Alternatives to Todre and Dades Gorges

[Cugel]

Hi,

I'm going to Morocco in October and was looking for some interesting routes South from Agoudal. I want to get onto the N10 (P. 32) around the Tinerhir area. Last year I rode the Dades and Todra gorges, but they are tarmac unfortunately. I have the 1:250000 Goulmima map (no. NH-30-1) and I can see lots of interesting looking tracks going roughly South, but have no idea which are interesting / rideable. I'll be on a Honda XR600.

At the HU meet in Derby I remember talking to someone about some pretty alternatives that were off-pavement, but then I promptly got hammered and forgot the route.

Any help appreciated.

Mike

[braindead]

We did the M3 I think it was from Teneier to Nekbo over 2 days in December and it was fantastic though very rubbly and steep in parts. I suggest not a great solo route though it looks well trafficed by localls. Pictures here: http://groups.msn.com/UKTenereOwners...to&PhotoID=194

Very good ride.

CC

[Cugel]

Thanks man, the pics look great. Where is the M3? I can't see it on my maps. Alternatively, have you got a lat. and long. for the some points on the route?

Mike

[Chris Scott]

I think Brain might be refering to Route M5 in the hardback edition of Sahara O - 111km, great descent off Jebel Sarhro. I also reckon M11 Aït Herbil is a lovely gorge route (same distance), and M13 might be one of your "interesting looking tracks going roughly South" - a great run out into the desert if you have the range.

Ch

------------------
Author of Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 5 and Sahara Overland II

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com

[Cugel]

Thanks Guys,

It looks like I'll have to buy Chris's book. (Will do so tonight.) Can't find these routes on my maps. I think I've done the one over Jbel Sarhro (or at least part of it), but I used it to back North.

I was just trying to find pleasant day of off-road riding between Agoudal and the N10. I wanted to get to within spitting distance of Rissani by nightfall. So I thought if I got up early in Agoudal, setting off at about 0730, I could ride off-road and reach the N10 by mid afternoon, then make for Tabesbeste. Just to the east of Tabesbeste is a trail going S.E. to Alnif, would then go East along the N12 to Rissani.

[Cugel]

So, I bought Chris's book. This has been brilliant for sorting out a route West from Taouz to Tissemoumine. However, the bit I need help with in the High Atlas and its called Ait Morrhad; about 150k NE of the Todre Gorge.

I'll be coming down from Agoudal to Ait Hani where I can go several ways:

Straight on via Todre Gorge - pretty, but tarmac now.

Turn right (West) to Msemrir, then South - hard work, and will probably do it on the way back.

Turn left and then either:

a) right after 40k to go South via Tassaknt and Izerkane

b) keep on going to pick up the Goulmima road S. at Amellago

I'm looking to come down off the Atlas by something other than asphalt.

Has anyone tried "a" or "b" above?

Best regards,

Mike

[talljohn]

I am interested to note that Chris mentions route M13. In my old Sahara overland it only goes to M6. Can I assume the new addition has many more routes?

[Cugel]

Some 2223 km of routes in fact. Mostly S. and E. of the Atlas.

Its brilliant. And yes, there are 13.