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Howdy. SLADERIDE.COM is where you can find collections of blog posts, route maps, photos and videos from my adventure cycling trips across the globe. Brought to you by Jon Slade – biker, mud aficionado, map-lover and seeker of that piece of perfect singletrack that you just know is out there …

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  • Blog
    • 2015 Morocco High Atlas Traverse by MTB
    • 2014 North-South Wales Coast to Coast by MTB
    • 2009 Alaska to Mexico by Bicycle
  • Routes
    • 2024 Colorado Trail by MTB
    • 2015 Morocco High Atlas Traverse by MTB
    • 2014 North-South Wales Coast to Coast by MTB
    • 2009 Alaska to Mexico by Bicycle
  • Photos
    • 2015 Morocco High Atlas Traverse by MTB
    • 2014 North-South Wales Coast to Coast by MTB
    • 2009 Alaska to Mexico by Bicycle
  • Video
    • 2014 North-South Wales Coast to Coast by MTB
    • 2009 Alaska to Mexico by Bicycle
  • Contact
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2015 Morocco High Atlas Traverse by MTB

2015 Morocco High Atlas Traverse by MTB

Transfer Day A - Our driver, Abdel, prepares to negotiate carpet movement (left) while child takes test for muleteer licence (right). Lunch stop in the market town of El Ksiba, during our transfer by pick-up from Marrakesh to Imilchil, where we`ll start the ride. © Shaun Grey Transfer Day A - Hungry boys Jon (left) & Shaun (right) ready themselves to inhale Tagine dinner before Steve puts camera down ... Hotel Izlane, Imilchil. © Steve Woodward Day 1 - Pit stop under a brooding sky. Just beyond Tasraft village. © Shaun Grey Day 1 - In amongst the moonscape there are joyous surprises like this huge green meadow - life-affirming! Looking toward Tizi-n-Ouanergui pass, with the huge Afella-n-Imeral ridge on the horizon just right of centre (in the haze). © Steve Woodward Day 1 - Mountain (Bike) Man, Steve. On the climb up the Tizi-n-Ouanergui pass (8,238 ft), before dropping into Anergui. Jbel Leqroun in cloud, on horizon. © Steve Woodward Day 1 - We need to cross that tiny bridge on the left to get to our home for the night! Assif Melloul gorge, just outside Anergui. © Shaun Grey Day 1 - Our home for the night. Le gîte Wihalane, Anergui. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - With our amiable host from last night, José. Setting off from Anergui. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - Readying ourselves for the track up ahead being "just passable" due to flooding ... Looking down the Assif Melloul gorge from Anergui. © Shaun Grey Day 2 - Eek! "Just passable" indeed! Dry-bags at the ready! Assif Melloul gorge. © Shaun Grey Day 2 - What a place! The Assif Melloul gorge continues. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - Nearing the end of Assif Melloul gorge, on a bridge a bit more substantial than the one we used to cross to our accommodation last night! © Shaun Grey Day 2 - It is getting hot! (wow, is it getting hot ...) Above Assif Melloul gorge. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - The magnificent Imsfrane Cathedral rock, with a thunderstorm rapidly brewing. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - A really, really tough day on the bikes! The grind in the rain toward Zawyat Ahansal, & our accommodation for the night. © Steve Woodward Day 2 - Despite the exertion, the scenery continues to be amazing! It will be getting dark soon though, and there is still a long way to go! Just south of Tifouina, with Assif Dunachale river on right & spectacular Aghanbou-n-Maskou ridge on horizon. © Steve Woodward Day 3 - Before setting off, some time to appreciate our wonderful accommodation. Dar Ahansal, Zawyat Ahansal © Steve Woodward Day 3 - Another big day with the Tizi-n-Lissi, Tizi-n-Tsalli-n-Imenain and finally Tizi-n-Tirghist passes to get over! Leaving Zawyat Ahansal, heading west. © Steve Woodward Day 3 - “I almost sat on a scorpion!”. Oops, that was a close one! © Steve Woodward Day 3 - Just so great to be out here doing this! Descending from Tizi-n-Tsalli-n-Imenain pass (9,063 ft) with snowcapped Jbel Azourki (12,064 ft) on the horizon. © Steve Woodward Day 3 - Entering the lush splendour of the Agouti valley. Just west of Aghbalou, with Jbel Azourki (12,064 ft) on the horizon. © Steve Woodward Day 3 - And ... relax! Flilou La Maison Berbère, our accommodation for the night in Agouti. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Thanks to Jamal, our host & fixer! Leaving Flilou La Maison Berbère, Agouti ready, for another big day. