Internationale groepsreis Atlas Descent

ATLAS DESCENT

Wow, a great trip. For the end of December, we were lucky as the weather was fantastic for us. The scenery was great and the organisation of the trip was very professionally done. I'm more of a casual road rider than hard core Mountain Biker, but found the trip manageable - but definitely 'challenging' as there were a few tough days involved. Our group turned out to be great and the guide superb. I would definitely recommend it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were far too many, each day seemed to provide different challenges and different scenery. The best part for me was the final swim in the Atlantic at the end of the trip having achieved the daily challenges throughout the week.

What did you think of your group leader?

The Group leader, Richard, was brilliant. He was experienced in the trip so knew it well. He had a lot of organisation to do with regards to the bikes, transport, accomdation and meals but it was all done so professionally that the whole week ran seemlessly smoothly. He had a good sense of humour that helped gel the group together and he was aspirational (by showing us how to do it) and inspirational (by encouraging us giving us belief in our abilities) with a kind caring side for those that were struggling for one reason or another (e.g. too many punctures). He was also very confident in being able to fix most bike issues that we came across. For me, he was an essential ingredient of the trip that made it a great trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The days are tough as are the tracks in many cases. Make sure you take some well padded gloves as my hands and forearms were aching on the last day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bikes are good bikes but the terrain is dusty and tough. It may be worth upgrading them a little just to improve comfort level (The front forks gave my hands and arms a pounding - but then, what I know about bikes wouldn't take long to write down!)

Anne-Marie

Fantastische fietsvakantie in Marokko gehad. Perfect georganiseerd door Exodus travel, via Sawadee. ik zou nog een keer gaan!

ATLAS DESCENT

Challenging cycling, stunning scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the beach in Agadir in one piece felt like a real achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was an excellent group leader. She works extremely hard throughout the trip to make sure the bikes are repaired and that people know exactly what to expect. She is super fit and a really nice person.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train beforehand. Expect it to be tough both mentally and physically. Bring warm clothes. And a hairdryer. Like tagine as there is not a lot else to eat.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS DESCENT

A nice holiday if you are reasonably fit, enjoy physical excercise, offroad cycling and beautiful scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Riding through the valley on the second day...also I think the second last day, riding on small paths in a rift was great.

What did you think of your group leader?

Good knowledge about the tour, good organiser, clear instructions.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be sure that you know what it is about. You probably won't enjoy it if you've never been offroad before.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS DESCENT

Physically hard but very interesting trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The long descent to the coast on the last day and a swim in the sea.

What did you think of your group leader?

OUr leader took great care of us and worked hard to make it a good trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS DESCENT

This trip was all about the biking.  Fantastic scenary, great weather, efficienct and knowledgeable guide and support crew.  Routes were the right mix of challenge, fun and length.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved riding through the small berber villages and Christmas day with the carpet makers in Tiznit.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was really hard working and really put the effort in to make sure our bikes were able to cope with the terrain.  She had knowledge of the area and the routes and encouraged people when necessary.  She was also very accommodating for different levels of experience and confidence.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go on this trip pretty fit to get the most out of it.  It really is all about the biking, not so much the culture.  However our guide Liz had good knowledge and of course the local support crew.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food on the trip was basic,especially on the rides. It was great to have fresh fruit everyday.  The hotel food was quite flavourless and there wasn't much opportunity to see the town. I'll visit Morocco again for those reasons.

