ABW does Morocco October 2012

No!

Bringing back the memories nicely thanks Paul :thumb

Excellent :clap

You're welcome to add what you recall and what I have forgotten. :blagblah

Now that video bit titled -
"Before I carry on, here's another of the unedited video footage taken from rudiemoto's borrowed GoPro on this trail... "

Just a tadge scary I thought and also came to the conclusion that if you'd got it slightly wrong and err, gone over the edge......

Well I suppose the consolation is that no ambulance would be neccessary.

When chasing the Big Boy's there comes a time when the absence of the momentum of a big bike is not your friend. My bike bounces around so much at speed that I do have to throw caution to the wind before it becomes too much to handle and I end up taking those few seconds to live out my fears of vertigo to the very end. :( We Three had already agreed earlier that if anything happened whilst here that we were pretty much done for and would have hope for the best. :eek
 
A great report as ever Abdhul, can we focus a little more on just how awesome I am though please?

:thumb2
 
....can we focus a little more on just how awesome I am....

There's a few video clips that might question the validity of that statement. :D
 

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Attempted resizing of another example of awesomeness
 

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why are there no pictures of Garys hairdersser anywhere not a hair out of place anywhere:pullface
 
Great stuff so far :thumb2

BTW, I found this photo of 'The Nipple' on a write up of the launch of the 1190 Katoomer........it's been photoshopped (the power lines have been taken out for a start) and the surface has been raked over a little so they can pretend that not mnay people have been up it before, but it's definitely the same place :thumb2


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why are there no pictures of Garys hairdersser anywhere not a hair out of place anywhere:pullface

Mystery solved, spotted at ABW yesterday.............

<a href="http://s230.beta.photobucket.com/user/FayeDeck/media/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/FayeDeck/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg"/></a>

Proven to fit into a 50l Ortlieb:D
 
Mystery solved, spotted at ABW yesterday.............

<a href="http://s230.beta.photobucket.com/user/FayeDeck/media/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/FayeDeck/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg"/></a>

Proven to fit into a 50l Ortlieb:D

Bet your missus wanders whats going on when she looks back at search history on the computer:blast

Pictures of a 'very gay hairdresser':eek: :D:D:D:D
 
Yep, that's fesh fesh:D
Don't worry Ditch, we'll find you some to play in if you really want:eek::thumb

I look forward to it. Much safer than falling off a mountain. :hide

Mystery solved, spotted at ABW yesterday.............

<a href="http://s230.beta.photobucket.com/user/FayeDeck/media/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/FayeDeck/hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo hair_zps48cf2bc4.jpg"/></a>

Proven to fit into a 50l Ortlieb:D

He's been seen skulking around the hillside's of the the Boss's abode. He denied all knowledge when questioned as to whom it was. :augie
 
Day 8 07102012 Part 2. Zagora.

So far today we've done nearly all of our mileage on piste between Tata and Foum Zguid. This afternoon it will just about be the same ratio of tarmac to trails for our ride to Zagora with a couple of exceptions; sand. We have already had a bit of practise of riding in sand at The Blue Rocks near Tafraoute, and in some way on the deep dust to Foum Zguid but, the first part of this afternoon will be dominated by satisfying what most of this group have said they will be looking forward mostly whilst here, and that is riding on deep sand and taking on some moderate dunes. :)

Upon leaving Foum Zguid after our lunch break we go looking for a sandy track to ride before we are due to take on the pistes through the Draa Valley but we encounter a problem. There is an unexpected river to cross. When we arrive we are alone and the river is wide, very red, moving quite quickly and there is no indication to how deep it could be. :mmmm It looks like quite a daunting task, if not very risky, so a couple of us carry out a short recce of the nearby riverbanks and it's not looking good. Suddendly a small wagon arrives and the driver stops straightaway when he sees the river. There's about 30 seconds of deliberation taking place in the cabin between the driver and his passenger and then they decide to go for it. Now we don't know what the passenger in that wagon knows but it would appear that he's managed to persuade the driver to give it a go. Now this is going to be interesting. He's off and we're all watching with a keen, if not slighty concerned, eye.

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Good Luck.

They did it without any trouble whatsoever. :bounce1 The ruddy water is only about a foot deep in the middle and the riverbed is probably firm enough to ride on. Phew. Somebody goes first and then another, and another until we all get through without any dramas. Unfortunately we are so efficient there was only time for a couple of shots of a rider going through, but hopefully some more will emerge.

