Portsmouth - Fes
Firstly, a huge thanks to Tim and all who post their experiences on here - invaluable support, before we even left!!
So, six of the mountain rats (www.mountain-rats.co.uk) agree to put bar talk into action and see something a little different.
Armed with bikes (4 x GS, a 1200GT and a Wing), a Ferry booking, fiches and a planned RV with TWMBO in Marrakech in a weeks time, we m,eet at Pompey docks. Check-in and boarding go smoothly, 1st gear and sidestand and leave it to the man.
Phil, Pete, Steve, Kevin, Andy and Bob
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Y2q63MYETYa7kFoUxPwul7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D6_l7nknEKA/TqQj5t5S_QI/AAAAAAAAAHE/YfEhutyOcTs/s800/DSCF5853.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The ferry is clean, warm and comfortable - with a bar ( milk or coke it would appear) and regular quizes to keep the grey cells alive.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-3VBoLxpM6Qb0RQa5Y1c_2VcQs522z6kmtdWwl7-6Us?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hT7QmHyOibg/TqRJzTJ-OGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/qrld2M3PX9Y/s800/IMG_0095%25255B1%25255D.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The plan from Santander is simple: fast run to Algeciras via the motorways. Salamanca Ibus the first night and Jerez Ibus the second. Salamanca is stunning and would get a revisit but Jerez didn't really impress.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kT6MQrL1j7AjwTZxkpFZ4F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oe3w9Jm5QDY/TqQkORyxdKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8ThEF2e1mYg/s800/DSCF5861.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U7zZfWMyVqsCpCjQJpaNRF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p9yaL4ef6sU/TqQkWQ0DQMI/AAAAAAAAAHw/jDoDvepuHdk/s800/DSCF5864.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DP-LWvlr2QXA8pqqa93Ng17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bI0vo4uI12M/TqQkuM90_UI/AAAAAAAAAIg/us1-oy4YS04/s800/DSCF5876.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wpv5S-o2D1LSvAOwRpuog17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-npq1vmOiWwU/TqQlqGUjbBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Mjm3DHG9l1k/s800/DSCF5904.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bgf7-h9GPI82ZMg7p8DTal7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MW1TB8nUaVA/TqQmC4a161I/AAAAAAAAALA/Eu2UTHroG4g/s800/DSCF5916.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The Spanish motorways are excellent and apart from a slight faff around Seville, we made excellent time without getting too bored in the seat.
Arrived at the ferry terminal without a booking and arranged to be on the next ferry for 53 Euros each. All very easy. Temp Inport Forms completed and passports stamped on board. Tanger Med an excellent choice for first timers. No touts, helpful officials and all 6 bikes ready to go in 30 minutes.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UZwQ_Z7OB9YISvI8i7OT_F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vX3G4oERGr0/TqQmRkNmtdI/AAAAAAAAALk/x2drq1CU_DA/s800/DSCF5925.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QCY5oXJpoJf3gWhNj6GQ_F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_GLK4MhMSw/TqQmHQj1LRI/AAAAAAAAALI/XULJ-jpijk4/s800/DSCF5918.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hzQnkwkp2z2QVHkzNUd2pl7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nMU75hzr-hg/TqQmK45UVPI/AAAAAAAAALQ/GamyQhzVmVU/s800/DSCF5920.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D9P8G1U8c-y9P1ACceZUH17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s87lTGXIv3A/TqQmP1bDBrI/AAAAAAAAALg/vHyWWU2ycbY/s800/DSCF5924.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
Into Africa, and a target for the night of Fes. Roads excellent, mint tea superb and a really enjoyable run south.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iikcXBeN-lSo2Pzy1b1ikF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xkl5Xoa99qU/TqQmUX68IiI/AAAAAAAAALo/w5X28B3h7CE/s800/DSCF5926.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OMTqtGjv6aDt_og92-MiLF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wf_2FWltxQY/TqQmnJnH0eI/AAAAAAAAAMA/goifE1TgAjU/s800/DSCF5932.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
A couple of moped touts on the run in to the city but, yes, you've guessed it, the Ibus convenient and helpful.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gIxEhGcgY69tAn6-AWfCyV7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J9OGCjVhfwY/TqQmhdsyzxI/AAAAAAAAAL4/G29tLSY4RXg/s800/DSCF5930.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XAlhFY7U-QYpCWSFWfOfQV7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bn6zmumIf2w/TqQmbs0Gc2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/Iken6rTMR_4/s800/DSCF5929.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
Firstly, a huge thanks to Tim and all who post their experiences on here - invaluable support, before we even left!!
