Ireland to Morocco Spring 2013

Super10 · Feb 5, 2014

(this is my first attempt to upload a story so ... cheers :beerjug:

)

From Ireland to Morocco on a motorbike

First it was just a dream that seemed so far away and now the plan is coming together.
I always wanted to travel and explore different continents and cultures, this my first and Harry's second visit to Morocco.
We travel from Ireland to France, then Spain, Portugal and then into Morocco.
So you are all invited to follow us on our adventure on 2 BMWs.

und in Deutsch;

Von Irland nach Marokko mit dem Motorrad

Es was seit langem mein Traum und endlich geht es los
Ich wollte immer reisen und andere Kontinente und Kulturen entdecken.
Dies ist meine erste Reisen nach Marokko und den Maghreb
und Harry's zweiter Trip.
Ihr seid nun all eingeladen und via Internet auf unserem Motorrad - Abenteuer zu begleiten.

Below thats me, Barbara, collecting my BMW F800GS last year 

<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YvKpkeYtO3I/UUJAWAhmUaI/AAAAAAAAE0c/Pc7AbjjlZjU/s1024/DSC_1003.JPG" border="0" alt="" /width="400" height="300"> 

and thats Harry on his roadbike, a BoxerCup Replika. 

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QrrJe6JvdrQ/TGBteZVUysI/AAAAAAAAC-M/C6aVcr_wzwk/s1024/DSC_9964.JPG" border="0" alt="" /width="400" height="300"> 

============================================================

We had been planning/ daydreaming about this trip for mmm? bout two years.

So Finally ...here we are leaving Ireland, at ferry terminal at Rosslare, Wexford. :aidan

All set for the big trip. 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxVN8ZWbkFM/UsBROa6N9aI/AAAAAAAAFU4/FNtQ3My_g_M/s576/DSC_4081.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Woo-hoo! 
In France and we are on the way 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G9GeU2UhGhU/UsCCQscj5XI/AAAAAAAAFnI/8uAV8dryUpo/s576/IMG_1684.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Had to stop off at Le Mans, famous for the racing, and the maad 24 Heurs Moto Endurance race week. 
 
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sCm-9LwQqpg/UsCCV39NNBI/AAAAAAAAFnY/rtRbN8S0uHI/s576/IMG_1704.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Headed on down the west coast of France. 
While I think it may be not as scenic as other regions of the country, well... we were on a mission! 
Morocco was our aim. 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBmhnGxebKc/UsCCZodQAoI/AAAAAAAAFng/N-ZLSFcBlN8/s576/IMG_1709.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Heading south, yippee! 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7w9ROQ0sEFg/UsCChtXdODI/AAAAAAAAFn4/WRJThvPYAHE/s576/IMG_1744.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Overnight in the Basque town of Saint Jean de Luz 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-coVKp99esvY/UsCCnKw6D5I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/59KfrnE1lIU/s576/IMG_1762.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Easter weekend and lots of Chocolate surprises! 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4fJpJkEZOEI/UsCCr5i41zI/AAAAAAAAFog/iHl7tXTQtwk/s576/IMG_1772.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Yes! these are all Easter eggs

lol 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEVA5fJDedI/UsCCwgUs8AI/AAAAAAAAFow/LVzjfuDTL2k/s576/IMG_1775.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Fuel stop, and as you may guess, we are now in Spain 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mYpfTn8NKq8/UsCC7bc52pI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/JKUyssmhoqU/s576/IMG_1793.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PMqtK5fUmhY/UsCDLCOnGZI/AAAAAAAAFpw/G6hmNRBR2jk/s576/IMG_1824.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
The city of Salamanca 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5vdFvje_ml4/UsCDN3pYJOI/AAAAAAAAFp4/8yYAhbgIgxo/s576/IMG_1825.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
This was our first taste of Summer and warm blue skies! 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9ozYjXuxOJ0/UsCDXA8VDrI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/s1tp9rs_eDc/s576/IMG_1840.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MU_45hdxFnY/UsBRs_CvwLI/AAAAAAAAFV4/scebbvMUxvw/s576/DSC_4171.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Then on we headed, on south, over more stunning Spanish countryside 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HcS0OjaDiAU/UYkveyS9SjI/AAAAAAAAE8I/e2afcHWtcN4/s576/DSC_4215.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
and lots more Magic Twisty roads 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jKGbPvSjNj4/UsBR-2sa8gI/AAAAAAAAFWY/5obK_54mEK8/s576/DSC_4216.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
================================================== =========== 
 
Anyways... ... 
 
...what's that they say about: "the rain in Spain, falls mainly on the plain..." ? 
 
Well, it seems our trip coincided with the wettest, coldest spring for both France and Spain. 
 
In France on our arrival from the ferry, we were told the main route from Cherbourg towards Paris was snowbound for two days, only a week before we had set off! 
 
In many Spanish cities and towns, floods caused havoc for many unfortunate families. 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsYx48HkWyo/UsBSDPjKf3I/AAAAAAAAFWg/r0q3NCGAI8E/s576/DSC_4218.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Not many 'Rays' for these Solar Arrays to catch: 
 
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qKfm1gPYOQ4/UsBSGnSSd9I/AAAAAAAAFWo/J_wfQgQqLYg/s576/DSC_4224.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Ahh, sure it must be the luck of the Irish, eh? 
Years of planning, and we hit a '100 years' storm, lol. 
 
