Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Belgian rider lost for 2 days on MS7 Belgian rider lost for 2 days on MS7
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Nov 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
Belgian rider lost for 2 days on MS7
We heard of a Belgian rider missing over the weekend on the Foum Zguid - Mhamid piste (MS7) when he fell and his companions didn't notice. Perhaps a big bike that couldn't be picked up the tiring dunelettes near Mhamid? Same place that bloke from the Bike magazine article had his pee-drinking drama a year or two back
Big helicopter and nomad searches but he turned up Sunday, safe and sound.

Link
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Nov 2014
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
Funny enough I was just planning that part of my trip last night!

You never know what is going to happen, but I, at least, am a complete expert at picking up my bike. It has spent a lot of its time in a horizontal state and I have got the total hang of getting it back to vertical through countless practice sessions!

Thanks for the book Chris, its great to have and give the confidence to get to some of the more lonely places in Maroc. Any tips , apart from writing it out backwards for following your routes in the opposite direction is is written in.

I don't like the thought of just trying to read the book backwards, it could be a recipe for confusion, especially when hot an bothered!

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
Be interesting to know more about what actually happened on this, to me it seems odd that travelling companions wouldn't notice a fall.

I did MS7 solo only a month ago on a very hot windy day (in a 4x4) and didn't feel the route was that risky. I did scare myself when I deviated from the piste to cut out the rocky section but cutting a corner across Lac Iriki. Towards the Mhamid end I found myself very quickly surrounded by dunes in a small sand storm. A stupid mistake that happened quickly and did scare me a little. Key thing here was I took a risk and went off my planned route, solo. I could have easily got stuck out of sight of others with nobody knowing where I was
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Nov 2014
davebetty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 221
This is something that keeps coming to me as a most important fact. I like to ride solo, mainly so I can go where I want to go. There are a number of risks to this, as anyone could tell you.

The important thing is to stay on the main pistes in remote areas, only leave a trail if you know exaclty where you are and where you are going and keep your position updated, in your head.

Also, perhaps from this event, perhaps your mates will forget about you so know where you are anyway...!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
I always have a plan for those what if possibilities. I leave a google earth route plan with someone at home a text as I leave and arrive at my start and end point. It also easier in a a 4x4 to carry more supplies, I carried about 50litres of water this year, ott for my route which was mostly easy pistes with a town at either end
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Nov 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
Quote:
it seems odd that travelling companions wouldn't notice a fall...
I think that's something you learn the hard way when travelling in a group off road. But when you are concentrating hard on trying to get through and stay upright, everything and everyone else falls by the wayside. Odd that he disappeared for so long though.

Quote:
I don't like the thought of just trying to read the book backwards, it could be a recipe for confusion, especially when hot an bothered!
This is true. Olaf on a satnav can be a real help + mobile. Plus not biting off more than you can chew and if doing so on a bike, not going alone. And if you do all that anyway, accepting the consequences!

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 101
Sounds like the sort of event if the fallen rider had a Spot tracker, or similar, then his friends could have worked out where they were, assuming that they could get a wifi / internet connection through at laptop / tablet / phone they had, or could phone someone who did have access.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Nov 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
We met the bloke today at the Zizmo in Nekob with his mate. Turns out the press was all made up or exaggerated, perhaps by MK police to make them look good?

He told me he got stuck in the dunes 30km from Foum Zguid while following his mate and bike and car tracks (tho I can't think of any substantial dunes that close to FZ). Stayed with his bike 2 nights until the jeep his mate hired found him on Sunday and a helicopter lifted him out. I didn't get the full story but Belgians in my group said the 2 were a bit angry about the misleading coverage.

He's riding a very lightly loaded HPN Paralever or similar. Not the most cumbersome machine but when it's stuck behind a dune what can you do?

Ch
Attached Thumbnails
Belgian rider lost for 2 days on MS7-p1010127.jpg  

Last edited by Chris Scott; 13 Nov 2014 at 20:03. Reason: Clarified info
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
I think that's something you learn the hard way when travelling in a group off road. But when you are concentrating hard on trying to get through and stay upright, everything and everyone else falls by the wayside. Odd that he disappeared for so long though.

Ch
As a 4x4 driver it difficult some time to compare travel with bikers as I don't have any experience on a bike. I've been in Morocco with groups and solo. In a group we had radio comms between vehicles and always keep an eye to those behind and slow down/stop if they fall behind. I can appreciate that a bike is smaller to keep an eye on and in difficult section, focusing on your own riding could mean you miss a friend falling or dropping behind.

Likewise I don't recall any dunes near MS7 that close to FZ, based on your info he was west of Lac Iriki but I didn't see dunes until KM70 ish and the east end of Lac Iriki.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Nov 2014
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 556
There's a small dune field at 29N 51'10" 6W 33'20" at the west end of Lac Iriki about 40km SW of FZ. We've camped there a few times.
Last month, one of our group went out in the night to answer the call of nature and got completely disorientated.
We were there in Sept 2011 when a huge storm rolled over Jebel Bani and howling wind and swirling wet sand trapped us in our cars for a couple of hours. Eventually the storm passed and we went to bed. In the morning the lake had flooded an we were now on an island. It took us two days to get to Tagounite which was a foot under water. Mhamid was cut off for days.

Spot trackers and satellite phones are great but you still need to have someone local who can read coordinates, has a gps and is going to come and look for you.

If you get lost in the Chegaga, just keep heading north towards Jebel Bani, you'll hit one of the main pistes eventually.

Happy trails,

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Nov 2014
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
Quote:
If you get lost in the Chegaga, just keep heading north towards Jebel Bani, you'll hit one of the main pistes eventually.
That was exactly my thought. The only dunes you can't avoid are at the Mhamid end.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Nov 2014
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 556
Keep heading N and NE across the rocky plain and you'll pick up the piste that leads to to the gap in Jebel Bani at 30N03'00" 5W44'30" then swing ESE to Tagounite. We went this way when Mhamid was cut off in 2011.

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Best tips: Fast travel, many km, little time... Wheelie TRAVEL Hints and Tips 19 14 Jan 2016 06:01
for the well travelled rider?! please Critique dominicp Route Planning 5 15 Jul 2013 18:14
Egypt Warning ,, Gone are the good old days. seouljoe The HUBB PUB 6 29 Jun 2012 13:43
Finding the Lost Coast garnaro Ride Tales 5 30 May 2012 19:35

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top