I've ridden to the top of the biggest dune a few times. John is correct, its definately easier riding up the shallow side away from all the Auberges. Its also easier early morning and early evening as the sand is cooler/harder, therefore easier to ride and more importantly there are some shadows to give some perspective to the dunes. Middle of the day, no shadows and the crests of dunes are much harder to spot. They just merge into one another. I prefer long shadows to no shadows, also makes for better photography.
Never, ever just go charging upto the crest of a dune as some of the drop offs are horendous, always ride upto the crest at an angle, and ride along the ridge first, so you can look over the edge and assess what the other side looks like. The sand on the very crest of the dunes is very soft and easy to get the wheel stuck in.
Riding down the steep side of Erg Chebbi is a lot scarier than riding up the shallow side. Great fun but just be very carefull.
Last edited by BDG; 14 Apr 2008 at 15:30.
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