Mike54 wrote:Everyone will think I'm being a killjoy I know. However, there are too many people who think Morocco is an adventure playground for bikes. It can be but it should be noted that it is a very hostile environment in terms of weather/health care, lack of facilities. A good guide is a great asset for sure, but riders should be mindful that they should be reasonably fit, their bike in as perfect a condition mechanically as possible and they are in overall good health. There is no way I would guide people over there without seeing them ride first and gauging a level at which to choose the length of daily route, the evac procedures available to me and the facilities along that route or near to it. Granted, sometimes there are simply no facilities of any kind of evac available AT ALL, and everyone needs to be cool with that, and the level of risk being taken ref the route, the terrain overall and the ambient temperature.
When things go wrong over there they go wrong very fast particularly in the dunes and in the desert overall. I would urge anyone interested in going to do their own research about riding in hot weather, fluid requirements, fitness etc. Not saying you have to be Marc Coma to go, of course not, but there is a fair bit to be mindful of.
If only I had heard this valuable information before I set off....
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Mike54 wrote:Everyone will think I'm being a killjoy I know. However, there are too many people who think Morocco is an adventure playground for bikes. It can be but it should be noted that it is a very hostile environment in terms of weather/health care, lack of facilities. A good guide is a great asset for sure, but riders should be mindful that they should be reasonably fit, their bike in as perfect a condition mechanically as possible and they are in overall good health. There is no way I would guide people over there without seeing them ride first and gauging a level at which to choose the length of daily route, the evac procedures available to me and the facilities along that route or near to it. Granted, sometimes there are simply no facilities of any kind of evac available AT ALL, and everyone needs to be cool with that, and the level of risk being taken ref the route, the terrain overall and the ambient temperature.
When things go wrong over there they go wrong very fast particularly in the dunes and in the desert overall. I would urge anyone interested in going to do their own research about riding in hot weather, fluid requirements, fitness etc. Not saying you have to be Marc Coma to go, of course not, but there is a fair bit to be mindful of.
A lot of good points raised there Mike54!
I know a few guys who go climbing in Morocco and they pretty much said the same as yourself about health care and the evac procedures.
Given that's it's WIBO who has done this sort of thing on an annual basis and I'm guessing he is as good a guy as any to lead a group plus everyone has to take responsibility for thier own safety thier own fitness and thier own health.
Insurance and paperwork is going to be another big thing to factor in plus what bike your going to be riding.
I'm guessing come 2017 and all who have showed an interest and who go will have had some off road experience. Plus if there is a good crowd who end up going surely in the spirit of this forum we will all help each other if we get the big BMW's,KTM's,Triumphs,Yamaha's and Honda's stuck (thumbs)
To finish off I do thing Mike54 advice should be taken on board to anyone seriously concerning going!
I for one have put my name down for 2017 and let's hope if it comes off it will turn out to be a successfull trip and we get a trip report and a few photos in the ABR magazine (thumbs)
Once I get an indication of any interest I work out a rough general route with normally 3 or 4 rest days factored in with in the whole ride out. I wing it for places to stay as I know where to choose once I arrive in a general area.
Once I know approx. numbers then I let everyone know what they'll need in the way of papers for customs...Once on board to Africa I then give advice and make sure how to get through Passport control and how and what to fill in in the entry forms...
The same applies going through customs once we touch down..where to get money and any moto insurance if required... I speak French and can assist if the locals don't speak English.
From here in I'll ride to Marrakech. Normally at that time of year it'll be inclement so the secret is to head south for the 25c heat.
On the way if anyone wants and only if anyone requests...I can observe and give my opinion on any road riding and give tips etc.... (Back in the day I used to be moto cop amongst other things) Take advice if you wish and if it doesn't apply to you ignore it.
Normally I'll ride either to Zagora or Merzouga and from there there'll be a rest day. In that time there'll be a School of Instruction for off roading from anyone who wants it...how to pick up a moto etc.
Again if anyone wants tips etc I give advice based on my experience of schoolboy and adult motocross..to enduros I currently ride....again what applies to you,you keep and what doesn't you simply ignore it. (Back in the day I used to ride and guide here and there in Maroc for a moto company on Honda CRF 450's)
As Geoham states..there's a system used where we all help each other as we ride together..e.g. a heavy moto needing lifted....There's a briefing of about 20mins the night before heading off road into any desert...eg ground conditions and ratio of sand or feche-feche.
There's also banter and ridicule metered out when possible as each of the group including me,indeed do or say something stupid...this stops of course and shifts to the next person as soon as they do the same....this changes almost hourly if not sooner
If anyone is unsure then theres an alternative route by tarmac to rendezvous back with the group in a couple of days time. For example,if you ride to Merzouga with the group by tarmac,then you can leave the next morning when we leave and ride to Zagora by road. We'll be there a day later where we can carry on with the ride out. So anyone who has no interest in off roading can be given details as to where to go....they still get to experience Maroc!
Breakdowns are covered by a contact I have there who can put the moto in a pick up for a fee and take it to get repaired. He can also take it to any port where the moto can be pushed on and pushed off and where European cover can be activated.
