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Morocco in April
Planning to head to Morocco in April. Anyone else going that way around then? Would be great to ride with some others.
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Hi Roameo:
My friend and I are planning to go to Morocco at about the same time you are. We are both experienced riders and travelers, but we would like another person to ride with. We plan to meet up in Portugal and ride down to Morocco and back up through Spain. When are you leaving? I could go at any time, but my friend can't leave until mid-April. and the first of May would be better. Is that too late for you? |
Hi Ron,
I know May is late for me. Mid April might work but when you say that do you mean you will be ready to cross over into Morocco then or you guys would just be leaving towards Morocco then. Myself i will be coming through Spain and then hitting Portugal after Morocco. Kinda of reverse of yourself. Just as an FYI Ramadan starts at the beginning of June so you want to be out before then. I was planning on crossing with the ferry into Tangier Med as it seems to be the most recommended port on here. lets keep in touch and see what we can work out |
Hi again Roameo.
I am pretty sure my friend has to work until Mid-April, but I will check again and let you know. Ron |
Morocco April/May
Hi,
I'm very interested in joining you guys on this trip. I'm Micky, based out of Hastings UK, R1200GS kitted for touring. I have experience in europe, 7 countries last year and Millau (my accident) this year. Raring to get out there again and gagging to get into Africa. Happy to help with any organising too and to get involved. Regards Micky |
add on
I also speak Spanish pretty well after living in Spain for 6 years so this is also a winner for me as I am gagging to get back into Spain for the coffee :)
Regards Micky |
Sounds good Mickey.......lets see what we hear back from Ron and when he can go based on his friends schedule. Morocco will be different for you for sure if you have only travelled Europe. As for planning you can start to look for popular routes/places to visit. Morocco is easy in the fact that you can do a big loop starting in the north and doing a clockwise route finishing in the north again. This allows you to hit the mountains, desert and coast.
I myself am somewhat flexible in my dates. Just want to get out before it is too hot. |
I am an American. but I keep my VStrom 650 in Germany. I have been exploring Europe on it each of the past three summers. If interested, you can read about me at Ron's Retirement Adventure
My platonic friend, Emy, (we are not in a "relationship") lives in London. Last summer she rode her Honda 650 on a solo trip to eastern Turkey and back. You can read about her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/emy.manby We could go down through Spain, but it would be better for Emy if she could take a ferry from England to Portugal and meet us there. I myself, being retired, am totally flexible on time and route. Emy tells me that she can be flexible on time and route too as long as she knows in advance when and where to meet us. I have never been to Spain, Morocco or Portugal, and I would prefer not to rush through any if those countries. In other words, I would like to explore each country and not make a "hammer run" down to Morocco and back. Emy says she also prefers a somewhat leisurely pace. We are definitely interested in putting together a trip with you two, Roameo and MickyDrew. I hope we can work something out. Lets keep the dialogue going.:mchappy: |
Seems that Roameo is going up at pace and Ron down at leisure.
Am i seeing that right? Roameo, where are you coming from to get to Moroc? Are you out touring now? I have seen a video or two that Morocco can be a bit of a challenge, is that also right Roameo? If so i'd prefer to have someone along who has done it as i'm not a veteran at off road yet. I've ridden through Spain and also Northern Portugal last year but no deserts in sight. Time is a slight concern as i'm still working, so 3 weeks is probably going to me my max at this point, so this may be an issue for you guys. |
In 2015 early May, I and a friend were prepared to go to Morocco starting from Seville. Created accommodation plan, gps tracks and everything. We had everything arranged. Shipped the bikes to Spain. Then my friend had an accident in Spain so that he had to go back to home. Since I was alone there in Spain I decided to change my route to Girona instead of going to Morocco. I also enjoyed in southern Spain which was 2k route. But I would pretty much like to finish my incomplete Morocco tour in 2016.
I am also a r1200 GSA rider and if the conditions allow me to do it next year, I would pretty much love to join if it is not going to be too much in the group. On the other hand I also plan another trip to Turkey in 2016 July-August which obviously will take some time. Therefore the Morocco trip should not take too much time. In that case I would like to ask how many days you guys plan to stay in Morocco? Maybe I can join only for the Morocco part and head back to home after we are done in Morocco. Thanks Murat |
Hi Murat,
I am also looking at Turkey in July/August so possibly we could join and do the small amount of time on the Moroc section and longer on the Turkey trip. I think it would be good for us to get to know each other for a longer more demanding GS tour. Guys, i hope you wouldnt mind if myself and did this as this is your trip and thread? Micky |
I hope your friend is ok and the accident wasn't bad - i sympathise as I too had an accident in France this year.