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Approaching the village of Ghougoult, in preparation for meeting the mules! ... © Steve Woodward Day 4 - And here they are, the two mules which will help us make the long, steep & rocky climb over Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass. At Ghougoult, with snow in the gullies of the long ridge of Jbel Tarkedit (12,198 ft) in the distance. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Like the Earth has been riven in two ... The lower part of the climb over the Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Those mules sure do carry those bikes better than we could! The climb toward Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass. © Shaun Grey Day 4 - Threading through narrow ravines, we feel like Indiana Jones! The climb toward Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass continues. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Still climbing! The top of the Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass is up there. © Steve Woodwardaverse_2015-469 Day 4 - With no wind & blazing sun, climbing the pass is thirsty work. On the climb toward Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Shaun & Omar rocking it. It is all just a gentle stroll for Omar. The climb toward Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass is still going! © Steve Woodward Day 4 - The air is thin, the wind is up & the temperature has dropped. Having said goodbye to Omar, our muleteer & the mules, we are the only ones here. At the Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass, at 9,521 ft. © Shaun Grey Day 4 - Yup, the only ones here! At the top of the Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass, at 9,521. © Shaun Grey Day 4 - Jon & Shaun toward the bottom of the super-rocky descent from the Tizi-n-Rughuelt pass. We had to be "on it" for this one! Approaching Tasgaiwalt in the Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - "Do you know where we`re going!?" (because we`re not sure we do!) Roadside directions to "Si Moh`s house". Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - The road has simply fallen off the side of the hill! (the only access road for the valley) Luckily for us, we are close to our accommodation for the night. Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Guides for a trekking group, passing through: Brian (centre) & 74-year-old mountaineering legend, Siegfried Hupfauer (right) Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 4 - Si Moh`s house - mud floor & walls, but what a great place to bed down for the night. Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 5 - Posing with our host last from night, Si Moh, as mules for a trekking group are being loaded. Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Shaun Grey Day 5 - Smiley Si Moh at his serving hatch - we mostly bought orange liquids full of sugar! Near Ichbbakene, Tassaout valley. © Shaun Grey Day 5 - And ... we ... are ... off! Leaving our abode from last night, in the Tassaout valley. © Steve Woodward Day 5 - Due to the road having collapsed or been washed away at both ends, we barely meet a soul outside of the tiny villages. Heading west along the Tassaout valley, toward Talat-n-Tazart. © Shaun Grey Day 5 - Our three little urchin friends, who show us a fantastic singletrack detour up into the hills, around the washed-away road. And their dog Max of course! Above Talat-n-Tazart. © Steve Woodward Day 5 - Jeez this "path" is sketchy to ride! The exposure is intense!Above the river Tassaout, bypassing the washed-away road Day 5 - Eek! Yup, the exposure is definitely intense! Amazing, if scary, riding. Above the river Tassaout, bypassing the washed-away road. © Shaun Grey Day 5 - This part of the valley, the Tassaout, is magical, & it feels as if we have travelled back centuries. Village of Fakhour, famous for its "fortified granary". © Steve Woodward Day 5 - Fields of barley beside the river Tassaout, near Fakhour Day 5 - There is a road under the river apparently! ... River Tassaout, near Fakhour. © Steve Woodward Day 5 - ... but we make it through! River Tassaout, near Fakhour. © Shaun Grey Day 5 - Trail-demon Shaun, nearing the end of the singletrack, but the trickiness of the riding is not letting up! Note the orange dots leading the way. Approaching Toufghine, Tassaout valley Day 5 - ... and we make it to the end of the trail, smiles all round ;) (look at the orange "Bravo" graffiti on the wall on the left!) Near Ifoulou, Tessaout valley. