The ultimate off road ride - 1000 miles of rocks, tracks, mountains, dry lakes and sand dunes. I went in November 99 and can only say if you think you want to do the Dakar do this first. Click on the logo above to link to their web site for more details and availability of tour dates. They provide all riding gear, accomodation, fuel and recent KTM EXC 450's .
Below are a few photos of the trip to give you an idea of the experience. Some days you are following tracks along a river bed with rocks and sand banks - next you are standing on the pegs full throttle blasting across a desert plain. But watch out for washouts - not wee channels but 20 foot drop offs. Follow the guide and you should be OK . Johnny Morrocco (as his clients call him) knows the country and is always puting in new routes - even if they are only a GPS bearing.
The scenery is unbelievable and changes every day as you move across the High Atlas and down to the desert near the Algerian border. The sand dunes near Cathedral Dune are one of the highlights of the tour and really give a feel for deep desert travel. You aren't more than a kilometer from the Auberge (small oasis) but can easily lose your bearings. Follow your tracks back if you get lost.
All I can say is DO IT. It makes a real change from the mud of Scotland. It is not an easy trip but the adventure of a lifetime (until the next time)
A few photos - but only a taste of the adventure. Click to enlarge
 The Desert - fantastic |
 The ever present backup |
 Flat out across the plains |
 Cathedral Dune- the Ultimate |
 Cathedral Dune |
 Paddy- at the Little Chef |
 Perched atop Cathedral Dune - 200 feet down the other side. |
 Typical 4**** Hotel |
 When you gotta go ... |
 Wait for the truck |
 It's either flat or gorges. |
 This is a good road ! |
 Todra Gorge- amazing |
 Chez Said - worth stopping |
 North Morocco |
 Central Atlas |
9 days of never ending biking amidst fantastic scenery - the pictures do not do it justice.