================================================== =========== 
 
Now we cross yet more Spanish mountains. 
The country seems to be mainly mountains, woohoo! 
Fantastic country for biking, definitely on my list for a (longer) return visit. 
 
In the city of Malaga we stop to meet friends, and head off to a local tyre shop to get some TKC 80's fitted. 
 
Vargas Tyres in Malaga, we praise them big time. 
Great service, and held tourance tyres for return trip too. 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rvv5kD5QUa8/UsBSIhxzh8I/AAAAAAAAFWw/tJxyP4yBxdQ/s576/DSC_4238.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Now we are all set for the Sahara! 
 
================================================== ============

Super10 · Feb 5, 2014

Tour inspiration from many, many people
:bow

Tim Cullis, Chris Scott, young Gibson and many others here of course.
HorizonsUnlimited also .
Cheers from both of us for all the info and advice given on the site

Now, must dig out some more pics ;-)

Ex-Call Centre Chimp · Feb 6, 2014

Good work, thanx for posting. Looking forward to some more........

Ogmios · Feb 6, 2014

Been wanting to hear about this trip for some time. :thumb2

Nice R100GS by the way. :augie

~~~

Super10 · Feb 6, 2014

<div id="post_message_23351006">
Last supper in Spain, next dinner will be in Africa, woohoo! <img src="http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/clap.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Clap" class="inlineimg" /> 
 
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bTAElNK-P1TOr16oVrs8HLrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D3rkObZXcjc/UsCDi91jx8I/AAAAAAAAFq4/Uzta5_s9vew/s640/IMG_1866.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--JxzAfxBPuw/UsCDroxt1_I/AAAAAAAAFrY/wIq0HkfcGAg/s640/IMG_1872.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
Crossing the straits of Gibralter. 

The ferry terminal is ...well, its an experience 

(maad place, lol).

Its a short trip, just get your tickets at one of the many roadside booths.
 
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gVUZyTLoJpnQRakHQhGw9rrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1JPJZ7G25pc/UaPeBy_CzfI/AAAAAAAAFro/i4r3DZEQRis/s640/IMG_1877.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Finally! We are here, Ireland to Africa. Its sure a big thing for us anyways, so Bring it on! 

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2JpJFCqMwVY/UsBSa3rC2hI/AAAAAAAAFXY/1-8be0sqjKw/s640/DSC_4324.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 

<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gMAO54tF1FM/UsBSrc7MzUI/AAAAAAAAFXw/YTTJ8TaYQDE/s640/DSC_4337.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LHawoqB5k-oaznDCx_tIN7rEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D0QXXTcpwxU/UsCEUmWga5I/AAAAAAAAFs4/xNHeKUvELVk/s640/IMG_1901.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Roman ruins of Volubalis, 
near Meknes 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c7q8-Ntg1N18RNfw0Fn8w7rEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zNHKrH0uYww/UsBSwt5BsOI/AAAAAAAAFX4/yYL9ayOpjq0/s640/DSC_4343.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

"on the road again" 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PAZANNBa6BTgqHXIBvM0aLrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yAzQ5z7BO3c/UsBTGnnxvyI/AAAAAAAAFYg/LneCFC3pnUc/s640/DSC_4376.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 
 
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vNhvZIzzN1HIvEPAvgQ2HbrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k7n3ztzPZa8/UYlU9EuPMnI/AAAAAAAAE9w/_-HgPG8Bkgg/s640/DSC_4395.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

The Paysage d'Ito, a spectacular evening crossing of the mountain pass 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JblXfKuemYJws6_E-Wcc6brEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nz5P5feiCyE/UsBTKrppPVI/AAAAAAAAFYw/3hddmauTDNo/s640/DSC_4398.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Some budding bikers 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vuWHAn9cYPX7jMkZhOVoE7rEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GyqW-d2gluw/UsCEjzBnMuI/AAAAAAAAFtY/6OyFw-hzZTc/s640/IMG_1923.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

At the Hotel Cedars in Azrou.
 
Town square has just been renovated, 

but hotel still has a 1950's air (and prices too) <img src="http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/icon10.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Grin" class="inlineimg" /> 

 
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V3sfmAsFEFexYKff6KPcwLrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hJMU5RWK5bo/UYlVJ6QQuxI/AAAAAAAAE-I/JB-RvkrVVjU/s640/DSC_4420.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

BMers old and new <img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/bmwrider.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Rider" class="inlineimg" />
 
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1b0U0MWPB6M0ao3TRyeimrrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XSeNc7w3Sps/UsBTrk7lzTI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/GwZBhpSM6x0/s640/DSC_4448.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Berber and Arabic writing on the wall of a Berber school. 

We found French was spoken in larger towns, and some Spanish. 
English in Hotels etc., and Arabic in the most Northern parts. 

But Berber is the language and the People. 
