Scotland to Morocco (and back) - what could possibly go wrong?

[NiallFD]

When we were there early Sept 2010 it was 52 one of the days.... one evening it was 39c at 21:00

I'm thinking of just wearing a thwab and sandals on the bike!

 

[NiallFD]

May not be correct, but this was my experience

1. 2 days was fine and we went the pretty route. Going did the Almeria - Mellila overnight crossing, as it saved another hotel for the night. We returned via Ceuta so it giva us more of a 'u' trip in Morocco rather than returning to the same port.
2. didn't do this so can't say but distances in Morocco are bigger than you think and your not going to see that much if you doing that distance/time
3. No
4. Didn't take and never needed the IDL
5. I didn't have any breakdown cover and bought insurance in Nador when I arrived
6. Just used the cash machines - although get enough at major towns to cover you when you in more remote areas
7. Can't comment

I took the fiche that Tim Cullis has on the link walrus posted - saved a lot of time and made it look like I knew what i was doing. Only other advice I have, is just enjoy it and don't stress too much. Everything sorts itself out

Here's a video of our trip

[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]GJY_cX9OKwE[/video]

[youtube]GJY_cX9OKwE[/youtube]

[yt]GJY_cX9OKwE[/yt]


I give up !!! Here's the link, you'll just need to follow it yourself

http://youtu.be/GJY_cX9OKwE

Mike where is that gorge you were riding through on the video?

 

[walrus]

You will still get plenty of craziness at the border! I promise.

 

[Tim Cullis]

This is really not a good idea, but seeing as you are committed I will offer the best advice I can.


I'm currently in southern Spain and it's been as high as a (genuine) 36ºC. Marrakech is currently forecast at 42ºC. With the strength of the summer sun anything over 32ºC is too hot to ride, so if this is the case plan to start really early each morning, getting up BEFORE first light and leaving at dawn. Then find somewhere by 2pm with good shade, beer and a pool for the overnight. If it's really hot, soak your jacket and trousers in water then start riding, this will cool you down considerably. Take extra water with you so you can repeat the soaking every hour or so. This is the nearest to biking aircon you can get.

And forget camping, it's far too hot and you waste too much time putting up/taking down the tent and gear. In Spain look for roadside hostals which are about €40 for a twin bedded room and €10 each for menu of the day.

Last June two Portuguese guys on Varaderos died of probably heatstroke near Merzouga, so drink a minimum of 3 litres of water each day, chugalug half a litre before even starting out, and keep out of the sun at every opportunity.

Stay at altitude in the mountains where possible to keep the temperature down. Alternatively head for the coast which will be cooler. My trip report from last summer might be of interest, especially post #11 onwards, see http://www.morocco-knowledgebase.net/forum/showthread.php?t=304

 

[masterman21]

If you got three days to cross Spain , don't even go near a motorway !
You can only get Moroccan currency in Morocco . There will be an ATM as soon as you clear customs.Spend all the cash before you leave !
Think about crossing from From Tarifa to Tangier. Much less hassle . It will be hot ! Don't take ice in the drinks or any water you haven't seen opened ! Great country fun roads but watch the diesel on the hills !

 

[NiallFD]

This is really not a good idea, but seeing as you are committed I will offer the best advice I can.


I'm currently in southern Spain and it's been as high as a (genuine) 36ºC. Marrakech is currently forecast at 42ºC. With the strength of the summer sun anything over 32ºC is too hot to ride, so if this is the case plan to start really early each morning, getting up BEFORE first light and leaving at dawn. Then find somewhere by 2pm with good shade, beer and a pool for the overnight. If it's really hot, soak your jacket and trousers in water then start riding, this will cool you down considerably. Take extra water with you so you can repeat the soaking every hour or so. This is the nearest to biking aircon you can get.

And forget camping, it's far too hot and you waste too much time putting up/taking down the tent and gear. In Spain look for roadside hostals which are about €40 for a twin bedded room and €10 each for menu of the day.

Last June two Portuguese guys on Varaderos died of probably heatstroke near Merzouga, so drink a minimum of 3 litres of water each day, chugalug half a litre before even starting out, and keep out of the sun at every opportunity.

Stay at altitude in the mountains where possible to keep the temperature down. Alternatively head for the coast which will be cooler. My trip report from last summer might be of interest, especially post #11 onwards, see http://www.morocco-knowledgebase.net/forum/showthread.php?t=304

Thanks - I thought August would be hot so we'll defo be travelling each day at the crack of dawn until about midday. On top of that we'll be heading down the coast in Morocco so that should at least give us a few degrees off interior temps. We'll be taking on mucho water.

 

[Blue Sweeper]

.......... we'll be heading down the coast in Morocco ..........

Done that once and never again, flat and very boring. Also avoid Casablanca, it's a hot, smelly, shite hole.

 

[mikeTR]

Mike where is that gorge you were riding through on the video?

Its the Todra Gorge

 

[Bigchaser]

Don’t forget tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan, so many shops / cafes / restaurants maybe closed…….