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Moto Maroc Adventure
Ait Ben Haddou & Anti Atlas Mountains
Morocco - Day 9
04/10/09 - Middle Atlas Mountains - 203 miles
Film Sets and the Road to Hell
The fortified city of Ait Benhaddou perched on the hill next to the river has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987 and popular filming location of such movies as Lawrence of Arabia, Time Bandits and more recently Gladiator, because of its traditional narrow streets and Kasbahs. We left the bikes outside the café, with John and Brigitte again watching over them and walked down to the dry river bed that leads to the entrance to the site. John had told us it was free to enter but after some arguing with two young men who were demanding money I gave in and paid 10 Dirham’s for Mo, Mandy and myself to enter. We slowly walked up through the narrow streets looking at the many colourful garments for sale from the people who still live there, steadily climbing about half way to the top and decided that this was far enough. The sun was shining and the temperature was rising very quickly as we made our way down the steep steps and back across the river up to the café to sit in the shade.
Morocco - Day 10
05/10/09 - Anti Atlas Mountains - 134 miles
Mountains and Cold Beers
In comparison to the previous day this one was an enjoyable ride passing through the Anti Atlas Mountains with lots of opportunities to stop and take in the wonderful views of the remote villages and forts nestled amongst the mountains. First the route meandered north before taking a turn to head south again. At one photo opportunity I decided to continue onwards down the road and wait for the group to come riding by so we could get some photos of them. We sat waiting for a while but eventually the long line of bikes cruised by and their sedate pace allowed us to swiftly catch up as it snaked its way along the twisting road through the narrow valley.
Morocco - Day 9
Over the course of the day the temperature had risen steadily and accompanied by Dave and Joy on their VFR 800 we had left the main group behind at the last café stop. The warm air rushing across my face felt like a hair drier on full blast and was becoming very uncomfortable, so I decided that the quicker I went the sooner I would be out of this stifling heat. Gradually I increased our speed with Dave duly following behind and soon could see two other bikes in the distance. I recognised them to be Ian and Chris making their way along ‘The Road to Hell’. All I could hear was the Chris Rea tune repeating in my head after Mo had made the analogy. Nothing else mattered now but to reach our hotel as soon as possible and hopefully some cool air conditioning. Within minutes of spotting the two riders in front we had both screamed passed and they where only little dots in my vibrating mirror. Eventually the purgatory was over as we arrived at our destination and I went to get a refreshing drink of water from the bottle strapped to the bike rack, only to find it had almost boiled from the heat. I still drank it, I was that parched and if I had had a tea bag it would have made a great cuppa!
Word had gotten around amongst the group of my high speed venture across the plains with comments being made on the lines of ‘Tiny was setting the pace today.’ Later that evening when I was taking to Ian he told me that he almost jumped off his bike when I passed him, he was shocked to see my V-Strom, fully loaded with a pillion go so well considering it is only 650cc. In fact I think the bike had surprised quite a few people with its performance considering most had at least 800cc and above. At dinner Bob had said that he had checked his temperature gauge on his bike and it had been reading 39oC in the afternoon, that’s 102 degrees in old money!
Morocco - Day 10
We arrived at our hotel relatively early in the afternoon, giving us some time to take it easy or alternatively explore the town. Initially Mo and I had decided to go for a walk but she had made a comment about the fact we would probably not make it beyond the hotel bar as we descended the two flights of stairs. She was right, bumping into Phil and Frederica who where enjoying a beer on the terrace whilst watching Ian, Chris and Dan having a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. ‘Fancy a beer?’ I asked Mo and reluctantly she said yes, so we sat down as the waiter brought out our drinks. It was very pleasant chatting about the trip, with Roger and Kim, Andy and Mary, Larry, David and Joy all joining us during the course of the afternoon refreshments.
Moto Maroc Adventure Part Four
Our journey continues with a visit too the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou followed by a ride along 'The Road to Hell.'
Time 8:42 minutes
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