Morocco April 2008
 

I'm looking to do another trip to Morocco in April and it would be good to have one or more riders join me to cut costs, share experiences, etc.

No fixed plans yet, but here's what I had in mind:

When - April, or a few weeks either side
How long - 3 weeks in total, giving 2 full weeks in Morocco, and 3-4 days either side for the trip down.
Where - Cross to either ceuta or nador and drop down the eastern side, then follow parrallel to the Algerian border via merzouga, zagora, etc, and try and get as far as TanTan. I hope to do most of the run down on the pistes over about 10 days, and take an easy ride back north, either via the coast road or across the Atlas.

I'll be using my KTM950 again, so the trip will be suitable for any similar bike with suitable tyres.

If this sounds interesting to you then get in touch.

As an alternative if anybody's taking a trailer or van down and you're looking for another rider then I'd consider this as an alternative. I've got a DRZ400 which would be ideal for this sort of trip.

hi,hope you will find some people going with you.You're welcome at aghbalou ramlia auberge in the north of Remlia:Welcome To Aghbalou Ramlia Auberge
have nice day

Hi Mark,

Since planning my trip over Xmas into the new year and also to see the Dakar I have had 3 people of the 4 who were supposed to be coming drop out and am just waiting for conformation that the 4th will drop out.

I am now considering whether to go on my own or delay things until March/April and maybe join your trip. My problem is if I go later than Xmas I miss the Dakar and also loose 2 weeks extra holiday, that is if I go at Xmas I will take just over 1 week holiday from 2008 but if I go in March I loose 3 weeks...

Hmmm I will ponder this some more.

Ian

Ian

Sorry to hear you're still having problems organising your xmas trip. It's always difficult finding people to commit to this sort of thing - sometimes it's easier to just go it alone. I put this post up to test the water, but haven't had any interest as yet.
I'll wait until after xmas until I make a decision on my own trip - there's still a few things I need to get sorted first. I'm changing employer in the new year so I need to sort out what holiday's I'm entitled to - I may end up having to postpone it until the autumn:(.

I'm also toying with the idea of making some modifications to the DRZ400 and using that rather then the KTM. I'd favour the smaller, lighter bike if I was travelling solo and I could do a more off-road orientated trip.

If you decide to postpone then come back to me after xmas and we may be able to sort something out.

Does not start in Europe until 5th Jan; see post 33 here for more info (or the Dakar website of course):-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...h-over-29182-3

Hi Mark,i to would be looking to go to morocco around april time and three weeks is ideal. I am very flexible about the date and route,but would prefer to travel on the rougher pistes if possible.Mick

There's been a change of plan in the last couple of weeks. I'm due to start a new job in the new year, so it's unlikely I'll be in a position to take 3 weeks off as early in the year as I'd originally planned. I'm down to do the Arctic Highway in Norway mid-summer, so it looks like Morocco will have to wait until the autumn next year.

Mark,

Sorry to hear you can't make it hopefully I will still go...

Michael - I was planning on joining Mark in March/April. If you like we could team up to head over there. What is your situation - do you have the bike and money to go? It sounds like you have the time off no problems. What bike would you be planning on using, what's your riding experience and where do you prefer to ride (more difficult off road stuff?)
For me - I've got 3 weeks holiday to use in March or early April , my bike is ready to go an Aprillia Pegaso 650 single (think BWM 650 funduro) and I have the money. With 2 of us I would drive to southern Spain with the bikes on a trailer this will save cash compared to riding as well. I prefer off road riding and would want to spend most of my time off road the bike will be using TCK 80 tyres which should be pretty good for most off road stuff though I have no idea how I will get on in soft sand (I think I will struggle). I would prefer to do quite a bit of camping off the pistes etc and have the gear ready. I also have maps and the GPS waypoint maps of Morocco on a Garmin GPS.
If you're interested stick a post on here and/or give me a ring at home 02476 501601 as it's good to chat to some-one to get an idea what they are like when planning this.

