Morocco - Roads, Areas

[Walden]

Hey,

Bit of a last minute decision to do Morocco on bicycle. I was travelling by car but brakedowns have moved me to my folding bicycle. Will be in Tangier from Thursday. I have a Tern Eclipse, with 24" wheels, so not a tiny folding bicycle but not as good a gear range as my tour bicycle.

I'm not wanting it to purely be a cycling holiday, will be taking some buses and chilling in places due to energy levels and an almost healed knee injury. Would like to try do Atlas.

Any recommendations on road / sections to do and any bits to avoid? I will be there for about 3 weeks.

Thanks,
Charlie.

[b1ke]

I've pedaled the coast line south of Tangiers and it's easy riding, and if you want to see a few towns - Larache, Rabat, Casablanca etc., it's not a bad option. However the landscape is unremarkable, as is often the case with easy riding.

If you're looking to pedal straight out of Tangiers, you could head towards Chefchaouan and cross the Rif mountains. That would probably be more interesting than the coastline. I've traveled this route, but only by bus.

The High Atlas is more dramatic. I went over the Tizi n Test pass a few years ago and loved the landscape. I also went into the Anti-Atlas, staying in Tafraoute. Again, great landscape. Obviously the climbing is tougher, so your gearing might be cause for concern, especially if you're fully loaded.



In terms of towns, my personal preferences are Marrakesh and Essaouira.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have an interesting time of it.