MS2 - I hear is sealed - or at least the 1st part out of Zagora up to Km41. Look at Google maps.
MS5 - I also heard the FZ end had short unfinished patches (maybe completed?) but I'm sure you'll get through.
MS7 - Riders often get in trouble on this route, I suppose because they veer south from the rough track (by the book) in search of smoother or more open riding but get stuck in sand or lost. Stick it out on the track and the only hard bit is the dunelettes at the Mhamid end. Or - if heading east - split northeast at KM111 for the gap in Jebel Bani to avoid dunes. Never done it but looks fun.
MS9 - Some moments on my Tenere I recall, but north half may be sealed - part of the 'P1507' backroad from Ozt to Tazenakht which may all be sealed. Another one to try for next time.

bonne route

Hi Luis,

MS7 is a slow rocky track. You'd be better further south crossing Lac Iriki itself. Begin by heading south out of Foum Zguid and taking the second of the two tracks on the left signposted to Lac Iriki. There's a small military checkpoint about half a km down the track. If you've not already checked in town, you can ask the guys here if the lake is dry. If it is, carry on SSW following the oued and the track will begin to swing E around 29.52.500N 6.44.578W. Continue heading E from here and you should pick up the major piste across the lake. Continue for a few km and it becomes smooth and heads ENE across the lake - you'll be able to pick up a lot of speed here.
At around 29.57.030N 6.21.500W the stack swings right towards towards Erg Chegaga and there's a very well defined track through the small dunes. In March, the sand should be firm. If you leave FZ about 9am, you'll be here by 1130, before the midday heat - if there is any. The track will lead you towards the big dunes but then swings left to rejoin MS7 at the Oasis Sacree auberge.
If you think it's going to be too heavy going for the GSA, forget this bit and continue heading ENE and you'll pick up the rocky MS7. Here you can continue to Mhamid - bear in mind the small dune field near the end. There are thousands of tracks here but they all lead to Mhamid.
As Chris says, you can turn off at Km111 for Tagounite. we did this in 2011 when the outskirts of Mhamid are flooded. It's a nice easy and well defined track and will bring you out halfway down the main drag in the middle of town.
As ever in this area, keep an eye on the weather. thunderstorms in the mountains can bring flash floods near the lake later.


Crossing Lac Iriki at speed.

MS5 was sealed all the way from Zag to FZ last November but we left just before the major floods. It should be repaired by now and even if it hasn't you'll easily pick your way through. On a good day you can do it in about 2 1/2 hours.

Happy trails,

Peter

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Chris,
Peter,

Thanks for the advices.
Planning this trip made me go through the pics and videos of MS6, again!

Two small videos, first is the crucial Oued Rheris crossing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEI5A-Y9mzk

Second one filmed somewhere on the Kem Kem Beds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq8JooaM-0A

And pictures, going and coming:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148874...57675142849550

Regards,
Luis

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