Speak to you soon? Ian

Hi Ian,trailering the bikes down sounds a great idea.I have a xr 650l and it,s ready to ride apart from having to fit rim locks,time off work and money aren,t a problem ,but would rather do 50-50 camping/hotels.The more off road the better,i have travelled by bike through Norway India and America and Morocco,s next on the list.I,ll ring you in the next few days or give me a call on 07732901427,and see if we can meet up somewhere.
Speak to you soon.
Mick.

Michael,

I will be back home tomorrow night (thu) if you want to call after that. I'm in Coventry - where are you?

I,m in Godstone thats junction 6 M25

I might be interested too, if there is space. I would probably use my 660 Tenere. I have driven around Morocco before, but by car. Off road experience I would say is limited, but I did one of Yamaha's Spirit of Adventure trips - which was quite tough in places - and I somehow got a Pan European up the Turda Gorge in Romania :) I have ridden deep sand and it is bloody hard work... hopefully you have too ? Take a spare clutch !

No point slowing you down if you are budding desert racers, but let me know otherwise.

The more the merrier,Ian only has a two bike trailer i think,but i,am sure we can work something out.Give us a call because all our option are open at the moment

Michael - Just tried to call you about meeting up this weekend.

I don't actually own a trailer at the moment but will buy/make one for March as want one to take the Aprillia to events in the UK It would be a 3 bike trailer and if I can't find one I can borrow a friends 3 bike trailer.

3 people is better for me as it's a bit more social and saves cash there and back and also will help with getting there having 3 drivers rotating (one person could sleep in the car while the other two sit up front) it would almost be possible to do it non-stop if we wanted to.

My only concern would be that people's riding abilities would be too mismatched as it's never fun if you're always struggling or if the riding is not interesting/difficult enough and you're always waiting.

Wheelspin I have suggested to Michael that we meet up this Sunday around Oxford if you wanted to meet up as well give me or Michael a bell - i'm on 02476 501 601 we may be able to meet a bit nearer to you if you wanted.

I guess the Pan has a dry clutch? My aprillia is wet and the XR's are all wet I believe and I would think the XT is as well so should be fine.

I'm going down on April 14th(ish) for three weeks. I ride a DRZ400 in Adv trim and intend to ride down through Spain and France as I've done the Bilbao ferry before and it's a sickener!

I'll probably be soloing this time so wouldn't mind meeting up with people. I also want to do the tougher stuff especially the south west route, I'll have all the camping gear with me but will use cheap hotels as need arrises. I've got routes sorted on the Mich map but I'm laid back and flexible.

I've had ample experience off-road but none on sand - I'm hoping to be a quick learner! I shall be taking a 13" cog and suitable tyres down to change at Alcegeres (sic).

Andrew

Meet up
 

Snoopy / Wheelspin

I'm meeting with Michael this thursday at 7 at the Oxford services you are welcome to come if you are interested.

I would take a rough guess and say we would have 1 space available on a trailer at the moment and would be leaving mid march for 3 weeks - this is all provisional though and no doubt we will sort more out on Thursday.

Ian

Thanks - I can't do Thursday anyway, but I think heavy off-road will not be sensible for me. I may be either incompetent or lazy and I don't want to be a burden :) Good luck - and have fun.

Moroc 08
 

hey up fellas,

i too am interested in teaming up and spending some time in Moroc. I am free between 20/3 and 12/4. i have left a couple of messages on the tel numbers given in this thread.

if there are still spaces, please can you contact and let me know more details.

Cheers :thumbup1:

Rob

Hi Rob,i am meeting Ian tomorrow near Oxford at 7pm,it would be great if you could join us.Try my phone again,i had a missed call but just got an answerphone when i called back.
PS i work nights so i,m asleep most of the day
mick

Hi Michael / BM Boy

BM boy - what bike have you got - we may have a problem fitting it on the trailer if it's a BM flat twin!

If not it would be good to see you tomorrow of you can make it. This is our first meeting so will be sorting out the initial details of the trip (I was going to say holiday but that didn't seem adventurous enough!)