 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mmx3FgRaPAtniawOA0vHFLrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mZItoE0wqGQ/UYlVPnfYKXI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/R0S5VZYF7vg/s640/DSC_4461.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Spring cleaning the carpets 

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8N0r8Haj3AF0HmrAQTHK0LrEw4N5O-I1_Pedax9usb8?feat=embedwebsite" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FA-cVOqvVBI/UYlVXMXGvHI/AAAAAAAAFag/bimkK7p54gs/s640/DSC_4474.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> 

Sometimes ya just have to pamper yourselves, haha. 

Above is the view from the balcony of our Kasbah near Asila. 

Time for a chill and a few <img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/beer.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Beer1" class="inlineimg" /> 

. 
I post some sandy photos later
</div>

gerry b · Feb 6, 2014

Good work, looking forward to the rest of the report, I bought my ticket at the ferry terminal office, half the price of the roadside booth so if you go again might be worth checking out.

Super10 · Feb 6, 2014

Nice one to know Gerry , cheers I'll keep that in mind for next time,
(roll on the next time

)

and sound advice for others heading that direction.

(RIP) andrewgsadv · Feb 6, 2014

Ah another country on my must visit list. Thanks for taking the time to post. Looking forward to your next post :thumby:

steophilis · Feb 6, 2014

nice one harry and barbara , great pics

Super10 · Feb 7, 2014

@ Andrew its a magic place, go there soon, changing fast

@ Steo hey still waitin to see your photos :augie

<div id="post_message_23383182">

On leaving Afourer, and our 'treat' hotel Tazerkounte, 
 
we headed south into the mountains towards Azilal, 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q9End4jn5fo/UsCE8DA-YbI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/357-IJJlu0o/s912/IMG_1947.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
below, some local lads on the way to work 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHYm6TaRa-U/UsCFCyw_EEI/AAAAAAAAFug/LYFlb1WCjDw/s800/IMG_1950.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
an artificial lake, caused by a dam on the way 
 
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GZsTxpM6K3E/UYlVaBDHiFI/AAAAAAAAFao/RXdxkxNiMgs/s1024/DSC_4476.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
more Grand biking roads 
 
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0zv7_LWs1sU/UYkbJ3256uI/AAAAAAAAFaw/quWqHvcrYiY/s1024/DSC_4486.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
on the way towards the surprise Ba had in store for me... 
 
... The Cascades d'Azoud , 
 
I had not heard of it, but since it was on our way, 
 
sure it wouldn't be polite to pass it by, lol 
 
ya got to be there

<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FIYT85pSW4Y/UsCFPpMU6iI/AAAAAAAAFvA/pOGjKy6THq8/s800/IMG_1958.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
Lunch stop first ! 
 
Then tourist sight seeing... 
 
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XmjO6acuPfI/UsCFYBFfBKI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/R5g6nMuWBCE/s800/IMG_1968.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slYC2pJscG4/UsCFcnUEXZI/AAAAAAAAFvY/VcbaaVL7KOs/s800/IMG_1973.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sXF2XFvtNxM/UYlVokIpFxI/AAAAAAAAFbI/D6mRginRbAc/s800/DSC_4524.JPG" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
================================================== ===== 
 
If we had lots of time, we would have loved to stay in the hills and made for Demnat, 
 
but we didn't, so after a (hot) magic visit to the waterfalls, we rode back to the main road, the N8, towards Marrakech. 
 
Have to say, that section of road was sh!te. 
(I mean that part of the N8 towards Marrakech) 
 
Well it was late, and we were breaking the rules, ie., nowhere to stay and it was getting dark... ... 
 
Sooo... 
 
...well we thought, ahh sure Marrakech isn't that far from here, is it ? 
emm is it? 
 
Stop at a crappy petrol station on the roadside? 
or just keep riding and see what happens, 
 
and arrive late at night in Marrakech and take our chances? 
 
"What can possibly go wrong?" 
 
<img src="http://d26ya5yqg8yyvs.cloudfront.net/yelrotflmao.gif" border="0" alt="" title="rofl" class="inlineimg" />
</div>

GS TRV · Feb 8, 2014

Great stuff :thumb2

long may your dung reek · Feb 8, 2014

Keep it coming!

Jockser · Feb 10, 2014

Super10 said:
If we had lots of time, we would have loved to stay in the hills and made for Demnat

Hi Barbara
Thank your lucky stars you didn't. We stopped there in '07 cos it was getting late. There was only one "hotel" which was really a knocking shop judging by the amount of used condoms outside the window. No sheets on the bed only dirty blankets :barf

We slept in our clothes...

Now, where's the rest of the report ? :augie

Ogmios · Feb 12, 2014

More!

We Want More!!!! :rob

Ireland to Morocco Spring 2013

Super10

Member

Super10

Member

Ex-Call Centre Chimp

Well-known member

Ogmios

Well-known member

Super10

Member

gerry b

Registered user

Super10

Member

(RIP) andrewgsadv

Well-known member

steophilis

Registered user

Super10

Member

GS TRV

Registered user

long may your dung reek

First in last out.

Jockser

Well-known member

Ogmios

Well-known member

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