Christmas in Morroco
 

I wanted to do this last year but in the end I didn't make it.
Does anyone want to join me this year.

Tony

Hi - if you're going to a surf beach i'm up for it but bear in mind i'm on a slow (but hopefully reliable) GS500. Lisa

Lisa

I'm not planning to go near a surf beach. Does sand surfing on the dunes at Merzouga count.

Tony

Hi!
And what will you drive Tony?

Regards

Porompp

I'll be riding an XT600

Tony

I'm riding an old xr600 and maybe i'll join... Can you tell what are your travel plans?

Regards

Porompp

My plan is fairly flexible. I'd like to try some of the routes in Sahara Overlan, M5 looks good, and any other pistes that look interesting.

I'm not sure of the exact dates, this depends on the ferry timetable but I hope to sail Plymouth to Bilbao on the 16th Dec and return around the 13th Jan.

Tony

Sounds nice to me. But i can't leave so soon. Maybe from 25th December to 13th January...
Is it your 1st time in Marocco?

Porompp

I've just spoken to the ferry company and the only return ferry is the 5th Jan or 2nd Feb. I don't fancy the ride back through France so I am putting the trip off till Easter.
The ferries are more frequent then so I dont expect the same problem.
The new dates are 13th April to 6th May
How are these dates for you ?

It will be my second trip to Morroco.

Tony

Sorry, too late for me. I'll try it in next October or in Xmas...
It will be my 1st and i don't know if i will like it alone...
Any advice ?

Porompp

Sorry to hear that, I don't understand the Ferry Company, there was a lot more sailing's last year.

I highly recommend Morocco but I would be a bit worried about riding off road on my own. Hopefully someone else will answer this thread and be able to join you

Tony

There is no such route!
It's either;
Portsmouth ~ Bilbao with P&O, 36 hours or
Plymouth ~ Santander with Brittany Ferries, 18 hours.

Having pointed that out, I may be interested in doing something similar at about this time. The thought of another over-commercialised, ripp-off Xmas in the uk is bad.
I would aim to take in some of the routes in Sahara Overland, but also spend some time taking it easy on the beach - are you reading this Lisaloop?
If anyone else is interested, let us know.

Oldbaldrick

Your right I meant Portsmouth to Bilbao.

I have spoken to P&O ferries and the only return ferry in Jan is on the 5th. The next one is 2nd Feb.

I dont think that Brittany ferries run over Christmas. They didn't last year when I asked.

Tony

Yes, i am reading this. Not sure how me or the bike would deal with overland stuff as neither of us are designed for that sort of thing but escaping blighty at xmas for the beach sounds good.....

Hi,

As some of you know I am going, UK, France, Spain, Morrocco, Mauritania, Senegal Gambia, staying for six weeks in Gambia (maybe nipping to Guinea) and then back (I am told that Saharan winds are interesting in March!!). I have managed to get a SpeedFerry booking for the 2nd of January 2006 for £33 sterling. That is with Land Rover and six passengers. Dover to Bolougne.

I tried sailing from Plymouth and was told it is almost impossible in January.

I should be in Morroco around about the 7th of Jan and enter Mauritania by about the 15th as I am taking it nice and easy. Maybe even the 18th depending on the weather in the North.

Anyway back to e-bay looking for more stuff for the trip.

Andy

me and the wife was looking at getting out of the uk for xmas .she has always wanted to try morocco on the bike .we ride a st1100 and would be interested in a trip if anyone is doing 1 .

Hi all!

Probably I will be in Morocco from December 28th to January 8th (or similar dates). I will wait to plan the trip because I want to take into account some friends from a trail club in Portugal (Nomad's) that may go.

For first timers in Morocco, the country is really great. Beware of ice/snow in Atlas mountains (I had a crash in my first time).

Enrique
NW Spain

Tony 177

We're (2 belgians on a xt600) will travel morocco christmas and new year 2005. If there's a party going on anywhere, post it on the hubb, so we can hook up.

Something else here.We want to travel also in the region.But,st1100 and fjr 1300(I'll be owner of this bike in a few days)are the right bikes for this trip?These bikes will cover us
in the streets of Morocco or they will commit us in the trip?