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I had not considered the possibility of rushing on down to Morocco, exploring there, and then taking a more leisurely return route, zig-zagging back and forth to explore Portugal and Spain. That might work, especially if it is in the best interest and plans of the group. However, I will need to coordinate with Emy about this. I do think my first responsibility is to her. I think she might not want to do a hard hammer run down to Morocco. Maybe it is possible that she could leave a few days early and do a more leisurely ride down to meet at the ferry to Morocco.
Roameo, I think you are Canadian. Is that correct? If so, where do you keep your bike in Europe? Micky, I assume you will be taking the ferry over from England to France. I keep my own bike in Heidelberg, Germany. I am wondering about these things because I am trying to picture in my mind a possible route and/or meeting place. What time frame are you two thinking of in riding down through Spain to Morocco? Two or three days? I think you have both pretty well explored the heck out of Spain already and have little interest in taking your time going down. In other words, Morocco is the primary reason for this trip for you both. Is that correct? As for me, exploring the Iberian Peninsula is as important as Morocco. It will be my first time there and I probably will never go back in this lifetime. Be that as it may, I am eager to have someone who knows the country well to ride with in Morocco. Do any of you know if there are passes open through the Pyrenees in April other than through Andorra or the Western end of the mountain chain by the Bay? |
Ron,
Yes i will be taking the ferry from uk to france and then riding down to spain, unless i can get a cheap deal on the ferry from poole to bilbao/santander since the other ship company stopped their service which i was on in 2014. Yes the main idea is Morocco as i've done Spain before but dont blame you for taking your time to enjoy it and please do as its great and i could happily spend weeks riding around spain. I would prefer to have someone in the group who is familiar with Morocco or similar as i dont want to start outside of Europe learning the hard way. As i said previously i do have europe experience in groups and solo inc spain and portugal (solo) so am not a newbie but still learning about the outside europe stuff. For me being with a group of likeminded riders is all about the same goal and also support both ways as that then relaxes the mind. I've got a big heavy bike (sort of) and it will go down sooner or later, so having some help is nice and on the other hand i am a competent mechanic for assistance with issues of buddy's in a bit of trouble. Also carry tools and gear onboard the GS. I'm just finishing the total rebuild of my R1200GS from the frame up after my accident and have also completely refurbished a Honda Pan European so am pretty good with a spanner and a cable tie and can also change tyres. Please bring plenty of hand wipes so i dont have greasy hands for 2 weeks :) I have just spent months during my accident recovery working on a project to fit and carry everything for a round the world tour that is the lightest, most durable and needed that you could get and if i couldn't get it, i made it or customised it. For example, my GS is completely electrically self sufficient and i do not need a power socket for anything, so i am on hand to assist in charging group devices that have gone flat just when you need them. Also full BMW Sat Nav (backup TomTom), maps and Comms for others with ScalaRiders fitted to their helmets. So I have just about everything onboard the GS but you'd never know i was carrying it all - still trying to find a spot for the kitchen sink! I'll bring all this to the group table and what i am looking from the group is out f europe experience so i can learn and practice for my long term project. I hope that explains to all about me and helps with working out how to plan this. Micky |
Forgot to ask:
Are we camping out or hotels all the way or a combination? |
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I personally want to have at least 1 week in Morocco. I want to start from Tanger down to east of Casablanca (dont want to go to Casablanca, I heard there is nothing to see there) and visit Marrakech then sahara desert and then back to Spain from Cueta. During this trip I plan to camp mostly and take hotels every 2 or three days in big cities. So it would be only Morocco for me since I have not a lot of time and I have already been in South Spain this summer. We can meet in Tanger or Gibraltar or somewhere in Spain and then complete Morocco together. |
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I was hoping not to have to lug that camping gear with me this year. I am willing to do it but would prefer not to. Have you checked out hostels? They are not much more than the cost of camping and some of them are really nice. Also, renting an apartment for a few nights in a city works well. Cost is about $75 American per night split between us. Also, airbnb has private homes available at very reasonable prices.