So, six of the mountain rats (www.mountain-rats.co.uk) agree to put bar talk into action and see something a little different.
Armed with bikes (4 x GS, a 1200GT and a Wing), a Ferry booking, fiches and a planned RV with TWMBO in Marrakech in a weeks time, we m,eet at Pompey docks. Check-in and boarding go smoothly, 1st gear and sidestand and leave it to the man.
Phil, Pete, Steve, Kevin, Andy and Bob
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Y2q63MYETYa7kFoUxPwul7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D6_l7nknEKA/TqQj5t5S_QI/AAAAAAAAAHE/YfEhutyOcTs/s800/DSCF5853.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The ferry is clean, warm and comfortable - with a bar ( milk or coke it would appear) and regular quizes to keep the grey cells alive.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-3VBoLxpM6Qb0RQa5Y1c_2VcQs522z6kmtdWwl7-6Us?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hT7QmHyOibg/TqRJzTJ-OGI/AAAAAAAAAgY/qrld2M3PX9Y/s800/IMG_0095%25255B1%25255D.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The plan from Santander is simple: fast run to Algeciras via the motorways. Salamanca Ibus the first night and Jerez Ibus the second. Salamanca is stunning and would get a revisit but Jerez didn't really impress.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kT6MQrL1j7AjwTZxkpFZ4F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oe3w9Jm5QDY/TqQkORyxdKI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8ThEF2e1mYg/s800/DSCF5861.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U7zZfWMyVqsCpCjQJpaNRF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p9yaL4ef6sU/TqQkWQ0DQMI/AAAAAAAAAHw/jDoDvepuHdk/s800/DSCF5864.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DP-LWvlr2QXA8pqqa93Ng17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bI0vo4uI12M/TqQkuM90_UI/AAAAAAAAAIg/us1-oy4YS04/s800/DSCF5876.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wpv5S-o2D1LSvAOwRpuog17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-npq1vmOiWwU/TqQlqGUjbBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Mjm3DHG9l1k/s800/DSCF5904.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bgf7-h9GPI82ZMg7p8DTal7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MW1TB8nUaVA/TqQmC4a161I/AAAAAAAAALA/Eu2UTHroG4g/s800/DSCF5916.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
The Spanish motorways are excellent and apart from a slight faff around Seville, we made excellent time without getting too bored in the seat.
Arrived at the ferry terminal without a booking and arranged to be on the next ferry for 53 Euros each. All very easy. Temp Inport Forms completed and passports stamped on board. Tanger Med an excellent choice for first timers. No touts, helpful officials and all 6 bikes ready to go in 30 minutes.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UZwQ_Z7OB9YISvI8i7OT_F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vX3G4oERGr0/TqQmRkNmtdI/AAAAAAAAALk/x2drq1CU_DA/s800/DSCF5925.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QCY5oXJpoJf3gWhNj6GQ_F7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_GLK4MhMSw/TqQmHQj1LRI/AAAAAAAAALI/XULJ-jpijk4/s800/DSCF5918.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hzQnkwkp2z2QVHkzNUd2pl7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nMU75hzr-hg/TqQmK45UVPI/AAAAAAAAALQ/GamyQhzVmVU/s800/DSCF5920.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D9P8G1U8c-y9P1ACceZUH17U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s87lTGXIv3A/TqQmP1bDBrI/AAAAAAAAALg/vHyWWU2ycbY/s800/DSCF5924.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
Into Africa, and a target for the night of Fes. Roads excellent, mint tea superb and a really enjoyable run south.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iikcXBeN-lSo2Pzy1b1ikF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Xkl5Xoa99qU/TqQmUX68IiI/AAAAAAAAALo/w5X28B3h7CE/s800/DSCF5926.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OMTqtGjv6aDt_og92-MiLF7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wf_2FWltxQY/TqQmnJnH0eI/AAAAAAAAAMA/goifE1TgAjU/s800/DSCF5932.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
A couple of moped touts on the run in to the city but, yes, you've guessed it, the Ibus convenient and helpful.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gIxEhGcgY69tAn6-AWfCyV7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J9OGCjVhfwY/TqQmhdsyzxI/AAAAAAAAAL4/G29tLSY4RXg/s800/DSCF5930.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XAlhFY7U-QYpCWSFWfOfQV7U6OePumW7orhXZFe130w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bn6zmumIf2w/TqQmbs0Gc2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/Iken6rTMR_4/s800/DSCF5929.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a>