Marrakesh Express!
Our recent motorcycle adventure took us to Morocco. Having taken a fabulous Spain tour with Iberian Moto Tours, we wanted to take another unforgettable trip with the IMTbike. We had been told that if we like the Spain tour, we would love the Moroccan adventure. We were not disappointed.
Our flight from Atlanta took us to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, an airport that I can honestly say that I hope to never experience again, then on to Malaga, Spain. Once into Spain we met our tour group and guides at the NH Malaga hotel. The hotel is fabulous, located in the heart of Malaga, Spain.
Our guides Roger and Michael described our adventure in great detail at our initial group meeting. Their youthful exuberance lasted throughout the trip. More than once their experience paid huge dividends to expedite us through the planed itinerary.
Usually our tour groups are small, but this time we had a large group of riders and passengers of varying skill levels. As usual, our friend Chia, from our first trip, joined us on our adventure. I can safely report that everyone made it through the adventure relatively unscathed, with the only exception of a torn ligament from an unavoidable fall in the gravel. The ride was not without excitement, as more than once, we were presented with challenging passing opportunities. Several riders in the group were unaccustomed to passing with little or no room to spare, and not knowing to leave room for the rider behind to make a quick merge after a pass. I must say that I never reach a point of panic in these situations, but I hate not knowing what the rider I am following is going to do in a tight situation.
The scenery and the mountains were some of the best landscapes that I have witnessed to date. Morocco is a country that is well aware that tourism is its greatest asset, and the growing towns and newly paved roads reflect their commitment to providing a great experience. It is a Muslim country, which, at times, reminds us that we are essentially guests as dictated to them by their king.
The food was fantastic, but a word to the wise; bring twice as much Imodium as planned. Fortunately, I was able to secure a renewed supply of medication at one of their pharmacies. At one time or another, most of us found the true meaning of The Marrakesh Express.
I tell people that the trip was fantastic, and that I was glad to have the experience, but I doubt that I would do it again. I feel that there are many more places on the planet that I would feel more comfortable visiting. We have become weary travelers from all of the time spent in cramped airplanes. On more than one occasion, we have contracted respiratory infections from the overseas flights, but that is something that can hardly be avoided.
All in all, it was a great adventure with a great crew of people that we can now call friends. Any time I can ride a motorcycle with a crew of good people is a dream come true for me.