Ian

I just checked your profile BM boy and it says bike - looking so there's hope yet.

Plus I have a 100% drop out rate from people saying they are coming on this trip when they ride 1150's, 1200's or R80's so I'm a bit wary of big BM riders.

M40 Junction 8A by the way - just south of Oxford.

I can't make it as up Newcastle. My dates are April 14th to start of May which is too late by the looks of things.

Morocco April 2008
 

Hi Chaps
Two of us are travelling down thru France + Spain to Maroc - leaving 2nd April , we hope to land at Ceutu ? on the 5th . We will heading down via Meknes and the Ceder Gorge to Marrakech , no off roading for me as im on a Blackbird :eek3: If you happen to pass us or vicky verka please feel free to wave or join us for a mint tea :thumbup1:
My mates on a red 1100 Gs , so we should be easy to spot !!!!
Chris

hi guys. just wondering how you are fixed for number and dates? im free 1st 3 weeks in April. ive a ktm 950. done ireland, france, spain, andorra. just looking for something different. let me know how things are shapin up... thakns

Hey guys,

I might through my hat in the ring on this one. Probably heading solo down to the Gambia on a one wayer some time in March or April but it would be great to hook up somewhere or other. So hope to see you on the road. Once I know when I can get time off work I'll be a little more specific.

I have an Africa Twin which is slowly dying. Must be the cold weather - it refused to start the day I bought a KTM. I am looking to get the bike down to the south of Spain so if you have room on that trailer I would be more than happy to pay my way - the less miles before the greater chance I've got of making it!

Cheers.

Matt

Moroc 08
 

Ian,

hope all's well. How did your first meeting go with Mark? Are you meeting up again this Sunday? I'm free-ish so could come along if that would be of use?

Cheers

Rob

Rob / all

Rob - Just tried to call you again no luck on the landline or the mobile can you give me a call.

The meep up with Mick went well - the trip is still on, what we decided on was:

Leaving later with you (Rob) is fine
We would get the ferry with you so riding through Spain each way, This makes it easier for me as I don't have to worry about finding the trailer and where to leave it. I'm also looking forward to riding through Spain as well.
The P and O from Portsmouth is fine leaving on the 20th March
We didn't discuss return ferry dates though we were both looking at 3 weeks, my preferance would be the 12th April (Sat) arriving on the Sunday 5pm though I need to confirm with Mick.
For a route the vague outline is to head to the less populated south of Morocco quickly on Tarmac roads then take it from there on piste's.
Both mine and Mick's bike are 650 singles and we both ride off road in the UK and would like to find some challenging routes over there. This may mean some of the time there may be tracks you will not be able to do on the BM? but we could meet you at the next town etc on these occasions or maybe do a loop to meet back at the same point - this is something we would have to sort out as we go along, maybe this will not occur at all or maybe a lot I don't know - perhaps the BM can find it's way everywhere my Aprilia can or maybe the routes can be ridden by everyone? Mick's bike is more-or less a Honda XR650 so he will not have any troubles off road compared to us and though my bike is a 650 it's heavy. (though not BM heavy...)
For camping etc we will bring a (small) sleeping bag and roll mat to bivvy some of the time (a few nights) and the rest of the time will stay in cheap guesthouses (I think they are all cheap over there) this is taking people's advice really that those who bring camping gear don't use it. Also no cooking equipment.
I think that's mostly it - I'm keen to book ferries as I know at some point the price will go up (a lot) it did over Xmas and then we are sure we know what we are doing.

I think that's most of it.

If other people want to join us that's fine though I would probably like to keep the group to 4 or less ideally but it's also upto you guys. Also going on the ferry means this is easy for other people to just book teh same dates.

Speak to you soon (hopefully)

Ian

moroc 08
 

Ian,

great news. Everything sounds spot on - dates, off road plans, accomm'.

I will be in tonight from 6pm onwards. I will ring you and lets start organising our ferry booking.

Looking forwards to it.

Cheers

Rob