ATLAS DESCENT

An adrenaline filled, Perineum punishing, thigh stretching hootnanny of a trip.  My first mountain biking trip, lived up to expectations in terms of the trade off between excitement and exertion.  Would certainly consider scaring myself again with another downhill mountain biking trip. As ever the trip was well organised and the routes carefully considered to get the most out of each day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were a couple of downhill rides on the tarmac which for someone with my pretty low technical ability were just superb in terms of speed and the views.  But I think like many others the best part of the ride for me is the last 10K on the last day down to the Beach.  From this point the Atlantic glistens and dances off your sunglasses, the road runs smooth, fast and sinuously down hill at a pace hugging the hill side before levelling out onto the coast road and then onto the beach.  A quick pause for end of trip photographs with friends then a sprint into the ocean.  Simply a great way to end a trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz Proctor - this trip takes me into double figures of experience with Exodus and so I feel I'm in a good position to say Liz was one of the finest guides I have come across so far. Liz understands keenly the fact that it is an adventure holiday and their is some risk involved, but never crossed the line into smothering you with health and safety vernacular, she explained how it was each day, what to look out for and what to do if got into trouble - then it was over to you.  She was always there should you need help but never pushing it in your face.  This plus her general aura of amiability, bonhomie and excellent knowledge/experience made her an excellent guide.  She does however go like a greased whippet on the pistes so I wouldn't try racing her too much!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I undertrained for this trip, I neglected any climbing training, there are a number of ascents (fear not these are more than counteracted by the number of descents) so I would prepare for the uphills a little more before arriving.  Also some of the descents can be a little technical and hair raising, a little practice of the basics (more than I had) would I feel be invaluable before arriving.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The entire week was well planned and organised, the hotels in general were great, the support staff really good - brush up on your French though as their English was as good as my Arabic! It provides a happy medium. I did this trip as I usually trek and wanted to try something different. I am glad I did. Worth every bump, scrape, bruise and ignominious faux pas. A great adrenaline rush of a trip tempered by the sobering uphills. Would strongly recommend this trip.

ATLAS DESCENT

Loved it. Six pretty full on days' cycling over varying terrrain with enough challenges to test the most experienced riders and occasional alternatives for those who wanted to take it slightly more easily. Stunning scenery: generally arid and mostly scrubby vegetation with scattered pockets of lush green palmeries, but the mountains have an austere beauty of their own.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were lots, including: - some flying descents on max adrenaline; - reaching the top of the longest climb in a respectable state; - doing something I really enjoy with a thoroughly nice group of likeminded people;  - playing drums with a group of Morrocans; - a cool beer on the hotel terrace in Immouzzer watching the sun set over endless folds of mountains;  - the final descent to the sea and a refreshing dip in it. 

What did you think of your group leader?

We had 2 leaders on this trip: Liz and Richie. Both excellent. They worked very hard (and successfully) to keep the bikes running smoothly during the week - no easy task as the bikes take a fearful battering. They dispensed a number of tips on technique, gave us a good idea of what to expect each day, pointed out cultural and topographical features of interest and were concerned for safety without wrapping us in cotton wool. I would be happy to go on another trip with either of them.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As a number of previous reviewers have pointed out, you have to go up before hurtling down: try and do some hill climb training before you go (on and off tarmac). Also if you're not a regular off road rider, try and ride some rocky trails (e.g. Coed y Brenin in Wales) before you go as this will probably help to get the most out of trip right from the start. (Having said which, those in our group with little or no mountain bike experience did brilliantly.)  I am a veggie and, while this was no gourmet extravganza, I survived perfectly adequately. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Although it may sound a little trite, this trip is really all about the biking. There ain't a whole busting lot to do of an evening in small Morrocan towns. (Agadir's a bit different.) But if off road biking's your thing, this is a really good trip.

