Morocco two-up off road?

[Bandina]

We are planning a trip to Morocco next April, probably 5 or 6 bikes, all solo riders except for me with my girlfriend on the back of my GS. We all want to do some off-road touring.

However, I'm concerned that some tracks might be too much for me two-up if things start to get rough (I've seen some of the photographs posted here ). BTW is there a recognised technique for the pillion when the rider stands up? She stays sat down at the moment and feels decidedly unsafe.

Is there anywhere anyone can point me so that I can plan some off-road routes that would be suitable if we both have to remain seated (just looking at the map doesn't help much)?

Thanks,
Stefan

 

[(RIP) Proff]

2 up

Look at this thread and the rest of Hograost pics,
MatKat and Sue's first time off road, both up on the Pegs
And a Grand day was had by all

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78078

And don't forget to ask Mr Fanums advice
He's doing trips there !!!

 

[Fanum]

Stefan...if it's any good, Moto-Morocco will be running at least one trip specifically designed for two up bikes next year......and you can save yourself 6 days travelling there and back because we can take your bikes down there

If not though, try the Chris Scott book for good route guidance....or look up roamingyak.org and watch his videos (and get the DVD) for some good footage of some nice pistes you could try...it gives you a god idea of the terain

Cheers

Bill

 

[Timolgra]

I've been thinking of a two up trip with my partner.

Having ridden many pistes in Morocco solo, I would say yes they are possible two up, avoid any sand, and leave your heavy luggage somewhere secure as the biggest problem will be the suspension bottoming out.

 

[John Armstrong]

This lot: http://www.ultimad.net/html/morocco_2004.html seem to have done quite a bit in Morocco, not two up though They do a good dvd with riding scenes on it. HTH.

 

[Tim Cullis]

The offroad tracks (pistes) in Morocco are mainly used by 'Berber camions', a rudimentary lorry (bus) service, organized around village market days. The surface varies greatly. Some are extremely easy, some are difficult, others are a mix of both. Some pistes are OK in one direction, but terrible in the reverse.

Sid Horman was two-up in Morocco last January and remained seated all the time, I think. Loz I think sits most of the time. Others, however, prefer to stand, either just the rider, or the pillion as well. I've done quite a lot of filming, riding one-up holding the camera in the left hand, which is probably harder than riding two-up. There's a one-minute preview here: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68659

You can't tell from the maps how difficult the pistes are, but generally speaking if they go up and over mountain ranges, or are 'trapped' alongside rivers they will be worse that those that head off across a flat plain. The maps, anyway, are out of date. Chris Scott's book is useful, but many of the pistes in his book aren't worth the trouble, and there are many others that aren't mentioned.

IMHO the worst enemies of offroad riding are sand and mud. Generally speaking Morocco has little of either.

 

[Bandina]

Thanks

Thanks guys for the speedy responses, links, info, etc.

I guess I will go ahead with planning to stay with the group when they head off-road and see what things are like. One of my concerns is finding things getting too rough and having to head back on our own.

We are planning routes with the help of maps, various forums, guide books (including Chris Scott), etc. Perhaps I'll post here again to ask if anyone has any comments regarding the suitability of some of our proposed off-road routes when we have an itinerary.

Thanks again.

Stefan

PS. Tim Cullis: "Aircall" is all I have to say.

 

[Tim Cullis]

That was a long time ago! Must meet up to discuss..