Tales from the Morocco 3

[Aidan1150]

Jockser, Daithi & Shortarse are away to Morocco for three weeks on their 650 X Challenges. They have shipped the bikes on ahead and flew out this morning from Dublin to Malaga. Full details and background here.

I have just had the first text update from Jockser;

Got to Malaga & Gunner collected us and brought us to the bikes. Took about three hours to sort them and load our gear. Rode 100km and met Gunner & Mrs Gunner for the grub. He found us a grand hotel. Big sleep due tonight. Ferry in the morning & then Maroc.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Brilliant!! Look forward to pics etc.

 

[gerrymc]

is this an "undercover" recce road run for us all next year?

 

[big fella]

Jammy sod's

 

[Aidan1150]

A text came in from Jockser on Friday evening.........................

Quick update.

After the night in Spain we had a late(ish) start on Thursday, Very wet overnight. Lunchtime ferry across & fuel & provisions in Ceuta.

Border slow but OK. Late lunch & on to Chefchauen for the night. Good craic in lovely town, no hassle or shite. Heavy rain all night & morning. Staying for 2 nights anyway but wanted to do some tracks today.

Heading south tomorrow.

 

[spikerjack 46]

Keep it coming big lad.

 

[Aidan1150]

Sunday morning update

Latest news; On the road before 9am yesterday. Through the mountains to Zoumi. Wet and windy for a while, but what views. Surface was tar on straights and gravel on the corners!!!

Had our first piste of the trip around a huge reservoir, about 20+ km. Late lunch in Fes and then some great back roads to Segrou for the night. Now pishing again.

 

[T900]

keep it coming, hope the rain lets up for youse

 

[Aidan1150]

Lots of texting going on this morning. Daithi's brother Shortarse (Sam) has broken his rear shock.

More news as I get it.

 

[Aidan1150]

They have got Sam's bike back to Midelt in a cattle truck. A mechanic there says he can fit it. We'll see.

 

[Aidan1150]

Monday night update

After a lateish start due to the wind & rain we decided to chance a run south. When it rained it cut the faces off us & the gusts blew us all over the road. Luckily we stopped for lunch just before a hail shower.

Eventually made Midelt & decided enough for one day. Nice hotel at only €8 each. Had first tagine of the trip!!

Monday morning dawned bright but still cold & windy. Set off south and managed 20km before Sams rear shock broke. Sheared clean off near the base & blew the air "sack". Once we figured out we couldn't repair it we flagged down a Merc van & they agreed to carry it back to Midelt.

Daithi & I followed the van back & got the bike dropped at a "garage". After much to-ing and fro-ing the'd modified a standard shock to work. Less than 6 hours later we were sorted. The bill came to €30 for the shock & €30 for the labour!!

We're now back in last nights hotel & planning an early start on Tuesday morning.

 

[Aidan1150]

Tuesday & Wednesday report

An early start on Tuesday as it was a beautiful bright day & all was right with the world.....including Sams shock.

After about 80kms we stopped for fuel and a cuppa. Then on to Erfoud where the Horizons Unlimited meeting is supposed to be taking place at the weekend. Found no sign of where it's to take place but we did find a nice shady spot beside the pool in Xaluca hotel for a coke & lunch.

It was hard to tear ourselves away from such luxury but we still had a way to go. On to Merzouga and our usual place was full. The next place was closed but the third one took us in. Once we'd dumped our gear we were treated to copious amounts of Berber whiskey while we relaxed in the shade.

I have no idea what temp it is, but it must be high 20's. Dinner and an early night left us refreshed for Wednesday.


********************************************************


Straight after brekkie we headed out into the sand. Not my favourite surface but what the hell, the lads have been looking forward to it.

Unfortunately we'd only gone 40kms when the weld on Sams shock broke where it was welded & forced a return to base. Negotiations are currently ongoing with Gunner to try to get a replacement flown out as quickly as possible.


Daithi is such a trendsetter.

 

[(RIP) philgunn]

Shock Horror

I have just liberated a shock from a x650 owner in Tipp "McGiver"
and will be dispatched to deepest Africa tomorrow with a travel time of about 5 Days .... ps hopes this one makes it back


Just thinking out loud any one from these islands going to the Horizons meeting in Morocco that could bring a shock

pg

 

[Aidan1150]

Thursday night update

We spent yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon in a little garage in Merzuoga where Sam helped the mechanic to modify & reweld the shock. All completed just after sunset and we made our way back in the dark.

By this time Gunner confirmed that he'd liberated a replacement shock from McGiver and HP2 Kenobe was bringing to to the shippers this morning. Well done to the 3 lads........a great team effort.

This morning (Thursday) we came north to Erfoud. Despite more denials from the hotel that the Horizons meeting was on there, Daithi found out that the organizer had booked 6 beds for the weekend!!! Not the best organised event.........

We found ourselves a cheaper hotel nearby and after dumping our gear & having a spot of lunch we set off on Tim Cullis' offroad route to see the Spiral, Onion & the stairway. (Do a search in the Morocco section.) what a cracking afternoon, sand, tones, gravel, a bit of everything.

Other than the puncture Sam picked up it was a perfect afternoon, which was nicely rounded off by a swim when we got back. Ain't life a bitch.

 

[flash of the gap]

more pics please , comaun jockser get out yer kodak instamatic

 

[Aidan1150]

A few pics

Just had a few pictures e-mailed to me by Jochen.

Last night's couscous dinner;

Jockser's bike at the Stairway;

Daithi & Sam climb the Stairway;

Sam's puncture at the Spiral;

 

[Jockser]

Afternoon all

Using an on again / off again wifi connection in the hotel & it's a PITA

Finally caught up with the Horizons guys - all Portugese except one Brit reg bike - but there's bugger all planned until this evening so, after a swim & an al fresco lunch, I'm playing with my iPhone and the other two have gone for a play in the 'outback' behind the hotel

But we're having a miserable time - having to ride our bikes every day, off road & on road in blazing sunshine with food & coffee stops every hour or two. I really want to come home to see my family & go back to work.....

 

[Mandylicious]

Afternoon all


But we're having a miserable time - having to ride our bikes every day, off road & on road in blazing sunshine with food & coffee stops every hour or two. I really want to come home to see my family & go back to work.....

Sorry to hear that your having such a miserable time. Would you like me to contact Nick and see if he can arrange an early flight home for you

 

[Aidan1150]

 

[Mandylicious]

Yeah, twice