Mountain Bike - Morocco

Welcome to the wonderful world of Morocco. We're not into big jumps or drops but the trails can be tight, technical and twisty as well as fast and flowing - so a good knowledge of braking and cornering is essential. Over 80% of the ride time is on various types of singletrack and we recommend a 5 inch full suspension bike.

The emphasis is definitely on riding the best trail possible. However, that does not mean you need to sacrifice all other aspects of your holiday. Like all the best mountain bike holidays, we include great food, hospitality and a true Mountain Bike / Mountain experience never to forget. Big mountains, big singletrack, great food, amazing culture and more!

Quick Bits

  • Technical Dificulty: 6/10 - Short sections of exposure.
  • Fitness Level: 7/10
  • 7 nights / 8 days
  • £995 / €1150 / $1300
  • Maximum group size 10
  • Marrakech: Explore the magical city of Marrakech with its snake charmers, story tellers and miles of souks.
  • Culture: Witness the incredible hospitality of the local Berbers.
  • The cuisine: Morocco is famous for its food and yes, you can have a beer!
  • Exceptional scenery: The Atlas mountains and the 4600m Toubkal mountain play host to the most spectacular villages and scenery.
  • The trails: Possibly some of the best singletrack in the world!
  • March 18th - 25th
  • April 20th - 27th
  • May 25th - 1st
  • June 22nd - 29th
  • September 21st - 28th
  • October 19th - 26th
  • November 9th - 16th

ADVENTURE DETAILS

Arriving at Marrakech Airport

Marrakech Airport has undergone some incredible reforms over the last 5 years and has become a modern, efficient airport. Where once you needed to complete an entry and customs declaration form this is no longer the case. Lots of new passport control desks have also made the entire entry process quick and simple.

At the passport control desk you will need you boarding card and an address where you are staying. This will be emailed to you (along with lots of other information) when you book with us.

Once you have passed through customs control (and you have a nice new stamp in your passport!) you will need to collect your bike and any luggage you checked onto the flight from the carrousel.

Where to meet

As you leave the arrivals hall we will be waiting outside. You'll be easy to spot with your bikes.

Transfer to Imlil

Once we're all together and have everything sorted, we will load the van and transfer to Imlil. The transfer time is approximately 90 minutes and we aim to do one transfer once we're all together.

Getting ready

A good breakfast sets us up for the first day. Today is the day to get everything dialled before we hit the big mountains and stray from the comfort of the lodge in Imlil.

A short climb of 6km to the top pass drops us straight into tight, twisty singletrack where the challenge is to get round as many corners as possible without putting a foot down! Then another short, dirt track climb to lunch.

More singletrack after lunch...

We're straight into the singletrack after lunch! Fast and flowing with sections of lose and rocky as we ride through the pine forest back towards Imlil. Just above Imlil we then head west to the next singletrack descent that drops us back into the chaos and vibrant life of Imlil. The sights and sounds are a sensory overload!

Back to the lodge

If there is time you can stop in Imlil for an explore before heading back to the comfortable lodge for an incredible dinner at approximately 19:00hrs.

Berber 4x4 uplift (mule!)

We start with a large breakfast at around 8.00am then load our bikes onto the mules for an uplift to the top pass at over 1800m. Except for about 6km of dirt track today is singletrack all day and it really is epic!

Lunch at Mohammed's family home

We stop on the way for lunch at Mohammed’s (our guide) family home. Due to the remoteness, we take a packed lunch and are greeted with mint tea, biscuits, nuts and fruit to complement our picnic.

Singletrack after lunch

After lunch we start with a steady 6km on a mix of remote asphalt road and dirt track to the start of the next long section of singletrack that drops us directly into the gite for dinner and the night. The mountain scenery, views, location and singletrack are spectacular!

A tough but rewarding day

Straight from the Gite the singletrack starts. Tight, steep twisty singletrack drops us onto a riverbed we cross to pick up the singletrack on the other side. This path links three or four villages as we traverse from one to the other. This is fast and flowing but we don’t lose much height as we follow the riverbed below. There are a couple of little climbs of 2-300m which catapult us into incredibly fast sections where you need to slam on the anchors to avoid firing off the singletrack on tight hairpin corners. After a few hours of singletrack we enter an area of more singletrack on the famous Red Rock of Morocco. An incredible playground with outstanding grip and fast flowing singletrack.

We stop for lunch in a secluded, wooded part of the riverbed where Mohammed and Abdul will be waiting and will have already prepared mint tea for our arrival. Lunch will be a welcome break from the efforts of riding as fast as you can for so long on so much singletrack. But it doesn't stop there...

