Cycling from Casablanca to Lisbon

[nightcrawler13]

So I was supposed to be going to the running of the bulls and then to Benicassim festival, but after completely changing my plans I've so far decided toooo....

- fly into Casablanca, Morocco with my bike

- cycle up the coast

- get a ferry to Spain

- cycle to Lisbon

- go to Optimus Alive festival and see The Cure

I've got about 8 days to make the journey, so if I cycle at 10mph for 10 hours a day I will have plenty of time

I'm just kind of asking for tips on long distance bike journeys as well as anywhere on the way that people recommend to see

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Here's a Moroccan cycle travelog to whet your appetite;

http://www.worldbiking.info/updates/update5_morocco.html

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

100 mile a day for 8 days ?

That isn't going to be easy... You done anything like this before ?

[Katster]

Sounds fab and better than the running of the bull especially getting to see the cure *jealous*.

I agree though it will be tough going. I recently rode 9 miles of uphill and then attempted to do 15 miles of flat the next day. I managed it but my arse was killing and I rode much much slower on the second day even though it was on the flat. I don't think I could have managed a third day!!

If you fancy training for it I am up for us organising some sort of sponsored bike riding weekend soon. Possibly west coast to east coast?? I just need to buy a comfy seat and I am good to go!

Along with all the water don't forget you will also need to carry puncture repair kit type stuff and know how to use it. Getting stuck in the muddle of nowhere in the blazing heat will not be fun. Are you doing it alone??

It does sound tres cool though

[Katster]

Are you not going to benicassim at all then??

[Rufus Gwertigan]

How much is it going to cost to get your bike there?

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

You'll probably want to bring a complete spare tyre with you too because you'll not get a spare out in the middle of nowhere if you manage to shred one of your existing. As you'll not want to carry a spare tyre around your neck for this epic trip you should look into folding tyres that will fit your bike.

[nightcrawler13]

Here's a Moroccan cycle travelog to whet your appetite;

http://www.worldbiki...e5_morocco.html

[Katster]

Sorry I should have made it clear when I say uphill, I mean up a big bastard hill with no flats or downs. It was killer but I managed it in less than an hour (we were supposed to be doing a circular but when we got to the top of relentless hill realised a mate had list his phone at the bottom - got it back thankfully and coming back down was good fun).

However, the next day I was buggered. Slow as anything even though it was easy.

We will get our heads together and sort coast to coast.

[nightcrawler13]

This is the route I've got planned so far

Apparently Casablanca isn't actually that nice, so in theory I'll arrive on the 5th and I'm going to ride through the city and then straight to Rabat.

I then have just under or just over a 100 miles a day for 6 days...

This actually gives me an extra day and a half before the festival starts, so I'm feeling a little more confident about being able to do this

Edited February 14, 2012 by nightcrawler13

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Just a suggestion - you could do your coast to coast bike ride at the same time as Glastonbury would have been on this year, and make it a forum wide event ie open to efesters and like minded amigoes. There'd be enough time to train for those who haven't cycled for a while. Just a thought.

[Ed209]

Over a 1000km in a week?! No offense, but you sound a little complacent about it.

If you're not doing long distance cycling regularly (and I don't mean popping to you mums and back) You have to do some serious endurance and stamina training leading it up to it. Don't be complacent about it otherwise you'll find yourself in a Moroccan or Portugease hospital.

Good luck to you though,

Top tip: Don't try and cycle the Gibraltar Straight.

[nightcrawler13]

I think you ate under estimating the effort required and the amount of endurance this will sap day after day....

100 mile a day is very hard.

Try doing the trans pennie route or Manchester to Blackpool and back to get use to distance riding.

Are you gong to camp or hotel? Either way your going to need a lot of equipment and tools... You got experience of repairing bikes?

