pistes heading south from el alamein, egypt
 

has anyone ridden either of the two pistes that head in a southerly or south-easterly direction from el alamein? googlemaps.com seems to show them as some sort of road or piste. what sort of condition are these roads in? if anyone has any info, i would be happy to hear. thank you.

Hi,
There is one that runs in a sort of SSW direction that is used by the oil compainies.

It is VERY rough, full of potholes, but although the actual track has been cleared of mines, the mines can still be seen alongside the track though, so be extremely careful.

Not sure about the SE one you mention, although there is a tarmac road (main road heading towards Cairo).

Where ever you go in this area, be aware of the unexploded ordanance that is laying about. You must also report to the army barracks (opposite the British war cemetery) where they will almost certainly insist on an army escort.
Andy

thank you
 

that is good info to know. i am planning on being in egypt next year (with a pedal bike rather than a mortorized one) and i wanted to visit el alamein where my dad was in a tank unit during world war two. i was wanting to venture south just for a day or two, but it seems like it might be too dangerous -- and too difficult if an army escort is needed. thank you for answering my question.
nick

hi
so there is a bad paved road goes from Al- alamein heading south ,to like half way main road which goes from Cairo to Bahariya oasis
we as from these area call it the military road ,or the oil road (as there is many oil companies )
the road condition is bad ,and no service at all
but you still can do it on a bicycle if you have enough supplies for 3 day (food and water )
you can stop by any of those oil refinery and ask them for water food or what ever ,all of those sites are secured by local bedouins and they are generous and for sure they will invite ,help any travellers
the only problem is there is a military check point and im sure they wont let you pass unless you have a military permit
and you have to make it from Cairo like 3 weeks in advance
when we go there we just avoid the check point and thats it but we go (motorbikes or 4x4s )
if you stick to the road and at night you just camp close to it it will be super fine as its clear from mines
good luck and if you need any further info please ask me
cheers and travel safe

hi omar,
so where exactly is this checkpoint? and how easy is it to get around on a bicycle with a trailer? is it on the edge of el alamein, or a few miles south of it?
thank you for taking the time to post this info for me.
nick

hey Nick
sorry for late reply
well to do that route you have to enter Al-almein village and for sure every one will know there is a Khawaga ( means forigner )in the area and heading south
also its not a good idea to try to go around the check point if you dont know the area
any way on your way close to Al-alamein museum go to the military office Almokhabarat
and ask them to sort you a guide and a permits pehaps that can do it from there and no need to go to Caio ,i doubt that though
cheers

hi omar
thank you so much for replying. i think i might take that advice and go to the military office in the town and see if it can be worked out on the spot. it will be an adventure whatever happens! this trip will not be until next fall.
take care
nick