[This message has been edited by salcon (edited 15 September 2005).]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of a trip to Sahara for XMas/New Year and looking for another bike(s) for company. Not fussy about route.
I normally ride a ZX-12R (lol) but have just bought an F650 for the trip. any tips on preparing the bike welcome as I'm sports bike mad through-and-through!

Was thinking to take the plymough santander ferry and ride or take the Train from Brussels to the south of France.

Anyway, hope to make a tie in with somone else from the UK if possible.

Cheers,
Ptarmigan.

My Honda Transalp is parked near Gibraltar. I'm flying to/from Malaga 20Dec/03Jan. So I aim to be in Morocco 21Dec/02Jan. Will aim to ride as many Moroccan pistes out of Sahara-Overland II as a can. No beach and as few conurbations as possible.

Might see people down there. Drop me an email...

ChrisB

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TheBrightStuffDotCom

Well, it's getting cold now, so an escape to the Moroccan sun would be nice.
And, I'm sick of all the Xmas stuff already, and it's still only November - adverts on telly, decorations in the pubs, Rudolph & Santa flashing on the outside of everyone's houses and those really annoying Christmas Carols playing repeatedly in all the shops!!!!
I need to get away to the sun and take a chill pill.........
Are any of the above posters still on for something like this?

Hi
I am planning on getting a ferry to Bilbao with my XT 600 on 16 or 19 December. I want to go to watch the start of the Paris Daker starts in Lisbon Portugal December 26.
I did think about heading to Morocco also but think it would be better to go with someone the first time, so any one going to morocco after christmass and dont mind me tagging along.
Have been quoted £320 for return ferry Portsmouth to Bilbao does this seem about right?
Thanks

Bolla,
Hi, I'd venture to say I'd risk Morocco on a first trip. If you stick to more travelled roads there is plenty of traffic and its quite hard to get lost as the main roads are pretty obvious. If you meet up with someone then you can go and do some more remote/challenging stuff. The Moroccans are pretty freindly a s a rule (but also demon salesmen so watch the wallet!) and petrol stations pretty common in most parts. I think a bunch of people are going to be in Morocco for the Dakar. I'm going to be there around this time but work commitments mean I cant say exactly when I'm going to be available for some offroading. If you decide to go email me or post again on here near the time and maybe we can hook up for a Flag Speciale or two?!
Matt

Sorted!!!
I'm taking the P&O Portsmouth ~ Bilbao ferry on the 27th and biking down to Lisbon for the start of the Dakar. Crossing to Morocco, probably on the 1st Jan, and following the race as far as possible.
There'll no doubt be loads of other folk in the area, cos there's also the Plymouth~Banjul rally going on as well.
That'll do for starters.......

I have booked my ticket leaving portsmouth on 16 Dec as I thought the dakar was starting on the 26 Dec but it starts 1 Jan.I dont now if I will go to Lisbon for the start of Dakar or maybe go stright to Morocco.
So I might be in Morrocco for Christmas,Any reccomdations of where to go?
I would like a beach and sun but not sure if this is possible in December.
My return ticket is booked for 5 Jan from Bilbao, if I miss this ferry the next one leaves on 2 Febuary.Do you think I would have a problem changing my ticket just a few days before hand if I decide to extend my trip.
Also was thinking about breakdown cover for europe, as my bike is 16 years old the RAC wont cover me so any reccomdations for this also.
Thanks

Hi Bolla,
Essaouira is not a bad place to be, between Casablanca and Agadir. A nice old Portugeuse fishing vilage.
Dunno about the ticket change. Ring P&O and ask them? Failing that, it's a cold ride back up through Spain and France to Roscoff, Caen, etc.
Can't help with the breakdown cover.

I am crossong over to Morocco from Malaga area in either the end of Dec or first few days of Jan. I'm looking to ride the length of Africa, to Capetown, anyone wanna join. Canadian on a 88 r100gs. I guess Ill see yall in Morocco if not before

we`re down there for a couple of weeks after x-mas.aiming for the ouarzazate stop on day 3 if anyone fancies a knees up.
dave

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Sounds like we've nearly got a gathering. Can someone with some knowledge of Morocco like to suggest a spot for Christmas and/or NYE? Are you heading to Essaouira Bolla?