[nightcrawler13]

Get yourself a decent muti tool for your bike, read up on bike repair, work out what your going to go if your bie breaks beyond self repair, get sadle bags,buy a big a camlebak backpack with water resavioir,.,

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

http://travellingtwo.com/resources/10questions/southern-morocco

[Rufus Gwertigan]

thanks

nope, but I cycle a lot and it's pretty much straight up the coast. I'm not saying it's going to be a ride in the park (ha!) but it's not like I'm trying to climb Everest

From my house to my mothers in Rochdale is about 14 miles, uphill half of the way, only takes me an hour and that's at a mid range effort. As long as you use your gears you can make any trip minimal effort.

I'd love to do a coast to coast with thee I donate to Sustrans and have a big map of all their routes lying about somewhere. And yes, I can change a tire Though I think I'm going to take some bike maintenance classes before I go in case anything else breaks...

[Katster]

I've got a couple days off next week, so will try blackpool and back

I'm going to camp where I can, hotel if I have to. So I'll need a spare tire, tent and water (clothes and books of course), so not that much kit to carry surely?

[Halcyon]

This sounds fantastic, and having had a glimpse at that route, it looks like it could be a fantastic ride. Best of luck to you chap.

I've been riding casually for years, and cycling seriously for a year now; and regularly put in 80-120miles on a bike over a weekend (during the warmer months of the year). I've done plenty of epic rides in the past in this country - the most recent being a trip around the south coast (5 days at 70miles each day) and a trip from Kent to Derby via East Anglia and back (6days at 80-90miles/day). But never thought of doing something abroad like this. You've genuinely got me interested in thinking about what I might do this year - thinking Italy and south of France now!

That being said, I've only ever manage to do 3 century rides on back to back to back days before simply having to take a rest day. Not so much for a sore bum, or because I'm exhaused (even though I ride at a 15-18mph average pace), but because my shoulders and lower back are so sore. Been trying to build up my core strength over the winter, so an eager to see how well I've done over a 3 or 4 day stretch.

I'm interested in the amount of endurance cycling you've done in the past... what's your experience of long rides? Have you ever been out on a long ride before (more than 40 or 50 miles). I ask this because the first 40-50 miles of a ride is easy, and it's deceptive coming back from a 50 mile ride, thinking you've still got miles left in the legs, and could easily knock out another 30 miles. It's that next 30miles that really becomes a challenge and feel very difficult. You're somewhat tied and hungry, miles from home, a little bit bored (lets be honest), and still only really half way to your target. But its a mental barrier... get to about 80 miles, and your over the hill and on the home stretch... that final 20miles is a breeze. At least, that's what I find.

But in my opinion, anyone can ride at 10mph all day (even if I do think 10 hours straight riding a day for 5+ days is optimistic of you), so as long as you have the mental ability and enthusiasm to get back on "THAT BLOODY SADDLE" (as you'll come to think of it), I don't see why someone couldn't achieve what you're planning. Actually making me kinda jealous!

I'd be a little worried about that A4 road from just outside Tangier to Ceuta... looks like a hell of a trip through the mountains, and at least 50miles of dual carriageway - more than even I'd be happy with. Whatever you think about the state of British drivers attitudes against cyclists, European drivers hate cyclists a whole lot more. So you'll want to make sure you're confident on busy roads like that.

What sort of bike will you be using (tourer or road bike)? I'd never attempt something like this on anything but my carbon road bike (as it pretty much rides itself), but it's all about personal choice and how you like to ride. Maintanance is of course important, but if you have a well looked after bike and a spare inner tube and chain in your pocket you can nearly always nurse the bike to your next target or the nearest city bike shop without too much of a problem (I've ridden 40miles once on just 3 gears - high, very high and highest). Patch your bike up during the day, and do proper repairs once you arrive at your destination.

Clothing is important too... padded cycling shorts, two proper cycling jerseys and sun glasses are vital (for when it's sunny), and long lycra trousers and a cycling jacket (for if it gets colder) would be handy. Nothing loose and baggy - as all that flapping about is just wasted energy. Never ridden with a tent before... but you'll obviously realise the smaller the better. My advice would be not to even bother carrying food... just eat what you can buy out there... but that'll depend on your budget. Anything you take you've got to carry... and every kilogram in the gab is another kilogram on your back and in your shoulders and through your legs. The lighter the better.