After lunch we’re off again. A short warm up of 1.5km and we’re crossing a large dam to find the entrance to yet another incredible ribbon of singletrack. A very sketchy entrance unravels into km after km of gently down sloping singletrack in a spectacular gorge. This is truly breath-taking scenery to match some of the best singletrack in the world!

Gaining height, on singletrack of course!

We start with a singletrack ridgeline ascent. The grip is good but you need to pick a good line and save your energy for the tricky bits which are thrown in there just to spice it up! From the top of this challenge we have a traverse and singletrack descent back into a riverbed on the other side of the valley for another, very technical ascent. This one is rockier (but not lose) and good trials skills will be an enormous advantage. A real lung buster, but you’ll be amazed at the level of grip that drives you forward and makes it a really good section. From the top here there is a fantastic singletrack descent for your reward before another, shorter, smooth, steady singletrack traverse which pops us onto a dirt track road which takes us to the head of another fast, smooth singletrack descent and the van for lunch which is just 1km down the road.

After lunch we have a short, steady traverse through several rustic villages to Ait Ahmad where the Gite for the night is. An earlier finish, usually around 4.30pm will help you recover for the next singletrack ‘Mega Day’ tomorrow. This is a great village to explore with its incredible landscape, scenery and caves. (31'07'43.77 N 8'16'03.87 W / 1483m)

It doesn't matter where you've ridden before, you're going to remember this for the rest of your life!

This is the last day on the bike and the best. A real singletrack ‘Mega Day’ which will challenge your fitness and technical ability, but only because the trails are so good you just 'have' to keep going!

We start with a gentle traverse and climb to the top of the pass which takes 45 minutes and a 20 minute hike-a-bike, but the rewards at the top are incomprehensible! If you enjoy singletrack, this is your heaven! As you look down the giant valley all you can see in a fine ribbon of singletrack disappearing into the distance. This is fast and flowing to start and as it drops in height the trail becomes more technical into the riverbed. All easy to ride, but you’ll be desperate to keep your speed up to increase the ‘grin factor’ so mistakes will be made! It’s just not possible to ride hours of singletrack without making a mistake... Especially when you’re hammering it!

One of the sections of singletrack runs through a dry riverbed. It’s smooth with rocks lining the twisting route so if you come off-line, you get punished. The twisting route makes you throw the bike around as you shift your weight from one pedal to the next to find the grip out of the slide and into the next bend. Almost like a slalom. Big gear, flat out! This is just one section, there are too many to list, but I have to say there is something for everyone and everyone loves it. From slow, super technical to smooth and flat out and everything in between! This continues for hours, without any let-up anywhere. The finale to this section is a rickety bridge crossing which takes us to the van for a late lunch. Tired and dusty...

Its not over yet!

After lunch we load the van with the bikes and get an uplift of over 1000m for our final, ultra fast, ultra epic, ultra grin inducing singletrack descent all the way to the comfortable hotel below where a cold beer and swimming pool await. Here we pack our bikes and prepare for our transfer to the magical city of Marrakech in the morning.

Explore the magical city of marrakech

We transfer from Ourgane at 10am after a good breakfast. The transfer time is approximately 90 minutes and takes us into the heart of Marrakech and the comfortable Riad. Secure bike storage with CCTV means there is no worry about leaving your bike there while you explore the sights of Marrakech. This is an incredible city steeped in history and culture with an array of things to see and do.

The Riad is just 300m from the famous Jnaa El Fna square where you can explore the Souks, buy spices and leather goods at great prices and haggle until your heart is content.

Getting to the airport

Your transfer to the airport will have been pre-booked so all you need to do is walk for 15 seconds to the pickup point around the corner which is the same place you were dropped off the day before. You need to be at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. However, during the summer months we recommend that you get there with more time to spare. For example, if your flight is at 13:00hrs you will need to leave the hotel at 10:00hrs.

Extra transfers

If your flight time is at a different time to the rest of the group, or you would like to make your own arrangements to get to the airport a taxi will cost between 100 and 150dh. We arrange the airport transfers for a time that best suites the group. If your flight time is late on Saturday and the rest of the group is departing in the morning you will have the option to either go with them, pay for your own taxi (100-150dh) or get the No:19 bus which is every half an hour from the edge of the square and costs 30dh direct to the airport.

At the airport

It isn't possible to confirm your departure without checking in so any boarding cards you print off before you get to Morocco will be obsolete! Even if you don't have luggage or a bike to check on, you still need to check in at the relevant airline desk. The airport is comfortable and modern and over the last few years has become a lot more efficient and user friendly!

mountain biking morocco price
£995 / €1150 / $1300 per person.

