THE TRAIL

Our journey begins with three days biking in the so-called ‘Paradise Valleys’ of Ounila, Dadès and the lesser-known but no-less-beautifull El Hot valley. This region is famous for its many kasbahs: some well-maintained and functional, other in various states of elegant decay. You will bike along some of the most striking fortresses in Morocco, with snow-capped mountains on one side and desert landscapes on the other. Fortresses such as the 17th century Kasbah Amridil, as well as the UNESCO World-Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, not to mention the nearby terracotta village of Tamdaght.

Each destination holds its own unique charm for bikers: the narrow Ounila valley is hemmed in by imposing sandstone cliffs, barren hillsides and peppered with crumbling kasbahs. Aït Ben Haddou has been the location for many a film and TV shoot, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Next, you will bike through the colourful Dadès Valley where hundreds of kasbahs line the route, sweeping into burnt orange canyons, arid red gorges, and a lush green oasis. And then to El Hot, a traditional kasbah village nestled on the remote outskirts of the famous Valley of the Roses. From there, we’ll wind through the mountainous landscape, taking in the unbeatable views of M’Goun, the second highest mountain range in north Africa.

RIDING SURFACE

Smooth surfaces with perfectly-graded climbs, easy 4×4 and packed dirt roads, sandstone gorges, rocky paths, some river crossings and fast, packed-sand desert plateaus.

AVERAGE DISTANCE

The first day we’ll bike a gentle 40km (25mi) with a 600 metre (1970ft) ascent or an optional 65km (40mi) with 700 metres (2300ft) ascent. As we cycle towards El Hot on the second day we’ll cycle 65km (40mi) over mountainous terrain, with a 1050 metre (3450ft) ascent. On the third day, you will bike 50km (31mi) with an ascent of 850 metres (2800ft).