Green in the Gorge!!

Gwion showing off!!

There’s smiles all round today after the longest days’s riding yet! We covered over 300km so will definitely sleep well tonight!

Although much of it was road work there were some fast trails with varied terrain to keep us on our toes!!

I think we were all a little sad to be saying goodbye to the dunes as we headed off towards Rissani & Arfoud. The trail off towards our road to the Todra Gorge offered fast, smooth trail, rocky sections, soft sand and washouts to make sure we were all paying attention!

Then, out of nowhere, were random structures! I wondered if we had diverted to Peru or were in an H.G.Wells book!!

As we continued at pace it was amazing how much the scenery changed. We could have visited many different countries today!! Riding off-road is a brliliant way to see parts of a country you would never otherwise see, smell or feel… But you do have to stop sometimes, otherwise you’d never realise the immense splendour of the scenery you have been speeding through….

Are you sure we’re not at the Grand Canyon?!!

(That’s my bike gleaming in the sun by the way!! )

The temperatures got cooler as we headed further North &  through the gorges so each brief stop for fuel or coffee was gratefully received!

It was worth it though as the roads were great fun (to be recommended on any kind of bike!!) and the stunning views were easier to appreciate when riding smooth(-ish!!) roads sat on a bike that is not trying to buck you off on rocks that seem to jump from nowhere on any trail!!

We all had a little giggle to ourselves as a massive sign announced that we were passing through the centre of Assoul….. :-/

As a fantastic welcome to the heart of the gorge we stopped for coffee about 5 minutes before our hotel to really appreciate the views. This stop was made even better by our dramatic entrance – we rode down steps & over a narrow bridge over the rocky river!!

We are now at the hotel Dar Ayour and I’m very exciting to have internet connection, but probably a little more so about dinner then bed!!

Tomorrow we return to Ouarzazate…