Can I cross the Sahara with a rented bike?

[PJ]

Hello there all, just wondering if any of you have any idea if it is possible to rent a bike and cross the Sahara? I tour on a Fireblade normally and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that. I'll be riding into Morocco in the early summer and I would love to continue over the Sahara from there.

I have no off road experience either so would that make it totally impossible also?

Any advice any of you have on this would be really appreciated.

PJ.

PJ
You can ride the dunes on a hire bike in Morocco; if you are a beginner on the sand go for a light weight bike to start with. A couple of companies in morocco are Wonder wheels and Biker home, there are some others if you do a google I am sure you will find them. These guys also do tours, and they maybe an option for you.

Check out your insurance status when you go off road, you may not have cover.

Steve

[PJ]

Thanks a million Steve, I'll look into it.

[Chris Scott]

and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that.

Sure you will. If you want to just say you've 'crossed the Sahara' ride it down the Atlantic Route to Nouakchott in Mori. Every year hoards of bangers do it and more on Plymouth-Banjul Rally. There are only a couple of kms of easy sand and rock track on the Mk-Mori border - all the rest is pretty good tarmac. AFAIK no chance of doing this on a rented bike even if it was available - you need to show the logbook at the border and no rental gives you that.

Otherwise, like Steve says, have a blast around Mk.

Ch

[PJ]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

and I'm absolutely certain I'd never make it on that.

Sure you will. If you want to just say you've 'crossed the Sahara' ride it down the Atlantic Route to Nouakchott in Mori. Every year hoards of bangers do it and more on Plymouth-Banjul Rally. There are only a couple of kms of easy sand and rock track on the Mk-Mori border - all the rest is pretty good tarmac. AFAIK no chance of doing this on a rented bike even if it was available - you need to show the logbook at the border and no rental gives you that.

Otherwise, like Steve says, have a blast around Mk.

Ch

Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it. I really didn't know it was all paved road. Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

[stevesawol]

PJ,

Being that Chris is too modest, I'll plug his book..... Click on the add at the top of this thread.... I've not read his Sahara book but if it's anything like, his other.. "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" is an absolute must have full of invaluable information, and a great read to boot.

Adventure Motorcycling ~ the website of the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook

Ride safe and long....

[Chris Scott]

Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it.

I'm surprised no one else mentioned it. It will be a laugh; I always fancied it on a 1200 Bandit or smth like, but Fireblade, why not! Only problem might be lowish octane (and no unleaded) fuel at times. Speaking French helps greatly.

I really didn't know it was all paved road.

They only finished the Mori part in 2005 or something - now you can do it on a metalflake skateboard. There may be dirt track diversions if they are repairing the road.

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

(Thanks Steve)

[MotoEdde]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

Ditto...its a breeze...just be a bit careful of crossing the border between Morocco and Mauri...land mines in "no man's land"...

CS's advice is 24carat...

edde

[PJ]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Are you serious? If it's possible I would definately go for it.

I'm surprised no one else mentioned it. It will be a laugh; I always fancied it on a 1200 Bandit or smth like, but Fireblade, why not! Only problem might be lowish octane (and no unleaded) fuel at times. Speaking French helps greatly.

I really didn't know it was all paved road.

They only finished the Mori part in 2005 or something - now you can do it on a metalflake skateboard. There may be dirt track diversions if they are repairing the road.

Do you have any idea how long that route would take? Is that route also currently safe to travel on? If it is I'm going for it.

Give it a few minutes and you will be inundated with answers offering suggested durations, waypoints for fuel stations, nice camping spots, where to get your hair done, etc, etc.

Ch

(Thanks Steve)

Thanks a million again, gonna take the other advice and check out your book too. Getting quite excited about it all now.