Sorry to go on and on... and feel free to ignore all of this, and this final piece of advice in particular... my top piece of advice is this: When riding, don't stop. When you set out, cycle for as long and as hard as you can before stopping. Even if it's luch time and your getting hungry and tied... don't stop for another hour. Hold it off as long as you can. Because as soon as you stop, it'll be harder to get back on and find that rhytm again. And as soon as you do, you'll want to stop again. The time between wanting/having to stop each time will get shorter and shorter, until your just not making progress and have to stop for the day. Sounds odd and counter intuitive.... but don't stop

I hope this somewhat helps, and I wish you all the very best of luck. Just in writing this out I'm getting more and more jealous of this ride. I hope you have a blast! If you do do any training rides and organise any long distance forum group cycles... deffinately keep us/me informed. Would be very interested in coming along and helping out.

[TheGayTent]

Do you actually go through with any of the ideas you come up with and make threads about fairly regularly?

Bought a van? Bought a house? Rented it out? Gone travelling?

Cycle ride sounds fun - enjoy.

[nightcrawler13]

This sounds fantastic, and having had a glimpse at that route, it looks like it could be a fantastic ride. Best of luck to you chap.

I've been riding casually for years, and cycling seriously for a year now; and regularly put in 80-120miles on a bike over a weekend (during the warmer months of the year). I've done plenty of epic rides in the past in this country - the most recent being a trip around the south coast (5 days at 70miles each day) and a trip from Kent to Derby via East Anglia and back (6days at 80-90miles/day). But never thought of doing something abroad like this. You've genuinely got me interested in thinking about what I might do this year - thinking Italy and south of France now!

That being said, I've only ever manage to do 3 century rides on back to back to back days before simply having to take a rest day. Not so much for a sore bum, or because I'm exhaused (even though I ride at a 15-18mph average pace), but because my shoulders and lower back are so sore. Been trying to build up my core strength over the winter, so an eager to see how well I've done over a 3 or 4 day stretch.

I'm interested in the amount of endurance cycling you've done in the past... what's your experience of long rides? Have you ever been out on a long ride before (more than 40 or 50 miles). I ask this because the first 40-50 miles of a ride is easy, and it's deceptive coming back from a 50 mile ride, thinking you've still got miles left in the legs, and could easily knock out another 30 miles. It's that next 30miles that really becomes a challenge and feel very difficult. You're somewhat tied and hungry, miles from home, a little bit bored (lets be honest), and still only really half way to your target. But its a mental barrier... get to about 80 miles, and your over the hill and on the home stretch... that final 20miles is a breeze. At least, that's what I find.

But in my opinion, anyone can ride at 10mph all day (even if I do think 10 hours straight riding a day for 5+ days is optimistic of you), so as long as you have the mental ability and enthusiasm to get back on "THAT BLOODY SADDLE" (as you'll come to think of it), I don't see why someone couldn't achieve what you're planning. Actually making me kinda jealous!

I'd be a little worried about that A4 road from just outside Tangier to Ceuta... looks like a hell of a trip through the mountains, and at least 50miles of dual carriageway - more than even I'd be happy with. Whatever you think about the state of British drivers attitudes against cyclists, European drivers hate cyclists a whole lot more. So you'll want to make sure you're confident on busy roads like that.

What sort of bike will you be using (tourer or road bike)? I'd never attempt something like this on anything but my carbon road bike (as it pretty much rides itself), but it's all about personal choice and how you like to ride. Maintanance is of course important, but if you have a well looked after bike and a spare inner tube and chain in your pocket you can nearly always nurse the bike to your next target or the nearest city bike shop without too much of a problem (I've ridden 40miles once on just 3 gears - high, very high and highest). Patch your bike up during the day, and do proper repairs once you arrive at your destination.

