Marrakech to Taddert

I left Marrakech and headed for the hamlet, Taddert. The ride out of the city was pleasant and cool in the morning. I left just after 6h30 to give the heavy traffic a big miss. This was a wise decision because, as the day progressed, it became very hot and after about two hours into my journey the gentle incline started. Great I thought ,not so bad after all. This continued for about an hour before the next level made its vicious appearance. Imagine what that felt like! I kept hearing Sandy's voice ringing in my ears, " I don't think he is fit enough". I ploughed on with my journey fighting all the way. I must admit the views are very stark but beautiful. I arrived in Taddert just after two in the afternoon and stopped at a little inn where the guys were braaing outside. The owner, Chez Ahmed, attended to me and explained in broken English which was fine. I decided to go for the cutlet, small salad, bread and mint tea which was very refreshing. The other guests were mainly French. I ate with my fingers with gusto just to be uncivilised with my audience looking on in silence. I enjoyed that. My feelings towards the French have not changed. After a good meal I asked Ahmed if he new of a place where I could sleep for the night. He suggested the youth centre which doubles as a hostel. The money that is collected goes towards the upkeep. After my doss, I took a walk around. The hamlet is linear strung along the N9, the gateway to the Atlas mountains. I met Ahmed again in the street and he kindly invited me for supper. I felt really honoured. The meal consisted of two kinds of soup, a lamb tangine which was really kwaai, mint tea and bread. There were four others sitting around the table. We chatted for a short while afterwards. When Ahmed took leave to pray, I returned to my room to sleep. What a good sleep it was!

Arrival in Marrakech

A teaspoon of a hiccup: my bicycle arrived in Casablanca but not my panniers! Have to spend an extra day in Marrakech now. Bought a sim card for my cellphone. Apparently it's a lot cheaper to phone from Morocco to South Africa. Morocco is 2 hours behind S.A.

Had some decent food today. A proper chicken sandwich and freshly squeezed orange juice to die for!. The juice is only 3dh. That's about R3.00. Marrakech is a bustling city, a thoroughfare for traffic heading south over the Atlas mountains. It's bloody hot during the day! Lots to see and smell. The mint urine smell is very popular.

Loads of English and French tourists on organised tours. The lingua franca is both French and Arabic. Computer keyboards take getting used to.

I like the fact that I blend in with my dark skin and don't get hassled by touts even when I take out my camera. Of course the locals are curious and try to chat in Arabic to me. They are visibly surprised when they find out that I am a foreigner.

Well, have to fix up my bike now for the start of my first cycle day tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Morocco Trip Itinerary

Thank you all for your comments and well wishes! I feel like a celebrity! I depart Cape Town today (Thursday) flying Emirates Air Line directly to Dubai which will take 12hours and arrive there early tomorrow morning. From Dubai I fly to Casablanca which will take me another 4 hours. From Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca I catch a train to the main railway station in the city called Casa Voyageurs. All trains either depart or pass through the main central station which connects all the major cities in Morocco. Others are connected by means of a bus transport system. I take the train to Marrakech arriving there in the evening. I will spend 2 days in Marrakech. My actual cycle starts out from Marrakech.

Three days before South Africa departure

It is 3 days before I depart for Morocco and the rush is on to have everything in order - my passport + visa; my emergency medical kit; my solar-powered bag (oops! don't have one -hope Moroccan dorpies have adequate electricity supply); my emergency rations (it is Ramadaan right now); etc.

Cycling, hiking and photography

I am an avid cyclist, hiker and photographer. For longer than I can remember I have commuted to work by bicycle because it’s a wonderful form of exercise and because I am passionate about this sport. When I am not cycling I enjoy mountain hiking. I have hiked extensively in some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, my favourites being the Otter trail, Whale trail, Tsitsikama trail and Blyde River Canyon.


A few years ago I had the pleasure of travelling to Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2004/5 I backpacked through Peru and hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This was not only a wonderful experience but also a great personal achievement for me. I took some very special photographs of my experiences. See the adjacent slide show of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

I have completed fourteen Cape Argus Cycle Tours as a Category C entrant, and eight Double Century Cycle Tours. The latter is a 206km long race cycled in teams of 8-12 riders, with the aid of support vehicles.

In March - April 2003, I completed a solo cycle tour across the length and breadth of Cuba. It was a fascinating experience and gave me many wonderful photographic opportunities. The trip was truly inspirational. Upon my return to Cape Town I gave a number of slide shows to share my experiences with fellow South Africans. My cycle through Cuba afforded me an intimate view of the people and the landscape. See adjacent slide show of Cuba.