The
following is a resume by Gordon Shaw
following his Morocco
Atlas Mountains Raid Motorbike trip in October 2007
Photos
by Gordon Shaw
Wildcat
- Adventure!!
Today was
a sad occasion - washed Morocco of my bike. I arrived back home last Tuesday after
the most wonderful tour of Morocco. I had planned and saved for nearly a year
and had placed my trust in Wildcat Adventures to deliver 'the experience of a
lifetime' - tall order but they managed it.
Morocco
was everything I expected and more. Majestic cities, breathtaking passes, the
silence of the desert and the grandeur of the canyons. The people were both curious
and friendly.
Food
was served in tagines, camel herds roamed the Draa Valley, a spectacular sandstorm
blew over Merzouga.
17 of us on 14 bikes (GS1150, GSA1150,
GS1200s, GSA1200s, 650 Dakar, V-Stroms, Transalps) covered 3,500 wonderful miles
over 10 full days in Morocco.
Bike
problems? Yes. I have always felt that the way a company responds to a problem
tells a lot about how they care for their clients. Wildcat didn't disappoint.
We
encounter two major problems. A 'sick' GS1200 was towed to Plymouth and pushed
onto the Santander Ferry. John (MD at Wildcat Adventures) and Brigitte (guide,
translator and all-round caring person) ensured that the Santander BMW dealer
met the bike off the ferry and both stayed with the bike and rider until a new
fuel pump was fitted. About 5 days into the tour, the 650 Dakar stopped charging
(alternator, we think). Again, Wildcat stepped up to the mark and arranged a 'fix'
- truck battery wired up and housed in a pannier - which allowed the rider to
enjoy the rest of his holiday.
Wildcat
took care of the ferry bookings, hotel accommodation and getting the bikes in
and out of Tangiers. This left us to get on with enjoying ourselves. The route
was great and it was obvoius that John and Brigitte have spent a LOT of time in
Morocco and and highly knowlegeable about the country's culture and geography.
Initially
I considered this trip a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. Now that I have been
to Morocco I can't wait to get back.
Advice?
- Give it a go
Other than
being a satisfied customer, I have no relationship with Wildcat Adventures who
can be contacted at http://www.wildcat-adventures.co.uk/
Gordon
Shaw , Scotland
Photos
by Gordon Shaw