Price includes

  • *All guiding except in Marrakech
  • *Airport transfers to and from Marrakech
  • *7 nights accommodation
  • *7 Breakfasts
  • *6 Dinners
  • *6 Lunches

Price excludes

  • *Flights
  • *Lunch and dinner in Marrakech at the end of the week
  • *Bike rental - This can be arranged at a cost of £280 / €320 / $340 for the entire trip
  • Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks including water
  • *Additional transfers outside the specified time
  • *Meals and drinks in Marrakech other than breakfast
Skill Level

You will need to be able to corner and use your brakes instictively. Confidence on lose rocky sections is an advantage but we do not do big jumps or drops. This adventure does have sections where there is a level of exposure and you should expect to be challenged on some sections. However, if you're not comfortable riding anything, don't! It's a holiday, not a training camp!

Fitness

The fitter you are the more fun you'll have. But that does not mean you need to be a pro/elite rider. There are sections where you will need to carry your bike and some large climbs of 30-40 minutes and we are usually out on the bikes for 5-7 hours each day. Whilst there is a support vehicle we try not to use it except when really needed.

The Airport

The airport to fly into and out from is Marrakech Menara (RAK).

Arrival

The transfer to Imlil upon arrival is when the majority of the guests arrive. For example, if 8 guests arrive in the morning then the transfer will be an AM transfer. However, if most of the guests arrive in the evening then the transfer will be a PM transfer when the last guest has arrived.

If you arrive in the morning you can either wait for the evening transfer to Imlil with the rest of the guests or we can arrange an additional transfer for you. This costs 1500dh and should be paid for in advance. If there is more than one person wanting an additional transfer the cost is split/shared between you, so the TOTAL cost is 1500dh. If you arrive in the evening and there has been a morning transfer because that is when the majority of the group has arrived, we will usually include the transfer for free, but this is NOT guaranteed so please check.

Departures

The transfer from Marrakech at the end of the week is in the morning of the Saturday to coincide with the first departing flight. If your flight is an evening one then you are welcome to leave your bags at the Hotel until you want to leave Marrakech and you can transfer by taxi to the airport, we can arrange this for you. A transfer by taxi to the airport at a time of your choice is 150dh

Accommodation

The gites in the mountains are basic and comprise of a main court yard or terrace where we have dinner and breakfast, with accommodation to the side, cooking facilities for our chef, (usually) hot showers or hammam (steam room), French style toilet and electricity to charge phones etc.' Please don't expect luxury accommodation - You're in the mountains in a remote location so fluffy pillows, power showers and room service have been sacrificed for stunning views, rich culture, adventure and incredible singletrack!

When in Imlil the accommodation is comfortable with Wi-Fi, ensuite bathroom/shower and good facilities. On the second to last night the hotel is very nice with Wi-Fi, bar, swimming pool and ensuite facilities, in Marrakech the Riad is also comfortable and has ensuite with Wi-Fi etc.'

The Food

The food is quite simply exceptional! Breakfast is a selection of bread, pancakes, omelette, cheeses, jams, chocolate spread, tea, coffee and juice. Lunch is a very good `picnic` which consists of mint tea, pasta, a stew of some kind (usually pulses), chopped salads, tinned fish, bread and fruit desert. Dinner consists of three courses: Soup starter, main course (Tajine, Cuscus or similar traditional Berber food) and fruit desert. Camomile tea is also served after dinner.

We can cater for vegetarians for a small supplement of £45 per person. We charge a supplement because this involves preparing and cooking a separate dish/tajine to the rest of the group.

First Aid

Each rider must have their own basic first aid kit. This should have items like: plasters, wipes, bandages, iodine and tape. We carry a complete first aid kit which contains items from syringes to sutra kits. Our kits do not contain any drugs or creams (pain killers, aspirin, antiseptic cream etc.') so we recommend you bring your own if you use them.

Inoculations

You do not need any inoculations to travel to Morocco

Insurance

You must have your own insurance which should include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. A search on the internet will reveal a host of insurers to choose from, but please ensure that it includes extreme sports. We do not go above 3000m. In the past we have used companies like Sports Cover Direct who are expensive but seem to have a good reputation. Other recommended companies are Ski Card and the Austrian Alpine club although they may not include baggage insurance. If you're not sure, please check.

Is the trip safe for women?

Yes, 100%. We have NEVER experienced any form of hostility towards any member of any group. When we ride in the high Atlas Mountains the locals are amazed to see mountain bikes, let alone pay any attention to the gender of the biker. The positive encouragement from the local women in the high mountains is astounding and they have a lot of respect for the women who have been seen on their bikes riding through the villages. As for the local men? Well, they just think you’re probably crazy! But then don’t most of your friends back home!?

