8Likes
|
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Gara Medouar trail condition
Hello folks. I'll be getting the ferry from Spain to Morocco on Friday. Does anyone know what the condition of the trail from the N12 to Gara Medouar is like at the moment.
I'm travelling solo and will be fully loaded. On an r1150gsa with Anakee adventure tyres.
I came across an old blog with the guy saying he lost the front multiple time in deep sand and it has me a bit concerned.
I've experience in rocks and gravel but sand is new to me.
Just looking for your 2 cents if you've been there, but all responses appreciated.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 556
|
|
The terrain is fairly flat so it's easy to avoid any patches of soft sand.
|
13 Sep 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
|
|
Quote:
I'll be getting the ferry from Spain to Morocco on Friday...
|
Are you sure there's a ferry from Spain, Alwyn?
Nice view from the rim of Gara, (though may be a reach on a GS ;-)
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Dinslaken-Germany
Posts: 9
|
|
It is not really a problem even with heavy bikes. Mostly gravel, a little little bit of not really deep sand. Been there several times, I ride a 1200 GSA, buddies had 1150 RT, 1200 Multistrada and a Versys, all with street tyres.
Regards, Reinhard
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Are you sure there's a ferry from Spain, Alwyn?
|
Oh man, I was so focused on getting everything arranged for the Ireland-Bilbao leg I neglected the Morocco side. A quick read of the Morocco tourism board indicated that I'd be okay with a covid Cert and didn't see anything about Ferries canceled.
Off to double check that now.
Photos look incredible guys!!
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rebu999
Attachment 25422
Attachment 25424
Attachment 25425
It is not really a problem even with heavy bikes. Mostly gravel, a little little bit of not really deep sand. Been there several times, I ride a 1200 GSA, buddies had 1150 RT, 1200 Multistrada and a Versys, all with street tyres.
Regards, Reinhard
|
Thanks Reinhard.
Looks great, can't wait.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
|
|
No Spain-Mk ferries since Covid broke.
It's all on this sticky thread (last page).
https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...rries-33321-13
Only ferry right now is from Sete, 400 miles east of Bilbao. Or Genoa.
I'm sure there'll be room for a bike.
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
|
For God sake. Seems like a massive detail to have overlooked.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
|
|
There but for the Last-Minute-Cock-Up (LMCU) go we all.
Just need to revise the plan. Irl-Bilbao is still a good start.
On my first Med crossing, I seriously thought I could 'work my passage' Marseille to Algiers, ie: scrub the decks or shovel coal for a free crossing.
And this was 1981!
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Little bit disappointed. Booked this a year ago.
Fate has a way of working things out though. I'll find a fun route in Pyrenees or down the coast of Portugal.
Thanks Guys.
Al
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
scrub the decks or shovel coal for a free crossing.
And this was 1981!
|
Sounds like a fair trade.
Thanks for the heads up.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
13 Sep 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
|
|
Fyi, I guessed correctly that that 'Motorcyclist' excerpt was one of the many exaggerations, errors and outright falsehoods that particular 'journalist' wrote of.
Perhaps that was why he managed to syndicate (or freely supply?) his articles to so many gullible moto publications...
Gara (also on the cover of the Morocco book) is of course, not a volcano, but still well worth a look.
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
|
|
A journalist exaggerating, there's a well known Land rover one prone to making stuff up to sell a story.
From the N12 you can see Gara Medour, no sand at all on the many times I've been or any on other more creative routes to get there. I suppose it depends on where you start, if you start on the back side of Erg Chebbi and go straight through the Erg then yes.
Yeah ferries are a disaster but these are atange times
BTW many folk think Gara Medour was, for a time, a prison run by the Portuguese. It wasn't, it was where Portuguese slaves were kept on the route south to Mali and beyond.
|
13 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
|
|
I drove it in a hire car......it seemed pretty solid underneath to be Frank. View from the top is well worth the effort .
|
16 Sep 2021
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 9
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Fyi, I guessed correctly that that 'Motorcyclist' excerpt was one of the many exaggerations, errors and outright falsehoods that particular 'journalist' wrote of.
Perhaps that was why he managed to syndicate (or freely supply?) his articles to so many gullible moto publications...
Gara (also on the cover of the Morocco book) is of course, not a volcano, but still well worth a look.
|
Stall the ball. Are you this Chris Scott??
If so, I bought your book months ago for the trip. Its fantastic.
Thanks for the effort you put into the travel. Hopefully I'll get to use it next year.
Cheers
Alwyn.
Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
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
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|