With winter’s grip tightening around North America’s throat, we’re already looking forward to the longer days and warmer temperatures of springtime. What better way to embrace the fertile season than an extended spring break in the desert? How about riding around Morocco to catch sections of a desert rally while enjoying epic roads, mountains, dunes, medinas, souks and kasbahs along the way? Yes, please.
Next March 14-27, Edelweiss Bike Travel will lead a motorcycle tour that follows Tuareg Rallye as it winds its way through Morocco. The description of the tour is enticing, but they set the hook with the photos. Here’s a brief rundown:
The tour kicks off in Almería, Spain, and begins with a ferry ride across the Mediterranean Sea to Morocco. Ride through the Rif Mountains to the imperial city Fes, where you can enjoy a cup of mint tea in a café amid the bustling activity of the medina.
From Fes, the route goes over the Atlas Mountains to Midelt. Wander around the rally paddock to see the race vehicles and watch racers and their teams prepare for competition.
Ride from Midelt to Rich over the Tizi-n-Talrhemt pass, with views of the sprawling plains below. Catch the start of the Tuareg Rallye, then ride through deep, high-walled gorges to the small village of Goulmima. Welcome to Chebbi, Morocco’s part of the Sahara Desert.
Spend the night in a desert camp, then watch rally racers tag a check point. Ride to Rissani, home to several Berber tribes, for lunch and experience the hustle and bustle of a typical Arabic souk. Continue on to Merzouga for another rally check point.
In Merzouga, watch rally competitors take on the sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. Take a trip to see “Stairways to Heaven” and “Orion City,” sculptures erected in the middle of the desert by German artist Hansjörg Voth. Then take a camel ride through the desert and have lunch in a typical Bedouin tent.
The next day’s rally finish is atop 660-foot “House Dune.” Hike or take a camel to the top of the dune to watch the racers battle their way to the top, and don’t forget your camera.
The tour and rally turn north again. After passing Erfoud, the Date Capital of Morocco, enjoy a cool-down in the waters of the oasis of the Blue Source of Meski. Ride through the Grand Canyon-like Ziz Valley, at the end of which is the famous Legionnaire’s Tunnel, carved through solid granite in the 1920s “by 40 legionnaires within 6 months, by the mere power of their muscles and by their indomitable desire to do so.” Watch rally racers battle their way over boulder-strewn Boiler Pass.
Wake up dark and early, ride over the Atlas Mountains again and arrive in Saidia on the Moroccan coast for the rally’s finish, then party with the competitors. All good things must come to an end. Take the ferry back to Spain and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
For More Information:
https://edelweissbike.com/en/touren/?c=SPT17020