Many hostels, apartments and homes have swimming pools, internet, and secure parking. Slarys, that shipping the bike down from Amsterdam sounds interesting. I might want to do that, but only one way. Does the bike have to be crated? Slarys and Micky -- I rode through Turkey summer before last. It is a marvelous place to visit. I was there during Ramadan and found it to be very interesting. If you can be with a Turkish group when the nightly party begins you will have a very good time. There is no real problem for a foreign traveler to get food during the day when everyone else is not eating. Truck drivers and foreigners are exempt from the fasting rules. Go for it. You will have a wonderful time exploring that beautiful country. If you are interested, you can read about my trip here. Start by reading the post at the bottom of each page, and then go to the next post above the last one. Roameo -- You are our trip leader, so I am going to suggest you pick a date around early or mid April for entering Morocco, and a place where we should meet you. I am more flexible with my time than the other guys are, and I can live with whatever you choose. I think Slarys and Micky feel the same way. If some of us can link up in France or Bilbao for the ride down that would be icing on this great adventure cake.bier |
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- Bike should not be crated. He has a Mercedes Sprinter van. It takes 3 or maybe 4 bikes in total. One way shouldn't be a problem. - I am actually Turkish and was born / lived 22 years in Istanbul. So we will not have any problems with anything else :) I still want to check your link. - I am very flexible with dates. It can be April or May in Morocco. Earlier is either too cold in the mountains or too hot in the deserts. From my understanding early May is very good timing. I have still GPS data for Garmin that I can share with you guys. I also have map for Morocco this year. But we come to that later i guess. |
Ok all, it seems this is expanding very quick which is great. I believe the majority of us have a fairly open time frame and flexibility.
One of the best times to ride Morocco is April/May prior to the heat and the start of Ramadan (June 6th). But this also makes France/Spain/Portugal cooler at this time of year. So my goal was at a somewhat faster pace head straight to Morocco (my bike is currently in Switzerland). Then after Morocco the weather will be perfect to hit the European coast of these other countries on the return. (You also do not want to be anywhere near the med coast during the high season (start of July). There are challenges with riding in a group that all must consider. Flexibility being the key! You must also remember that outside of being in a group you are an individual rider and you can break off at anytime (and know one should get offend by this) if your own personal schedule requires it. Things to consider: 1. Personal budgets 2. I would suggest you accept and be prepared for all forms of accommodations from camping/hostels/hotel etc.....You are an adventure rider do not over plan! ride the day and stay where or in whatever the situation dictates for that day. 3. Riding conditions.....This is Morocco so the point is to enjoy the back country and its challenges (off road). If you look at other riders blogs from Morocco you will see more piste than pavement. But there will also be days/sections of pavement....so expect all types of conditions and challenges. Once again we are adventure riders so expect pistes! 4. Where to go/what to see. Sometimes you may want to see/go somewhere the groups is not. You can breakout and then rejoin if you choose (once again for the most part we are solo riders so know one should take offence to this). Here is my blog Roaming & Riding - Life Unexpected to know more about me. *Place to meet: Algeciras (spain) *Date April 12th (plus or minus a few days). *Take ferry to Port Med (seems the best recommendation of a easy port of arrival on the hubb). *Timeline> This is the challenge for me as i never plan a specific time in any place as my adventure has been multi years. But for a rough estimate i am planning on a month in Morocco. *Route > I have not planned anything other than doing a clockwise circle route starting in Alger med. This would allow you to hit the mountains, Sahara and coast of Morocco finishing back in the north. * For the route my suggestion as a group would be to create this big clockwise route as an overall route. Then based on your own personal timeline etc you can ride all or part of this route breaking off into your own direction as needed. This will prevent should major conflict. From what i read in all previous response the majority of us have lots of time and like to take our time and chill and enjoy the country we are in so as a group i think we should not have to many issues. Let me know Ryan aka Roameo |
Thanks for putting this all together Ryan. It sounds like a good plan Count me in. I, my Vstrom, and my camping gear will meet the group in Algeciras on or about April 12 (I take it we will finalize the date later). I will be coming from Germany if any of you should happen to want to link up for the trip down to Algeciras. I am happy that everything is pretty well settled. I will check back on this site from time to time looking for final details.
