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30 Dec 2022
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Join Date: Dec 2022
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ALGERIA anyone ?
Hello everyone,
the HUBB is mainly 2-wheel oriented, I know, however from a certain age, I found that travelling the world on a bike is no longer first choice. In particular when it comes to journeys to more remote locations requiring more gear, provisions and creature comforts to be carried.
Last edited by Grant Johnson; 21 Mar 2023 at 18:48.
Reason: User banned, contents of this post deleted, but it engendered interesting discussion, so much of that has been left.
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1 Feb 2023
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algeria
Am surprised that after all the views there has been no replies,
Algeria looks like a massive untapped area for adventure bikes and cars, is it very difficult to get paperwork or visas, i do realise there are areas that would be not the safest places to roam but i do think most people on this forum accept this, having worked in morocco i think this would be very much the same but on a larger scale, anybody have any more info on this country,
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22 Feb 2023
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Algeria
@jbrevel, thanks for pointing that out. It´s maybe to do with the old animosity between bikers and 4-wheelers. To many, cars and trucks are the enemy no.1 and vice versa.
That aside, Algeria is little known in the English speaking world. The fascination is with Mauritania, for whatever reason. When you compare the two countries, M. is rather barren and nowhere near the spectacular beauty of the Algerian Sahara.
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22 Feb 2023
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110 years ago - Algeria
When I was researching the first motorcycle ride around the world (1912-1913) by Carl Stearns Clancy I found this map drawn by the 22 year-old MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURER (name of the book about his accomplishment). In the text I wrote that he said they really didn't know what to do with him and his Henderson motorcycle, so in he went.
I tried the same in 1991, 2002, and again in 2006, also tried securing a visa over that time in the USA, France and Morocco...all to no avail, even when I spoke in French :-) The one card I could have played was using my security clearance (USA), but opted to try instead my journalist/press card - which didn't work. There was one offer to tag along on an expensive guided tour...Clancy didn't follow a guide on a tour, so I also passed in the spirit of his adventurous journey around the globe.
Clancy highly praised the scenery of Algiers as he crossed it, and noted his motorcycle was the first, to his knowledge, to be seen by camels.
__________________
Sun Chaser, or 'Dr.G', Professor of Motorcycle Adventure at SOUND RIDER magazine. Professional Motorcycle Adventurer/Indian Motorcycle Racer/journalist/author/global economist/World's # 1 Motorcycle Adventure Sleeper & Wastrel
Soul Sensual Survivor: www.greataroundtheworldmotorcycleadventurerally.co m
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22 Feb 2023
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Sunchaser: I'd have to wonder about claiming "journalist" in applying for a visa--that's always been something to avoid, AFAIK. And US security clearance is likely even worse. Any reason you didn't just say "teacher," as many do?
You were applying for an Algerian visa? Or for a specific route?
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22 Feb 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankkk
It´s maybe to do with the old animosity between bikers and 4-wheelers.
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No shortage of interest in southern Algeria, as indicated in other threads over the years.
The absence of responses might have more to do with the appearance (in the original post) of a commercial tour offering. If you're describing a professional tour--as you state you've been conducting for 10 years in Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya--that will narrow the field of responses. I'd guess that calling out "animosity" between transport preferences will tend to do the same.
Mark
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23 Feb 2023
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@mark..dunno, a commercial tour is impossible at that rate. The background of an ex-commercial operator can only be beneficial, no ?
The animosity is a fact, in EU at least, big time. You never see the bikers and the 4x4 folk mingling, they are not even talking to each other, say on the ferry, where there would be plenty of time during a 24hr crossing to Africa.
That might be different in the US now. I appreciate, that calling out the truth is not to everyones liking, however, when planning to travel Algeria, it is better to face the facts than beating around the bushes. In general, that is.
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23 Feb 2023
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Curious you say the Algerian Sahara hasn't been travelled by people in their own 4x4's for a long time when its simply not true.
The relevant sub-forum has details of people who have travelled the region over the last few years and both Geko Expeditions and Acacia Aventura regularly run tours there for similar prices.
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24 Feb 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankkk
@jbrevel, thanks for pointing that out. It´s maybe to do with the old animosity between bikers and 4-wheelers. To many, cars and trucks are the enemy no.1 and vice versa.
That aside, Algeria is little known in the English speaking world. The fascination is with Mauritania, for whatever reason. When you compare the two countries, M. is rather barren and nowhere near the spectacular beauty of the Algerian Sahara.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frankkk
@mark..dunno, a commercial tour is impossible at that rate. The background of an ex-commercial operator can only be beneficial, no ?
The animosity is a fact, in EU at least, big time. You never see the bikers and the 4x4 folk mingling, they are not even talking to each other, say on the ferry, where there would be plenty of time during a 24hr crossing to Africa.
That might be different in the US now. I appreciate, that calling out the truth is not to everyones liking, however, when planning to travel Algeria, it is better to face the facts than beating around the bushes. In general, that is.
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Claiming that there's "animosity" between 4 wheelers and 2 wheelers as a "fact" might lead people like me to assume they don't want to join your tour. In 88 countries on a 2 wheeler and most of Europe in a 4 wheeler I've never given nor received animosity to/from people who travel by the "other" vehicle type. What am I doing wrong? How should I change my attitude?
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