Info re Chris Scott's MS5 and MW5

[Geoff Crowther]

Hi all
Further to my earlier post, has anyone had recent (2011) experience of Chris Scott's MS5 and MW5 routes from his book, "Morocco Overland"?

MS5 is from Zagora to Foun Zguid.
MW5 is from Gwelmim to Assa, although I'm interested in doing the reverse route.

Hoping these are reasonably easy for two fully loaded bikes (09 GSA & F650GS) in April 2012, and no, I don't expect fortune telling, just recent knowledge.

Cheers
Geoff

 

[MrIFan]

Hi Geoff, it's a bit of a waste of time worrying about the condition of the pistes this far in advance I'm affraid. With winter aproaching then the spring melt in the mountains conditions could change dramaticaly before april!
Also, in my experience the piste between Zagora and Foum Zguid can be totally changed by a few days strong wind moving the sands about, although it will be rideable on a GS even at it's worst. There are long sections of graded piste (may even be tarmac now) at each end. Be very carefull on these, if you see stones placed on the road SLOW DOWN!! The stones are Moroccan warning signs telling you the road is gone! The scenery may look very dry but flash floods often wash away large sections of the road.
Have a good trip, we may see you down there

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Thanks a lot MrIfan.
Yep, all understood. I bow to your superior knowledge.
When are you there? I guess with Moto Morocco; yeah?
Cheers
Geoff

 

[MrIFan]

Will be there from April 21st to May 5th with the first Adventure Bike Warehouse tour. Will have Bill along with us though I hope

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Ok, good luck with that; appears to be a new venture. I hope it goes well for you.
We could be back in Spain by then. Due back at Santander by 25th (arriving on 1st April).
Thanks again for your advice. I'll try to get an update in 2012.

Any other thoughts from you lot out there will be welcomed.

Cheers
Geoff

 

[shan]

I would say that well over half of it is now graded
As MrIFan says lots of it is washed out in the last bit we were on and by the time you and me go back it will all be graded

Have a look hear
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284221
if you need any more up to date info let me know

 

[Tonibe63]

Be very carefull on these, if you see stones placed on the road SLOW DOWN!! The stones are Moroccan warning signs telling you the road is gone! The scenery may look very dry but flash floods often wash away large sections of the road.

Just like this

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Excellent picture Tonibie.
Thanks for that.
Geoff

 

[david a hall]

Yep watch your speed !

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Cheers Dave.
Useful warning/reminder and excellent photo.
Geoff