Reviews

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First rate

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are wrapped up well against winter cold in the mountains; both on and off the bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, this was doing the Tizi n Test pass..20k ascent on roads bending in and around the mountains, and to reach the top and see the road back down from where we came on one side..and an awesome view across the next valley, where we were to decend, on the other. Absolutely incredible - a great reward for the mornings climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy was great as our group leader - very calm and organised, and put up with our constant questions on the routes. It added to our holiday that he is so taken with Morocco and was keen to pass this on to us. The trip to the women's group, and also the morning walk around Marrakech on the day off really made us see and appreciate the more hidden side to the country more. He was also a good motivator in terms of the cycling..never would I have thought I would be racing up mountains!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in Feb take warm clothes

Most Inspirational Moment

We had the chance to talk to members of a womens' cooperative near Essaouira, who were producing products from Argan oil.  This provided them with a level of independence unusual in the traditionally male dominated Moroccan society.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy, our leader, made sure that at all times, all members of the group were ok, and quickly sorted out any issues relating to bikes or accommodation.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my second trip with Exodus, and both times my expectations have been exceeded-if you have not used Exodus before, do so soon-you will have a great time, and many memories to treasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mountains and panoramic views were the memory I will keep with me for a lifetime

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy McKee was a very effiicent, friendly and capable leader. He ensured everyone was looked after and acted as an excellent motivation to get us all up the hills. Well done Andy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes! If you are going on the February trip prepare to be cold ! I needed fingered gloves, body warmers, ear covers, neck covers and full length warm leggings are essential. Its cold in the mountains and some mornings we were riding over frozen puddles which can illustrate the starting out temperature. Also the hotel on Day 2 has no heating at all so ensure you have hats and gloves and a warm coat for that one. Hotels after Day 2 improve immensley, including a palace and the most stunning central hotel in Essouria. Also be prepared for lack of alcohol (most nights this is not available at all) and very healthy eating - fantastic way to get fit!

Most Inspirational Moment

Day three and an ascent up to Tizi n'Test Pass at 2100m. A seemingly never-ending series of switchback climbs to our goal. Hard work at the challenging end of the 'moderate to challenging' trip tag. It was worth it though, views over the anti-atlas mountains and across a stunning decent that literally went on for miles with barely a car in sight. All topped off by an evening in a luxourious Riad complete with swimming pool and peacocks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Richard, was a key part of the success of the trip. He clearly identified goals for each stage of the cycle and personally ensured that eveyone excelled their expectations as to how hard they could push themselves cycling enjoyably.  This ensured everyone could get through the trip and that the group remained cohesive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't put your inside peddle down when you go around a fast corner. What goes down must go up. Taking your own cleats for the bikes certainly helps.