ATLAS DESCENT

8 days from GBP999 to GBP1,199 including flights
Tripcode: MMA

Countries Visited: Morocco

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 14 reviews.

Nick McBain

ATLAS DESCENT CYCLING HOLIDAY
Written March 2009
A great trip, NB you need fitness AND nerve, it goes up as well as down! In-depth backup, help and guidance from Exodus to a level of quality you will not find elsewhere. Fab hotels, and ... don't miss the hammam experience esp the massage (yuuuuuAArgh!).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Going through a remote Berber village where the locals didn't seem to mind at all the presence of 11 mountain bikers going through their narrow pathways between houses; the 41K descent on the final day; not falling off once ... I can only say this because I brought my own bike and was confident enough with it to let it just run through stuff for me.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent: very thorough and professional, route briefings were comprehensive and as fellow rider Glenn said, this helped us break up quite long days into a series of stages which people could encourage each other to complete. Nice one James, well done!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take really good shorts - try Endura MT500 they have armoured side panels; maybe your own saddle; also consider light armoured gloves for confidence - ie Sombrio Scion; take the trouble to engage in a positive way with locals, it pays a tenfold dividend both for your trip and for those who follow in the future - try 'ca va?' (Fr) and 'ahlan!' (Ar) they worked for me.
amanda kahlow

ATLAS DESCENT CYCLING HOLIDAY
Written January 2009
Liz- leader was fantastic!!! full of positive energy and allways so supportive. Terrain was GREAT. Routes were fantastic. Hotels - some did not have heat, others did not have hot water. I don't expect 5 star (would be nice tho to have a 5 Star holiday option- i certianly would pay for it). but I do expect the basics. Hotels need to be upgraded a bit on both my exodus holidays (croatia and this one). The bikes had HORRRIBLE tires. we got like 20 punctures a day. unacceptable. the tires were bald. for this reason i may not recommend the trip. And made our leader have to work so hard to keep changing them. was unfair to the group to alwasy be waiting and unfair to liz as it was a contant headache.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
me singing riding up the Mt.
What did you think of your group leader?
the best ever!!! loved her. Even tho she did blame me a few times when I broke my derailer, when it was the bikes fault. ';-)
Exodus Response
Exodus is aware that on this occasion, our local operator had not adequately maintained the bikes before the start of this trip. Since this departure, we have sent new parts out to Morocco and have an Exodus leader arriving before the trip to ensure the bikes are in good condition for our clients. I am sorry this rare occurrence was an inconvenience to clients on this particular group.
Accommodation used on these tours are very much dependant on what is available along the route. We will of course consider setting up a cycling tour with 5 star accommodation if one pops up along this route!

- Exodus Staff
christopher romain

ATLAS DESCENT
Written November 2008
The trip was amazing, a really good bunch of people and the route was excellent with stunning scenery and taking us through hill top villages where you could interact with the Berber people. The guide and drivers were extremely helpful but laid back at the same time creating the perfect atmosphere for the week.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Riding through the hill top villages with children runnning out to give you high fives was something I will never forget. Also when stopping for breaks Berber people would come out of the villages looking on in amazement at what we were doing whilst we in turn we would find it a great experience ourselves.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very helpful, informative, relaxed and friendly. The whole of the feel of the week had a great "feel" to it which I believe was mainly down to him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If your looking for a more adventurous group with fun and culture and scenery, do this tour!
Daniel Howells

ATLAS DESCENT
Written October 2008
I loved every minute of the holiday - superb people, great staff, and amazing scenery.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There wasn't one particular moment I can think of, since every day offered something new. I guess the best part of it was that it was genuinely challenging, so by the end of the week everyone felt great about their achievements.
What did you think of your group leader?
Olly is the leader of the Exodus leaders, so we were extremely lucky to get the best of the best. Consistent, hugely competent, patient, and very friendly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do train before the trip. Everyone in the group was fit and agile, which ensured everyone had a great time. It is a very challenging; don't under-estimate it. But at the same time don't worry if you don't feel you're an uber-brilliant mountain biker: the group is very much mixed ability and you'll never feel left behind.
Eugene Anthony (Tony) Monaghan

ATLAS DESCENT CYCLING HOLIDAY
Written April 2008
I had wanted to do this trip since I was a leader on a BSES expedition to Morocco in 1998. I was very excited about going to Morocco which is unusual for me as I tavel a lot. The trip was very demanding but extremely enjoyable. The leader made us all welcome and in a few hours all 16 had jelled as a team. The accommodation was all good to excellent, except for one hotel that was a bit run down and had smelly loos due to poor drainage. The food was excellent and the team of drivers looked after us like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every day brought inspirational moments. Getting to know complete strangers, achieving the long up hill climbs all be it in the granny gear, being first down the piste behind the leader with your teeth feeling a bit looser that when you started, seeing the local people, smelling the spring flowers in Immozer at the beautiful garden in the hotel, lunch, Tagines, Tagines and Tagines!
What did you think of your group leader?
I have been all over the world on many differnt kinds of trip. Our leader has to be one of the most patient, friendly and caring leaders I've ever met. He made the trip work effortlessly. Thanks Ritchie!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it if you want to see a beautiful landscape and have an exilerating experience. You will be exhausted every night but wake up next morning raring to go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to do it again, perhaps a little slower to take it all in. Will definately be booking again. Thank you Exodus. My compass has been reset, mission accomplished!
Neil St John

ATLAS DESCENT CYCLING HOLIDAY
Written April 2008
A fantastic holiday, challenging as your description says. I am thrilled at what I achieved. Exciting, and very moving at times. Hotels and food much better than described or I imagined. Excellent guide and support all along the way. Elated yet VERY miserable to have to come home!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The downhill bit after the 20k climb. Sun going down, villagers looking on, warmth coming off the plains. Looking forward to dinner. Some fast rocky stuff I didn't think possible!
What did you think of your group leader?
Friendly, experienced, very good at first aid and repairs!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Loved every aspect of the holiday, Morocco is a great destination for mountain biking. Great to have my son with me.
Richard Lawson

ATLAS DESCENT CYCLING HOLIDAY
Written April 2008
Warning: Atlas Descents may go up as well as down. Great holiday!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The holiday was made by the people who were there. Great bunch and would ride with them again. Come to think of it, I already have...
What did you think of your group leader?
Good bloke - was able to keep the group going and make sure everyone was enjoying the holiday. Would have liked to see him mixing around the group a bit more on the rides, rather than trying to set a "good time" up some of the climbs.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This holiday is titled "Atlas Descent" and, technically, most days do finish at a lower altitude than the start. Having said that, the title does lead people to think this is related in some way to a more "freeridey" kind of trip - it isn't.
I would say that the downhill sections are rather forgettable; just rolling down wide landrover tracks. For me, the climbs were worthwhile from a training point of view and probably the most memorable part of the holiday. Please, Exodus, the holiday is good but change the name - it is misleading!