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 Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Road Bike in Morocco - how far down?

I've been reading Chris's books, and am thinking of trying some Saharan riding maybe next year.

I'd like to first take a look at Morocco, on a big road bike (Pan European), but am not sure how practical this is, or how far south I could reasonably get? The book mentions the odd dune on the road, but are we talking about a bit of sand a few inches deep or something many metres thick which needs riding _over_? I don't fancy pulling a 300kg bike out of a dune on my own! I've ridden plenty off-road (M-X etc.), but NOT on this sort of bike!

Also, maybe alternatively, would riding up into the Atlas be suitable, i.e. are there half-decent tarmac roads?

Also, would this sort of bike "stick out like a sore thumb" in a country such as this, or are there all sorts down there?

I've been all over Europe (Nordkapp, Gibralter, Sicily), but need a bit more space!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Was last in Morocco some 7 years ago (!) but:

Most of the roads to the (distant) south and in the Atlas are perfectly good quality for road only vehicles.

Most sand you'll encounter does not block road completely, and on a bike you can pick best route through (rarely more than 20m long, maybe a foot thick)

The others are pure bike questions, over to the bikers...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 119
Hi,
have a look at

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000171.html

Peter
__________________
Peter Kik
Zaandam, Holland
peter.kik@tip.nl
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Thanks, Peter, and Sam. I have had a quick look, and will read more thoroughly later with a map in front of me.

That thread seems a good place to continue with my queries (if any remain), so I'll go there.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Aug 2002
JCB JCB is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London,UK
Posts: 4
GO FOR IT MATE! We did Morocco earlier this year with two Gold Wings (and yes guys n´gals they ARE real bikes!!!), and have no regrets whatsoever!! We drove to the Mori border, went to Nouadhibou for a day or two and drove back via the Atlas. In general anything that is marked on the Morocco Michelin map as "all-year" is no problem.

I have been to Morocco four times on XT´s and DR´s but the reaction this time was excellent. People wanted to know everything about the bike, especially the cops who were more than just normally friendly, in the six weeks wee were there we were stopped at least two dozen times for speeding or illegal overtaking, we got away with it every time mostly thanks to the bikes.

Don´t worry you´ll have a great time

Best of Luck

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Aug 2002
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Wings to Mori sounds like a good story for the next AMH, JC, why not write it up.
See 'AMH 5' at the bottom of:
http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com
for guidelines

Chris S
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Aug 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
JCB - Yep, it's gotta be done!

I'll let you know how I get on. It's going to be a week or two before I go, so perhaps a month before I'm back.

I take it you didn't go "on the piste" too much with the Wings?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Sep 2002
JCB JCB is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London,UK
Posts: 4
We did actually go on the "piste" a lot, by this I mean non-sealed roads, mostly we stuck to gravel and hard dirt pistes where we had no problems whatsoever but we avoided the sandy ones in the east. The only difficult time we had was the piste from the Moroccan border to Nouadhibou, but with the help of a car dealer we got through OK (Cheers Kev!!!).

We did about 1,000km "off road" but at the moment I live in Spain and I had plenty of practice on gravel, dirt etc before I left. The Gold Wing is incredibly reliable and on the long haul from Agadir to the border it was simply the bike to have.

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Sep 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
I recently did the London-Morocco trip on a Transalp, and I did come off a few times on the pistes (sand and gravel), and although I could pick my bike up, I found the heat was strength sapping. I would love to know how someone on a bigger bike e.g. Triumph Tiger or a big Beemer picks up their bikes when they fall? (Not to mention a Gold Wing!)
__________________
Africa Trips web journal
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Sep 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
JCB - Am I right in thinking that camping is the only option once in Western Sahara?

