Just over a year ago, we ran a Changing Seasons Doorstep Challenge where the star prize was two places on a gravel riding trip of a lifetime – a fully supported tour through southern Morocco with Thomson Bike Tours. Covid19 caused a delay in the prize winner, Marcel Hendriks, from being able to travel, but in the middle of November he flew out to Morocco and has sent in this great report of his travels.

Arrival

We arrived in Morocco in the early afternoon, flying in from Eindhoven. Stepping out of the plane we felt we were back in hot summer even though it was halfway through November. From the airport in Marrakech we were picked up to get to Hotel Kenzi Rose Garden. We had some time to discover Marrakech by ourselves until the briefing later that day, so we went into the historical centre to get a taste of the culture and markets. 

Later on we got to meet the group and learn about the exciting program for the week. The dinner took place on a roof top with view on the famous marketplace, Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Day 1

An early start at 6.00 am with the 4x4 cars for an adventurous ride with some traditional local music in the background. At times quite bumpy and a lot of corners. These roads through the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass are quite an experience to get through by car. 

We were amazed at the medieval fortified town Aït-Ben-Haddou to stretch our legs, where a lot of movies were filmed over the years. After the transfer from Marrakech we had an amazing lunch at Hotel Xaluca Dades. 

Next, we got to set up our bikes and go for a nice warm up ride to meet the terrain of Morocco.

Before dinner we still had some time to cool down in the pool with a beautiful view over the mountains.

Day 2

Welcome to the planet Mars. On today’s menu was a gravel climb to an altitude of nearly 2000 meters. 

Panoramic views, switchbacks, technical gravel sections and an impressive off-road descent coming into the town of Boutaghrar placed along the green valley of the M’Goun river. 

After passing the village, we were surprised with a unique lunch spot. The Gorges du Dadès are good for amazing sights that look like they come from another planet.

This ride alone was reason enough to get to this country. After the ride we jumped in the jacuzzi for relaxing the muscles.

Day 3

Tuesday’s ride was the biggest one crossing the Saghro range to the direction of Ikniouen with a distance of 106 km and 1333 meters of climbing. 

I would pick this day as my favourite. Rough chunky terrain to begin with, but also a paved climb to the Touririte Peak, which was quite a challenging one. 

After getting on the gravel again the sights got even more amazing, like you’re constantly moving through a movie set. Each section had its own atmosphere. 

At the finish point we could fuel up with a second lunch and get ready for the transfer to the Kasbah Hotel Xaluca in Arfoud.

Day 4

Today was the more relaxed ride while keeping the group more together. We started a bit later on the day from our hotel in Arfoud. 

The next destination would be Merzouga by bike to get a taste of the Sahara desert. The beginning of the route contained some nice singletrack and small farm roads between the palm trees. 

After a paved section, the desert landscape got closer. 

We took some air out of the tyres to make cruising through the loose sand a bit easier. 

Halfway through we arrived at a beautiful oasis stop to have lunch. 

After the ride we jumped on the dromedaries to get more into the dunes and look at the beautiful sunset - quite the experience. 

After sunset we rode back and got surprised by the beautifully lit bivouacs which became visible between the dunes. We were welcomed with music and tea. We got our own tent with all the needed comfort. 

This place was so special. At dinner my buddy Stig got another surprise - the lights went out, the staff came in with music and a birthday cake. Everybody got dancing and singing along. This special birthday Stig is never going to forget.

Day 5

After a great night in the tent camp, we left at 9.00 am for a 65 km loop ride around Erg Chebbi. 

Today we stayed together with the whole group to enjoy the sand dunes and the beautiful nature. 

Along the way we encountered a lot of camels and donkeys in the wild nature. 

The many loose sand sections made it difficult at times. Around 2.30 pm we arrived at our next hotel with an amazing view on Erg Chebbi, which was only 200 meters from the tent camp. Here we could first enjoy a nice lunch.

Afterwards we could use the pool and get a massage if desired.

Day 6

Today we left at 8.30 am back to Arfoud for our last ride on this unforgettable journey. 

We started with a few large sand plains where we had to look for a good track to cycle through the bumps and deep holes. 

Once through, we cycled through a few villages. We also cycled through the local market of Rissani and enjoyed a coffee stop.

After this we left the large sand plains behind and it became gravel roads again. 

At 18 km before the end we waited for the whole group to complete the ride together. There were still some asphalt pieces and some singletracks. When we arrived back at the hotel, the bikes were put away and we enjoyed a nice drink to end this beautiful adventure

Departure

Early transfer to Fez airport. On the ride we noticed the changing landcapes as we headed further north. After a week in a dry summer climate, we got to see grass again and trees with colours of autumn. In the evening we got our flight to Rotterdam. 

Looking back, this trip was perfectly organised by Thomson Bike Tours. The varied rides were challenging but not exhausting and in a nice balance with other activities. Each ride had its own charm and experience.

If you would like to find out more about Thomson Bike Tours and their range of gravel cycling holidays, head over to their website here