Morocco (Ferry Sète-Melilla) 14d roundtrip, 30.04.-17.05)
 

Hi there


my name is Christian, 30years old, from Zurich (CH). (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christian.fox01)

In may I will use the chance and realise a long-planned wish and will take my `91 Africa Twin RD04 in four weeks from Zurich through north and mid Morocco, then head back via ferry from Tanger to Barcelona.

My riding experience (approx. 5 years, 40k km) is mostly based on tarmac (Swiss Alps, Black forest), although as preparation for loose ground I completed several light offroading trainings (+guided tours) in the french Vosges last year.
I am looking forward to leaving tarmac on my trip, but as soon as it gets too rocky or truly off-piste, I have my limitations skill-wise, not at least due to the weight of my Africa Twin.

Btw: In addition to my RD04, I also ride a Guzzi V11 Sport.


Since I am riding solo so far, I would welcome any compagnon on my route, no matter if just for a couple of days or a specific destination of the journey. I will bring a tent and basic camping equip, but within Morocco I plan to only camp 40-60% of the nights due to security concerns (wild dogs etc.). If not camping, I prefer simple hostels or and other basic accomodation.

I would be happy to find a route fellow here, and this is the planned journey from 3.5-17.5, here you find my planned route (Google Maps): https://goo.gl/WwbRBi

Leaving Sète with GNV on 30.04. 10am, arriving in Melilla/Nador on 2.5. early morning. Within Morocco, I`ll arrive on 2.May in Nador, head to Fes over the motorway and enjoy a good night sleep in a nice Riad, explore Fes and buy a local SIM-Card on 3.May and start into the mountains on 4.May. A rough goal would be to arrive in Marrakech on 13.May, stay for 2-3 days and take the motorway back to Tanger on 16.May, where my ferry to Barcelona leaves at 11pm on 17.May. I am still indecided if I will have the time and feeling to spend the time for a guided sahara tour in Mhamid (2 days).


Looking forward to comments on my route, and any interest in joining a part of it! Attached, you`ll also find a photo of my Honda. (All Wilbers suspension, new Heidenau K60 Scout): https://goo.gl/FE29HF

Christian

Hi Christian, I'm also in Switzerland now, near Nyon.
I did part of the road you've planned, and it's a great introduction to the country. I'd definitely not spend time visiting Fès or Marrakech during a bike trip and would rather ride as much piste as I could if I were you. Those cities are at a low-cost flight away from Zurich whenever you want to explore them, and a nice getaway with a girlfriend anytime of the year. Treat yourself and ride as much as possible while you can... hence I'd personally avoid the cities while on the bike, and certainly not waste time in touristic nightmare Marrakech. I' rather spend more time on the road, include Tinghir and Todra Gorge, la Vallée du Paradis and so many other places. If it's a first trip to Morocco, I'd suggest to keep some loose for local roads and meeting people. Stopping over to wash at a hammam and relax on the 7th day is a good idea, Ouarzazate is a cool place for that.


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Also, I forgot. Camping is cool, no worries but very decent hotels with hot shower are found in most places for about 15 € instead, so you may wish to carry camping gear just in case you don't find options, eg breakdown or awesome spot. Enjoy!


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Hi Squire

Thank you very much for your tips and insights.

I mostly stop in Fes for a good night sleep, strong breakfast and get a 4G SIM, not much more than that.

Todra Gorges + Tinghir sounds promising, although it looks like a round trip when I come down R704 (Dadès Gorges), take N10 to Tinghir and then up R704 again, ending in Agoudal.

Is this what you meant in this area? Google Maps: https://goo.gl/ms3si4

Plus: Since I return from Tanger to Barcelona, I mostly plan to camp on the way home in Spain and Southern France, where I think I will find lots of nice camping places...

Yes, great road, easy for most part, and picturesque! Can be slippery off-tarmac. You can also cross in between if you wish, can be hard at times. Did it last year solo with strong winds. River bed and rough but quite scenic. Better travel light for it, eg leave gear at hotel for a day and enjoy that loop in and out. Just remember to fill-up before. Also, it takes more time than indicated on GG map. You'll have a blast!