I’m up for Jan 3rd in Quarazazate - sounds good to watch the Dakar circus arrive from Er Rachidia and then leave the next day for Tan Tan. I’m just working out how to get there and back seeing as the only return ferry from Bilbao in Jan departs 1pm 5th Jan (Bolla’s booking) which makes it tough to watch much racing in Morocco seeing as it’s probably 2 days ride from the Spain/Morocco ferry to Bilbao. Also the Plymouth – Santander ferry is not running till March as suggested by Ptarmingan.

What about everyone else considering this (Lisa, Rick, Ptarmingan, Salcon, ‘the hondas’, Jelvis) that has to return with bike to the UK or near - what is the intention? Trains from Marseille to Brussels?

I know that Dave & Sam, and another couple are all in a van carrying 2 bikes from UK to south of Spain with the heater turned up high. And Chris, Porompp & Enrique ride to back to Gibraltar/Spain.


For myself i'm thinking this – fly to Rabat or some large city in Morocco and buy the cheapest bike that I think will cut it. [If that turns out to be 600 euro 49cc Derbi dirt bike then I’m not racing you Dave :-) ]. I’m thinking that the money I lose when I sell it quickly won’t be so bad considering the cost (& boredom) of travelling overland/sea from UK to Morocco and back. And I have to be back at work on Monday 9th Jan. (& could be a very funny trip) Otherwise there’s even a few overland bikes for sale in southern Spain http://almeria.loquo.com/english

Simon

just an update:

For new year's eve I will be in Merzouga, in a hotel so close to the dunes view as I can (!)

In Jan 3rd, I want to see the rally Dakar stage between Er Rachidia and Ourzazate.

I will spend the rest of the time in valleys (Draa, Dades, Todra), kasbahs and things like that.

Hope to see you on the road.
Enrique
cantadero(at)hotmail.com

oldbaldrick and I are in a group of seven bikes that are currently planning to cross to Tanger on 1 Jan and intersect with the rally near Er Rachidia on 2 Jan.

If it makes sense we will then go on to Ouarzazate for 3 Jan. We're planning to be in Morocco for at least another week, doing M6 and similar pistes, Dades/Todra, down to Tan Tan, etc.

Enrique: I've been looking at possible rally routes from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate and reckon the stage could go quite close to Merzouga.

Tim (+44 7076 683999)

Hi all

The rally website is update: www.dakar.com
Now it's possible find the route with more accuracy.

Tim: we will be at the same area at the same time, so it would be nice ride together. I will be there earlier than you, so for the moment, I want to watch the second part of the stage 4 (Jan 3rd). After this, I would like to go Dades/Todra and so on.

It’s possible that this plan fits in any way with your plan?
I notice that I’m in a minority… so I may adapt. Just let me know.

Enrique (+34 639073226)

>I... reckon the stage could go
>quite close to Merzouga

Well it's nice for the organisers to confirm that http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif It looks like the special on 3 Jan follows some of the line of Chris Scott's M6 piste.

I'll stick your number in my phone, Enrique, so perhaps we'll meet.

Tim

Hi
I am in Gibraltor at the moment just relaxing for a few days will be crossing over to Ceutu in the next few days,I plan on riding to the blue city about 90 kms and stay there a few days so hope to meet up with some of you.
Am going to miss the ferry on 5 jan so may stay a while in Morocco.

Hi all,gonna be in Gib.in a couple of days.Then to Morocco for a while to hopefully catch some of the Dakar race and generally tour around.Look forward to seeing some of you out there.time forra tinto,adios amigos.

Enrique - see you in Merzouga Dec 31 for NYE in the dunes! I'm leaving Marakesh today on a white Honda NXR125 4S hire bike. Taking the next 3 days via Atlas/valleys. Don't worry, i'm packing light!!

