Morocco - Off-Road Around Mount Toubkal
(TCMB) Morocco – Off-Road Around Toubkal
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly warm climatic conditions and cooler evenings. Good padded cycling shorts are essential.
YOUR BIKE
The ideal bike for this trip is a full suspension cross-country mountain bike such as one of the Specialized Stumpjumper range or one of the Trek Fuel EX range. A bike with 120mm to 150mm of travel front and rear is ideal, but bear in mind that your bike will have to be pushed or carried on occasions, so weight is an important factor. Please call us if you are unsure about the suitability of your current bike. It is possible to hire bikes in Morocco for this trip. See bike hire information below.
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Feet
Stiff-soled cycling shoes or SPD’s
Torso
Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 1)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Lightweight Fleece jacket or jumper
Daypack and contents
Cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 15- 20 litres total carrying capacity is recommended
Water bladder (carrying capacity min. 3 litres)
Lightweight waterproof top
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Inner tube
Pump
Camera
Sun cream
Small roll of gaffer tape
Lightweight Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Lightweight loose trousers to wear over shorts for modesty
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2) (baggies are recommended)
Cycling tights or tracksters
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet – mandatory
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and après biking clothes for predominantly warm conditions
Training/Leisure shoes for après biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Warm hat
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Headtorch/Headlamp
Sleeping Bag (Comfort Rating – zero degrees centigrade)*
Sheet sleeping bag
Equipment hire
Items marked *are available for hire/rental through KE Adventure Travel.
PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARES
Please note: If you are hiring a bike you do not need to bring spares – just a pump, repair kit and a couple of standard 26 x 2 to 2.25 inch inner tubes with Presta valves.
You should bring the following with you as a minimum. Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs e.g. fixing a puncture, changing an inner tube. Naturally the bike guide will always be happy to assist with any repairs, but due to the often remote nature of our trips, being able to carry out a simple repair can save time and inconvenience waiting for assistance.
Tyres - For this trip you will need: 2.1 to-2.3 inch cross-country tyres suitable for predominantly dry conditions.
Pump
Plastic tyre levers
Small tube of grease
1 rear brake cable
1 rear gear cable
Spare set of brake blocks / disc pads (front and rear)
2 spare spokes for front and rear wheels
Spoke key
4 x inner tubes
Liquid chain lube (bottle not aerosol)
Multi-tool with allen keys
Chain link extractor (if not on multi-tool)
2 x puncture repair kits
A rag and brush for cleaning bike and drive train.
Spare chain links
Spares specific to your bike **
KE tools and spares
On all of our trips we carry a toolkit and a basic range of spares for emergencies. As bikes become increasingly part specific it is impossible to carry a comprehensive range of spares compatible with all makes and models of bike. ** Please ensure you bring any bike-specific spares, which might be needed - such as disc brake bleed kits (and appropriate fluid), shock pumps etc.
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
Our back up vehicle will carry ample supplies of water, snacks and lunches but if you like a particular energy gel, sports drink or power bar we suggest you bring a selection of your preferred choice along.
BIKE HIRE
One option is that you take your own bike on this holiday. It is the bike you know best and will provide you with the best riding experience. However, another realistic option for this holiday is to hire a bike locally. We have established a relationship with a bike hire company in Marrakech who can provide either of the following bikes: Cannondale RZ One Twenty (1) bikes, which are excellent quality, alloy framed bikes with 120 mm full suspension, Fox forks and shock, Sram X7/X9 components, a triple chainset and disc brakes. He can also supply Cannondale Jekyll Carbon bikes, which have 150 mm full suspension, Fox forks and shock, Sram X7/X9 components, a triple chainset and disc brakes. Each of these bikes is available in Small, Medium and Large sizes.
See trip dossier for bike hire costs, which will be paid locally and which do not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. When you pick up your bike, you will be required to post a security deposit to the value of the bike and this will normally be held against your credit card details. If you want to hire a bike, please contact the KE office and we can reserve one on your behalf. We must stress that your hire contract will be with the local hire company and that KE cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from bike hire. If you do hire a bike, we recommend that you take your own shoes, pedals and possibly even your saddle, which will go a long way towards making it feel like your own bike. You will also need to take your own helmet, which must be worn at all times when riding.
Please do not hesitate to call us for further advice about what to bring or any other aspect of this trip. We are more than happy to offer you the benefit of our experience. Further helpful information can also be found in the Your Bike, Baggage Allowances, Climate and Travelling with Your Bike sections of the detailed trip dossier.