Ron |
Question for you Roameo: How many weeks do you foresee in Morocco? I ask because my wife just told me that we have a family obligation here in Illinois on the weekend of May 13-15 that I cannot miss, therefore I need to plan out my schedule a little closer than I had first thought. I will have to make a rush trip back home followed by a return to Spain a week later. No problem except for logistics and, of course, a major un-foreseen expense. doh
I am thinking the earlier in April the better. |
Just wanted to say 'hi' as you can probably see that I'm stalking you all!
I am thinking of touring Morocco either spring or autumn 2016 but 1) am a relatively inexperienced rider, although I have 10,000 miles under my belt in just 12 months 2) have no off road riding experience and 3) I ride a Ducati Monster 696 and have not found an adventure bike low enough for 5' 2" me :( Generally I like to ride solo but think it would be nice to have some company for part of my trip :funmeteryes:. I speak French, Spanish and Arabic which will be useful and hitch-hiked around Morocco in my student days! |
The rest of us just invited our own selves on board, Anita. I think you can do the same, but it is not up to me to say. This is Roameo's trip, and I think maybe neither he nor any of the rest of us is monitoring this thread daily since the trip plans seem to be settled. Be patient. Or, you might try sending him an email which you can do through his profile by clicking on his name and following the links.
Hope to meet you in Algeciras mid April.:scooter: |
Hi Ron,
since I have plenty of time I will treat Morocco the same as I do every other country I visit. I stay as long or short as the moment dictates. My goal is to cross over on the 12th and have somewhat of a route picked out (flexible). There will also be other riders in morocco at the time and may decide to hook up with them for a few days or visa versa. I have also found my routes change after talking to other riders on the road and there experiences i.e.: go there/don't go there. Because I have unlimited time it allows me to travel this way. I may get to a city/place and decide to stay 1,2,3 days or more it really depends on the moment. If dates coincide for someone and they want to cross on the 12th with me perfect...company welcomed. If they want to ride together only for 1,2,3 days etc great as well. I know some need more of a plan because of time restraints and that is understandable. if this still interests you lets talk further and develop a route together. Ryan AKA Roameo |
Hi Ryan:
At this time I plan to meet with you, Slarys and Micky on the 12th. Lets keep in touch, especially as time draws closer. Ciao, Ron |
I am fine with 12th April or any other date in Algeciras. I can ship my bike to Seville on 11th and meet you guys in 12th. The only thing I can't manage is staying more than a week/10 days in Morocco because I have a longer trip planned in July. All I want is to see Morocco, spend some time in some big cities like Marrakech, see their culture/people, try their food and then enjoy riding on their beautiful offroads then back to the Netherlands.
Lets see how it works out in upcoming days. @Anita, I think you will be good in Morocco with your experience and bike. I read some logs from others that some of them were there in pistes with even asphalt / touring bikes and 10k mileage should be more than enough. |
I am in the same vein as Slarys - time restraints will hinder me to stay in Morocco for more than a week.
Slarys - we could come out of Morocco together and head back if thats ok? I'm fine for the 12th in Spain - Slarys - can you possibly assist with having my bike shipped to Spain too, to save me riding all the way down through France and Spain? Also how are you getting back? Shipping back or riding? Micky |
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I will fly back again when I'm done in Morocco. Shipper will bring bike back. I did the same this May. It worked like a charm. My bike was ready at the Seville airport when we landed. |
Ok all,
so it seems the 12th works to meet up and cross over. After that it looks like based on schedules we may ride together for a few days and then we will need to break off into two groups (Myself and Ron)/(Mickey and Salreys) due to different time restraints. This is fine as it is all about the moment. I am not on the same page though in regards to Anita on a 969 for off road/piste. Street bikes/tires are not made to cross rivers, boulders, mud, sand etc. which are all possibilities in Morocco. |
I have street tires on my VStrom. It is a dual sport but it does not like boulders, sand, Etc. very well. It can handle gravel, but for extreme stuff I will be wishing I had my WR250R trail bike. That little guy loves the kind of off road adventures you are talking about Roameo.