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - A dog lolls along beside us for a few miles ... just because it can! Oh to be a dog. Leaving Toufghine, heading toward Tamzrit Day 6 - Oh, up there you say? Crikey. Looking toward Tizi-n-Tamadla pass (9,265 ft), over which we will be riding today. The peak is Jbel-n-Anghomar (11,843 ft). © Steve Woodward Day 6 - Goat herd, just passing through. Near Tamzrit, with the massive, long bulk of Jbel Tissili (10,400 ft) on the horizon. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - You won`t get very far if you try to ride it that way round matey! GoPro adjustments! Leaving tarmac & onto gravel, near Tamzrit, with the huge, grey, snow-dusted cliff of Jbel-n-Anghomar (11,843 ft) on the right, toward which we are heading. © Steve Woodward Day 6 - Approaching the rock cleft, near Tamzrit. © Steve Woodward Day 6 - We made it through the rock cleft! Near Tamzrit. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - Tamzrit village, like stepping back a few hundred years. An amazing place. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - Jon to friendly kid: "Ok sir, $300 for an ice cream, it`s a deal!" (the heat from the sun is incredibly intense by this point, & it`s not even noon yet). Near Tamzrit. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - Straight out of the blocks from Tamzrit it`s a push/carry up to the Tizi-n-Tamadla pass. Wow that heat! © Shaun Grey Day 6 - The trail toward the top of the Tizi-n-Tamadla pass (9,265 ft) is rideable in places though. © Steve Woodward Day 6 - The moon AKA the descent from the Tizi-n-Tamadla pass & the dried-up river bed across which we need to ride (boulders!) Looking west, with lake Tamda in the distance, & flanks of Jbel-n-Anghomar on the right. © Shaun Grey Day 6 - The moon, again. Seemingly-endless dried-up riverbed, beneath Tizi-n-Tamadla pass. Very, very slow going! © Steve Woodward Day 6 - Want shade? That`ll be your bike helmet mate! So hot! Lake Tamda behind, and finally something more rideable! © Steve Woodward Day 6 - And, we are actually riding! For now ... On the trail toward Tighza, but still a looong way to go. This place is vast! © Shaun Grey Day 6 - Getting dark, but not there yet! Food & nav break in the dust. Hauling bikes over boulders as big as us is now the norm :( Slow, slow going. On the trail toward Tighza © Steve Woodward Day 6 - Repairing a snapped-off rear derailleur in the dark, after nearly 14 hours on the bikes. "Can we fix it? ... Yes we can!". Shaun AKA Bob the Builder master-mechanic does the final checks ... Somewhere between Tighza & Anguelz! © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - My magnifent room in the keep! Time to recuperate for the day, as mountain-desert air gently wafts in. At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - Our accommodation in the kasbah`s keep! "He`s not the Messiah, he`s a very naughty boy!" (ok, not quite in Tunisia, where it was filmed, but close-ish!) At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - After 6 days in the heat & dust, our only set of cycling clothes each could have stood up & walked away by themselves! Wow did they honk! At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Shaun Grey Rest Day A - House slippers. Slippers ... for the house. Are there any other type of slippers? What about those ones for diving? No, SSSSlippers, not FFFFlippers! Jon you Muppet. Slippers provided by our host at Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Shaun Grey Rest Day A - The magnificent view from our roof terrace - just the place to rest up. Looking over the Asif Ounila valley from Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella in Anguelz, toward Jbel Amater (6,650 ft). © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - And the view from the bedroom! Such a gentle place to stay still for a day. A real tonic. At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - Come all the way to Morocco & we only bloomin` well bump into Danny Dyer givin` it "Where`s mi cuppa Rosie!?" (anthropomorphised House sparrow = cockney, surely? Answers on a postcard ...) Love you Danny! In Anguelz. © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - A frequent sight outside villages in the mountains. Anguelz. © Steve Woodward Rest Day A - Ok, back-up snacks for tomorrow? Check! At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Shaun Grey Rest Day A - Fetching spats-esque duct-tape-fix to Shaun`s shoes which both ripped off at the sole after dragging bikes through the rubble yesterday! At Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz. © Shaun Grey Transfer Day B - Are they, like, actually secure? Yeah! Fine mate! Unscheduled taxi transfer from Anguelz to Aghbalou. © Steve Woodward Transfer Day B - Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality, Hussein. Our host at Kasbah