Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Nov 2009
davidstanbridge's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 2
Morocco next summer?

I'm 17 soon to me 18 and have bought my first big bike...XL650 Transalp.

I've been away on long motorbike trips before (Ireland to Croatia and back)...as a pillion.

I'm thinking of heading off this summer to Morocco and jumping in at the deep end?

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Do you think that it's a good idea me going? (Solo)

Thanks for your time.

David
__________________
2001 XL650 Transalp

Africa Twin Paint-job

Crash Bars, Spot Lights, Sump Guard, Heated Grips, Hand Guards, Touring Scottoiler, 12v Power Point.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Nov 2009
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
Hi David, welcome to HUBB.

I did it solo when I was 21 (37 years ago). No problems, just ride carefully whilst you get used to the traffic 'rules'. Summer can be extremely hot--there have been threads on this before--but then I first went in summer as well. Mad dogs and Irishmen.

Check out the knowledgebase in my signature and come back with any specific questions.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2009
davidstanbridge's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 2
So it is do-able... haha

I'm seriously considering it and have started to roughly plan it but it's a difficult thing to do...

Some people i have spoken to have said book your ferrys and ""wing it"" but i'm not so sure thats such a great idea...

How did you do it?

Had you had any big trips before that yourself?
__________________
2001 XL650 Transalp

Africa Twin Paint-job

Crash Bars, Spot Lights, Sump Guard, Heated Grips, Hand Guards, Touring Scottoiler, 12v Power Point.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Nov 2009
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078

TriBSA 750cc (bored out from 650cc) café racer with rear-sets, clip-on handlebars and
RRT2 close ratio gearbox--totally unsuited for mountains!

Well it was back in 1972 and I hadn't ridden more than about 200 miles in a day before. I took the ferry to Calais, rode through France and Spain and crossed over to Morocco at Algeciras. It was August and whilst I was in Morocco there was an attempt on the life of King Hassan II so there was a degree of tension with tons of army roadblocks.


Latest style in motorcycle gear. Note the handy security device.

Over the years I've visited Morocco more than 35 times and have spent an accumulated two and a half years in the country, so from that you can deduce that I quite like it.

Nowadays many people get the ferry to northern Spain (details in Knowledgebase) which cuts off a pile of miles. Brittany Ferries is only one night and to save the cost of a cabin you can book a recliner seat then make up a bed on the floor.

Sort out the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar when you get to Algeciras/Tarifa.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 116
I shall be leaving it a little later in the year (mid sept) just after ramadan, hoping it will be slightly cooler.

By the way nice bike Tim......bet the hair do is smart under that helmet......being the 70s an all that.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Nov 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: northumberland
Posts: 11
hi david,
yeah man its doable of course though most things are, i went down on a honda 550 not as old as tims (mine was a made in 1977) though still a classic...
have your wits about you in places were people will try and help you depart with your cash, the outskirts of towns where blokes on bikes will come next to you wanting to say were to stay and the like. also carpet dealers, souvenirs makers, kids, beggers, all want a piece of you. i'd probbably steer clear of anyone selling you any hashish too as sometimes they can be the police and you really don't want to spend your time in a morrocan gaol.
i purchased insurance on the frontier expect to pay some in-your-face 'officials'
great place mind and well worth it anytime of the year......

laters...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Morocco Late Summer 08 kiwi_cj Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 7 Mar 2008 09:20
UK to Morocco 4x4 late summer 2008 uk_vette Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 26 Feb 2008 19:23
Morocco in the summer georgeh North Africa 15 24 May 2004 15:17
Morocco in Summer Stephen North Africa 2 17 Sep 2003 18:58
MOROCCO (SAHARA) IN THE SUMMER???? estanislau North Africa 13 5 Jul 2002 16:47

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:04.