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This looks like Dean.


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Go Alan.

I'm sure there is short video from someone showing this so I'll try and dig it out.

With big grins on our faces we ride on for a while past a few mudbrick buildings and onto some more piste and the continuing quest for the sandy lane we know about. It's somewhere around here, I'm sure of it, and don't know the name of the place except it's only about 20 minutes from Foum Zguid. What we do know is that it seems to be a perimeter road of one the the small settlements around here. They are not big places, maybe only 25 houses, and I suspect that some of their occupants serve the quarrying which takes place on the outskirts of Foum Zguid. All the same we should thank the locals for not sweeping it clear of the sand which is filling the gap between its stone walls.
Alas there aren't any pictures from me of this lane because it is a case of getting through in one piece, not hitting another rider and trying to keep your bike away from the walls. Stopping and starting is not that easy because as soon as your speed falls below a certain rate the bike loses momentum and just ties itself in knots. It is good fun though and it takes you here, the start of a long series of pistes to Zagora.

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Just is time for Spout' s next pee, and now it's Jono who's sitting down as well.

If you follow the track seen below for long enough you will more than likely end up in Zagora for early evening by just keeping the afternoon sun on your back.

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There is however a diversion to be taken before anyone gets a cold beer in their hand today because we are going dune riding. After only an hour since we were worried about getting very wet we are now getting very hot...

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Parking by Spout.

This is a great little place for a bit of hooliganism on a bike. The dunes aren't too big or vast but they do provide everyone with some time to get sweaty. :D

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Parking by Alan.

Everybody takes at least a couple of lunges at the dunes before the trouble starts.

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Two HP2's. One of those two didn't fall off at all.

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Parking by rudiemoto.

The biggest dune is quite steep on both sides at the top and both Dean and I had our moments attempting to get over it in one go. I now know that if you go too fast all that happens is your bike nose dives over the other side and you get to taste the sand.

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Parking by Dean.

I don't remember seeing much of our awesome Boss on the dunes and that's probably because he's been spending his time grooming this little group which have descended upon us. Thankfully for them we can't hang around for too long and they are saved by the clock.

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Leave 'em alone Boss, it's time to go!

Before we move on, here is another short video showing the dunes.

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It doesn't take long to get tired dragging your bike through that sand and with a long ride in the hot sun to come we have to press on. We leave the gang of children behind and set off on a piste to the east. This piste goes around a corner of the nearby mountains on either side of us and takes us into a much wider part of the valley.

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For now, Zagora lies beyond the horizon.

It is from here where we can begin to imagine seeing our destination come into view after a few more hours of riding. However it's all very well looking that far ahead because it still remains the case that you have to look where you and your bike is going. We had forgotten that this piste suddenly terminates with a field of rocks. :blast With the confidence we are gaining in our riding abilities we all go racing into to it for a jarring reminder that we still have to pay attention. :rob

Having bounced our way across the rock field to one of the more established pistes it is Spout who stops the group for few minutes to acknowledge the arrival of a milestone. Actually that should be mileage done because Paul's HP2 has just turned its clock's to show that 50,000 miles have now been travelled. He's keen to stop for this, have a celebratory cigarette (and probably a wee on a rock or shrub) and record this moment for his personal records. For the remainder it is a welcome and well timed break for a cigar, a lie down, a drink, a look at the map and a take photograph.


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Hot but Happy! :beerjug:

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50k Miles. The Proof.

After Spout's bike's notable moment something very strange happened soon after we had set off from that place: The group became separated into two equal halves and a cardinal sin had been committed.
Now it's difficult to imagine when on a very flat valley floor but, three of us lost sight of another three. Somehow, Jono, Dean and Alan (clowns) had disappeared and the Boss, Spout and I were left with a puzzled look on our faces. We couldn't understand where they had gone or how they had got so far away that we could even see a dust trail floating in the air. We scanned the horizons, we asked a road builders' daughter and we tried the phone but were unable to locate the missing three, and yes, it was them who were missing because we had the Boss, the satnav and the maps. We discussed what could be and decided they must be on the main piste to Zagora so we, at least, had to move forward and hope we'd find them somewhere ahead and regroup. The Tata Three rode on, stopping from time to time, and searching for The Lost Three (clowns) but we had one forced stop because some Tosser had a puncture in his rear tyre.

