Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
The book was correct, MH5 wasn't easy! The book was correct, MH5 wasn't easy!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By IanC

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Mar 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
The book was correct, MH5 wasn't easy!
Satisfying to make it through MH5 yesterday, including the hard bit in the middle. Very relieved to reach the obelisk, though in fact I'd say the gnarliness ended at the stream a little further west.

I was on a loaded 1190 R, my mate on a loaded GSA, going west to east. We were in two minds about continuing, after the initial very rocky ascent from where MH10 diverges. (BTW Chris, I think there's a typo in MO 2 as this is referred to at least once as MA11 ?). It was undoubtedly the roughest I've ever taken an Adventure bike, the only think that came close was a descent of the Kegety Pass in Kyrgyzstan last year, though that wasn't as rough, just more risky.

I don't think it's currently possible in a 4WD (without a lot of shovelling) as there was one section where stuff had slid to make it too narrow. There were 4WD tracks east of this point only.

Anyone know in what year they built the bypass (MH10)?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Mar 2016
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
Good work on those big bikes, Ian. Send pics.
It was marginal in a car even first time I found it - don't imagine its got any easier.
When I came back for edn 2 in 2008 on the Tenere the bypass was complete (and a great ride). Tried to ride up that rocky slope as you did (eastbound), but it was getting dark and from there it went wrong (pic below).

You should try MA6 southbound - spectacular but took us into the dark going northbound (uphill) last time - also marginal in a car IMO. Same with MA7 southbound - we did that last Nov. Much easier and as spectacular once up to the pass.

You are right about typos, thanks.
Attached Thumbnails
The book was correct, MH5 wasn't easy!-img_6139.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
MA6 is amazing, had to give up October 2014 solo in a 4x4 at the last river crossing heading north

Still got to do MA7, maybe this year..............
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Apr 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Here's the trickiest bit:





And relief at reaching the obelisk:

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Apr 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
But I think the most spectacular route of this trip was south on MH4 'in the late afternoon sun' as the book describes:

https://www.facebook.com/ian.n.chapp...5269422484356/

But the feche-feche of MS6 was not easy on a big bike. Having said that, I think if I did it again, it would be easier:

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Apr 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
You should try MA6 southbound - spectacular but took us into the dark going northbound (uphill) last time - also marginal in a car IMO. Same with MA7 southbound - we did that last Nov. Much easier and as spectacular once up to the pass.
We did MA6 northbound and MA7 north/west-bound three years ago. I still remember the view from the top of MA7 as the Issil plain unfolded before us - think I posted this video at the time:

https://vimeo.com/album/2215360/video/57219812

I'm currently recuperating In Essouira after a slow (45mph) tumble on flat smooth tarmac after a front-wheel blowout, near Tata, resulting in a high-side with me thrown a couple of metres in the air. Ironically the worst I've ever hurt myself in forty years since first throwing a leg over a Honda C50!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
Hi Ian, that does look substantially more knackered than I remember - hard to believe a 12 got ridden up there. I remember your 12 post on the MA route.
MH4 (Jebel Sarhro) is an all time classic, just a shame you couldn't deploy your rocket boosters on MS6.

Never had a front wheel blow-out but I thought that's not supposed to happen with tubeless?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Somerset, Great Britain
Posts: 471
We rode down the bit in the pics, I don't think we could have got up, easily at least. I remember thinking it was the 'point of no return'!

I knackered my OEM front rim en-route to Magadan last year, so did what I thought best and fitted a 1.85" Excel up front. Very robust, but too narrow to make tubeless. BIG mistake I now realise! I think the lack of the tubeless 'safety bead' is the worst problem. I've had front blowouts before both with and without a tube on the OEM TL rim including on motorway and remained in control, but this was different. I'm going to fit a TL rim at the first oppurtunity, although I'll sacrifice some robustness. And I think the monitoring system of a tubeless setup (pre-warning of a puncture) is extremely useful - I used to think it was a gimmick for those too lazy to get a pressure gauge out! Saved my ass a couple of times...

BTW I read somewhere an article of yours re. sealing spokes. I fitted an Outex system (Japanese) which Woody's recommended to the rear - so far it's doing great!

Thinking of getting some vinyl printed as per the USS Enterprise for my pods!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Apr 2016
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,814
That explains it then and helps validate the TL theory. Know what you mean about 21s lacking the TL lip inside, even when tubed rear rims have that lip.
Pressure is pressure, but I think the lip is an significant factor for a good seal (let alone in a blow-out) and means you can run low psi.

Just discovered Outex last week and added to the article - but could do a DIY as well. Mostly, I just like the ease of puncture repairs on a hot day in the desert and I'm sure TL tyres last longer.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Easy Tanzania border crossing Desert Driver sub-Saharan Africa 6 2 Dec 2015 21:55
What would you pay for DVD or a Book on adventure bike travel haggis The HUBB PUB 26 13 May 2014 21:25
Easy pistes with a loaded bike-Advice please arqui Morocco 2 16 Apr 2013 14:57
What to call my book? Lonesome George Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 10 18 Feb 2013 17:19
Frankfurt Book Fair 2010 xfiltrate Money Saving Ideas, making travel money 0 6 Oct 2010 02:29

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 05:51.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top