![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Where to ride
Where did you ride, Chris?
I'm hoping to sneak out of London for a long weekend. LoC, Atlantic Moto and Palm Road all look good.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Jan 2015
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,843
|
|
In a long w/end with let's say 3 days riding I would go:
Marra > Test > overnight Taliouine
Tali > MH7 > overnight Ozt (snows on Sirwa permitting)
Last day Ozt > Tichka back to Marra (~4hrs) for the 5pm plane
All up a great little ride
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott
In a long w/end with let's say 3 days riding I would go:
Marra > Test > overnight Taliouine
Tali > MH7 > overnight Ozt (snows on Sirwa permitting)
Last day Ozt > Tichka back to Marra (~4hrs) for the 5pm plane
All up a great little ride
|
Thanks, Chris - I'll get the map out and do some plotting. If I was to extend it for another day, where would you suggest?
Also, how long would the days in the saddle be? I'm content with long days, but the pillion girlfriend might not be! Also, the same applies to the road conditions - would this be Tarmac, or off-road too? Must admit I'd prefer some of the latter... I miss being off-road in South America. I may need to do 2 trips - one that's girlfriend friendly and one that's solo overland biker friendly!
Edit - I might just buy your book, Chris!
Edit edit - having watching a video of someone riding MH7, it looks perfect for me, perhaps not for the girlfriend riding pillion...!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jan 2015
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,843
|
|
Well pillion changes things a bit. The pistes want to be easy.
MH7 is piste from Askaoun (KM65) to junction at KM104 or maybe sooner. It's all doable in a normal car with care but right now may be snowy (2500m) or slushy. She'd have to walk some bits and maybe push.
Extra day I would start slow and ride to the hotel 110km up the Test (30-odd km before the pass).
Gives time to faff about with rental business in Marrakech and generally acclimatise without big miles.
Then early start, over pass, lunch in Tali and then 200+ km to Foum Zguid.
All tarmac but a great ride on empty desert roads
http://goo.gl/maps/olTM9
Piste version starting from Akka Ighern halfway is easy enough
http://goo.gl/maps/o7pCo
- a couple of damaged fords, but prob a bit much for an afternoon.
Better to tick off if you stay in Tali. In that case head up to Tazenacht (not down to FZ) - another great ride and nicer hotels.
Then TAZ / FZ to OZT:
1. From FZ nip across east to Zagora along MS5 (nearly all sealed I believe) then north - brilliant Valley of the Kasbahs road
or
2. TAZ or FZ take the Adgz road east then north, more brill riding (some hardback) and a stonking pass just before Ozt.
3. or the newish back road from just before Tazenacht to Ozt - looks fun if they've filled in the missing bits.
Then Ozt to Marra. Job done √
( November ride report)
I think this week's new Bike magazine may have a feature on riding an MT-07 in Morocco. That would be a great road bike and an even better XT700Z.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Cheers for the guidance! Having shown the girlfriend some more footage, she's quite content for me to ride alone and her to forgo the trip, citing that it all looks "a bit barren". Inexplicably she doesn't like the wilderness mountainy/desert elements! I'll keep the route in reserve for the future though.
So it looks I'll revert back to your original plan:-
Marra > Test > overnight Taliouine
Tali > MH7 > overnight Ozt (snows on Sirwa permitting)
Last day Ozt > Tichka back to Marra (~4hrs) for the 5pm plane
Any suggestions for extending it by 1 day now it's just one-up, albeit ridden by a very average off-road rider?
Really appreciate the help - your book is winging its way in the post to me right now!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jan 2015
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,843
|
|
Quote:
So it looks I'll revert back to your original plan:-
|
In that case I'd rent an XR250 - great on road and track.
Marra - Tali is actually 240km with as many mountain bends so will be too long a long day once you have to factor in rental office business, filling up and getting out of town.
There are auberges on or around the test pass. Maybe aim for those. Or Aoulouz has a Hotel Sahara.
Then head up to Askaoun along the whole of MH7 (description by the book) and down to Tazenacht - that will be a full day out. If it all takes longer (as it can do) come down from Askaoun down to Tali - another great ride.
