1. What kind of bike do I need?
The Spanish part:
Lubos Seidl, IT2019: “I followed the golden rule of bikepacking, saying: Just ride the bike you have!”
The route follows unpaved roads and trails. In 2019 from 42mm to 2.2″ tyres on a gravel bike till full supsension mountain bike was used.
The Moroccan part:
The route will follow roads, backroads, 4-wheel tracks. All the roads will be ridable and driveable with an offroad 4×4 car. But be prepared for everything. I cycled the route on my bike that has a roadbike geometry and 27.5″ wheels with a WTB ByWay road plus 650x47mm tire. I also used a 47mm on the route scouting October/November 2019, for the 2020 route. Today I use a 27.5×2.1″ tire with a fast gravel profile and protection layer.
If you prefer more comfort, go with a bigger tire and more comfortable bike geometry.
At the end it’s how April Marshke said after day one in the Iberica-Traversa: “There is no perfect bike in this sport, only perfect attitudes.” And as Lubos said: “Just ride the bike you have”.
2. Do I need insurance?
Yes, as the ride is totally self-sufficient, you need to organise your own insurance. No insurance – no start.
3. Who enforces the rules?
You do. The nature of these long distance rides makes them impossible to police by a third party, so the trust and responsibility rests solely on your shoulders to conduct yourself appropriately. If there is an obvious breach in this trust then the race director will make a ruling based on why, how and what rules were breached and if/what penalty would be given.
4. Is this adventure for me? Am I fit enough?
The extreme weather and terrain coupled with the distance and self-reliance makes this event a challenge not to be underestimated. If you are someone looking for a challenge in your life than yes this is for you. A background in cycling is necessary. A positive outlook with a good sense of humor is mandatory.
A standard of fitness is required to the point of being capable of spending continuous long days in the saddle. And an awareness of self-reliance and what that entails.
5. If i’s a race, what does the winner get?
It is not a race in the conventional sense. There is no prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The first at the finish get the kudos and bragging rights for being the fastest. Everyone else will be “racing” themselves, each other and the weather just to finish. This adventure will inspire you to question your limits and give you the confidence that you are far more capable than you think, not just in cycling but in life. The prize is an exceptional adventure.
6. What do I need to pack?
Be prepared for everything. Cold and rain in the mountains, probable snow, heat in lower regions.
7. GPS tracking
Online GPS tracking is not intended to ensure rider safety. It is for info-only, and validation of course compliance.
8. Helmet
We succest to wear a helmet all time you ride on your bike. It’s in the riders responsibility, to check the local laws.
9. Bag transport
We cannot offer luggage transport from start to finish. What if you scratch and don’t make it to the finish? What if you need longer, this event has no time limit. The transport may cost more than you pay for a bike box and new clothes in Sidi Ifni. And it crosses the border from Spain to Morocco. So we succest, go for the traditional bikepacker way, arrive in old clothes and travel home in new ones.
10. Travel back home
Buses bring you from Sidi Ifni to Agadir. From Agadir you can take the plane or continue your journey by bus to Marakech. In Marakech you find connection to the high speed train to Casablanca-Rabat-Tangier or connection to buses to any bigger city in Morocco.
11. How do i come to the start?
By plane flying to Biarritz, San Sebastian or Bilbao. Or by train to Irun. You find also bus connection from all over Europe to Irun.
12. Buses in Morocco
Traveling by bus with your bike is easy in Morocco. No discussion about your bike. You find an overview of all bus companies on this website:
https://www.comparabus.com/fr-ma/compagnie-de-bus#ctm
13. Trains in Morocco
You can buy train tickets online and they are not expensive.
ONCF, the Moroccan railway: > timetable