My vacations are never really vacations, they're work, but who can complain about work like this? The trip begins in May and will probably last 6-8 weeks. Here's the plan so far:
I'll pick up a (new) Ural in Austria and ride it to the tip of Spain where I'll take a ferry to Morocco and explore the Atlas Mountains and other places (to be determined), meet my Wild Writing Women friends in Marrakesh for a week and then make my way back.
The trip is mostly solo as usual, but I'm looking forward to riding with others here and there as serendiptity happens. Of course I'll also sending live dispatches with photos, audio and video to my website.
The itinerary is up for grabs at the moment, but the most attractive route seems to be through Switzerland to France through Provence, the Pyrenees and Basque country. Then head south through Seville and traverse the west side of Spain to Algeciras where I'll take the ferry over to Morocco and head to the Atlas mountains and then Marrakesh. On the way back I'll catch the eastern Spanish coast through Valencia and Barcelona. Sound good? What shouldn't I miss? I'm very familiar with France (excepting the Basque area), but not at all with Spain or Morocco.
I look forward to hearing your advice, comments, and experiences in these areas. Thanks!
You don’t say, but I assume you are going to drive a Ural sidecar rig. Which model? The one with the 2WD system? Sounds like a nice trip. Enjoy and good luck!
OK I think you are a serious rider and I would like to follow this adventure of yours…I’ll drink up every word you write…so keep them coming
When you get to Morroco it might be best to not ride alone. Although not quite as strict/hardcore as some other countries with a Mulim indoctrination, you could encounter difficulties riding alone.
Good luck on your ride; Morroco is a beautiful country until you approach some of the larger cities. There you are likely to encounter hundreds of blowing shrub flowers that look very much like plastic trash bags!
You’re a brave girl, Carla. I imagine you’ll be quite a sight on that Ural, but then you’re used to having people stare at you!
One aspect of your travels that I don’t think you’ve mentioned is the goodwill and favorable impression of Americans that you leave wherever you go, so important nowadays.
Remember to take some emergency supplies such as: duct tape, wire, Super Glue, rubber bands, a tow strap, first-aid kit, Pepto-Bismol, pepper gas…
Most people tell me I’ll be fine alone – so far the ratio is about 1 in 20 who tells me not to, and the 20 have been there, the 1 has not. I’m figuring on the motorcycle, the head-to-toe gear, a fair amount of attitude, and long-honed intuitive skills to give me the best possible experience. Nope, not going through the Rif Mountains (big cannibus-growing area) and other hot spots!
Hi Carla,
Last year, I flew to Marrakesh from UK with my girlfriend, and hired a 125 Honda. We did a 600 mile round trip over the Atlas mountains and into the Sahara, two-up on the 125, staying at cheap guesthouses. I know there were two of us, but we had no problems, and people were incredibly friendly towards us. It’s a really laid-back country and very beautiful and perfect for travelling on a bike even though it was December and very cold in the mountains. I think you’ll love it and want to return as it has a special vibe that’s quite addictive.
Great news – just what I want to hear 🙂
Carla;
Will your ride be another Tourist?I look forward to reading about your trip and possible comparison of a 2009 model vs. 1995 model.
What kinds of camping gear are to taking? What spare’s and laptop for this trip? what internet connections? Wish I could go along!
Jim Barnwell