Where to get it

It can be very challenging getting Moroccan Dirhams outside of Morocco. When you land in Marrakech there are several locations in the arrivals lounge where you can exchange your currency for Dirhams (DHS). There are also cashpoints/ATMs just outside the arrivals lounge near the exit

How much will I need?

You will need in the region of 1500dh (£110 / 125€ / $135) for the week plus whatever you chose to buy in Marrakech when we finish. This is for tips, water and other snack type treats along the way.

What do I need money for?

This is an all-inclusive trip while you're out in the mountains. However, we do not include the purchase of water, drinks or any tips you chose to leave during the week. The average water bill, per person is usually in the region of 30€ and we recommend a tip of 300-400Dh for the guides and chef who are with you throughout the week.

You will also need money on your return to Marrakech for your lunch and evening meal. Breakfast on the final day is included at the hotel.

We are in the process of finding an insurance partner to offer the best coverage for our guests. As soon as we have these details we will update the website.

Who are we?

Global Bike Adventures was previously trading as Freeridespain. We have rebranded as the company has expanded to enable us to encompass all our websites 'under one roof'. These included Freeride Oman, Freeride Morocco, Road Ride Spain and Freeride Spain. We have been running trips in Morocco since 2004

You'll definately need this!

  • *A helmet. This is compulsory for riding.
  • *Medical - A European health card is essential. You can get one online
  • *Some sort of insurance policy for YOU and your gear
  • *Your favourite baggies and full fingered gloves
  • *UVA and UVB protection, a high factor sun block
  • *You do NOT need a visa to fly to Morocco
  • *Spending money for lunch and dinner where not included
  • *Money for in the bar!

Bike

We recommend a 140mm+ full suspension bike (All Mountain Bike) for the most fun. However, that does not mean if you don't have one you should rush out and buy one. Yeti, Santa Cruz, Trek and other 'enduro' style bikes are very popular but lots of guests also ride bikes with much less travel and some even use hardtails. Please, don't bring a DH rig! You can do these trails with a single front ring but do make sure you've got a large cassette on the rear, otherwise it'll be a struggle in some places!

Tyres

We've used a selection of tyres over the years from semi-slick 1.8 to DH 2.4 The best, in our opinion is without a doubt the Maxxis High Roller II 2.35 or High Roller LUST 2.35 or something similair. The terrain is very rocky and technical in areas and the chance of a pinch flat is quite high. Thorns are not usually an issue but you do need to watch out for cactus! I'm a big fan of tubeless tyres in Morocco where it seems to be ok to just fit, inflate and leave them alone.

Pads

These are not compulsory but are most definitely recommended. If you have them you might as well bring them!

Bars and Nightlife

The bars and nightlife outside Marrakech is very limited. However, Marrakech is a vibrant cosmopolitan city despite its magical and mysterious charm. The nightclubs and bars are incredible and there is type of club/bar to suit every style and taste in Marrakech!

Alcohol

We try and use hotels and lodges that are more tolerant to alcohol consumption. Buying beer and wine outside Marrakech is almost impossible except in a few hotels. As a result of this we often buy a 'stash' and bring it long in the support vehicle.

Bike parts

Bike parts in Morocco are VERY expensive compared to Northern Europe or the USA. They can also be very challenging to get hold of so despite cycling undergoing an enormous boom in Morocco

Spares

We have a good selection of spares in the support vehicle but the items we carry are usually fairly generic to enable us to keep most guests on the trail until they get home. Therefore, if you have anything specific to your bike, for example a rear mech hanger, bring a spare!

If all else fails we can ALWAYS get you a spare bike...

All riding is optional and you are welcome to take a day off and rest. We have a support vehicle which can take you to the next nights accommodation where you can relax and wait for the rest of the group to arrive.

MTB, Road or eBike?

We always recommend bringing your own bike unless you're coming on one of our eBike adventures.

If you do need to hire a bike, please let us know well in advance and we can arrange bike hire for you.

For the trail

When out on the trail there are some items you should always take with you as you would if you were going out for the day on your bike at home. Please see the list below

  • *Bladder - 2ltr Minimum
  • *Pump
  • *Basic first aid kit
  • *Spare innertubes
  • *Multi-tool
  • *Snack bars or other type of fuel
  • *Spending money
  • *Spare rear mech hanger

For evenings

A good book, favourite chocolate or any other creature comforts you can't live without!

We have NEVER cancelled a ride although there have been times when we have changed the route. Your safety is our prime concern and your guide will always have the final say. The mountains here go to 3500m and we know them well and as Mountain Biking is a dynamic sport and influenced by many factors such as fitness, ability, weather and other potentially unforseeable events there may be a need at some point to amend or change a route or the itinerary.

Unless you're coming as part of a group or on a private tour/adventure the maximum group size is 10. We need a minimum of four to run a tour.

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