ATLAS DESCENT

Totally amazing trip had one of the best weeks ever!!! When the going gets tough the tough get going and some of it was tough & challenging but completely worth it. 6 great days of cycling with lots of different terrains both body and bike took a pounding. But the amazing scenery and descents completely take your mind off all of that as long as you don’t forget to look around you whilst concentrating.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Flying down the long descents and hairpin bends....ace!! Building up my strength on the climbs which I think I did by the end of the week. Spending time with a great bunch of people having a laugh and doing something I love. Getting to see the real Morocco cycling through the berber villages and palmeries.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leaders were fantastic, we had 2 guides Liz and Rich and 1 local guide Iddiah (hope thats spelt correctly)  All 3 of them looked after us totally and made sure we were safe at all times. Liz’s knowledge of the trails was exceptional giving us information of what to expect on each day especially the undulations we were to undertake :) They made sure all the bikes were in good working order which was no mean feat with all the punctures etc..  Although I was always last in the climbs someone was always behind me to make sure everyone was safe.  Thanks to Rich for his company on the big climbs and words of encouragement to help me make it to the top and also to my fellow cyclists for the lovely welcome party for when I reached the top, no balloons or banners but a big smile on very happy faces and a round of applause and also a nice sugary drink and snack to boost my energy for the next stage. Thanks to the drivers Moustach, Mohammed & Ali for making our lunches and driving us safely around the mountains.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you’ve had some off road experience and are pretty reasonably fit to complete the climbs as well as enjoying the descents.  There were some great technical challenges for the most experienced riders but also some easier bits for the others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip was completely amazing but totally for cycling enthusiasts as it’s all about the biking and amazing scenery of course, I thoroughly enjoyed every day even the hard bits, where I did need to use my head a little as well as my feet. 

ATLAS DESCENT

This trip was everything I was hoping it would be, varied riding surfaces, a number of challenging ascents as well as some long (and in places) technical descents, fantastic mountain scenery and great weather. The hire bikes took a real battering but stood up to the conditions well. The Tour Leader and support Team were always available to help out with any punctures and bike repairs that were needed, and always with a smile on their faces.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I really enjoyed the climbs on the bike, and also the short technical parts of the riding (as this was something I had not done much of before). However, my favourite riding was on the high pistes around Tafroute, on the first few days of the week, as we were blessed with incredible views of the red mountains with stunning blue skies and warm sunshine.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was great. She managed to keep a large group of cyclists in order and showed interest in everyone in the party so people didn't feel left out. She was very supportive to all riders and their various abilities and encouraged everyone to enjoy the riding, without putting pressure on to speed up or 'take the van'. In what is undoubtably a stressful situation at times for a leader, Liz always managed to keep her cool and got the group through the days with a minimum of fuss.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would certainly agree that everyone needs some off road biking experience, as some of the sections are quite technical and rocky in places. The bikes that are provided are very good and do take some battering, so I would not particularly recommend taking your own bike from home. I was glad to have taken my own saddle though!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As mentioned above, the support team was great and deserve a lot of praise for their friendliness, good humour and technical assistance with punctures, bike repairs and sandwich making! The accommodation was good, especially the one in Tafroute, but food was a bit limiting (especially for vegetarians) outside of Agadir, although my expectations were not particularly high. The group was large but in general everyone got on fine especially as the week went on. This was my first group cycling trip so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am already trying to sort out the next one! Go for it!

ATLAS DESCENT

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What did you think of your group leader?

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Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

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ATLAS DESCENT

A great trip, well organised, well led, well supported.  An oppertunity to see  `thew real Morocca`

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finishing on the beach after six hard days ! The whole trip was an inspiration. The mountins, the views, the company, the tracks, the food, Hard to beleive that there was tracks so long without seeing anyone at all.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz-  Someone wrote on a previous report that she could `walk the walk, and talk, the talk, certainly support and endorse that.  A great `Holiday Rep` a  far too good a biker, and a bike mechanic as well - could you ask for more.  With 12 guys in the group and  the support group of four guys - she could have been out of her dept, but she `led` in great and understated way - all respect for her.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Consider time of year, altitude, mountains, I misjudged a bit, just about had enough warm clothes. Having been to Agadir before I think my mind was on Agadir Beach and not the mountaisn when I packed.  Read the Trip Notes. The trip is described as challenging, and for me at 63 it was, not ashamed to admit I got off on several occasions when the going got tough(for me)  Its a good trip - if you feel incined go got  it. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Two things to Exodus/ The Trips credit. I took a bike out for Exodus, and was offered my bike hire for doing that, the cheque was in my post pile when I got home - no chasing up needed. On the trip, on one morning only did one of the three support vehicles have to stop to collect provisions, all the support was done behind the scenes - well done.  

