Beginners On-Road Bike Tour of the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

I am a keen road cyclist (c8-9,000km p.a) and have ridden in many different parts of the world. This was my first time in Morocco, indeed my first visit to the African continent. What a fabulous tour, which was really interesting. Amazing scenery in the mountains as well as friendly people. Organisation by e-mail was fine. Giant branded carbon bike was perfect although I perhaps could have done with a larger cassette on the back but I managed. I had Asmil as a guide who did a brilliant job of telling me all about the villages, people and countryside that we saw. He is so charming, intelligent and knowledgeable. He speaks so many languages and we mainly conversed in French so that I could practice that. He has a sense of humour and we had such great fun. Lunch of a cheese omelette and orange juice was just what I needed. Can’t recommend doing this and having Asmil as a guide highly enough. The one Berber word that I can remember sounds like “gweeny” which means nice but that does not do the experience enough justice. Thank you AXS and Asmil for such a fantastic day out!

Visited for a single day road ride out from marrakech out to scorpion city. Arrived in the morning and everything sorted quickly and easily. Ismail was my guide and he was great from start to finish. Super smiley and positive and gave great insight into the area and Berber people and traditions. The views were great throughout. Stopped for a tasty lunch at halfway point. The previous weeks over eating and over drinking caught up with me after lunch but Ismail was super positive and patient despite my pace slowing and slowing! Would thoroughly recommend and felt perfectly safe at all times on the road. Enjoy!

I had a Brief 3day visit to Marrakesh this November, threw in my cycling shoes hoping to see some countryside while my wife was at the spa. Contacted Argan Sports when I arrived after finding their website on Google. Seemed to offer bespoke cycling suited to my ability and requirements. (social rider/sportive/touring etc). Booked and confirmed less than 24 h before, no issues. Arrived (late due to taxi mishap) full carbon Giant Defy 11speed Ultegra waiting with Ismail, my guide for the day. Pedals fitted, good helmet, rolled out and with minor adjustments made a promising exit out of the city. Ismail negotiated junctions deftly as we weaved through the morning traffic (Marrakesh driving...!). Traffic thinned, settled into a steady pace and chatted about the city, surrounding countryside, Moroccan and Berber people, and enjoyed the friendly company and fascinating landscape. Giant was tight and smooth, well maintained and comfortable ride. Landscape began to rise, dusty fields became olive groves and palms. Small villages, and local traders, with fresh produce provided a brief respite before venturing upwards toward the mountains. Ismail rode at ease taking all manner of photos and video to help me remember our ride. Passed through historical Berber towns before approaching Scorpion city. Lunch was had at a local restaurant with traditional tagine making it a hearty pit stop. Panoramic photostop and commenced the Return loop. Laws of physics allowed a brisk pace but a pesky headwind meant the HR stayed up. Followed the Marrakesh Ironman cycle route back into the outskirts of the city, completing the 90k loop in 4h approx. I loved every minute of this ride, it was a highlight of my trip, made all the more enjoyable by Ismail, friendly and approachable, good nature, communicating easily and knowledgeably. I will return to Marrakesh, I will bring my friends and we will look forward to further ventures into the Atlas Mountains with Argan Sports