Anita, that Ducati Monster 696 is a sweet bike. I know a girl who, like you, is 5'2" tall who rides one. She lives in Australia. I was riding with her there just last month. I can ride with Anita when we have to bypass the rough stuff. |
At the suggestion of Keith, another Brit who will be joining us but has not been posting to this thread, I made a reservation at Hostel El Levante in Tarifa, 15 kilometers away from the port at Algeciras, for the night of April 11 (We meet at Algeciras on April 12). The room I booked is 40 Euro. There is an extra bed in my room if anyone wants to use it. Cost for you is 20 Euro for your share. It might be easier for us to link up at this hostel on the 11th and get to know each other rather than trying to find each other at the ferry on the 12th.
There is also a campsite close by. It is Rio Jara. Here is a link to the Camping Rio Jara. Here is a link to the hostal |
Anita, a friend of mine has recently returned from Morocco on his 821 Monster, stick to tarmac and easy trails and you'll be fine. I'm off there myself with some friends early April on my Ducati Scrambler. Try one for height, they're pretty low ;-)
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Roameo - how heavy off road do you expect Slarys and I will encounter? i'm happy to get the bike wet and dirty and i think i've prepared it correctly. |
I just found these and wanted to share it. This is from May this year while I was going to Algeciras from Seville to pass to Morocco.
https://goo.gl/photos/U9pTtfp1JueXm5dF9 |
In doing my research today, I read that I will need an International Driver's License to get my bike into Morocco. I can't believe that is true. Do you guys know? I have had two of those things in the past and never once was asked to produce it.
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Hey all,
I look forward to meeting all on the 12th for the cross over to Morocco. One thing I no longer feel comfortable with though is choosing a specific route/routes for the group. With the feedback on here of the different styles of bikes and rider experience I would recommend all do there own research on routes they would like to take/try. We can then try and match as best we can when we are together. Some routes taken may not allow you to hook back up with the group right away and others might. The only recommendation i have (based on other riders and friends who have been there) is get through the port early and head to Chefchaouen for the first night. Tangier is not the place to stay! Chefchaouen also puts you in a great starting point to head south either towards the Atlas or sahara. Roameo |
morocco ...
keith here !,
Looking forward to the Morocco trip !. but i have deleted your e/mail by mistake , so can you send me your e mail again keith (morocco man ! ) |
Morocco April
Might bump into you. We arrive UK April 4th so the 12th might be too soon for us. on a Tiger 1050 2 up so not looking at off road and will be stopping to go hiking and the rose festival. But would be good to meet up somewhere.
Would you update your trip on here? |
Morocco
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Watching this trip develop with Interest I will be in Morocco around the same time as you guys. Cant commit to exact dates at this time though It will be my second trip there and my primary reason for going will be to ride as many offroad/Piste as possible in my time there. That's not to say I couldn't meet up for a day or evening if our paths look to cross. Have a look at this company for transport of your bike Uk to Malaga I used him last year English, spot on service. Perhaps we could negotiate a good discount for multiple bikes.? AEG Transportes | Removals, Transport and Secure Storage Spain |
Hello ! so off to morocco ! I am going to join the group, but i fear there may be too many in the group. but we shall see ! I live in Stafford ( not too far from you ) and know morocco like the back of my hand ! having been there 45 ( 45 ) times ! Just come back after 2 weeks back packing ! Send me a message and we can get in touch ! keith
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keep posting your comments. lets see what we have at the end of April.
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Hi all,
due to a change of plan I know longer can commit to a specific date to meet the group. It does seem though that there will be enough in the group that one less will not be noticed. Please ride safe and I hope our paths cross. |
morocco april
morocco .... i am still going to morocco and i will be at Hostel levente near Tarifa on the 12th april ...... I can lead a small group around .I have been there 35 times on bike and 10 times backpacking .... keith I do not want to have a large group as it does not work . get in touch 07507562869 :palm:
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morocco
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ARE YOU STILL ON FOR MOROCCO ?.... GIVE ME A SHOUT 07507562869 I LOVE THE PLACE AND BEEN THERE LOADS OF TIMES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO RIDE WITH 2/3 OTHER PEOPLE KEITH:scooter::scooter::scooter: |
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See you on either the night of the 11th or the morning of the 12th at El Levente. The best way to contact me is ryoungs2kayak@gmail.com. Cheers, Ron |
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