Europe to Africa

[Limerickman]

Good evening

The title sounds a lot grander than the actual trip.

I made a very brief introduction, funnily enough in the introduction thread so I wont drone on here about myself.

I have a trip planned (very loose plan) where I will be setting off from my home in Lancashire, travelling down the country eventually to Newhaven to catch the ferry to Dieppe.

The only solid plan I have is the Ferry is booked and I have also booked a cheap hotel on the Dieppe side for the first night, other than that I'm following my nose and   camping where possible.

My ultimate destination is Morocco, and I dearly want to sample the Western Sahara , if only to say I have been there, I don't wish to cross it at this point in time (thats another trip).

So I have been busy lately, the bike is serviced and deemed fit for purpose (for now) although she is an old girl i think together we can meander along and see some of the the world.

The bike is a 2002 BMW F650GS all standard apart from some Heed crash bars, some bark busters, better footpegs and a higher screen.

It has genuine BMW hard panniers and top box and along with a large dry bag I think I will have sufficent room to carry my necessary tools and spares along with my camping kit.

In the next few days my kit should be finalised so i will then set the rear shock to suit the extra weight and I will be ready to head off.

My planned departure date is the 16th of Nov with my ferry leaving Newhaven on the 18th at 11am.

I'm planning on visiting my brother in Bedfordshire before the ferry hence the early set off date.

Then its across to Dieppe, stay that night in a cheap hotel and set off properly on the 19th and see where I end up.

I'm expecting wet weather in both France and Spain but I'm still determined to camp where possible.

My route will take in some of the better roads France/Spain and Portugal have to offer so I will be avoiding motorways.

I want to spend Christmas in Sagres in Portugal so that give me a plenty of time to get there.

Then in the new year, hopefully new years day I want to cross over to Morocco and make my way down to the Western Sahara.

My return route has yet to be decided but at the moment I'm thinking of getting back to Spain and turn right following the coast up towards Barcelona but as I say its all a very loose plan.

Although I'm not taking a laptop nor a video camera I try record some bits on my mobile if only for my own enjoyment and I hope to be able to update this thread from time to time.

I have taken advice from here already and plan to get a vodafone top up cars for europe and Inwi for Morocco so at least I have some data to use for updates.

Like everyone i like decent riding kit but to buy a textile jacket and pants some of them were more expensive than my bike.

I have now gotten the kit I feel works, I've done 2700 miles in it and it worked for me, it has layers to keep me warm and the textile jacket has a removable liner to cool things down if required.

This may be a controversial decision but I have chosen to wear biking jeans above textile trousers, mainly because of comfort, I tend to overheat easily and textile trousers just make me sweat.

But along with my mix and match clothing I have invested in a set of Scott waterproofs, I have used these a few times in torrential rain and can vouch I stayed dry underneath.

Two pairs of gloves, one waterproof ,one lighter pair more suited to drier weather.

As for boots, well I invested in a pair of Altberg Clubman boots back in 2011 and they are still going strong so they are coming along for the ride, I cannot recommend Altberg highly enough, the boots have been excellent.( I'm not being paid for any of these recommendations, I'm just passing on my thoughts).

That's about it for now, a lot of writing about a trip I have not done yet but I hope to update things as I go along, if anyone sees an aging F650GS with an equally aging bloke give me a shout or say hello.

Speak soon

Dermot.

 

 

[KAYZ1]

If you are off on the 16th you still have time to get a spare water pump kit for the bike.

Hope you have a great time as i did on an F650, Ow! new chan and sprockets before the long

ride. PS: it does get cold at night time.

Lyn. 

[Limerickman]

Hey Lyn

The water pump was replaced just before I replaced the radiator so I'm hoping it will hold up for a while yet.

New chain and sprockets were fitted before my Ireland trip so they still have plenty of life left in them.

As for Cold nights I'm expecting that and think i can manage to keep myself warm plus, I do have a very good sleeping bag.

