Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lisbon
Posts: 68
questions LISBON / TIMBOUCTU

1
I have a bmw650gs / i don't have much off road experience / i have read 'adventure motorcycling handbook' and 'sahara overland' / I'm just back from a morocco 12 days, 6500kms trip (i located the starting points of some of chris scott pistes, but we were 2 on the bike, me and a girl, and we didn't do any of them, just some 30/40 kms) / i took a gps, i think i can handle it
2
In mid april / may i intent to go to Timbouctu
3
Questions:
Is too much for me going alone?
(the alternative would be to persuade a friend of mine who has a 1150gs with no off road experience as well)

Is it too risky concerning the weather? (temperature around Atar/ South Mauritania and Mali - begin of the rain season near Niger river)

Can i do M13 / R1/2/4-8 /?
What about R10? and B2/3?
Can i manage it without the 200 000 maps ?

One month from Lisbon to Timbouctu and back, doing some of the pistes, is it enough?

What tires should i buy? apparently T63 doesn't fit neither some other options alike - the alternatives being metezeler tourance/michelin anakee?
The bmw panniers are they hard enough to this trip (i guess i know this one...)

Am i forgetting something?

Wish someone could help me.
thanks



[This message has been edited by 8340SU (edited 25 January 2006).]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,795
>>> Is too much for me going alone?
You will think so at times. Best to go direct to Tim the easiest way and think about pistes on the way back if you have the energy and confidence. Almost certainly, down south and by yourself in very hot weather you will think pistes are a bad idea (as you thought in Mk with a passenger).

>>> (the alternative would be to persuade a friend of mine who has a 1150gs with no off road experience as well)

Sounds like a bad idea unless you both stick to highways and easy dirt.

>>> Is it too risky concerning the weather? (temperature around Atar/ South Mauritania and Mali - begin of the rain season near Niger river).

It is always hottest before the rains begin. On a highway it is merely very hot (not unusual in Portugal) - stuck on a lonely sandy piste it can get desperate. But Maroc will be cooler - just right

>>> Can I do M13 / R1/2/4-8 /?
With your experience I would say only R4 (going up R3) would be safe to do alone.

>>> What about R10? and B2/3?
B3 maybe, B2 is hard work on a loaded bike - all sand ruts and no space to get off. R10 is risky alone though I have not done it.

>>> Can i manage it without the 200 000 maps ?
1m will be OK - but being with someone else will be even better.

>>> What tires should i buy? T63 doesn't fit neither some other options alike - the alternatives being metezeler tourance/michelin anakee?

Tourance and anakee are not options to a T63/MT21/TKC80 and the like - they are no better than road tyres. I am sure T63/MT21/TKC80 will fit your bike.

>>> 1 month from Lisbon to Timbouctu and back, doing some of the pistes, is it enough?

Souns plenty of time.

>>> Am i forgetting something?
Of course, it is normal!

Me, I think alone at that time of year you will have a nicer/ less stressful time riding around Maroc pistes that you just looked at, at times joining with with other riders for security, instead of schelepping all the way to Timbuktu. On a bike, where you are more vulnerable, it is better to leave Sahel places and pistes for the cool of winter when it will be more fun.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2006
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
Hi,

Sorry to sound unenthusiastic, but personally, I would avoid travel in Mali or anywhere else in the Sahel outside of November to February.

One route to Timbuktu is described here: Sahara Overland ~ the book and online resource

and in this thread:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...periences-9310

it's implied that the route between the Niger river and Douentza may now be sealed.

You might consider shipping to/from Banjul or Dakar if you're pushed for time.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Feb 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Lisbon
Posts: 68
Chris
Thank you for the answers and thoughs you post.
I will think about it.
Maybe i will leave Timbouctu for later and i will keep the idea of returning to Morocco alone, and try the pistes you mention on your book.
Thanks Ian,
for the links. And Antonio for the email.
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


 
 

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 06:10.