Well, well - it was just a germ of an idea, as i was riding back from morocco in january, i'd never enjoyed a ride so much. But what really made the difference was the riding through France and Spain, in two hits. It intensified the feelings and the experiance, i can't understand why you would want to get a ferry to spain, it seems to lack the feel of riding across countries to reach a far away destination, and the incredible statisfaction you get knowing you've covered every one of those miles under your own steam on your own sore arse
And the germ of an idea was duly put into action, on Saturday 8th April -
The only plan was the starting day, and the finish day. No point on planning anything through morocco, because we didn't know for sure when we would be arriving, hell, i didn't even know how many would be going. No one would be excluded, everyone welcome. The UKGSER mantra. I just stressed to the "low mileage", inexperienced riders how hard it would be, and just let them make up their own minds.
I hoped to be crossing into morocco sometime on the Monday, expected it to be late afternoon. And was very pleased to be on the 10am crossing.
We had mentioned and posted up about marrakesh, mountain passes and the Todra gorge before leaving. Not as definate locations, but what could possibly be expected. Again, i didn't want to pressurise the inexperienced, if we made it, great, if we didn't , no disappointments.
Everyone was allowed an input, and threw in ideas of where they'd like to go, and what to see.
Some excelled in what they pushed themselves to do, who i'm sure hadn't thought they'd be doing such things - Novice, take a bow, i feel proud of you, and know you'll remember some of the ride for years to come.
The ride was good, the distance we covered in the days we had, and the things we still managed to fit in and experienced were amazing.
I'd like to thank every single one of you, for the riding, the fun, the laughs, the "craic", the one liners, the jokes. And most of all, the memories.
All this, and most of the guys hadn't even met each other before April the 8th.
Just thought i'd like to mention, i had another germ of an idea on the way back. Watch this space .