And would you say the long haul down to Nouadhibou is worth it - the road does sound a bit boring, but I guess there's a certain satisfaction in knowing how far down you've actually gone. That's probably reason enough for me anyway!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Sep 2002
JCB JCB is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London,UK
Posts: 4
To help picking the bike up we got two great tips from a guy we met going down. He organised some old "vespa" tyres which we strapped to the side of the Goldie`s boxes. This prevents the things from being scratched or eeven smashed open, he also suggested we mount a "pyramid shaped" "church spire" type construction onto the frame of the bike, below the cases, so that when it does fall, it doesnt lie on its side on the ground, but instead leans at an angle a bit more severe than if it is lying on its side rest. The guy who told us this (Kevin) used to drive a V-Max in Mali, he sold it to a Spanish mate of his who I met on returning to Spain. Seemingly the V-Max was driven more than 50% of its time off-road and there were no problems picking it up. To give an example he said that Kevin raced him on an African Twin and another Spanish guy on a KLR650 from Kayes to Bamako, the V-Max won simply because he didnt have to keep picking it up. I admit it isn`t the most elegant solution, but it worked a treat. We bolted it on so we could take it off whenever we wanted to (10 mins) and it worked a treat!

In Western Sahara there are campsites in Layoune and Dakhla (definitly), apart from this there are hotels where there is either an enclosed parking "courtyard" or a watchman. We met Kev in Agadir and just followed him, every night he just drove a couple of hundred metres off the road and slept in the desert, works too!

Is the road boring? Depends, the enormous wide open spaces I find personally exhilirating, going for an hour and seeing no other car, person or animal, for me it´s paradise, stopping and hearing no other noise than your own breathing and the engine ticking in the heat? Perfection! No it isnt everybodys cup of tea, but for me it compares with the Tundra and the US West as one of the most fascinating bike routes I have ever done!

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Sep 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
JCB - Yeah, I like the desolate big-mile areas. I must say the nicest area I've been on a bike (and probably off one!) is Lapland etc., in fact pretty much all of northern Norway in particular but also Sweden & Finland above the Arctic Circle. I went in Aug 2001, with the intention of reaching the circle and turning back, but it was too good to miss. Very sparse, but warm (honestly!), crystal clear blue skies, bright sunshine etc. Just a bit cold approaching Nordkapp for maybe 100 miles. I would thoroughly recommned it, but I think you have to be a bit lucky with the weather.

PROBLEM:

I'm really having trouble getting insurance at for Morocco. My Equity Red Star won't do it, and the only option I've come up with so far is to cancel this policy which I've just renewed (with a penalty), pay a £100 p/a higher premium to go with Norwich Union, who will cover me but charge an extra £20/week as well. So Penalty+£100+£40 total. Do you or anybody know of a better way?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Sep 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 258
Hi,

You can buy insurance at the border only for the days that you intend to stay in Morocco. Thus, you can stay with your insurance back home, without having to change anything.

Good luck,
José
__________________
Desert Crocodiles of Mauritania: http://cibio.up.pt/crocodilos/en
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Sep 2002
JCB JCB is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London,UK
Posts: 4
Hi Ian

Yeah, Jose is right you can buy it at the border, however I just e-mailed a guy I know in Dakar who does this trip all the time. He says it costs about 40 Euros for five days, 50 for ten and a bit more for a month. BUT, he did say that it isn´t much more than a "third party", if the bike is nicked or whatever then they may/may not pay. He also suggested you get an AA or ADAC coverage in case of breakdown or accident so that you can have the bike shipped back to Europe free of charge.

Sorry I can´t help any further on this one Ian, my Gold Wing is on Spanish papers and the insurance is valid for Morocco. From what I hear almost every insurance company on the continent gives "Green card" insurance (covers Morocco and Tunisia) so why is is so difficult to get it in the UK? I has this problem a couple of years ago with a UK reg DR 650. It was virtually impossible.

Cheers

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Sep 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Now in an internet cafe in Erfoud, to check email etc. Just been to Erg Chebbi this morning, brilliant! Land Rover guys tried to tell me not possible on a road bike. Heading off now to Todra and Dades, then to Atlantic.
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 18:45.