Tigmi-n-Oufella, Anguelz Transfer Day B - The mosaics of Kasbah Telouet. Not your average lino. Stop off during unscheduled taxi transfer from Anguelz to Aghbalou. Transfer Day B - The view from Kasbah Telouet. Stop off during unscheduled taxi transfer from Anguelz to Aghbalou. Transfer Day B - The roof terrace of "The Penthouse Suite"! (& neither Chris Tarrant nor libidinous milkman Pat Mustard in sight ... clue: it`s a song ...)Top Ourika, Aghbalou. © Steve Woodward Day 7- Resting up in the shade, readying to drink orange liquid sugar, during the steady 6-hour climb up the "Ouka Monster". © Steve Woodward Day 7- 5,500 ft of height to be gained, riding up the Ourika valley. Roadie-tastic! Climb up the "Ouka Monster" to Oukaïmeden ski resort © Shaun Grey Day 7- Need shade! Road climb up the "Ouka Monster" to Oukaïmeden ski resort. © Steve Woodward Day 7- We made it! Oukaïmeden ski resort. Peaks from L-R: Taourirt-n-Ikis (8,530 ft), Djebel-n-Ouhattar (10,650 ft), unamed peak in foreground, Angour (11,864 ft), Oukaïmeden (10,712 ft) © Steve Woodward Rest Day B - Chillin` in the chill air at Oukaïmeden ski resort. At Club Alpin Francais de Casablanca (yes, Casablanca!), Chalet d`Oukaïmeden. © Steve Woodward Rest Day B - On a walk (stop pedalling, feet!) From slopes of Jbel Oukaïmeden, looking across to the Adrar-n-Tizrag ridge, above Oukaïmeden ski resort. © Steve Woodward Rest Day B - "The name`s Bond, Steve Bond. Licenced to thrill." Steve, looking suave and deadly. The highest point in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal (13,671 ft), is in cloud near Steve`s head! Taken at top of Jbel Oukaïmeden (10,712 ft). © Steve Woodward Rest Day B - Who`s this cheeky chappie? A "Bosc`s fringe-toed lizard", we think. But his friends just call him "Dave". At Oukaïmeden ski resort. © Steve Woodward Day 8 - Have some honey, honey. Pumping up the energy-loadin some tea at breakfast, ready for a day riding again. At Club Alpin Francais de Casablanca, Chalet d`Oukaïmeden. © Shaun Grey Day 8 - Suave Steve. On the climb up to the high point of our trip, the Tizi-n-Eddi pass (9,606 ft). © Steve Woodward Day 8 - Are we nearly there yet, dad? Riding through an alpine meadow filled with yellow flowers of the plant Woad (Isatis tinctoria). On the climb up to the high point of our trip, the Tizi-n-Eddi pass (9,606 ft) from Oukaïmeden Day 8 - Nearly there, son! On the climb up to the high point of our trip, the Tizi-n-Eddi pass (9,606 ft) from Oukaïmeden. © Steve Woodward Day 8 - Made it! Thanks lads! A suitable rock near the high point of our trip, the Tizi-n-Eddi pass (9,606 ft). Jbel Aksoual (12,828 ft) is the highest peak on the left. © Steve Woodward Day 8 - Whizz-kid Shaun & Trails-ace Steve readying for the rock-tastic descent from Tizi-n-Eddi to the village of Tizi-n-Tacheddirt. Jbel Aksoual (12,828 ft) is the highest peak on the horizon, on the left. Day 8 - Into the Abyss ... rocks-aplenty. The rocky but fabulous descent from Tizi-n-Eddi to the village of Tizi-n-Tacheddirt. © Shaun Grey Day 8 - Awww, don`t take a photo when I`m briefly feet-down trying to thread through rocks so I don`t snap off my rear derailleur again! Descent from Tizi-n-Eddi to the village of Tizi-n-Tacheddirt. Jbel Aksoual (12,828 ft) is on the far left, on the horizon © Steve Woodward Day 8 - Splish Splash Splosh, & nearly Bish Bash Bosh! Wheel dip in the Assif Imenane river, leaving Tizi-n-Tacheddirt, en route to Imlil, before our final day of riding, tomorrow. Bou Iguenouane (12,736 ft) on left, Jbel Aksoual (12,828 ft) right - form part of a 10-mile ridge traverse for another time! © Steve Woodward Day 9 - It`s been a long two weeks on the road! We`re on our bikes, right? Right? ;) "Riding" beside the Oued Rheraya river, on the way back to Marrakesh. The mountain on the left is the highest peak in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal (13,671 ft). Crikey. © Steve Woodward Day 9 - On the road to Marrakesh: improvised "roof rack" to carry the red oil drum on the motorbike ... ! © Steve Woodward Day 9 - Arriving back in the Medina in Marrakesh at the end of our trip, with the temperature in the shade into the mid-40s °C! © Steve Woodward The end - thank you so much & bloomin` well done Shaun & Steve! © Steve Woodward
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Howdy. SLADERIDE.COM is where you can find collections of blog posts, route maps, photos and videos from my adventure cycling trips across the globe. Brought to you by Jon Slade – biker, mud aficionado, map-lover and seeker of that piece of perfect singletrack that you just know is out there …

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