Yes, I had found the only 2" clout nail in the whole of the Draa Valley. The only discernable wood around here is in the very small shrubs dotted around so how or why that bloody nail got here is beyond belief. For me the first thing to do is get the tools out and remove the wheel while the Boss tries the phone again to see if he can gain contact with our absent friends (clowns).

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Back together again although not the ideal place to be doing work.

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Wheel off, spare tube out, now break that bead!

Spout and I started the job whilst skygod managed to get hold of the others (clowns) and summoned them to turn around from whereever they where and rejoin us. Fortunately they weren't too far away and arrived just in time to help out with some heavyweight manpower from Jono and a convenient air compressor from Dean. A couple or three of us hoisted the bike up and I refitted the wheel whilst those left idle found a game to play; a rock throwing competion...

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Tosser's! Literally.

With the bike back together we can now finish off a long day in the saddle and on the pegs. The piste is fairly straight, fairly well graded and there is only the odd truck or two to pass or avoid, and we are fairly close to Zagora. All we have to do now is set ourselves up for a fast ride to the gap between the mountain rangess to each sideof us, catch a flashing glimpse of the road sign to Zagora Aeroport and then we'll be on tarmac again.

With an empty camelbak we ride into Zagora and immediately pick up an escort. It's one of Mohammed Gordito's sons who rides with us to the hotel and touts us for business. We assure him that there is work to be done but that will have to wait until tomorrow because some of us have other things on our mind. MrIfan has greeted us upon our arrival, gave us our bags and makes sure we check in. He then takes us to the bar to clean our mouths of the taste of warm water to that of cold beer. :beer:

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It 's actually just the five us of at first because Jono and Dean have gone straight to their room to do whatever it is that they get up to. :love

It's been another fantastic days' riding today and even though it has been long, we are all satisfied and looking forward to a good meal, a good bed and a day off tomorrow to inspect our bikes and lounge around the pool.
 
ive only just stumbled onto this thread,its a cracking read and looks like a top time was had by all:friday
 
Day 9 08/10/2012: Pool Maintenance and Unexpected Visitors.

Our orders for today were issued last night by our Awesome Boss during another Tagine dinner: "If you need anything doing at Mohamed Gordito's then get your shit together for 10.00hrs."
Having arrived at dusk last evening some of us are very tired and they are in their bed early. The remaining few can stand on their own two feet for a while longer before dossing down but what this means is that those who are keen and durable will be up early and eager to get something done today.

The keenest and seemingly most durable is MrIfan, who has risen early and has set off on his own for an early morning pictorial record of the landscape around Zagora.

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He's up early for this...

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I think this is an excellent picture: The African sunrise I didn't see.

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The early morning light reveals la ville rouge.

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There's alot of palms around Zagora.

It looks like it took him quite a bit of effort to get up here for these pictures although I suspect a Land Cruiser helps.

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Is this our hotel?

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If so, we'll be here later in the day...

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The Pool. The water is quite cold so be warned if you wear budgie smugglers.

This shot was taken later in the day by someone else and is shown here for your benefit should you need a room in Zagora. It's a decent place to stay.

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Not too bad for southern Morocco. :thumb

If you like them, and you're lucky, the room may have a Date Palm right outside the window.

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These are a good source of energy and well worth the effort to harvest those which have fallen around the pool.

Now, I don't know what's going on here but I can only assume he has a fascination about aircon or he's after the Gaurdian's dobi which has been drying out overnight.

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Those underpants appear to be as old as the Earth's water. :eek

Meanwhile the rest us get ourselves washed & shaved and amble downstairs for breakfast, the now really boring breakfast, in dribs and drabs before we sort out the bits and pieces which we will hand over to someone else for the jobs needed on our bikes. There's a few things lined up for Mohamed and his sons which includes: repairing and refitting my heavy duty rear inner tube which was punctured yesterday; welding the exhaust silencer mounting lug back onto Spout's subframe which was fractured yesterday, and to replace skygod's rear tyre which was finally worn out by yesterday.

Now I know there are a few around here who wouldn't ever consider riding in nothing less than a Hi-Vis armoured suit but we are only travelling a few kilometers so before anyone kicks-off, we all dress appropriately for the short ride to a workshop we know to have some work done. As said already it is Mohamed Gordito's and whatever he's done to arrange this set-up it has been worthwhile. All of his crew know the score and know how to resolve most of the problems you could bring to them on the spot.

