MTB TOURS IN MOROCCOMountain Biking Atlas Mountains

At the airport, we are met by our driver and then have a 30 minute transfer to our riad in the city’s historic centre., some royal palaces, and then travel through the millennia-old city wall into Medina and the pulsating heart of Marrakech. The tranquility we meet inside the riad contrast with the alarm outside- this really is an oasis of peace, and in general Marrakech will surprise you with the lack of hustle-bustle (within the old town at least). We have a short briefing before taking a short trip through the souks (market streets), cruising between the snake charmers and fortune-tellers in the unforgettable Djemma el Fna and eating dinner together at a restaurant that lets the atmosphere of North Africa sweep us away.

After a relaxing morning building up bikes and checking our kit we load the 4×4 or mini bus roof racks and leave Marrakech, to arrive in Imlil, a great little town that truly feels like the gateway to the Atlas. This morning we drive for 1;30 hour up to Imlil and the shadow of Toubkal’s towering 4167m peak (snow covered for most of the year). Continuing in the support vehicles to the Tizi n’Tamartert pass (2279m), we begin the day’s ride- mostly downhill and a great chance to let the bikes roll and give the climbing legs a break! Contouring around the valley to Quanesekra, we enjoy panoramic views down the valley, and up to the Toubkal range itself. Then the real trails start to kick in, as we descend through a number of tiny villages to Tamguist, sometimes on fairly challenging singletrack, but always well used (by the locals) and always well surfaced. From here we follow a scenic dirt road downhill to Imsker, where we eat lunch in the shady settings of a next the river (15km done). Soon after the village we turn right and head onto a steep downhill section, crossing the river and climbing steeply to arrive on a very nice technical singletrack. This is true, entertaining trail biking at it’s finest, and as the rocks give way to muddy fields, orchards and irrigation channels we have time to reflect on the day’s descents. Option to ride 10km back to hotel on asphalt or take the transfer to guest house . Meals Include: Lunch, Dinner Distance covered: 39 km / 23 miles

We begin biking with a steady climb, gaining height easily and then descending on a fun, rocky singletrack that is regularly used by villagers on the way to and from their fields. Heading towards Tinzert, the trail gets rougher, and requires some good trail skills and a careful choice of line, genuine nature and the friendliness of its people. From here the trail, still mostly downhill, becomes easier, and we cross a traditional salt mine to arrive at n’Ouisadene. Heading south west we pass through the villages of Toror, Anraz and Angoini, mostly on entertaining little singletracks between the garden terraces. Descending into Ouirgane for the first time we enjoy the panorama of the lake and wooded foothills, heading down through the villageon forest singletrack to the lake side. We skirt the lake and then climb up onto the prominent hill above the village. From here there are some great single tracks that lead all the way to our hotel. An easy day’s ride, but not without it’s fair share of fun or challenge Day. Meals Include: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance covered: 40 km

After breakfast we begin with a short transfer uphill to Anougaldalen village and start cycling uphill at about 1300 meters altitude. Here and there we cross a clear mountain stream so you can enjoy the welcome refreshment of an occasional wet foot! At the top of the valley we turn east and continue uphill on a good trail to the village of Ourmer. Becoming increasingly technical, we climb further towards the 1800m pass and will need to walk the bikes up the last short, steep section. We eat a small picnic at the pass and prepare mentally for a wonderful but not risk-free downhill on fast flowing narrow trails. Here the mountain sides can be steep so it is not the time to lose momentum and fall. We then find ourselves submerged in a river valley that gets rockier and sometimes very troublesome to the village Semghort (big rock riding challenges for everyone here). We take a short breath and get some rest on a short dirt road section before turning to the bottom of the river valley again where awaits several kilometres of quick, simple but immensely fun biking all the way to Imgdal- plenty of water and splash-downs after rains or in early season. We eat a late but sumptuous lunch under the shade of silver poplar trees and go back to hotel for après bike and poolside relaxation. Meals Include: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance covered: 48km