Epic Morocco-Atlas Mountains Day 2-Part2

Hi Guys,

Ok, after we toured the Ait-Ben place, we got to do more MTB. By the time the Vehicles dropped us off, the bike mechanic already had all the bikes ready for action, waiting for us to fill a water bottle and ride away. This tour gig is pretty sweet. Keep in mind, these pictures hardly do this place justice.




It had snowed in the mountains the night before so the Atlas were nicely snow capped. Another one of Epic Morocco's tours was attempting to reach the highest summit in North Africa and apparently got quite a snow dump. We got to enjoy 80 degrees and beautiful weather.



The ride started out on a dirt off track road. We never saw a vehicle on this one and rode up a really nice valley.



Here is a picture of the bike, a quiet village, and wonderful backdrop.



Of course what is a photo op without a group picture :). Actually someone got the first flat so the group decided it was time for a nature stop.



At this junction and I took the singletrack version with a couple others. I first followed the guide and rolled this drop and stayed upright somehow. Charlie got flat so I had to clear this jump and try to get a neat picture while at it. I cleared the gap landed, but decided it would make a better story if my bars turned sideways and I did several rolls. But I cleared the gap!



A few of us rode on ahead and were told to stop at the half built house that was pinkish tan in color in the village ahead. The rest of the trip, nearly every village had a 1/2 built house with a pinkish/tanish color. This was the turn.



Here is the guide Charlie and Andy making it up the long hill to the town with the 1/2 built pinkish/tanish house.



Weird story. We were 5 miles from nowhere when we saw this random guy with 1/2 a sandal on his feet walking next to the road. We tried to communicate in French and Arabic greeting (equivalent of hello) and didn't get a response. He pointed at his ears and make the slashing sound at his throat. He was deaf. We waved smiled and wished him well. On his head he was wearing a Dulci and Gurvana (sp?) super fancy hat.



We took a break at that the town and 2 of us decided to ride up the next 4~5 miles grind while a couple wanted to hike and several wanted to ride 1/2 way and hike the rest. This tour was really flexible that way. The ride was worth it and got to see the camp set up in the Shirwa Pleateau. Look at the terrain here. Completely different than several pictures previous. Only 5~6 miles difference and completely different landscape. Really Cool.



We had a neat gift of a bright moon this night. Pretty neat.



While we were sitting around a fire random nomadic herdsman were moving their flocks and herds around. Kind of weird being near no water source, these people came out of nowhere near dark to check on their animals.



Then the moon became really bright over our camp. In the middle of the night you could cast a shadow when you stood up.



A night fire to warm us up. There was frost forming, but we were way up in elevation.



This ended our second day of biking. Several flat tires and a wonderful evening of camping. So far, this tour blew my expectation of Morocco away. Totally different. We were way remote in super small villages. Really neat personal non-motor-coach feel to the tour. Hope you enjoy the blog!