From Tali or Tazenacht you could take your pick of the MA routes and roads to the south while recognising that MA6 beyond KM51 will be hard work and possible a but risky alone. Still, the ride up to the Timouka Pass at KM48 is well worth it and easy.
Realistically though, fitting in another full dirt day is a bit of a gamble if you don't know the area so well. Better just to enjoy the rides in the earlier post to get you to OZT for the ride back next day.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Jan 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Excellent -thank you for your help. I can't wait to kick the 3 year old Brazilian mud from my off-road boots and get back out there!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jan 2016
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Last year's plan was shelved due to family commitments. A new trip with a couple of mates has been scheduled; 5 days at the end of March - 3x Honda XR 250s have been rented. Now for the route planning...!
We have 5 clear days for the trip (arriving the night before our rental period starts and leaving late on the final day).
We're all experienced bikers with off-road experience. We're keen to tackle the best routes that Morocco has to offer, preferably avoiding busy roads and sticking to the stunning back roads and high mountainous routes and perhaps getting a touch, or at least a glimpse, of the Sahara.
I'm pouring through Chris Scott's book now, but if there's any route that is a must ride, then please let me know!
Cheers
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jan 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,301
|
|
Tim Cullis is a good source of info for Morocco.
He will probably see this but check out his data base site anyway
Morocco Knowledgebase
Wayne
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jan 2016
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,843
|
|
One suggestion (hoteled):
D1 - Marra - Tizi Test - Taliouine (all road, long day)
D2 - Tali - Aguinan - Jebel Timouka - Tazenacht (mostly piste - could get gnarly)
D3 - Taz - Jebel Timouka (east crossing - less bad)- F Zguid-ish - Zagora
D4 - Zagora - Jebel Sarhro (one of three ways - piste) Ouarzazate (long day)
D5 - Ozt back to Marra, either via the main road (~ 4 hrs) or via Telouet from Aït Ben' near Ozt (comes in near the Tichka pass.)
Or similar but doing MS7 on D3 after overnighting in FZ, not Taz.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Jan 2016
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
Outstanding - I'll piece together with your book, but sounds good!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Nov 2016
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 88
|
|
I just realised that I never thanked Chris for his help in suggesting routes for our trip earlier this year. We had a spectacular time and will certainly be back soon.
Over our 5 days of riding, in total we had:-
- 1,305km of riding
- 6 tumbles/drops,
- 3 punctures
- 3 dropped helmets
- 1 broken indicator
- 1 leaky drive shaft
Here a few snaps we took along our way:-
Leaving MK, we headed towards the mountains and took a diversion up to where the road stopped and snow began:-
A few hours later, and an epic road in between, we were met with our first glimpse of the beautiful desert to come:-
Leaving tarmac and civilisation behind - bliss:-
A long day riding towards Foum Zguid:-
Matt had a habit of dropping his bike during the trip....
Savouring the sheer scale of the Lac Iriki dry lake bed:-
Phil discovering why riding in dunes on our bikes wasn't a good idea...
When riding on a dry lake bed, you can momentarily take your eyes off the road...
Trying to find a route through the dunes, before skirting back to the lake's edge and rejoining the trail:-
Thinking that we were almost done for the day, we were met with a seemingly endless trail of deep sand - every biker's favourite!
Leaving the desert behind, he returned to the lush green valleys amongst the mountains.
...before crossing more desolate but beautiful passes...
Hitting the road to the last pass of the trip, before hitting the main road into MK:-
Back up and amongst the snow:-
Returning our beloved Honda 250 Tornados to the excellent Loc2Roues:
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
23 Nov 2016
|
![Chris Scott's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar10468_1.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,843
|
|
Great pix Peter. i see you had '89' the oil burner and 88 which isn't.
I am staggered how those 6-year-old bikes keep going - one with 90,000km!
Next year they will probably have CRFs - less suited to Mk rentals IMO.
Just got back today after 3 laps. Cut it a day short to miss the forecast snow on Tichka yesterday.
Some pix here. Husky impression here. Strange graffiti here.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
25 Nov 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Montreal
Posts: 104
|
|
Nice. Thanks for sharing. How much was the bike renting if I may ask? ;-)
edit. Je viens de trouver.
http://www.loc2roues.com/fr/parc
|
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
|
|
|