Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Roads In Morocco Roads In Morocco
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 23
Roads In Morocco
Guys,

I am comtemplating taking some supermoto's across to Morocco supported by a landrover, To make it really worthwhile I need the right types of roads, namely twisty ones, are there many twisty tarmac roads or are they mostly straight ? I might do a bit of offroading but Only on well defined tracks as 17inch road tyres don't like sand!!

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 27
I'd be surprised if there's a single road in Morocco that isn't twisty! All over the Atlas ranges you'll find miles and miles of hairpin bends and gradients. Most of Morocco is mountanous and the roads appear to be designed to accomodate vehicles that can only climb the slightest gradient, so there are loads of zig-zag roads winding their way up and down mountain's via passes.

Just check the maps and see the numbers of roads drawn as sqiggles.

I hugely underestimated this situation on my first visit and consequently it took far longer to drive anywhere than I had expected.

[This message has been edited by ScottWylie (edited 15 January 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 23
Thanks, thats great to know, are these tarmac roads?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 30
Hi, i totally agree 100%, i took a Hornet there once and found the roads too tight and twisty for a revy thing like that. Something with lots of low down torque would be much better, a supermoto should be perfect. Take the stickiest road tires you can, if you compromise with A/T tires you'll regret it i promise! You can go nearly everywhere without leaving the tarmac, right down to the desert, and you can still go Land Rover speeds on pistes anyway, especially if they are carrying all your kit in the Land Rover!

The roads are usually good condition, not much traffic and ALWAYS perfectly even radius bends. Watch out for sometimes oil in the center of your lane on steep up hill bends dropped by trucks changing gear and slick dusty roads in towns which can take you by surprise.

I did a simple page of my last trip mostly to show the condition of pistes there but check out the last picture on the last page for a very small idea of what the tarmac roads are like - www.podiatrypages.co.uk/moroc - it just goes on and on like that all day.... Of 5000km total we only did a few hundred kms on pistes so don't think you'll be missing out on much scenery by sticking to tarmac.

Have a great time
Neil
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 155
For twists and turns I can recommend the following road . Tisin Tisi pass between Marreck & Quarratzatte about 180km of bends and bends over the atlas and the pass is 2200m .
http://groups.msn.com/UKTenereOwners...to&PhotoID=186

, road to the Cascades d'Ousoud see link and photos.The roads go on for about 60km of switchback and good surfaced bends. Approach from the north and then ride and stay at the riad on the link.

The roads are stunning and great fun though there is the danger of oil and dust, also if it is hot watch out for fatting as the tar melts in the sun.

I hope you have an understanding landrover driver as he will be travelling very slowly. Throw in you XC wheels and tyre and do some piste bashing.

Charlie

http://www.travelwithattitude.com/Riad%20Cascades%20D'ouzoud.htm

At the Cascades:
http://groups.msn.com/UKTenereOwners/charliesaharatrip.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1 84

http://groups.msn.com/UKTenereOwners/charliesaharatrip.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1 83




[This message has been edited by braindead (edited 17 January 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 23
Guys thanks a lot that's just what i needed to know.

If any of you fancy an expenses paid trip to morocco I might be looking for some guides a couple of times this year. I'll be using KTM Lc4 SM's so nothing too strenous.

Charlie, I see you live in salisbury, I'm up near Devizes (potterne) If you fancy a drink sometime I'd like to pick your Brains!

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 30
Expenses paid trip... to ride supermoto's around Morocco... is your name god or something?? Count me in. As long as i don't have to actually ride a SM the whole way down through Europe and back! No one would want to take that on so i guess you've planned some other way...

I'll email you my number as i live in Bath now, just down the road from you as well.

Cheers
Neil
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 27
Most of the main roads in Morocco are in better condition than here in Berkshire.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 155
Quote:
Originally posted by Tommo:
If any of you fancy an expenses paid trip to morocco I might be looking for some guides a couple of times this year. I'll be using KTM Lc4 SM's so nothing too strenous.

Charlie, I see you live in salisbury, I'm up near Devizes (potterne) If you fancy a drink sometime I'd like to pick your Brains!

Mark

Hi Mark.

My bRains are blong dead but if you want to come over and pick over the remains lets do it.

I live in Shipton Bellinger drop me a mail and we can get together and natter. Moroccan roads are the business but the grand taxis are a menace.

As for a low cost trip I am your man.

Charlie
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally posted by braindead:

As for a low cost trip I am your man.

Charlie
No, no, no! I'm an EXPERT in low cost blagged travel! I'm definately your man ;-)

Neil
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:04.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top