[boboneleg]

Your trip sounds great , best of luck to you .  Altberg boots are a great piece of kit.  Send us photos when ever you can 

[Pedro]

Looking forward to this report developing, and also your views on my country. There's a few reports here if you're looking for inspiration on where to go.

Another tip, if you're carrying actual road maps, the best one for Morocco is the Michelin 742. As you know Morocco does not recognize Western Sahara as a country, so they confiscate everything that goes against that. Just pack your map under your clothes or somewhere not in open view when you open your luggage and they probably won't take it. Or just censor it so that it is not sellable on the street behind the customs by the same people that confiscated it in the first place 

[KAYZ1]

My F650 did 200,000 miles before it needed a 6 week service..They don't make um like that any more.

The lad had it 4 years and thrashed it very day. When i traded it in on a new bike i got more money than it cost me to buy

10 year before...That will never happen on a modern BM

Have a great time and stay safe.

Lyn.

[Six30]

12 hours ago, KAYZ1 said:

My F650 did 200,000 miles before it needed a 6 week service..They don't make um like that any more.

The lad had it 4 years and thrashed it very day. When i traded it in on a new bike i got more money than it cost me to buy

10 year before...That will never happen on a modern BM

Have a great time and stay safe.

Lyn.

you done 200,000 miles in six weeks ...

[Limerickman]

22 hours ago, Pedro said:

Looking forward to this report developing, and also your views on my country. There's a few reports here if you're looking for inspiration on where to go.

Another tip, if you're carrying actual road maps, the best one for Morocco is the Michelin 742. As you know Morocco does not recognize Western Sahara as a country, so they confiscate everything that goes against that. Just pack your map under your clothes or somewhere not in open view when you open your luggage and they probably won't take it. Or just censor it so that it is not sellable on the street behind the customs by the same people that confiscated it in the first place 

I have been to Portugal a few times on various holidays over the years and I love the country, but never ridden my bike there.

Yes I prefer paper maps but keep a sat nav with me as well but its usually at the bottom of my bag.

Thats good to know about hiding the map, thanks. 

[Limerickman]

12 hours ago, KAYZ1 said:

My F650 did 200,000 miles before it needed a 6 week service..They don't make um like that any more.

The lad had it 4 years and thrashed it very day. When i traded it in on a new bike i got more money than it cost me to buy

10 year before...That will never happen on a modern BM

Have a great time and stay safe.

Lyn.

Ah well mine is not run in yet, as its only done 40k (fingers crossed).

I'm fairly sure whatever happens will be an adventure, this time next week I will be on my way, firstly to see my Brother in Bedfordshire, then head for the ferry on the 18th.

[PHILinFRANCE]

Not trying to put you off but the western Sahara.......no no no ...GO  just throw yourself into the culture,  learn some French and even a bit of Arabic........and take loads of pics

it's a tad samey samey

 

 

 

 

 

[Limerickman]

35 minutes ago, PHILinFRANCE said:

Not trying to put you off but the western Sahara.......no no no ...GO  just throw yourself into the culture,  learn some French and even a bit of Arabic........and take loads of pics

it's a tad samey samey

 

 

 

 

 

I'm open to all suggestions, Thanks for your advice,I still feel as though I have to experience the Sahara 

[PHILinFRANCE]

Not trying to put you off but the western Sahara!!!

it's a tad samey samey

 

My best advice is to forget European ideology,  immerse yourself in as much of their culture as possible,  go see the well known places , Marrakesh and the likes BUT don't stay .

Be very careful in the desert,  carry lots of water, but most of all enjoy  

 

 

 

 

 

[Limerickman]

5 hours ago, PHILinFRANCE said:

Not trying to put you off but the western Sahara!!!

it's a tad samey samey

 

My best advice is to forget European ideology,  immerse yourself in as much of their culture as possible,  go see the well known places , Marrakesh and the likes BUT don't stay .

Be very careful in the desert,  carry lots of water, but most of all enjoy  

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the advice I really do appreciate it.

Yes my plan is to visit the well known spots then head off to find somewhere off the beaten track to set up camp.

I will be carrying plenty of water as well as fuel.

[Buckster]

And he was never heard from again.