Atlas Of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Welcome by your guide at Marrakesh Airport and short transfer to your hotel in town. If you have brought your bike with you, we will take you to our shop to mount it and keep your box until the end of trip. Overnight on bed & breakfast basis at 3* hotel. (Meals: B)

Ourika Valley

The stage starts through the buzzing Marrakesh and takes the quieter road of Sidi Abdellah Gheyat. A nice stretch across the Haouz Plain on a flat direct line (37km). Serious things start on the foothill of the Atlas Mountains, with a challenging climb of 10km to reach the high plateaus of Iguer. The views are just amazing and the snow capped mountains contrast with the green terraces of barley and almond trees. The stone built Berber villages are superb and naturally melt in the landscapes. After a last demanding uphill, the road follows the contours of the mountain before a big and endless winding downhill section towards the Ourika Valley and our lodge for the night. (Meals: B, L, D)

Biking Distance: 64 km / Altitude Gain: 800m, Altitude Loss: 620m / Min Altitude: 455m, Max Altitude: 1,130m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲

Asni

The cycling stage starts on the road following the left banks of the Ourika River for about 10 km. The road then leaves the lush valley and starts snaking up towards west. On the next 14km, you will climbs steadily along the mountainside and genteelly gain altitude through some impressive views across the Atlas Mountains and the Berber villages. As we reach our highest point at the Tizi n'Tadmamt (1813m), you will have a more relaxed section following the contours of the mountain hillsides overlooking the superb views stretching towards the Haouz Plains far north. After Sidi Fares, we will enjoy an amazing downhill section of 10km towards Asni, Overnight in a nice Lodge. (Meals: B, L, D).
NB. An optional ride up to the Ski Resort of Oukaimden, an epic 18 km climb and cycle the highest road in Morocco!.

Biking Distance: 50 km, Altitude Gain: 1,175m, Altitude Loss: 876m, Min Altitude: 855m, Max Altitude: 1,845m Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲

Kik - Marrakech

Our ultimate day will lead us to the heights of the superb Kik Plateau. After a good breakfat, we start cycling on the little road snaking up towards the shrine of Moulay Brahim. This is a holy place where  a well-known Moroccan Sufi saint was buried. It's a famous place that attracts a lot of pilgrims from all over Morocco. At the highest spot of the ride we will cross the magnificent limestone plateau with the often snow capped Toubkal peaks in the background. The ride across the terraces will be punctuated by few villages before we reach the western end of the Kik. From now on, it's a long decent to reach the Takerkoust lake where our cycling adventure ends. After packing our bikes, a short transfer will lead us to the exciting Marrakech and your Riad in the Medina of Marrakech at 5mn on foot from the main attractions: Jemaa Lafnna Square, the souks, Bahia Palace... (Meals: B, L) 

Biking distance: 34km / Altitude gain, loss: +630m, -525m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲  /  Transfer by road: 35km

Flight back home

Depend on your flight timing, a transfer is arranged to Marrakech Airport for your return flight.

Good to know

This tour is available for private groups only, the tour can start with 4 participants (2 to 3 participants on request). We can offer a personalized program for bigger groups or bikers who wish a more challanging ride or any specific requests.

The Area

This tour takes place in the western the High Atlas, cross the Anti-Atlas, the Atlas Maritime,  and Atlantic Coast. The altitude is between 50 m and 1500m high.

Your Guide

A Moroccan, english speaking, cycling guide who will meet you at your arrival at the airport, he will be with you the whole cycling trip. Before the  bike stages, he will give you a briefing about safety and the use of your bike. All along the day, he will give you explanations about the traversed area and the way of life of the local population. He can also assit you in case of injury or mechanic issues on your bike.

Your Bike

For this tour, we recommand a full carbon road bike, or an aluminium road bike with carbon fork in perfect working condition - Cassette: 11-32 - Tires 700/25c or even 700/28c ! Wearing a helmet while riding is obligatory.

The food

You won't have to worry on food or drink, we take care of everything. Mineral water will be supplied all day with a mix of dry fruits to refuel. All meals are included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Lodging

On this tour, you will be staying in a mix off accommodation: Hotel / Riad in Marrakech, small simple hotel during the tour.

Assistance

You will have a full back up during this mountain bike tour. A minibus vehicle, with a bike rack, will be following behind at a reasonable distance in case of emergency or tiredness.