Morocco 2023

Merzouga to Todra Gorge – 7 May 2023 (296kms)

“Africa” – the word spoken by local Moroccans when they don’t know what to say. It fills an awkward silence.

The beauty of our camp last night is replaced by a sand covered space. Think Vegas in morning.

Quick trip across the desert to the hotel to pick up bikes. Then away.

Strong wind as we dash across a desert landscape. Stop for a cup of sugary tea and a visit to underground canals. 2500kms of these tunnels dug manually. We acquire head scarves and Hana provides a lesson on tying them.

We are now approaching the Atlas Mountains. They are huge sedimentary rocks stretching for miles. There is no vegetation on the rocks. Again large river beds are empty. Would be magnificent in full flow. The villages are a little more quaint. The kids run to the edge of the road to wave at us. The roads through the mountains are narrow and winding. Good condition but we work hard on the gears.

Lunch at a wonderful little establishment in the mountains. Vegetable omelet.

Onwards through the mountain valley with steep walls and empty rivers. Underground water feeds the lush green foliage. The valley broadens out and a large black cloud hover over us. An ominous sign? Lightning flashes and a few “raindrops are falling on our heads”.

We stop high on the mountain, pulling onto downhill sloping gravel. Mmmm. Hana explains the entrance to our hotel tonight. We are down steep gravel, hairpin bends & up steep gravel. “We don’t do gravel” shouts the group.

Shaking with anticipation, Singo mounts his bike (on the downhill gravel), it rolls forward and hits the dirt. Oh dear, first indiscretion on the trip. Singo is flapping his arms, walking in circles and looking confused. Before lifting the bike, Hana screams stop to enable an incriminating photo to be taken and then squats against the bike and single handedly puts it back in position. Awkward.

The trip resumes. The road is narrow, windy and in disrepair. Kids congregating on the roadside rush forward and throw water all over some of us. Its no coincidence that the name of the village is ASSOUL.

With trepidation we approach the entrance to the hotel. It is a hairpin turn onto downhill gravel. Gibster goes first – made it. Singo follows him in – made it. Russ follows. Hanna yells stop. After grabbing the front brake, Russ looks up from the dirt thinking WTF. Mike follows – made it. Boxy has considered the whole operation. He decides to abstain and calls on the valet to drive his bike.

We have arrived at this amazing hotel, Auberge Festival, built into the mountain. A random distribution of keys puts Singo & Gibster in cave rooms, Mike is in the tower and the rest are in the main building. Boxy has secured the prized storage room. Not happy Jan!

Dinner and drinks tonight at the hotel. We are all in a very appreciative state of mind given the diversity of the experience and the fellowship of Hana & David.

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