Clothing is important too... padded cycling shorts, two proper cycling jerseys and sun glasses are vital (for when it's sunny), and long lycra trousers and a cycling jacket (for if it gets colder) would be handy. Nothing loose and baggy - as all that flapping about is just wasted energy. Never ridden with a tent before... but you'll obviously realise the smaller the better. My advice would be not to even bother carrying food... just eat what you can buy out there... but that'll depend on your budget. Anything you take you've got to carry... and every kilogram in the gab is another kilogram on your back and in your shoulders and through your legs. The lighter the better.

Sorry to go on and on... and feel free to ignore all of this, and this final piece of advice in particular... my top piece of advice is this: When riding, don't stop. When you set out, cycle for as long and as hard as you can before stopping. Even if it's luch time and your getting hungry and tied... don't stop for another hour. Hold it off as long as you can. Because as soon as you stop, it'll be harder to get back on and find that rhytm again. And as soon as you do, you'll want to stop again. The time between wanting/having to stop each time will get shorter and shorter, until your just not making progress and have to stop for the day. Sounds odd and counter intuitive.... but don't stop

I hope this somewhat helps, and I wish you all the very best of luck. Just in writing this out I'm getting more and more jealous of this ride. I hope you have a blast! If you do do any training rides and organise any long distance forum group cycles... deffinately keep us/me informed. Would be very interested in coming along and helping out.

Edited February 15, 2012 by nightcrawler13

[Katster]

Thank you! Great reply

I'm never done anything near 100, the furthest in a day is probably 30-40. However that was going very fast in a short time, I'm planning on cruising over the course of the day. Slow enough that I can take photos as I pass pretty sites

I will make sure to get the padded shorts, good call. I was planning on wearing my loose hippy clothes, but again, you're very right on the waste of energy when it comes to the drag on the flapping. I'll make sure to get some super serious looking cycle gear

I eat pretty basic in day to day life, so I think if I just bring a good few packets of tuna for when I cant find food, I'll be sorted on that front.

Minimal clothes, minimal food, camera, couple books, tent, bike tool, puncture repair kit, inner tube, maps, folding tire (i've never actually heard of these, but Yogurt put me on the case).... I

can easily fit this all in saddle bags

I currently have a Univega Via Montega, simple hybrid. I don't like road bikes, if I have to ride off road what would I do?! Though, my work has just signed up to Ride To Work scheme, so have been contemplating getting a new bike....

I really appreciate the advice, and when it comes to distance, I think I'll go with your idea of making it to 70 - 80 before stopping for a break, then let the last 20 cruise by

In the process of

Thanks, I hope i shall

I agree, but unfortunately I can't shorten the route (unless you can teach me how to tesseract) and I can't get any more time off work prior to the festival

than I all ready have.

I would love to spend 3 weeks doing it, taking in the sites, I originally wanted to start in Marrakech but

realised that was impossible unless I seriously beefed up.

So I have a mission to get from Casablanca, Morocco on the 5th of July to Lisbon, Portugal on the 13th of July. I either do that, or I just fly from Morocco to Lisbon which is no way near as exciting

As Halcyon said above, anyone can ride 10mph for 10 hours. I'm giving myself 12 hours a day to do this

I think Katster and I may try and organise some sort of coast to coast in June? Park Life is on the weekend of the 9th and 10th in Manchester, Flaming Lips are headlining on the 9th. Maybe the Way of the Roses route with Parklife as a Glastonbury substitute afterparty?

[nightcrawler13]

I don't finish work for the summer until 12th July.

I am going to kefalonia with the family the first week of June (half term).

Edited February 15, 2012 by nightcrawler13

[Rufus Gwertigan]

Are we going to be treated to a blog?

[TheGayTent]

I like the innocence and naivety. Refreshing

[Halcyon]

Thank you! Great reply

Edited February 15, 2012 by Halcyon