At the end of the day locals need food,water,fuel,repairs,Doctors schools,supermarkets and places to visit;museums,cafes,zoos etc and we are an extension of them and are duty bound to move at their pace...that's the secret of visiting Maroc....you get away from the comfort zone of Europe.
The purpose of the ride out is just that...take folk away from their comfort zone....make it fun...make it flexible with no concrete agenda,just a general direction.....make it interesting and hopefully folk will learn something new from their experience.
Being able to give and take banter is a must
At the end of the day I go every October/Nov or Feb/March anyway either by myself or with anyone who wants to tag along..again,for free
I'll post some more pics and video soon for a laugh
Play day Merzouga to get the feel of things......This is the reason I stick to as much hard pack as possible
This is also the reason I film instead of trying to ride my moto in this stuff
There's no way a big trailie is getting anywhere near the top of this stuff.....bottom RHS in and up about an inch you'll see me parked up on a CRF
So......no one needs to worry it'll all by easy-ish going.
Love your videos Keith, always followed the EDC stuff on ADV rider. I would have loved to have came this year but been planning Ukraine and the Black Sea for a while now with Whippet. Going to make the effort for 2017 though Inshallah
I'm guessing anyone with any doubts or concerns then WIBO has covered them above!
After all this is generous offer by someone who seems to have a lot of experience,local knowledge along with local assistance if needed.
I just see it as a great way of doing Morocco with a group of like minded individuals who can all help each other out if needed.
I think this worked out well with Mike54 raising his valid points as it's highlights a few things and in turn it has given WIBO an opportunity to put in detail the trip and his plans.
crofty wrote:Love your videos Keith, always followed the EDC stuff on ADV rider. I would have loved to have came this year but been planning Ukraine and the Black Sea for a while now with Whippet. Going to make the effort for 2017 though Inshallah
ahhhh.... I see....... Funny,since they changed the Adv website design,all the pictures from the ride reports have been zapped. (Unless others can state otherwise..I use Mac..maybe they're there with Windoze?)
I don't seem to have the time to write the RReports all up again...shame because I could've put in a link so all would know what they'd be letting themselves in for. :laugh:
Anyway.....you know the score then :laugh:
There is some soft going....
Some nice views....
A short stretch of hard pack here and there :laugh:
The odd stone here and there...
The odd nosey local....
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A chance to play in the sand if you want to....
....and even go over the handelbar if you so desire.
geoham wrote:I'm guessing anyone with any doubts or concerns then WIBO has covered them above!
After all this is generous offer by someone who seems to have a lot of experience,local knowledge along with local assistance if needed.
I just see it as a great way of doing Morocco with a group of like minded individuals who can all help each other out if needed.
I think this worked out well with Mike54 raising his valid points as it's highlights a few things and in turn it has given WIBO an opportunity to put in detail the trip and his plans.
Yip..valid points....if there's no set plan other than ferry entry dates.....then we can only anticipate and cover so much.....anything else thereafter it is what it is...
These days the pace is on trail bikes on easier trails with whoever wants to indulge....here we can see some of the EDC riding in the Ziz Valley
Those who really want to ride steep trails on the side of mountains.....I'm sure we can come up with some sort of arrangement...
ive been with wibo on a trip and you have a awsome guide ..my take is that you do need some basic trailskills and id recommend that you are comfortable riding fully loaded in soft sand ..not dunes but sandy tracks id guess you will have 100kms of soft sand to ride ..even on the hardpack you will have drifts of sand to tackle which can take you by surprise
id honestly say if your not used to it get loaded and get some practice in and you will be glad you did if you find it difficult on askam beach and keep dropping it ..you will find it totally exhausting in marroc as it goes on for many many miles at 35 degrees ..so be realistic on that score
..merzuga to zagora is quite remote and a fair bit of sand and feche ..a couple of fellas only lasted 500 meters and went back with their panniers strapped to their seat so be honest with yourself on how well you can cope with soft sand and you will make the right call
..paul on a big 990 wasnt used to sand couldnd get his feet up kept slipping away and spewed his clutch in the boon docks of beyond :pinch:
thats the section you want to be well prepared for the two days from mezuga the rest of it is mostly harpack rocky trails nowt too difficult with a bit of off road expieriance ..oh and you must like camping which i dont
id say given the above go for it you have a great guy to help you and safty in numbers (thumbs)
Aft'noon Steve... Thanks for the kind words Yip all well here thanks....been scooting about France/Spain on the XTZ and the Gas Gas gets a rattle too to let me know I've muscles where I didn't know I had them. This years ride out,unless the others want a tedious one,should be a more relaxed affair.... Prices last year were about 15 euros B&B per night with evening meal included. If anyone can't be bothered to camp here and there we're never too far from an auberge. Two hotels were a whole 30 euros per person....!!! That old CCM is treating you well these days? My XTZ is still doing OK... so far....just over 60k on the old girl. lol If one gets lost in the desert you get the exhaust red hot and light something on it to burn the bike to signal for help.... There's always a way :)
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