TRAVERSE Issue 34 - February 2023 | Page 91

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TRAVEL FEATURE - MOROCCO
FERNANDO ZARATTINI

IF ALLAH WILLS IT !

Morocco and Algeria are very different nations yet , these two journeys are similar ; the mountain and desert regions , and the infinite plateaus , are some aspects that are common to both countries .

As soon as I was assigned the trip I immediately began studying the territories using Google Earth . This is how it works with Adventures In The World ; from the headquarters in Rome a coordinator is chosen who will take care of studying the trip , make contact with the liaison abroad and coordinate group activities . I passed so many hours documenting it myself , not only because it was a new journey but also because we would have been the first to leave . The formula is a classic one for this type of travel , a single fee that includes flights , rental of Beta motorcycles , insurance , mechanic , guide and cook in tow , support vehicles , all meals and two nights in a hotel , as well as camping equipment . Only fuel for the motorcycles is not included .
The journey is of 1,000 kilometres and mostly at ridiculously high altitudes . Our group consisted of eight riders , all differing ages , all experienced enduro riders , despite it not being regarded as a difficult ride across one week during October , a time of the passing of seasons , summer behind us and winter yet to make its mark .
“ Will I make it ?” someone asked . “ I ’ m afraid I won ’ t be able to keep up with the younger riders .”
“ If you ’ re calling me , you already know the answer ,” I usually reply . “ You know you can do it . You just need reassurance .”
And it generally is the case . The motivations that drives someone to undertake this type of travel , regardless of age , are always deep enough to spur the rider on , to get to the end . Let ’ s be clear , it is never a
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