ATLAS DESCENT

A fantastic break with lots of opportunities to see the Morocco countryside. The mountain biking was always fun, sometimes technical and while mostly downhill it was still a good test of fitness. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Towards the end of the trip we were riding back to the hotel as the sun was setting. The big red sky, rocky terrain and the sun setting over the moutnains was just awesome. 

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader worked hard to keep us all together, both during the days out cycling and in the evenings. An accomplished mountain biker, guide, first aider and all round fixer. Top job. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you take your own bike, you might need some spares. There aren't many bike shops out in the Morocco countryside. Oh, and tyres. There are lots of sharp rocks so if you're going tubeless, get some puncture resistant tyres.  If you're a regular mountain biker you may be waiting around a lot, since the group always rides together. One thing the guide said that helped me was "it's a holiday, not a training camp". That attitude really helped me to enjoy the riding. When you're stopped, it's a time to relax and enjoy the sunshine rather time waiting to get riding again.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would definitely recommend this trip to somebody wanting to go mountain biking somewhere new. 

ATLAS DESCENT

Amazing! Beautiful trails, quality organisation, everything i expected and more! 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Conquring the uphills! Not many of them but they definatley make the downs more worthwhile! 

What did you think of your group leader?

Couldn't of been better. We had Liz who is the most patient person i've met. Incredible knowledge of the tour and each individual trail. A great leader. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Lip Balm and anti chaffing cream! Thank me later! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If your reading this you might be umming and arrring about the trip....    Just BOOK it! You won't reget it...... 

ATLAS DESCENT

A brilliant trip with a brilliant leader - the group got on well and the weather held up except for one day.  Awesome scenery and some fantastic trails :)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me it was completing the 4km technical climb (without pushing the bike) before the final 7km flat ride to pick up point before heading to Tiznit Hotel.     I may have been at the back but I thoroughly enjoyed the climb despite the heat and extremely chuffed that I didn't have to get off and walk any of it.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was amazing - she gave very clear instructions on all parts of the route - happy for anyone to go ahead and regularly hung back with me on the climbs.     She had everything organised down to the the smallest detail and she made the trip what it was.      Mohammed and Ali were also brilliant as our support drivers and feeding us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yep - take some warmer clothes, arm warmers and warm jacket as it's colder in the mountains than you think in February.   The wet, hailstones and cold day was particularly horrible in fingerless gloves and shorts!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

More time maybe to visit the towns you stay in - only got to see Tafaroute because ride cut short due to bad weather, otherwise I think there would not have been time to browse around the town. 

ATLAS DESCENT

A sublime experience . Beautiful scenery. Wonderfully organized.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Each day had its fair share of exhilirating moments.

What did you think of your group leader?

Beyond reproach . Alex was funny, professional and dedicated.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you are fit!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only criticisms: same lunch every day. Tinned mackerel for 6 days a bit dull. Insufficient portions at dinner for a 'Challenging' category trip. We needed More protein . Also, please ask hotels to provide a little Cheese or eggs for breakfast. Hardly a big expense !

Moroccan Rolling

Hot weather, sunshine, good food, good trails and great company. This was a week to cherish, and to remember.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I'd hesitate to use "insprational", it's a bit theological. The trip was just excellent fun. Six days of serious mountain biking. Some challenging parts, some dull parts and LOTS of fun parts. Rough fast descents, tricky tight switchbacks, rocky riverbeds and a little (too much for my preference) tarmac.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz is outstanding, she really made the week a success. A real live-wire - as well as riding every mile with us, she went for a run some mornings too! This girl is seriously fit!  She's always on the go: arranging the group, sorting out snacks and drinks, repairing mechanical failures, changing tyres and tubes. She's friendly and down to earth. Nothing fazes her, and she's always on hand with an encouraging word (or a first aid kit if necessary). And when we hit the town at the end of the week, she arranged entertainment and massages for us too.  Our special "skills week" also had former Mountain Bike champion Paul Hinton along as an instructor. He's an amazing rider who got up or down everything we challenged him to. His guidance helped bring all of us along a little.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some on road sections. Morocco is modernising rapidly, and many of the sections of track are the only access to some mountain villages. For the convenience of the locals, these are being tarmacced, and while Exodus works hard to refresh the routes where possible, sometimes it's not - so you'll do a few miles on road on this trip. But (and I am a harsh critic) not so much that it will spoil your fun. There are enough rock gardens, singletrack and off-road descents to make this a great fun week. The hire bikes are adequate, but it's worth taking your own bike to get the most out of some of this terain. Some of the fast descents are very rough and very rocky. You can do them on a hardtail - but if you want to do it fast, you'll need a full-susser. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The tip recommend that you take your favourite energy bars and snacks. But there's really no need. Liz provides a selection of locally sourced, delicious and nutritious snacks and drinks. You will need water though - Morocco is HOT! A hydration bladder is highly recommended - some of the climbs are long and rocky - being able to drink as you ride is a BIG advantage!

