequate.

Perhapse more adventurous XRV owners could advise on hotels / places to stay / eat / costs etc.

I would like to see the Medieval tannery's and see leather goods being made. Also would like to go to a traditional Bazaar.

Atlas Mountains look awsome, and definatly would like the chance to ride a good way through them. I think sticking primarily to roads would be the idea, a Trip to the Desert would be cool, but I dont fancy riding in soft sand.

If the wife thinks she is up for this and will sit on the AT then cool.
If not, then I might just have to buy a TA or a Dominator for her
(or another AT!).

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I went to Morocco during the Easter break, and I'd be interested in returning in 2007. The trip is actually a lot simpler than it might seem. The locals are welcoming, and the King has declared that he wants X thousands of tourists by 2007, so we'd be helping him out! If it's a small group you're better off not booking hotels ahead. Just pick a town, find a hotel, ask to see the rooms, and if you like it, haggle over the price and check in.

We didn't do any off-road - except a few years onto the sand at Erg Chebbi - because I was on a road bike and my mates didn't want to risk it.

Report here:
Road (bike) to Morocco: March 05 (http://www.bikersoracle.com/rs/forum/showthread.php?t=1487)

[MartinT]

I've done this trip a number of times - and I'm looking to go again during 2006. My route takes the ferry from Portsmouth tio Santander (24 hours), then a day and a bit getting across Spain to Algeciras. Cross to Ceuta, then head down to the Sahara over the Atlas to Merzouga, Zagora, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi etc... Takes about 15 days all in and you get to some "proper" Saharan dunes. Drop me a line if you fancy it.
M. :shock:

[LaughingBob]

Leaving on 8th September 06 for three weeks in Morroco with two other riders. Would be good to meet up with anyone who happens to be there. LB.