WINTER TRAINING CAMPS
So your've been to Majorca and Tenerif countless times and the roads are packed with riders and the cafes are queing out of the door. Time for a change of scenery and some truly spectacular riding. 100's of Km of tarmac, stunning views, huge climbs and experienced lead riders
WINTER TRAINING IN THE WILDERNESS
The Souss-Massa area in the south of Morocco really is a truly exceptional place to train during the winter months. Not only is it an area of outstanding beauty but the sky is blue, the weather is mild and the roads are empty.
GENERAL TRAINING CAMP DETAILS
Winter training camp cost
£875 for the 8 days
Price includes:
- 7 nights hotel accommodation, half board basis, sharing rooms
- Our guide will supply lunches and refreshments at morning and afternoon stops
- Services of backup vehicle for transporting luggage and giving help to riders if needed
- Transport from Agadir airport to our start hotel in Ait Baha
-Transport from our final hotel in Ait Baha to Agadir airport.
- Cycle Morocco Tours costs
Price does not include:
-Travel to and from the airport in the UK or any accommodation needed in the UK before or after the flight
- Drinks with evening meals
- Any extra food or drinks stops that you personally make in local cafes or lunch on rest days.
- Entry fees at any attractions
- Any other personal expenses, fees, taxes or gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Single room supplement (£300, subject to availability)
- Please note: other airport collection times on the arrival date will be made available but participants arriving outside of this time should make their own arrangements to transit to our starting hotel in Ait Baha.
The area covered by the training rides
The Souss-Massa area around Tafroute is perfect for winter training rides with very little traffic and open roads which seem to go on forever. There are many sections of rolling hills with long flat plains but the real test in this area is the climbing with several long alpine type climbs to conquer. Most of the gradients are around 6% thanks to the french surveyors that built the roads in the 1920's but there are other steeper climbs that go well into double figures. Our ride leaders will be there to keep you focused and give expert advise on riding techniques that will help you towards any goals that you have in the year ahead.
Itinerary
Our winter training camps are an 8 day package, Saturday to Saturday with everything planned so that you can have an incredible riding experience.
Day 1: Arrive and be picked up at Agadir airport, quick one hour transit to Ait Baha for our first nights stay at Hotel Al adarissa, build bikes, look around town and take a quick ride before dinner. Leave bike boxes.
Day 2: Ride to Tizourgane Kashah for lunch, then over the pass and 18km down to Ameln Valley. Stay at Chez Amaliya.
Day 3 to 6: We stay at Chez Amaliya with daily rides taking tarmac routes across the area covering 80-120Km with 500M - 1500m climbing per day.
Day 7: Back over the pass, lunch on the way and take an alternative route back to Ait Baha, pack bikes away, last dinner together.
Day 8: Transit back to the airport.
If you want to stay for two weeks you are guaranteed to take different routes during your 2nd week as there is so much choice.
If you wish to train by yourself or in a small group, our self guided routes are available during the weeks. Simply talk to one of the leaders the night before, upload a GPX route and take one of our self reliance kits.
Rides and rest days
Training rides will leave around 9am each morning except Wednesdays which is our leaders rest day (more about that later) Routes and GPX files will be detailed at the evening/morning briefings the day before and you should expect a ride of around 80-120Km lasting 4-7 hours. Cafe and lunch breaks will be included. You will be able to discuss you training needs and aims with the ride leaders so that you are able to get the most out of your week with us.
For training rides we use tarmac roads with the majority being in good condition. Moroccan tarmac varies from smooth to a very course durable surface. Most Moroccan roads have a single strip of tarmac in the middle with gravel margins. We have found that many of the drivers are very respectful and enjoy foreign cycling groups exploring their roads. Mostly they will allow cyclists to stay within the centre tarmac but there will be occasions when you will have to take to the margins which can be unstable at speed. You will certainly learn to "read" the intentions of the drivers out there.
The rides will be supported by a ride leader and usually a support vehicle. With the focus on building speed and stamina the number of daily kilometres, climbing and temperature will make for challenging rides, but that is why you are here!
Wednesdays are ride leaders days off but you are still very welcome to take a self guided ride or go hiking and exploring the the local area. Our hotel is situated in the Amila valley, a lush oasis full of palm trees and small villages. There are many places to explore close to the hotel and it is a beautiful area to hike through. We will be able to inform you of where to find the local crafts people and community projects and where to discover the numerous historical sites dotted throughout the area.
Rest days can also be spent visiting the town of Tafroute with its vibrant market and small souk. There are many cafes and restaurants there and it is just a short ride from our hotel.
Chez Amaliya is also the type of hotel where it is very easy just to sit by the pool, read and snooze all day.
Weather and temperatures
Morocco temperatures over the winter range between 12C-25C with cool evenings. There is even a small chance of rain so be prepared.
Accommodation / Meals
Auberge Chez Amaliya is a wonderful place to stay. It has a wonderful staff team who will make your stay relaxing and enjoyable. There is a central pool, a bar and lounge area and the food and service is quite brilliant.
Double rooms for couples and shared twin rooms will be the standard, with some singles available for a supplement. Anyone requesting a single room should indicate it on the booking form. If you know you are a noisy or restless sleeper, we ask you to request and pay the supplement for a single room. This should be stated on the booking form.
All breakfasts and evening meals are included, either at the hotel or in a restaurant nearby. One of the key areas where Morocco is different to any other country is the food with Tagine, a hot spicy meal cooked in a conical pot being the national dish. Moroccan food is generally very good with lots of salad and bread added to each meal. The Moroccan people make sure that their guests eat well, vegetarians and vegans will be well catered for. please inform us if you have a special dietary requirements.
It is anticipated that the group will picnic on ride days where possible at mid-day with lunches, drinks and snacks provided by our guide during the day and we love to stop at café or road side stall during the day.
Travel
Participants will be expected to make their way to and from all UK airports
Group information
The maximum group size will be 16.
Weather and clothing
Morocco temperatures are very moderate with November to March temperatures likely to be 15C-25C with cool evenings. There is even a small chance of rain so be prepared.
Cycles / Equipment
We have no bike hire facilities (at the moment) so you must bring your own bike. You should ensure your bike is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear is recommended for the long climbs. You may want to opt for tougher winter training tyres as the tarmac can be rough and punctures do happen.
Lights are recommended but might not prove essential.
Helmets are not a legal requirement in Morocco but you may find that for your personal safety and to full fill travel insurance clauses you may want to wear one.
Each participant is expected to take any spares that they feel may be needed. We have workstands and a minimal workshop and cannot cater for every type of bike. There are no high quality bike shops within 200Km.
An equipment list will be included with the final documents.
Maps, Guides and Tour Information
Garmin is fine during the rides but does not give an overview of the are that we ride in. I have found 3 that cover our area with different levels of detail and often different spellings of places.
The Oxford Alpine Club Anti-Atlas map
National Geographic Morocco Adventure map
Marco Polo Morocco
Travel Insurance and Advice
In addition to travel insurance, EU nationals should carry a European Health Insurance Card. This enables you to take advantage of emergency medical services free or at a discount under a reciprocal provision that exists between EU member states. Your travel insurer may refuse to meet the extra costs of medical treatment if you do not carry this Card.
Before booking you should check the Foreign Office ‘Travel Advice by Country’ at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845 850 2829.
FULL DETAILS ON REQUEST