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If you're heading to Zagora take note of the name and number from the web. You never know.!

I should add here, after promoting one Geezer alone, that most towns have someone who can at least sort a punctured tyre or tube and carry out most non-electronic jobs on your bike. They will even arrange transport to someone who can get you going but be aware and do fix a price before setting off if your bike is on the trailer. :rob

What I'd like to do here is have my punctured heavy duty tube repaired and refitted to the rear wheel of my bike. This gives me a bit more space for my on-bike storage when storing my standard spare tube.

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Yes, shorts, trainers and T-Shirt is okay around here.

One of the main jobs to be done was to sort out Spout's silencer mounting lug. This gave Jono an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and disconnect the ECU which is suscepitible to the high electical current passed through a bike when using an electric welder.

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Jono didn't take his overalls, that's Mohammed checking out his work.

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The ECU of an HP2.

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The welder at work.

I don't know if the welder was part of Mohammed's crew. He may have been recruited from the workshop next door where there was a lot of fabrication taking place. What was noticable about this was that another welder was outside making a gate, or something similar, but he he was only wearing a T-shirt, shorts and sandles and, he was only about 12 years old!

The next job inside was the Boss's tyre swap. Not very interesting in itself but since someone bothered to take a snap I'll include it here...

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Wheel off...

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...and going back on.

Whilst we were having our jobs done a couple of French Geezers turned up in those super-quad type of things: I don't know what they are called. One of them had a wobbly transmission, the vehicle and not the Frenchman, and was here for a repair. Amazingly, and at a moments notice, a solution to the problem was being implimented right before our eyes. They certainly know their onions around here. This is the thingy which was being fixed...

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Mohammed's wheels look much more useful to me than the quad-thing. You could at least sleep in it if necessary.

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If you're only here for a look at what's going on then there is a lot to see or you can just hang-out or have a chat and a mint tea.

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Dean and the Boss are each inspecting a couple of the many spare parts shelves.

After we are all finished Awesome sets himself up for a picture with another Boss...

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Boss One and Boss Two, plus a son, and another Geezer who seems to be around alot and had remembered some of us from previous visits.

From here we set off for a look at the vast palmery that flanks the eastern quarters of Zagora. What you get is a view across the palms, the floor of the Draa Valley, the Jbel Rhart and, if you're lucky, a bit of a sand storm.
This is just the sort of place to come to and see a change of scenery without having to ride too far...

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You don't see this everywhere.

...and of course a bikes' shot.

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The trouble with seeing this is that it makes you want to go and have a closer look at what really is over there. Maybe we'll get to see some of it in detail tomorrow?

Well, we're nearly done with our duties for the day and the remainder of our time is more or less our own. The Boss takes Alan away for a photo session next to an iconic sign post, I take the rest of the group back to the hotel's pool and later we all convene for a vegetable soup lunch. After our feeding session we are again free to do what we want before meting up for dinner this evening. I had nothing more on my mind that spending some time at the pool on my back and searching out a few fallen dates...

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Alan and Spout went for a walk and found something more interesting than the late autumn sunshine in the shape of a map and a couple examples of traditional transport.

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We are here!

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Tourist transport, if you care for that sort of thing.

There was however one more suprise for today with the unexpected visit of one of our own and his posse. Louisdut turned up at our hotel in the late afternoon after hearing that there were other Anglais' in town. He was travelling in a group of four, two couples, on his HP2 and with three KTMs. They were heading in the opposite direction to us and told us about some of the places they'd been to already and those which we would encounter soon. This chance meeting gave those with an HP2 or KTM the opportunity to get themselves a display team shot of their bikes in formation...

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Four KTMs and...

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...four HP2's.

Louisdut's team couldn't stay for too long because the light was going away and it would soon be time for dinner, and bed, because we have a Man's Day planned for tomorrow. It'll be an early start to take on another days' piste riding and another challenging Tizi before we get to taste another beer or cup of wine.
 
There was however one more suprise for today with the unexpected visit of one of our own and his posse. Louisdut turned up at our hotel in the late afternoon after hearing that there were other Anglais' in town. He was travelling in a group of four, two couples, on his HP2 and with three KTMs. They were heading in the opposite direction to us and told us about some of the places they'd been to already and those which we would encounter soon. This chance meeting gave those with an HP2 or KTM the opportunity to get themselves a display team shot of their bikes in formation...

