Every bike adventure comes with surprises, and for Karina, they started on day one.
Karina set off to ride the shorter 969 km version of our Mines & Dunes route, a journey through remote pistes, gravel tracks, and the spectacular landscapes of Morocco. But her adventure took an unexpected turn before the first day was over.
An Unexpected Night in the Rif Mountains
As the day drew to a close, Karina suffered a flat tire. Unfortunately, her tubeless system failed to seal the puncture, leaving her stranded on a remote piste deep in the Rif Mountains.
With darkness approaching and no easy way to continue, Karina found shelter for the night with a local family. An unexpected stop, but also a reminder of the hospitality and kindness that make travelling through Morocco so special.
Rain, Mud, and Sticky Peanut Butter
Day two brought another challenge. As Karina continued towards Chefchaouen, rain turned the pistes into a sticky mess. The mud had the consistency of peanut butter, clinging to everything and making progress a real struggle.
Anyone who has ridden muddy trails knows the feeling: wheels clogging up, tires struggling for grip, and every kilometre becoming harder than expected. The beautiful Rif Mountains had presented Karina with another test of determination.
Her rear wheel was now running with an inner tube after the trouble with the tubeless setup the previous day. Still, Karina kept going and eventually made her way to Chefchaouen.
A Change of Plan
After two demanding days, Karina decided to adapt her plans. On day three, she left the piste Mines & Dunes route and continued along the road route instead.
She completed her journey in Bab Taza, bringing her adventure to a close in the heart of the Rif region.
Adventure Never Goes Exactly to Plan
Karina’s journey is a reminder that bikepacking is about more than following a GPS track or completing a route exactly as planned. Mechanical problems, changing weather, and challenging terrain are all part of the adventure.
Sometimes, the best decision is to adapt, find another way forward, and keep riding.
Well done, Karina, for taking on the challenge and making the most of an eventful start to your Moroccan cycling adventure!
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