Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...
I spent a great week in Morocco however I think a lot of this is more to do with Morocco itself and the company of a fun mixed group that than any satisfaction with the cycling. It was hard work! Much harder than anticipated and was a fairly exhausting trip. There was little time to enjoy the surrounding scenery when I spent every moment staring at the ground 2 meters in front of my front wheel. I would only recommend this trip to people who already know they enjoy off roading and if you do...it’s fabulous.Exodus staff (both local and the guide) were great and the organisation of the trip was faultless. There were a few bad reviews previously regarding the quality of the bikes but ours were excellent. The number of punctures was very high but when you see the terrain this can only be expected.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The final ride after a huge climb on the final day involved a steep descent then riding through glorious dessert plains. This was a great end to the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was a star! Misguidedly, prior to the trip I would have preferred to be led by a local guide which I thought would aid interaction with locals. I am very pleased to say I was completely wrong and I don’t believe any guide would have worked harder or been so attentive the groups needs as Liz. She was friendly, fun and knowledgeable – everything you could want in a guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Book your flights independently. The cost of an all in trip is c.£450 more than the land only option and it is very easy to make considerable savings (even when independently booking onto the exact same group flights). That said, do NOT fly Royal Air Maroc. We missed our connection by 40 minutes which meant a day spent in a hole of a hotel 30k from Casablanca. A taxi cost EUR50 to look at the sights in Casablanca and ultimately the whole experience meant a loss of 1 day from the holiday. Staff were rude, uninterested and I would advise you to avoid at all costs.The best option would be to fly return to Marrakech then get a bus to Quarzazte at the outset of the trip. There would be no faffing around changing planes and the chances of your luggage arriving with you are much increased.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Understand that this is a mountain biking holiday and in my opinion the grading is very different to a road cycling trip. I have previously ridden a moderate/challenging road trip in India and didn’t use the support bus once….this time I was a regular! Of the 15 people on our trip I don’t recall one person believing the trip was accurately graded.
The trip was well led and the logistics all worked except for the group flight with Royal Air Maroc which was delayed. Half the group lost a day at the start of the holiday stuck in Cassablanca. The trip should only be regarded as Moderate if you let the 4x4 take the strain on some of the harder days which is always possible. Conditions in mid October were hot (35 deg C +) but not too much of a problem so long as you drink loads (water, soft drinks and snacks always available from the support vehicles).
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scenery is stunning. I never thought there could be so many shapes and colours (even occasional green) in a desert and mountain landscape. The riding terrain was varied and interesting from steep rocky pistes to level paths and tracks through the Palmeries and villages.
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader Liz was excellent as were the local guide and drivers.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We travellled independantly with Easy Jet and a CTM coach from Marrakech to Ouazazate which was much more economical and as it turned out more reliable than the group flight. Stay on a few days at the end if you can.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hired bikes were in good condition and checked regularly during the trip. Take your own saddle if you prefer one slightly wider and softer than Trek standard issue.
I would say that this trip is more challenging than moderate, you would need some off road mountain biking experience to really enjoy this. I do have some experience and I loved the routes - not the hills so much!!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
some of the great downhills on the in the remote areas we travelled
What did you think of your group leader?
Amazingly fit, very attentive and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
do some off road before you go on this trip- there is sand and rocky bits to cycle through. It does help to up your fitness a bit...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
enjoy- I felt really fit by the end of the week- this has lapsed quickly now I am back home again and being lazy. You really do get into the 'zone' after a few days...
Boyd Annison
JEBEL SAHRO RIDE & MARRAKECH
Written
A fantastic trip. Well organised and run (both before and during the trip). A great leader with two spot-on support staff in the backup trucks. A great way to see Morocco (which I loved).
The trip is described as moderate, and for a fit, experienced of-roader that is fair. However, if like me you tend to avoid skin-tight lycra these days and perhaps don't have much previous technical off-road experience then you can expect a couple of the climbs to fit into the 'challenging' category.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, cycling through the palmeries was a fabulous experience and one I would recommend to others. What I would say, however, is that this is not a beginner's guide to mountain biking. People should not come on this trip if they have never cycled off road before. The Exodus brochure would suggest that it is a good introduction to mountain biking, and that prior experience off road is not essential. In my opinion, this is not an accurate description of the trip. Prior experience of off road cycling is important to make this trip as enjoyable as possible.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting remote villages and the amazingly beautiful scenery
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. She was sensitive to local people and treated them with respect and dignity. She was informative and always willing to help with bike repairs and maintenance. A very good group leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you feel comfortable on a mountain bike before embarking on this trip. If you do - it will be well worth the effort.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The bikes were in very good condition and the accommodation was comfortable, very interesting and fun.
Tough but exhilerating biking in a fascinating landscape
Written
I was looking for an outdoor holiday that would give a close up view of a part of the world and a culture that was new to me, with some winter sun and not much sitting in a vehicle. This trip delivered on all counts. But better than that, it was extremely well organised and lots of fun!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling on desert singletrack with late afternoon sunlight throwing long shadows!
Also, of course, reaching the top of the endless rocky climb on day 4 - didn't know I had it in me!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz was a brilliant trip leader, very well organised, made sure the bikes were always well maintained, patched up our cuts and grazes, and kept us smiling and motivated despite early starts and tough riding conditions!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't plan to clip your feet in, the pistes are very rocky and it's wise to have the option to put a foot down.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If this is a "moderate" trip, I hate to think what a "challenging" one is like! Expect long days of cycling, very uneven surfaces, and a couple of very tough climbs. Don't be too put off though - you will be in beautiful surroundings and well looked after. Hotels are all comfortable and the food was good (though you'll eat a lot of tagine!).
Exodus Response
Although the cycling on this trip may seem difficult, (mainly due to the terrain), it is graded as moderate thanks to the good quality accommodation and vehicle support available. There are a few difficult sections which are left as optional for those who want to push themselves further. I agree that you should come with some off-road biking experience and a moderate level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.
A very well organised trip. Morocco is a fantastic place to visit by bike. The cycling is quite tough. As the terrain is constantly rocky it is quite technical.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing such amazing landscape. Making it to the top of the steepest mountains!
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz is a brilliant leader. I felt really safe in her hands, and she gave some really good tips on the more tricky tracks. She was always smiling which got me to the top!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Get some mountain bike experience before you go. The cycling is technical. I had no mountain bike experience and although I managed it, I found it really hard. Don't leave home without rehydration tablets and a camelbak water packs. It's HOT!
Exodus Response
Although the cycling on this trip may seem difficult, which is mainly due to the terrain, it is graded as moderate thanks to the good quality accommodation and vehicle support available. There are a few difficult sections which are left as optional for those who want to push themselves further. I agree that you should come with some off-road biking experience and a moderate level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.
from 16 reviews.
- Exodus Staff
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