It was good to catch up with you all :thumb2:thumb2

And a pic of 4 Hp2's :D

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Great report keep it coming :thumb

Louis
 
Day 10 09/10/2012: A Pilgrimage To Windy's Wadi and Beyond.

Louis, It was a pleasure to meet you all and a nice surprise which reminded us where we had come from which allowed us speak proper English for an hour or so. :)

Well, it had to go! The bottle of Spanish brandy I have been carrying in my luggage was finished off last night by the few who have the capacity to knock back a few stiff drinks before bed. MrIfan, Spout, Alan and I see off one of Jerez's finest with a chat and a few jokes in the warm night air. The other three from our group are either too tired or are enjoying some gentleman's relaxation together. :barf
Whatever happened last night didn't affect our appetite for breakfast in the moring. It's one of those buffet breakfasts' again saved only by the fact that we need our energy and that there is always good coffee on offer over here to kick-start our day. It is yet again bread, jams, honey, yoghurt, boiled eggs, and those doughy heavy pancakes. This is okay however Alan is seriously missing his Indian tea :comfort but there is compensation in form of excellent orange juice.

The first stop of the day is only a short ride across town to recapture a minute or two with an old and rudimentary guide to a far away city. It's a place which is out of bounds at the moment but if you fancy going for it follow the direction of the arrow, and don't forget your map and compass.

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Me, Dean, rudiemoto, Spout, skygod and Alan.

After being told to remove my crash helmet there's one for the album...

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A picture for you Mum.

It's an unusual start to the day after leaving the hotel because we quickly find ourselves riding some very wet roads between some houses and end up ploughing through a muddy unclaimed field (read as flood plain). Falling off here would have resulted in a complete album of embarrassing pictures so, with everyone on their best form there is not a lot to show other than IFan's perspective from yesterday morning...

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If it wasn't here it was much the same.

This route turned out to be too much to put up with and we redirected ourselves to a working track, without the hardship, to get on our way. What we are supposed to be doing is following the route which the Boss took with No Fromage on the day off in Zagora of the first trip and is reported here in this post: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3107350&postcount=53

We seemed to be riding for quite some time before the Boss stopped us all and announced that this is "Windy's Wadi" and it was here that the incident took place. Once I had had a look around and checked my watch all I could say to the Boss was "this place is a long way from Zagora and you must have ridden very quickly and in a very short time to get here for a crash and a phone call".

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Miles from anywhere!

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It was true and the Boss proved it by providing the evidence and displaying the remains of Windy's wind screen. This piece of F800GS had been tucked away for posterity and as a landmark for future visits and as a waypoint.

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Matt's windscreen had been hidden undeneath a rock and next to a lonely bush: How Moroccan?

Once skygod had replaced the hallowed plastic and cut short my cigar we pressed on. I however decided there was one more photograph worth taking after a short while and stopped on my own for a minute...

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I couldn't resist this view nor a moment alone.

It didn't take too long to catch up the second half of the group although there was a reason for that. It would appear that Jono has again gone off piste and there's a minute being taken to determine what has happened...

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Was it the bike again?

We are now approaching the hills and mountains again. This shift away from a near desolate valley to an occasionally verdant track gives us something different to look at. I'm guessing that these places are where the rain water from the hills gets soaked up and provides the solutions for the palms and vegetable gardens around here.

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As always in Morocco someone always appears out of nowhere to come and see who's here. It's usually children and this time is no different. We were soon surrounded by a small gang of young boys who had come to check us out. They are mostly interested at gawping at us and our bikes but one of them is particularly engaging. This young lad, seen below on my bike, is certainaly going far if he is the given the chance. If Morocco has a school for up and coming comedians then this boy is top of the class...

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The Moroccan Bob Monkhouse? He is a highly entertaining and engaging young man.

We didn't hang around too long with those boys because Gary already had a semi-on and it was decided that we'd be better off doing some more motorcycle riding than having one of our own getting himself into trouble. There is still some riding to to be be done before we arrive at the next Tizi but all that that does is keep us interested and adds to the fun...

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I don't know where this is and I suspected few of us do!

