Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it up to the summit at Tizi n Test (height 2100 m).  It was a steep climb, and of course very hard on the weekend warrior muscles, being the 2nd day of the trip...However, the real challenge was on the last cycling day, where we had to go through dirt mountainous and steep slopes.  A few of us found that walking was faster than cycling, and therefore chose the easy way.  I am glad, for myself, I had opted for this rather than the Atlas Descent (which although very exciting would have been most likely above my level).  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was an excellent leader.  He has that particular trait that makes his clients comfortable and confident about his knowledge and expertise.  He made sure the front and rear cyclists were not separated by a long interval, through regrouping at no maximum of 22 km depending on the terrain.  This reinforces the camaderie among the participants.  His instructions for the cycling stretches were colorful, detailed and complete.   There was only one short section where anyone was lost, and even then, it got righted within a short time.  Such was the focus on safety.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for an exciting week.  My group had participants from Canada (2), Norway (2), Norway/France (1), Dutch (1), Singapore (2), and Brits (7), of which 5 were females.  Sleep early, as the ride is demanding...there is very little time to do anything else (except in the big towns such as Essaioura, and Marrakech).

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding

Thoughts on Group Leader

A great leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through almost traffic free roads with great views of the snow capped peaks of High Atlas mountains on the horizon

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was an excellent leader Well organised, very friendly, knowledgeable and good humored. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough otherwise you may find some of the climbs challenging, some might like to bring your own saddle or spd pedals . Don't use your rear brake when cornering on a sandy surface :-)

Most Inspirational Moment

The downhills ,the tree goats and the buzz of Marrakesh

Thoughts on Group Leader

hard working and enthusiastic

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a couple of days in a Riad in Marrakesh at the end

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of southern Morocco were breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent. The leader was well informed, knew the route, told us exactly what to expect at each stage and even took some extra time to share some bike maintenance tips for my own bike

Most Inspirational Moment

Has to be Tizi N' Test, or more specifically, getting to the top of it and the awesome descent on the other side, but also just the scenery in general, and goats in trees!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Richie was totally brilliant, organised everything with military precision without being too bossy, had all the cycling knowledge you could possibly imagine and was always encouraging to the whole group, not just the strongest cyclists. In addition went way above and beyond to make the trip as smooth and hassle-free as possible, and very creative(:~O) in helping to procure alcohol for those who like a nice beer after a hard day's cycling.  Not an easy task in Morocco!Special mention also for the backup drivers, Said and Hassan, who were extremely helpful at all times, and Idir, the local guide who did part of the trip with us. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Bring a torch.2. Get fit and/or get some good cycling practice on hills - it is a supported trip but the descents are so much more enjoyable if you've done the corresponding ascents.3. Be prepared for a lack of alcohol in places.4. Learn French! - Brush up on your GCSE French or at least learn a few words.  Not completely essential but again you get more out of the trip that way. 

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite days were cycling from Tafraoute and then the following day from Imouzzer. The scenery was just spectacular and at times, you felt like you had the whole valley to yourself. Ok I confess to enjoying the climb to Tizi'n'Test as well!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Richie was just great. There were safety checks and cycling tips. He was excellent at making sure the whole group were briefed about the day ahead. Thanks to Richie and the local guides, the whole trip ran extremely smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be woken about 5ish each day by the early morning call to prayer.Take long sleeves for the evening and for cycling late on in the day. Be prepared for alcohol deprivation!

Most Inspirational Moment

The fourth day of cycling was fabulous.  It seemed to go on and on.  Very slight inclines followed by endless gentle descents through the most dramatic scenery you can imagine.  Brilliant fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Richie Rocked!  Everything was run with military precision and he was authoritative without being bossy.   Top marks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

100% of our trip had a tummy bug of varying degrees during the week – be prepared!Even in October it was a little cool in the evenings therefore warm clothing is a must.  We were lucky to escape a storm in the mountains so I’d also recommend a wet weather riding outfit.Breakfast is Bread and Jam/Honey.  Bring your own if you want anything more nutritious. Take a pack of felt pens for the children in the mountains.  I still regret only having a biro and bag of Maltezers to give to the little lad wearing an oversized suit (think artful dodger) There is a possibility one of our group had money stolen from an unlocked suitcase at one of the hotels.  Take a suitcase lock.

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending the Atlas Montains, Berber tea and hospitaly, seeing the compassion in our driver's eyes.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

He is great, very organized and precise. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be physically prepared for very high ascendings! 

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the hill climbs!  Going down the Tizi-n-Test pass was terrifying but I was happy to make it through.  The long descent on day three or four into Tarfroute was awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a great group leader - very helpful, fun, and on top of everything.  No complaints!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long climbs on this - it would definitely have been helpful to practice hill climbs ahead of time.  Bring some warm clothes even in April.  Bring waterproof gear in case it rains!  I was nervous ahead of time about being on really busy roads, but for the most part there was not much traffic where we were riding, which was great.  When there is traffic, be careful, because there are some crazy drivers.  The first hotel we stayed in after leaving Marrakech was a bit bare bones, but they are all better after that.  Sometimes there is no hot water, but it's Morocco, so you just have to accept that, and most of the time there was hot water.