I spoke to the guy fromWilderness Wheels (XR400/CRF450 group tours out of Quarzazate) and he said that amongst other places he is taking his group to Merzouga to watch the Dakar competitors come from Er Rachidia via the dunes as he thinks this would be the best place. I’ll be there and if I can i’ll be in Quarzazate that night for beers with Dave, Sam & co. but I don’t know how easy that is till I ride this thing to Merzouga!
You better ride down to Merzouga, hey Bolla, Lightin’ and John(old beemer)?!

Simon 0044 7910 191554

Got a bit weigh-laid here,so i'm strugglin' to make plans to see Dakar in Morocco.I'll probly stop in Gib for new yrs bash then maybe see the heroes deport from Malaga.Later i'll be departing from Algeciras to Maroc and going down as far as poss.So if you're still planning early jan Old Beemer(or anyone else heading that way)send me an sms and we'll arrange to meet up somewhere.All the best fo new year all.

+44 7738074332.

Hi
I am in Essaouria at the moment 31 Dec am planning to ride to Quarzazate tommrow. Does any one know if this is easy enough in 1 day
Also where you are going to watch the Daker is it Oulad-Merzoug about 40 km east of Quarzazate
Hope to see some of you soon
Happy New Year
John

chaps
am in zagora today (31 dec). will head north on m6 tomorrow and aim to be in merzouga on 02 jan. am on black v scabby transalp. will probably stay in auberge tuareg, near big dune. hope to catch you for a beer.

my cell no is +44 7812 941 867

ride safely
chrisB

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TheBrightStuffDotCom

I am getting worked by Spanish paperwork STILL!! I hope to cross into Morroco from Tarifa on the 4th if everything goes good today..PLEASE. There was over 400 people in front of me in the line up in Malaga this morning, half an hour before they opened!!
Hope to still catch some of you down in morrocco or further south.
Cheers

Hello Lightning, are you around these parts?
I'm in Fes at the moment Jan8th, Im heading towards marakesh tomorrow and onward.

Ok Owd Beema.Bin 2 Maroc once but had to return to Spain to sort a prob with fuel injection.Job done now and i´ll be taking ferry wednesday midday to Ceuta.I think you´ll be a few days infront of me mate,but i´ll keep checking HU for progress.I´ll probably be making my way down the coast then back through Dades gorge etc on my way back north.Maybe i´ll see you for a beer somewhere on your journey.Enjoy the trip.

Writing from home

Just to say that everything was all right in my trip through Morocco. About mechanical issues: after 5050 km I only had to change the rear bearings of the bike (ok, it’s normal in Africa Twin).

I enjoyed the time spent with the HU fellows (Kevin, Simon and John) I found in different places of Morocco. I hope that all of you have the same good feelings I have now about the trip in that nice country.

Chris: Finally we didn’t meet on the road, but now I’m thinking that we met in the last HU meeting in Porto. Taking the breakfast last day of the meeting, I was with a couple of portuguese friends and I remember that you entered later in the bar. Am I in the right?

keep having fun
enrique

Was good fun Enrique, even if the threat of no beer on NYE evening in Merzouga did get me panicking!
Did others get into the Dakar compound? No public allowed sucked-I had to jump the fence at Er-Rachidia. Race sections were excellent but.
And I must have missed you Enrique Wednesday morning for the Ourzazate-Tan Tan Dakar stage? I took too long find my way from Zagora to Foum Zgouid, so maybe i'll buy a map next time. keep upright.

Santander to marakesh
 

Hi should appreciate any information that could help,us along this trip. Plan to go in April to may. Ruth

Wow, you have found a thread that is nearly 6 years old!
For a lot of up to date information about Morocco, just take a look at the "morocco" forum - including Tim Cullis's own webpage for his Maroc database.
You will be overwhelmed with the amount of info in there :thumbup1:

:welcome: also to the HUBB; many hours of reading ahead of you!

To make use of the thread, now it's up here :Beach:

I'm going to Morocco over Christmas this year anyone else?

My recent experience in a ride report here.

Happy to answer any questions.

So what happened to your trip this time Tony? You just seemed to stop in midair here.

xmas in morocco
 

interested going to morocco, but it will be very cold in the atlas... phone me for a chat ...... 01785 663832 badou !!!!