Yesterday, precisely at 19:10 Radislav crossed the finish line in Sidi Ifni by the Atlantic Ocean.2300km journey from the Mediterranean sea through the Rif and Atlas mountains to the Sahara desert.
Neither sandstorms, strong winds, heavy rains, high temperatures above 40 degrees, nor missing of a mobile network and serious isolation could stop Radislav. Incredible experience and achievement. We salute your outstanding effort.
In this event riders need more than just a pair of strong legs. Patience, adaptability, logistic, resilience and mental strength is all necessary to reach the finish line of this unique adventure.
“On the pistes and deserts in remote areas I did not meet any other cyclist.I had to rely just on myself.I liked it. Such adventure must be lived through. It is difficult to explain to anybody who has not gone through the similar long distance race. It was just great!”
Radislav is currently on the toughest part of the route with only 40km left to Merzouga. He carried 8 liters of water, 6 cans of sardines, and bread for a 160km stretch with no services. He enjoys a remote and deserted part of the route and he is sure to continue on the piste till Sidi Ifni.
Mex has 150km to the finish line in Sidi Ifni. Soufiane and Maze are heading toward the very last checkpoint on the road route.
Sandro is now in Foum Zguid and will ride the piste to Tata.
It’s day 8 for the road route riders. Ernst and Johan made a tough decision to scratch from MBA 2022, yesterday afternoon. Ernst struggled with stomach issues for a few days and unfortunately continuing the route wasn’t an option “It has been an incredible experience with highs and lows but definitely a big adventure” Great ride! Great team! Get well!
Yesterday Sandro made it across the toughest section of the route the stretch between Boudenib and Merzouga. He will now continue on the road route to the finish in Sidi Ifni.
Mex is only 480km from the finish line by the Atlantic Ocean followed by Sofiane. Maze will reach CP5 in Zagora soon.
It’s day 9 for Radislav. He is the only rider on the piste route now. Radislav is moving toward Boudenib.
Riders on the piste route are on their day 7. After traversing the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains, now they are heading to the Sahara desert. In this particular part of the route, riders are going to get to know the people in rural Morocco, people who rarely see any tourists, Where it’s hard to find any accommodation. Where people get the water at a fountain outside their houses. Public water fountain is a common place to meet others and have a talk whilst filling up canisters with water. Locals still ride donkeys to get from one place to another and they use real fire to cook their meals, which may take a bit of time but it’s authentic.
Wednesday, it’s day 5, and thunderstorms made the route much more demanding. Riders had to hide from lightning and earth slides which made the route unpassable high up in the Middle Atlas. The temperature has dropped to 9 degrees Celcius. Riders experienced how important it is to be properly equipped for any kind of weather and carry enough food supplies. At Tamatroucht, Sandro and Till together with the media car found an auberge where they could dry their clothes and recharge.
From Tamatroucht to Imouzzer Marmoucha several landslides made the route unpassable and the media car got stuck in a mix of stones and mud. Up to Tizi Bouzabel, which is 2267m above sea level, about 12 earth slides destroyed the road. However, no problem for the riders and they made it to the beginning of the Ahouli mine parkour.
Sandro, on top of all the challenges, has to deal with his stomach issues since day 2 and that slows him down. Radislav from Czech, who is 68 and is the oldest rider, is constantly moving forward and enjoying the route.
In the meantime, we are heading to meet the road riders. Yesterday, we met Soufiane “I am stopping frequently to take photos as the route is amazing! After every storm that passes there comes a rainbow after”.
In the hotel Suerte Loca, built 1936, riders spend time playing billard, table football, listening live music and resting and eating a lot of good food.
October 2021, Askan von Schirnding, 1st finisher road route
This road into Chefchaouen got a hard surface. We found a new unpaved route into Chefchaouen. This one is now the route for the Morocco-BikeAdventure road route.
The Morocco-BikeAdventure is a real adventure hard to find these days. Along the piste route in the desert, you find several water wells and the water is usually fine to drink.
Peter registered again! He will be back at the start of the Morocco-BikeAdventure piste route coming October.
His goal: “Enjoy the ride!”
We are sure, also with his long brakes till he starts in the morning, as fast he rides his bike he will finish at Sidi Ifni as one of the leading riders.