We are Tom and Jo Gamble a 43 and 38 year old couple who have sold our house to fund a year round trip around Africa. Tom is riding an Honda Africa twin and Jo an Aprilia Pegaso Tuscany Tibet Raid - not the most conventional of choices, we know. However, it may be a useful comparison between old technology and new.

We left England on 18th December, took the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilboa - in Force 10 gales! We took 3 days to travel down through Spain, which were fairly uneventful although very windy. On arrival at Algiciras, the ferries were cancelled for 24 hours due to the wind, so we eventually arrived in Cueta late in the evening. Decided not to tackle the border late at night, if you find yourself in the same position, we can recommend the Tryp Hotel. It is in the centre, has secure garage parking, it is very quiet and the food is excellent. It is not cheap, but was worth the expense.

We crossed over the border into Morocco, taking about 50 minutes with the help of a guide. His assistance was invaluable and worth 20 euros.

The road to Chefchaoun is interesting, it just stops in places and becomes gravel! And this is supposedly one of the better roads in Africa!