February

[agfoxx]

Hi all,

Here's a question which, I'm sure, has been answered 100 times already.

I just got an automated e-mail from HR saying that I've got 22 days of leave to take before the end of the tax year. Not sure how I achieved this, but here...

So I was thinking about heading over to Morocco in February.

Now, I've got a Deauville. I've never ridden off-road properly (an "experience day" at an off-road track doesn't count, I don't think). I've never been to Morocco. I don't have lots of money to spend. I don't speak Arabic, and my French is limited to "Bonjour, comment ca va, je ne parle pas Francais".

On the plus side, because of my job, I've travelled extensively around the world as a journalist - working not playing, so I should be able to deal with most stuff life throws at me.

I don't intend to ride like a maniac. I'm no off-road hero. What I want to do is ride a bit, stop to take photographs, then ride a bit more; repeat as needed.

I would be grateful for any advice on:
- Whether I'm mad contemplating Morocco in late Feb
- Whether you guys think I should ride the Deauville down there, or hire something more "off-roady" in Morocco
- What routes you think would work for a beginner like me

Thanks!

 

[red1]

Go with the Deauville.

It will get you there (and back) and if you stick to the main roads you shouldn't have any problems.

Plus, when you get back you'll have 1000 times more bragging rights than all the Tesco Trolley riders. I'd go to my nearest BMW dealer the first Saturday back with Moroccan stickers all over the Deauville and put the wannabes to shame.

Oh, and leave some sand in the panniers

 

[Hustler]

Best bet is to settle down with a cup of tea and a few biscuits* and have a read of loads and loads of information here -
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89396

And welcome to the site.














* biscuits are optional.
As is the tea of course.

 

[(RIP) drillam]

On the way across to Santander on the ferry when I went, there were mostly road based bikes going amongst those that were headed for Morocco.

 

[stever1]

GOOD LAD,
my first jaunt into urop was on a Deauville. We did 2000 miles in 7 days, Just too many hours in the saddle.So dont go pushing too many miles in a day, remember its only a mid sizes engine so have some mechanical sympathy.

ENJOY

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

If a Dullville riders' first post can find his way straight to this section on a BMW adventure bike forum then I reckon you'll be fine. Your 22 days is plenty of time to get there and back and mark your map with where you've been.
Do buy yourself that paper map before you go, to back-up your satnav, and then enjoy yourself.

PS. Check your Journo's (I assume that's what you've got) travel insurance for motorcycle touring.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Fair play to you. No doubt at all you'll get some cracking advice about the trip on this forum.
Another place worth asking about the abilities of the bike might be http://www.deauvilleuk.org/forum/

They're another great group of chaps who are happy to answer any questions you might have (Deauville related rather than Morocco related). .

 

[agfoxx]

Thanks everyone! While I have no doubt in the mechanical abilities of the Deauville (there's a reason it's the courier's favourite!), I was more apprehensive of my off-road skills etc.

Anyway, I've now bought The Book (Chris Scott's one) - so will immerse myself in reading and keep fingers crossed for the good weather.

Cheers

 

[Grunty]

Hi

I remember reading a few years ago that you can go just about anywhere on just about any bike if you really want to. And reading of some of the really amazing adventures like Theresa Wallach, Ted Simon and Lois Pryce I think you should go for it.

I did a trip on a Vespa 150 back in the 70's - Cardiff to Bewdley in Worcestershire in February in freezing fog in the dark. Stopped half way and thawed out at a bonfire in a vacant lot and when I arrived had a deep very hot bath. Because it was a challenge it was an adventure and I'll never forget it. So long as the bike is checked over I wouldn't worry about it not being a traily. Part of the fun is just doing it!

Grunty

 

[Blue Sweeper]

You'll be fine. There are a loads of friendly folk in Morocco that can speak English, particularly in the tourist traps (who want to sell you crap). The roads if you stick to the main routes are just as good, if not better than, a lot of UK ones.

I've led loads of tours to Morocco, one guy even turned up on a Yamaha R1. You don't need a big Adventure bike to tour Morocco, it just depends on your expectations and where you want to go. If you want to experience the "real" Morocco, then you may want to leave out the tourist traps and go off the beaten track. But then you'll be pushing that if you go on the Deauville.

I particularly recommend that your entry and exit to be via the new TangerMed port using the ferry from Algerciras. No hassle, very efficient formalities.

 

[shan]

Just remember it can be fecking Cold as you cross Spain I Feb

 

[Tim Cullis]

Spain will be cold. I'm heading down to Morocco in ten days time with hand muffs, gaucho (scooter skirt) and heated jacket.

Don't be too ambitious on distances, stop lots for nus-nus (coffee), try to avoid main roads where possible--look for green shaded side roads on the Michelin map.

 

[Corp.Clinger!]

Have a wee peep here?...This is a ride report I wrote up from my last ride out...within you'll find some costs and route information.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=841901






.