Morocco Gravel Cycling Tour FAQ's
We ask all customers to pay the required deposit when they book, which confirms their reservation. The balance is due 90 days before departure. If you book less than 90 days before departure, we will ask you to pay the full price upfront.
Cancellations may occur. However, the boutique nature of our tour keeps our groups small and intimate, so this is unlikely. If we do have to cancel the tour due to Covid-19 or for some other unforeseen circumstances, we will naturally provide you with plenty of notice and do our best to recover monies paid to date, however, this is not guaranteed. We will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred. Therefore, it's a requirement that you arrange travel insurance, and we recommend you do this as soon as you have booked your trip.
It is a requirement that insurance is taken out for your tour of Morocco at the time of booking, as this should then cover you immediately, should anything occur between the time you book and departure/return.
For Australian customers, we have a partnership with CoverMore and can organise you a 20% discount. Please contact us to arrange your insurance.
APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR MOROCCO TOUR.
Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, and post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.
A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.
Passenger vehicles will be provided for non – riding partners as well as those who may choose to have a day off the bike. Non – riding partners will enjoy pre-tailored experiences throughout the day, before regrouping at our daily destination.
Non Riding partners will receive a 20% discount off the quoted prices.
100%. We cherish the opportunity of designing bespoke tours for groups of friends, corporate clients, teams and families. Anything is possible in terms of the amount of riding you want to do, to the amount of post ride activity you’re interested in, accommodation style and any budget restraints you may have – whatever your timing and interests, please talk to us.
Whilst some roads will be asphalt, this tour is classified as a Gravel Cycling Tour and as such, the terrain will be classic gravel, which we have classified into 4 grades for our trip:
GRADE 1 - Bad roads, cobbles and rough paved surfaces. You’d find this rideable on a standard road bike.
GRADE 2 - Well-made, hard-packed dirt roads with some rutting and looseness of stones.
GRADE 3 - Reasonably smooth gravel. Discernible small rocks over a hard-packed surface.
GRADE 4 - Rough gravel with conditions that may include shale, larger gravel and rocks. Tubeless tyres and big clearance are the most practical choice.
On our trip we have intentionally steered clear of the rougher end of the spectrum which borders on MTB terrain.
Gravel bikes are a necessity for this tour. For those bringing their own bikes, we recommend as a minimum, 40mm tubeless tyres to minimise punctures throughout your journey.
36T x 10-40/42
We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.85 using a 36T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent).
For info on gear ratios check out www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.
Day 2- covering 90km/2000m elevation, for those electing to do the Tizi ‘n Tichka climb.
See our Itinerary for our daily agenda.
We are never in a rush to get from Point A to Point B. This itinerary has been designed for everyone to be able to be comfortable. However, we are subject to the natural environment and the conditions they present us, which can slow down proceedings if it gets hot or wet or the road conditions have changed. We will always have support vehicles with us for guests to make use of if they feel uncomfortable.
Most importantly, we are here to Live the Ride safely and take in the beauty that these incredible landscapes have to offer. If necessary, we will offer 2 different ride groups. Difficulty of this trip is rated at 3.5/5. We are not riding vast distances on a daily basis, and there are plenty of breaks and stops along the way. This is not classified as a “technical trip”; however, we encourage everyone to take their time as there will be some elements that are more difficult than others, which includes a few steep ascents and descents on gravel surfaces. The road conditions will generally be a little more adventurous, which may be different to what you're used to. Therefore, we encourage everyone to ensure that they are familiar with riding on gravel terrain and have the required level of fitness and gravel experience to support their riding skills.
This is not a tour for beginners and encourage everyone to feel comfortable with their bike handling skills and have experience with gravel cycling. We would suggest everyone do at least 6-12 weeks of training to enable you to enjoy every aspect of this trip. Riders should have the required level of fitness to back up +75km days
We also expect that riders can ride safely in a bunch situation.
Day 2 provides an option to climb arguably the most famous climb in the Atlas Mountains, Tizi ‘n Tichka which twists and turns for 35km, at an average gradient of just 3%.
On Day 3 there are four main climbs, which are on the lower slopes of the Atlas Mountains, where we approach 2,000m in altitude. The hardest one is the ascent from Souk Lakhmis Dades to Boutaghrar, which is approximately 17km with a few short segments around 16%. Rest assured, we will always have a support vehicle on hand, should you wish to rest up.
You will always have at least one ride guide on the road with the group. Depending upon the group size and riding strengths, there may be two riding groups, with a ride guide leading each group. Our rides are further enhanced with a support vehicle to provide mechanical help as and when needed, provide hydration and nutrition or just a cosy place to rest up in case of that dreaded bonk. There will also be an additional vehicle(s) for non- riders and those who do not wish to ride on a particular day, which will partake in tours and other activities, before regrouping at our final destination of the day.
Après Vélo will arrange transfers for all guests including bike bags at pre-arranged times (both arrival into Marrakech and departure from Moulay Ali Cherif airport).
Should you wish additional time in Morocco, either pre or post tour, please speak to us in advance of time, to enable us to assist you with hotel bookings, tour guides and any other necessary requirements you may have.
Weather can always be unpredictable and plays a big part with each ride.
Therefore, each rider must be prepared for rainy weather and colder temperatures. Closer to the time, we will provide you with a comprehensive packing list. We encourage guests travelling to Morocco to pack as lightly as possible to help for transport between our destinations.
Traditional Berber Villages are located in the Atlas Mountains, Sahara desert and Arif Mountains in the North. The Berbers are indigenous to North Africa west of the Nile Valley. During this trip, we will have the opportunity to experience the Berber culture and meet their communities.
A fortified tribal mansion or castle. When we are in the south of Morocco, we will be visiting some of the most popular Kasbahs of the region. Every Kasbahs has its own history and way of life.
The Après Vélo cycle tours are not just about the bike. They are about the Après Vélo lifestyle where on our trip to Morocco, you will have the opportunity of experiencing:
1. Privately guided city tours in Marrakech and along our adventure
2. Moroccan cooking and culinary workshops
3. Camel rides at sunset
4. Hot air ballooning at sunrise
5. Hiking through the Dades Gorge
6. Local market, spice markets, bazaars and berber villages
7. Explore the Jewish culture in Fes and Marrakech
8. Traditional Hammams
French and Moroccan Arabic. English is widely spoken throughout Morocco. Berber or Amazigh has also been recognized as the official language of the country. It is widely spoken in the mountains and desert.
