Morocco - 4 weeks

[PJC]

I am after some ideas for a possible trip in
March 05. Looking at a Morocco based trip (second time around) on a 1100 GS. Not too sure that UK - Mori - Mauri - Mori _ UK would be possible and worthwhile in 4 weeks. I am keen to do a deep south adventure with plenty of off the beaten track riding, but am apprehensive about heading all the way to Mauri just for the sake of it. ANy suggestions would be most welcome.

[Chris Scott]

<Not too sure that UK - Mori - Mauri - Mori _ UK would be possible and worthwhile in 4 weeks.>

You're right - I dont think it is in 4 weeks even if you go directly there (and/or just want to say you've been to Mori)

I think there is heaps to ride in Mk south of the mts in a month, UK to UK on a GS11. Loath as I am to parp my own trumpet, there are over a dozen easy routes in the new book, each includes an impression of motorcyclability: the last one, M13, will give you something to get your teeth into, but most of the rest are rocky, so not so bad on an 11 (compared to sandy pistes).
Or, if you really want to get into Mk pistes, there are three volumes from French publisher Gandini.

Have a good ride!

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland II hardback edition and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

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

[Andrew Baker]

I too have considered the possibility of going to Mori, having been to Maroc twice recently, but 4 weeks IMHO is not really enough. There are loads of pistes in Maroc's south to do, as Chris says. I haven't seen the new Sahara Overland, but do have a copy of the French Gandini book for the south and it's awash with enough to keep you busy for weeks.

Another thing to consider about Mori is that there may be food shortages in certain regions due to the recent locust plague. I don't know just how bad it is, but I for one would not feel comfortable essentially jollying through a starvation zone, so I'm putting Mori on hold for the time being and will go to Maroc again shortly.

Andrew.

[PJC]

Chris/Andrew

Thanks for the replies. I guessed that the response would be in the "don't do it" vein, and I guess in my heart of hearts I knew that it would be too much anyway.

I was not aware of the locust problem in Mori and will pass that info onto my friend who plans to do a two month trip down there.

Chris - IYHO do you think that the 1100 GS will be too much hard work in the soft stuff? I have been looking also at a XT660 Tenere as an option. I am kind os swaying towards the GS due to my intended us in UK/Europe on trips. Any comments most welcome.

Chris - what plans have you got for any trips in the future (other than the eclipse trip next year)?

Best Regards and thanks again both.
Paul

[Chris Scott]

>IYHO do you think that the 1100 GS will be too much hard work in the soft stuff?

In the very soft stuff (like central Sahara) yes. Just watched that Long Way vid and most of their agony was due to riding those overloaded tanks in the mud and sand. It takes experiuence and confidence to ride them well in those conditions. But Mk is pretty rocky, Conti TKCs make a huge difference, and of course it would be a pleasure to ride elsewhere compared to a single.

XT660 5 valve is nothing special I hear - the new EFI ones are something else...

> what plans have you got for any trips in the future (other than the eclipse trip next year)

It changes day by day with me - literally from last night to this morning. All I can say is watch my websites. I'm never short of ideas.

Chris