On a trip covering 275 km, cycling in the Moroccan Atlas demands a good level of fitness to cope with some gruelling climbs in high temperatures. The pain from the climbing is rewarded by awesome scenery and the thrill of fast descents on a mix of terrain from rocky goat tracks to fast gravel pistes.
This trip offers a perfect adventure playground for both experienced bikers and those looking to improve their technical downhill biking skills.
Atlas Mountains
A volcanic mountain chain, stretching from the main High Atlas peaks to the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, the region is ideal for winter mountain biking amidst what can only be described as breathtaking scenery. Remote mountain villages hug cliff tops and the friendly Berber villagers welcome the intrepid cyclist looking for a taste of adventure in a wild, often harsh, but beautiful landscape.
Exodus, the small group adventure holiday experts, have been running their Atlas Descent trip for over ten years now and it remains one of their most popular off-road cycling holidays. The trip description is a little mis-leading as there is a fair amount of climbing involved, though optional if one chooses to make use of the landrover support vehicles. The exhilaration of getting to the top of each climb leading to the exciting descent that follows usually keeps most cyclists going.
Daily Distances
Expect to cover 35-45km on most days except for one long 70 km descent on day 3 and the final day over 65 km. The last day represents something of a challenge as anyone falling too far behind the main group will be scooped up by the support vehicle if the light starts to fade.
Trip Highlights
- Varied landscape from lush cultivated valleys linking tiny villages to palm filled oases and rocky gorges in the shadows of jagged peaks.
- Surreal sub Saharan rock formations at every vista.
- Switch-back descents on a mix of fast gravel tracks and donkey trails.
- Slick rock practice on the famous painted Blue Rocks near Tafraoute.
- Wet and stony river bed crossings to cool down in the intense heat.
- Sweet mint tea offered by a local Berber at the top of a gruelling climb.
- The experience of a steam bath with the locals at the Hammam in Tiznit.
- Haggling over carpets, silver and other souvenirs at the souk in Taroudant.
- Awesome final descent over 65km via rocky river beds and lush oases from Immouzzer to the sea at Agadir.
Difficulty level
A challenging C grade trip for bikers who ride most weekends and have a good level of fitness. Read more about trip gradings.
With flights taking five hours from London, a week’s mountain biking in the Atlas Mountains provides all the ingredients of an exhilarating cycling holiday for fit bikers looking for a winter sunshine escape.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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