Morocco in Sep ... any interest?

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'm starting to formulate a plan, there's nothing set in stone and it's early days. At the moment I'm thinking towards the end of Sep, fly into Marrakech (cheap flights from much of the UK), bikepack through / over the Atlas and back to Marrakech. I'm slowly sifting through books, maps and the internet trying to work out a rough route ... sadly much of the good stuff is in French.

Anyway, thought I'd see if anyone might be up for joining me (Chew's already expressed an interest). I'm hoping my experience with Camelids won't be required

[Gari]

I plan to go in Nov or Oct for about 4 weeks, Sept may work. How long were you planning on?
Pretty much the same plan by the sound of things. Marrakech, around the Atlas via Taroudannt, Tafroute and Tata then through the Jbel Bani to Zagora and the Vallee du Draa, looking in on Erg Chebbi(big sand dune). Ouarzazate back to Marrakech. Not set in stone obviously....

[Bearbonesnorm]

Not sure about duration yet Gari but it certainly wouldn't be 4 weeks, more likely 7 - 10 days ... I'll need to be back for the BB 200

[Mike]

Ahhhh, id love to mate but away in sept could go any other time if sept doesnt come off!

[johnnystorm]

Boo. Can't you go in the School hols?

[Mpolo]

has anyone seen the tv docu Atlas Biker? i found the book cheap and read it but have not found the film anywhere

[Bearbonesnorm]

has anyone seen the tv docu Atlas Biker? i found the book cheap and read it but have not found the film anywhere

No, only ever read the book. Possibly the best 99p I've ever spent.

[Ray Young]

A very tentative maybe from me. The wife and I aren't having a holiday abroad this year due to having to spend the money on the house but it's my birthday in Sep so I may be able to convince her but don't count on it.

[Dan_K]

Would love to but I'm road riding the alps at the start of September. If it was next week or last week in Feb I'm off work and willing!

[Ray Young]

Where you thinking of flying from, would be good if everyone got the same flights. A very quick scan shows Manchester as the cheapest to fly from at the moment.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I was thinking Manchester Ray, as you say cheapest flights seem to go out of there.

[slugwash]

Flights from Bristol in late September are showing around £150 return to Marrakech including the bike. It's just a possible pipe dream for me at present but I'll be following this thread with a keen eye. I've been meaning to go back to Morocco for a long, long time and my expected September trip to the Western Isles is looking less likely now.

[SteveM]

open invite ?, if so possibly a yes from me

[Bearbonesnorm]

open invite ?

As ever

[Farawayvisions]

Stu
On the maps of Morocco. Mpolo mentioned which maps we used in another post, but they are not very durable despite costing about 10 pounds each. Already showing tears in the folds. You might want to laminate them or something for protection?
I think we might go back in December again as Morocco is such a cool place to cycle. I shall be fitter and crazier by then. :idea:

[Zoglug]

I would love to do something like this.....but i doubt i would get the pass from the missus and there is no way i would be fit enough to tag along with others!

[Ray Young]

A very tentative maybe from me. The wife and I aren't having a holiday abroad this year due to having to spend the money on the house but it's my birthday in Sep so I may be able to convince her but don't count on it.

Well that's a no then. Her actual response was "if your going to Morocco then your taking me with you".
Oh well .

[Mike]

sorry to laugh ray but thats funny

[Blackhound]

Another tentative yes from me. Depends how much I am away in the summer as Mrs B and I will be wanting a few trips in the camper. And planning on doing BB200 so that's another weekend away.

[FLV]

Just spotted this.

Count me in Stu. I've fancied a wee tour about in Morroco for a while.
I cant think of a single reason why not :D

Keep me informed / email me to start the planning.

[Ray Young]

sorry to laugh ray but thats funny

I knew it was a long shot and I was pushing it a bit but don't ask, don't get.

[FLV]

we got a date yet

20th Sep to 30th Sep = 152 quid with monarch at the moment

[Bearbonesnorm]

we got a date yet

Not yet ... but I was thinking towards the end of the month. I'll try and pull my finger out and work through some more of the French stuff I've got.

[composite]

So only really just taken a look at this thread.

we got a date yet

20th Sep to 30th Sep = 152 quid with monarch at the moment

If it was these dates that would be during my birthday. That would be quite a cool birthday trip. Hmmmm.....

So costs would mostly be the flights and food I guess? Bivi the whole time I take it?

EDIT: I knew I had read something about Morocco recently. http://www.sidetracked.com/edition-07/morocco.php

[Chew]

Bivi the whole time I take it?

I'd imagine 2 nights roughing it 1 night a bit more civilized is always the best option. Can't imagine Morocco being that expensive for either food or accommodation?

At a minimum i'd say at least one night for the day we arrive to unpack and rebuild the bikes, and then the night before flying back to repack the bikes. This would also give the opportunity to sweet talk the hotel to look after our stuff while we were there.