Advice on off piste travel in Morocco?

[Stargazer]

Hi
Booked to go out on Portsmouth to Spain on Sat 9th April for two weeks and return same route. I would like to visit Morocco and equally would like to try some piste travel BUT I`m aware of my limitations.
1) I`m inexperienced off road
2) I`m on a 1200GSA with 50/50 tyres

I think I`ll have 5-6 days over there and would like to get a feel of the place such as some small towns and villages rather than the bigger settlements. I`m travelling on own but hope to meet up with other folks on the way.

Are there any piste roads for a novice rider on a big bike within striking distance of my 5 day trip. I`m aware it depends on weather as well and how much rain there has been.

Thanks

 

[Tim Cullis]

Azrou in the Middle Atlas 80km south of Fez has some nice routes. Have a look at the map in my article about wild monkeys: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Trave...Morocco:Barbary.Apes.In.The.Cedar.Forest.html

Head south out of Azrou on the N13 until you come to 'monkey crossroads' at apes1, then turn left (east) on the limestone gravel road. Work your way over to Mischliffen, go down into the volcanic crater and back up again, then head north east and take the track round the back of Mischleiffen heading south west and eventually you will reach the N13 again near Jebel Hebri (another volcano).

Some photos: http://www.morocco-knowledgebase.net/forum/showthread.php?t=209

You could then go south down the N13 for a few hundred metres and take the piste to the right that goes south west into the distance, see https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@33.3533861,-5.1439308,363m/data=!3m1!1e3

Look out for the volcanic vents to either side of the track after about 800m (you can see more than a dozen in the satellite view). The track goes on and on and on for 50km. If you want to exit at any time, head west then north. Some photos: http://www.morocco-knowledgebase.net/forum/showthread.php?t=210

I normally stop at Cedres Hotel in the middle of Azrou (cheap and central), Hotel Panorama is a bit more upmarket.

 

[Stargazer]

Thanks Tim
The links where really useful. I`m sure I could manage that particular road if I took it easy. I`ve now got my Morocco Map and the gravel road you`ve suggested is similar to other "all weather" roads marked on the Michelin map in yellow. Such as the R408 from Quazzane down to Fes or across to Ain Aiche. Would it be fair to assume all these yellow marked roads are of similar quality?

How long would it take to travel down that R408 road to Fes?

Thanks for your help.

 

[SkyGod]

You could always get some local training before you go???

http://www.adventurebikewarehouse.c...?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT4672/Products/ORT-160420

 

[Tim Cullis]

Unfortunately the quality of maps for Morocco is poor, there is no comparison between the two. The piste is gravel, the R408 is a Regional road, so tarmac. Even with potholes you'd be able to keep a fair speed.

Generally all N(ational) roads, all R(egional) and all (P)rovincial roads are tarmac, though there are a few exceptions.

 

[Stargazer]

Thank Tim
Useful to know. I guess it`ll be a make it up as you go along trip.
Cheers

 

[Breconbuff]

Hi Stargazer,
I'm on the same ferry as you and heading to Morocco for the first time although I've got 3 weeks to spare. I'm meeting a friend in Algeceiras. Look out for me if you like and we can have a chat. I'll be easy enough to spot - solo female on a F650GS
Regards

 

[Stargazer]

Hi Breconbuff
I`ll look out for you. I`m on a white GSA with no panniers, just black roll top bag.
Stargazer