Just got back after 6 weeks riding in southern Morocco. I bumped into the Atlas mtb Race, which was intetesting.
It was my 6th trip. 4th by bike. Such a great winter destination.
Very nice. Any info on where you went? I just got back from 7 weeks in Morocco too. Followed the AMR route in the opposite direction from Essaouira to Tafraout, Route of caravans (with lots of variations) to Boumalne Dades, big loop down to Merzouga through Toura, Oum Jrane and Sidi Ali, on to Rissani, Gara Medour and Erachidia. Bus to Midelt and picked up the Caravans North route on the cirque du Jafar. Four inches of snow one night in Khenifra forest and half a day of rain on the way to Chefchaouen. Second trip there on the bike and definitely not the last.
Looks like you did a lot more than me.
I planned on heading into the desert and took only summer clothes to stay lightweight for more water capacity. Ended up with some bike issues, so did a U turn and did multiple 3-4 day loops. But most was at altitude, minimal clothes and summer sleeping bag meant I froze most nights. Coldest was -3°C. Most of the trails were old tracks that aren't on maps. But Maps.me showed them. Each year/visit I find more remote trails. Next trip will probably be in the Tizi-n-test and Ijoukak region, searching out singletrack. Some towns have been completely wiped out by the earthquake a few months ago.
Ijoukak to Taliouine is great just head up the valley from Ijoukak and keep going up hill! I did it on a Yamaha xt250 though
Check out this route on Strava: https://strava.app.link/1H6n2UrZTSb — ijoukak to Taliouine
I started a bit of that route, but up the zig zags trail at the begining. Turned back due to a snow storm. It was nearly 1cm deep! There is a mine up there that I want to explore next time.
Suprised you didn't recognize the rare Ijoukak flowerpot cat.
20250228_170536 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250131_160659 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250129_081940 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250129_081909 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250129_121944 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250227_085334 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
20250228_152618 by Hola Siesta, on Flickr
