Morocco December 2013

[Nigel]

Er Indoors is not prepared to spend another xmas in continual rain. One option is a week to 10 days in Morocco. I'd like to tie in at least a little bit of riding if I can.

So with plenty of time to plan (day dream) where would the panel base themselves and what are the recommends for bike hire and destinations for a two three day ride out ? Will be two up so we are talking roadish.

Would Marrakesh make a sensible base of operations or is there somewhere better placed/more interesting?
Nige

 

[Fanum]

Er Indoors is not prepared to spend another xmas in continual rain. One option is a week to 10 days in Morocco. I'd like to tie in at least a little bit of riding if I can.

So with plenty of time to plan (day dream) where would the panel base themselves and what are the recommends for bike hire and destinations for a two three day ride out ? Will be two up so we are talking roadish.

Would Marrakesh make a sensible base of operations or is there somewhere better placed/more interesting?
Nige

Marrakesh or Ouazazarte.

There's more to see and do in Marrakech, flights are far easier and cheaper but the weather in December will be iffy north of the Atlas.

There's better riding and better weather over the mountains in Ouazazarte, and there are the film studios and sets to see, but much less to do for that period of time.

Agadir is better weather too, but very touristy- if you want to pick up cheap ladies or sit on a beach next to sex tourists and chavs, it's like the Costas with an Arabic influence, but not somewhere I'd consider.

Casablance is a total shit hole IMO, and only has its name going for it......keep WELL away, or go upmarket there and keep off the streets.

Personally, with only 2-3 days riding planned, with the missus, I'd say Marrakech definitely, especially if you haven't been there before.
If it was 5-6 days riding out of the 10 ish, Ouzazarte.

HTH

 

[Tim Cullis]

My friends and I have used Marrakech-based Loc2Roues many times and have been totally happy. Nourredine will lend you helmets if necessary, also has luggage options (but we always take a roll bag and rok straps). The F650GS twin would be a decent bike but the seat is uncomfortable. I've taken an AirHawk with me before; my friend bought a £2 pillow and strapped it to the seat.

The best biking roads are the mountains but obviously it will be chilly at over 2000m (between 0.5ºC and 1ºC temperature drop for every 100m higher than Marrakech which is at 450m).

A very pleasant lower-level and all-tarmac route might be to head out of Marrakech on the N8 to Fez then after 12km fork right onto the completely empty R210 and head for Demnate and the Imi n'Ifri natural bridge. After descending and walking through to get rid of some of the Xmas excess, return to Demnate and head north then east toward Azilal. Before you get there, turn left to Cascades d'Ouzoud where you could spend the night. Next day return to the Azilal road, carry on to Azilal and the Bin el Ouidane reservoir. Return to Marrakech using side roads where possible for maximum relaxation.

Another day or overnight trip could be to Imlil which is at 1700m (though you can go higher). From Marrakech head south on the R203 and about 300m past the Afriquia fuel station in Asni turn left for Imlil where there's lots of accommodation options. See posts #12-14 here for more info.

Plan B might be to hop on the CTM bus to Ouarzazate (best part of five hours over the Tichka pass) and stop with Peter at BikersHome. Lots of good riding around there though more suited to offroading.

Plan C could be to explore the Anti Atlas and the coast around Sidi Ifni to Mirleft from Agadir, but Agadir would be a terrible base (IMHO) for the rest of the holiday. Edit: just read Fanum's more eloquent explanation about Agadir.

 

[Nigel]

The very idea that one would choose a destination in order to meet cheap ladies! How very dare you.

The what not to do is as usefull as positive recommends so thanks both.

Looks like Marrakech as the start point anyway.
Now I can start to surf away my lunchtimes with purpose.

Nige