6 days on the MBA route, Paddy took a brake in Zagora. This morning he left early to continue his journey on the route direction Foum Zguid. About 25km after Zagora, he got stopped, water destroyed the road. Short decision, going back to the hotel in Zagora. Paddy is now waiting for information, when the road will be open again.
All the riders, road and piste past checkpoint 1 Chefchaouen already. The piste riders reached the blue city Chefchaouen yesterday evening and started early morning to the Talassemtane National park with it’s more then 2100m high mountains. The smell of the hemp plants crowing in the valley of Affaska is all over in the air. Bart Denys went already yesterday evening to the checkpoint 1 above Chefchaouen, a 200m vertical climb and back down to the city. he went there just the right time for the sunset.
Benoit Boquet is leading the road riders with 255km covered on the hilly route at the end of day one. Followed by Paddy Cope who stopped at km 228 last night. Tomos Packer was not feeling well yesterday and stopped at Rueda km 135.
Just out of Tissint, the route goes off the paved road and heads on a piste to Akka Ighane. This dirt road is also the first time part of the Morocco-BikeAdventure. The route to Tata follows now 50km of the total 94km on piste. In 2023 it was all the way on the paved road.
In May, we checked a 35 km long piste heading directly to Tissint. The new route bypasses the 15 km paved road near Tissint that was still part of the piste route in 2023.
The new route now extends over a 238 km piste from M’Hamid to Tissint.
Along the way, riders pass tent camps at the dunes of Erg Chigaga and the legendary Titanic café at the Iriqui lake. In past editions, the Titanic was a popular stop for riders to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even spend the night.
This Palm Oasis on the piste (dirt road) in the Sahara desert was added to the route for the first time last year. It features a water well and a small spring.
In October, we will ride along those pistes to reach Checkpoint 2 on the MBA route, Ahouli Mines.
Ahouli Mines are a fascinating and scenic stop along the way. Situated in rugged, rocky terrain, these historic mines with their old tunnels and equipment offer a unique glimpse into the past.
The combination of history and stunning scenery is precisely why we have chosen this location to be a checkpoint once again.
Plus, if you’re lucky enough to arrive during opening hours there’s a chance to resupply at the small shop here as well.
We would like to inform you that the registration fee will increase starting from January 1st. For those interested in registering for the next edition of the Morocco-BikeAdventure, kindly follow the link below or simply visit our website.
Morocco-BikeAdventure starts on October 6th, 2024.
The road route of the 2-Continents Adventure spans 4200 kilometers and involves a climb of 52,000 meters, making it one of the most exhilarating challenges out there! It’s the only bikepacking adventure we know, crossing 2 continents.
The first stage: we will join the Iberica Traversa start in Irun and follow the IT road route, covering 1812km across the Iberian Peninsula to Tarifa on quiet paved routes. The second stage: we will join the Morocco-BikeAdventure start in Tangier and follow the MBA road route to Sidi Ifni, covering 2444km through the Rif Mountains and over the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara desert.
The adventure will begin on September 22 from Irun Spain.
We have received messages regarding the new rule 11) restrictions on night rides on piste sections. Some people have expressed concerns about this new rule, and we understand that it can be difficult to comprehend if you have never ridden on these pistes (dirt roads) in the Sahara desert at night.
The new rule only applies to sections that are not paved, called piste (or dirt roads in America). On paved roads, you can ride your bike 24 hours a day as long as there are no local restrictions in place. This could also include riding your bike at night in a national park, but you must always follow the instructions of the police.
We have been recommending since 2022 that you should not ride your bike at night on piste sections. This is because many riders have crashed on these pistes in the past, especially in the evening after sunset.
There are several problems with riding on these pistes at night, such as difficulty in recognizing soft sand or larger stones in the dark. Additionally, in the desert around dunes, it’s not even safe to drive a car at night. During the day, hardly any people are visible on these pistes, and at night, it’s almost impossible to see anyone. If an accident were to occur, it would be difficult to locate the person. Furthermore, if the rider is only a few meters off the GPX track, it would be almost impossible to find them in areas without internet connectivity. Moreover, it’s challenging to find the piste in many places, and the best track could be 10 meters beside the GPX track as the pistes often change due to sand blowing in by the wind and other factors.
The following map shows the area affected by this new rule.
red: not allowed to stay outside (not new) – yellow: affected by new rule 11)
A total of 230km, entirely new terrain within the 2,300km course. Experience the challenge of a 330km piste section from M’Hamid to Tata with no resupply options. Enjoy the freedom to craft your own course across the dry salted lake to Sidi Ali, adding a personalized touch to your adventure. Explore the recently added 150km piste section from Icht to Aouint Lahna, bypassing Assa. Resupply options are available, with the choice to journey to Foum Zguid, Tissint, and Assa.
Highlights: Chefchaouen, Lac de Bab Louta, Tazekka National Park, Aouli mines, Rif mountains, Middle Atlas, and Anti Atlas. Traverse diverse landscapes, including Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga, palmeries, and the Sahara desert.
Registration opens: 1st December 2023 Start: 6th October 2024
We’re introducing a new road route with 1,100km of the 2,444km long course being completely new. Explore Lac de Bab Louta, Tazekka National Park, and the Aouli mines (now with a new checkpoint). Take a journey into the heart of the High Atlas, surrounded by towering peaks reaching 4,000m. Visit Agoudal, Tizi Tigherrhouzine at 2,645m, Gorge du Todra, Tinghir, Tizi n’Tazazert at 2,283m, N’Kob, and enjoy a fresh route along the coastline leading into Sidi Ifni.
Registration opens: 1st December 2023 Start: 6th October 2024
Big thanks to every rider who participated in this year’s MBA. Due to severe sandstorms and rain it became the most challenging edition yet. The official results are now available online. The next edition is set to begin on October 6, 2024. As always, the route has limited slots, reserved for experienced bikepackers, with 4 slots already taken.
Registration for the MBA 2024 will open on December 1st.
Congratulations to Irena Sosinska, the first-ever finisher of the 2 Continents Adventure!
From the Basque Country to the Atlantic Ocean, conquering gravel, single trails, mountain passes, pistes, and sand dunes, covering a distance of 4000km and ascending 60000m.
Despite electronics failure, scorpio sting, damaged chargers, mechanical issues, several days in sandstorms, and a final day in the rain, she persevered. Nothing could stop her.
“What a ride! What an incredible adventure. Absolutely f.cking surreal. I swear I will do it again!”
@berideback