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All present and correct. :thumb

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They don't know or care. The same place? Next time I'm going to have to insist that those with camera's set their clocks to GMT to provide the correct time reference for picture reports.

We were up, we were down, it went left, then right and then it stops again for a cigar, a pee and a check of the nav' and all in a place where you would have never expected. This is one of Spout's pictures which perhaps only he thought was worth the walk to demonstrate the remoteness of our current location.

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A 30m walk for a piss and photo. :augie

It turns out that we are only half an hour away from what could be considered as the starting point for today's Man's Test. We have arrived at the bottom of a mountain pass known as the Tizi-n-Tazazert and it has been decided that it's a good idea to stop now and take a few minutes to compose ourselves.

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Please note the new accomodation which has appeared in the last six months.

It would appear that an entrepreneurial venture has set themselves up here. They have created a carpark and built a small auberge for the travellers who choose to cross the Jbel Sarhro via the Tizi rather than take the longer route through the valley and around most of the mountains. We however were not alone as the foolish few. On the rudimentary carpark three Spanish 4x4's were discussing their next move or merely recalling the times they had just spent driving down the difficult side of the Tizi :augie

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"You lot want to try going up the Tizi-n-Tazazert from here!"

There is plenty of space to park although I reckon the rooms would be very intimate.

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It's time to get moving. We've had our water, sat in the shade of a bike, forced out another half pint of urine, or just puffed on a small cigar but now we have to face the bone, and bike, breaking mountain pass. So we set off but within minutes we come face to face with another convoy of assorted four wheeled wanderers coming down (the easy way to do it don't forget) the pass. They (mostly French) didn't stop or allow us to maintain our momentum ON THE WAY UP and forced us to pull over and wait for them to freewheel their way down the track. They pissed off most of this group because only one or two out of ten bothered to acknowledge our presence. Next time it will be different and we'll make them give way to those going uphill on two wheels. :rob

Once we had cleared the unfriendly Frenchies there was a free run up the hill. It's not actually a hill and it's not a run but more of a mountain climb over slabs of rock and stone, at least for the first part. This means that we didn't do it all in one go and had a stop half way up to catch our breath, take on some water and inspect our bikes. It turns out that KTM rear mudguard attachments are poorly positioned because Alan's number plate has gone missing somewhere along with an indicator. That's the second time this year that has happened and a third was severely damaged. Thankfully all the bikes are still running and rideable although I'm not sure that the case for all of the riders.

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From here it was the final push to the top, and a short video...

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When we get to the top there is a small place to stop for a picture, a fizzy drink (not champagne), and a sit down. First a few snaps from the chaps of the veiwing point...

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Spout's HP2.

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My TT600RE.


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The Boss, showing off again. :rolleyes:

Now be upstanding for the Hotel & Restaurant Tizi-n-Tazazert...

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A welcoming invitation.

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The carpark.

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The dining room.


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The courtyard.


After a little rest it was time to get a move on because we still had some way to go to get to our hotel for this evening, and I don't even remember having lunch today (?). The ride down the pass is much easier because there is a modicum of tarmac skimmed over the former piste but you do have to be careful because there is a lot a of gravelly patches and pot holes.
We're going to Ait Youl for our rooms tonight and will pass through Boumaine Dades, a name some of you will recognise with a particular gorge. It's a bit of a relief to arrive here after such a long day on the pistes and Tizi's because I know it will not be long before we are given some tea, or coffee, and if we are lucky a beer.
Mr Ifan has been here for a while and is now bored so he comes to meet us when we arrive but...

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...we're not the only Brit's here. There are some 4x4 crews who have turned up before us and eventually we have to agree to talk to them for a while. What we really want is a drink other than warm water and we eagerly await a pot of mint tea...

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No tea yet.

...and probably some orange juice with tomorrows breakfast:

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After ANOTHER tagine dinner and some of the Spanish boxed wine we brought with us (Should that be smuggled?) it is a fact that bedtime is starting to call a little bit earlier for most of us by now. What this means is that eventually the last remaining two have to concede that enough is enough and we have nothing else to talk about and go to our rooms to terminate the proceedings for today. Well, I suppose it's a wise move because tomorrow we are going to need our strength for another long day and another Man's Test at the end of that day.
 
We've nearly had to wait as long for Paul's report of Day 11, as we did for him to finish the last trail of that day!








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