|
12 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
Tichka pass
Am I crazy to think I could cross the Tichka pass on moto this week from Ouarzazate to Marrakech? just a little bit outside of Taroudant right now. Does the heat of the day normally return the blacktop to dry conditions after a snow in January? Are there any links to road conditions in the pass?
Also does anyone know where I could get camping gaz in Marrakech?
|
12 Jan 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
I dont think the Tichka is blocked with snow for weeks at a time - more like a few days at most and the ploughs get right on it.
Ask around - if Tichka is closed it is big disruption so word will get out.
No official links (phone lines/www) to High Atlas road conditions afaik.
Best seems to be the sticky ' Severe weather and closures…' post at the top of this forum.
Test pass is less snow prone I am told, but currently being widened on the south side so up to an hour's delay.
|
12 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
Thanks Chris. I guess the main question is whether the road returns to blacktop after being driven on with snow. Hard pack becomes ice and the plows go right over it, so only warm weather or Sun can take it off, or a lot of traffic..
Maybe I'll do the test and then go Marrakech to Ouarzazate when the weather's good.
|
12 Jan 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
Oh I see what you mean. I would say Tichka returns to tarmac after ploughing. It doesn't become an 'ice road' like the Dalton Highway in winter. No trucks could manage the switchbacks, even with snow chains.
|
13 Jan 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
The authorities grit the roads and any remaining snow tends to go direct to water vapour via sublimation rather than turn to water that freezes. It been hot sun for a few weeks so no problems on the N9.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
14 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
Thanks Chris and Tim. Would you be able to tell me how far the nearest access to Sahara dunes is from ourzazate? I would like to at least see them before I head back north!
|
14 Jan 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
|
|
Nearest I suppose are after Zagora towards Mhamid - great ride from Ozt.
But better dunes by far will be Erg Chebbi further east.
|
15 Jan 2015
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
The nearest real Sahara in Morocco is Western Sahara.
The majority of the region south and east of the Atlas Mountains is a semi-arid area known technically as 'Pre-Saharan Steppes'. Mostly this is stony/grit surface known as 'hamada', but in a couple of areas there are 'ergs' or sand seas. Erg Chebbi is about 25km by 7km, Erg Chigaga is larger. The fact the surface is sand rather than stones doesn't really make it a desert though.
There's a small area called Erg Tinfou just below Zagora, next to Sahara Sky Hotel, see https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...8e97a506ffb72b
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
27 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
Couldn't resist, so did the ourzazate, dades, todra, rachidia, erg chebbi, merzouga, zagora, tinfou, and on to marrakech over the tichka a couple days ago. It was fine with banked snow ploughed along the roadsides in places, and lots of water and gravel mixed on the road. Steady sunshine makes most things doable!
|
27 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
oh, and awsak supermarche in ourzazate has the large camping gaz cylinders...just the one size, but cheap at 70dh i think
|
27 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 25
|
|
Sorry that should be spelled ASWAK
|
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
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|