ATLAS DESCENT

A highly rewarding adventure - great cycling on a wide range of terrain in some superb mountain settings. An ideal trip for those seeking a challenging cycling trip that combines a break from the UK weather (hopefully) with wonderful scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I particularly enjoyed the road and technical trail climbs, though I may have been the only one...

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz provided excellent support for all aspects of the trip and was a dab hand at sorting out mechanical problems and punctures. Paul's mountain biking tuition over the week helped me improve my technical skills.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The roughness of some of the trails means that it's worth taking a full sus bike if you have one. The rental Treks were adequate but the length of some of the descents on rocky trails means that numb hands are likely after a while. Our group was of similar ability and thus stuck together pretty well, but it's possible that you could end up waiting around if you are a much fitter rider than your fellow travellers. Also Morocco is not the best destination if you feel the need to go out drinking each evening after your day on the bike.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

While the hotels were adequate, the range of food was limited. It would be worth considering eating out more in some places (Tafroute?) instead. Also the time available to explore the local towns in the evenings was limited. The gardens and view from the terrace at the Hotel Cascades in Immouzer are superb. 

ATLAS DESCENT

All in all, this was an excellent, well-organised trip and a wonderful way to see some beautiful parts of Morocco that the average visitor to Morocco does not get to see. There was a range of riding to test and keep everyone happy and content, but it was tough going sometimes

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

You can't help but be moved by the wonderful mountain scenery and seeing the Berbers going about there daily lives in it; children walking miles along dusty tracks just to get to school is an image that stays with me. Also, as mentioned previously, there are some serious ascents and descents during the week, so just getting up and down  those was an achievement. Having Liz (our guide) turn the last big climb of the week into a race, was a bit of a masterstroke from her as I don't think we would have done it quite so quickly, if at all, without this added competition.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz is a lovely person who enjoys her job but is totally professional with it. She was always there to fix bikes, lend a hand, cajole and be there to sort out any other problems that came up during the week, not that there were any really. A fact I put down to Liz's excellent organisation and also to having such a great bunch of people to share the experience with - thanks people.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I think the advice on the website is pretty clear when it says "challenging", but a good level of fitness and decent padded shorts (your bum must still be sore Andy!) & gloves will go along way to making the trip more enjoyable. Having said that, our group contained a range of levels and abilities and I think everyone had a great time. Yes, it was hard and uncomfortable at times, but the rewards  for completing some of those climbs and rocky descents far outweigh any discomfort.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, I realise a lot of people come purely for the riding and this trip is quite a short one, but it would have been lovely to have an afternoon off one day to do something cultural. Although I loved the trip,  a lot of it is hard riding so not much time to soak up the atmosphere on this trip. Last but not least, a big thank you to Ali and Mohammed for helping us out and keeping us fed and watered - great lunches!

ATLAS DESCENT

Excellent holiday, really well organised and a challenge.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The final day was brilliant. A 7km off road climb, before a huge descent that ended on the beach. We all ended up swimming in the sea, dodging the huge waves!

What did you think of your group leader?

Superb. Liz was a great tour leader who could talk the talk and walk the walk. A great cyclist, extremely fit and a great sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It's tough - train for it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just enjoy some of the best mountain biking you will ever experience.