Details of our Morocco mountain biking and road cycling holidays and how to make the best lamb tagine this side of the Atlas Mountains!!
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 Skedaddle to Morocco 2011 |
Hello and welcome to a Skedaddle Newsletter special devoted entirely to a destination close to our hearts – MOROCCO !! With four fantastic trips to cater for all cycling persuasions, Skedaddle really is the market leader in two wheeled adventure tours to this varied, friendly and spectacular country. Question is which trip? How to choose? Which of these mouth-watering adventures will suit me best? Check out the list of options, dates, prices and a few words of wisdom from Charlie, referred to by many as Our Man in Marrakech, together with a few choice words from previous customers. When the nights draw in and the light fades - we know where we’d rather be…..book now for Morocco this Autumn! Charlie, Saaid, Tarik, Big Abs and all the crew look forward to seeing you in Morocco.
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| Atlas to Desert | ||
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Atlas to Desert - MTB Grade 3 - 4 10 days / 9 nights Departures - 23 09 11 and 22 10 11 then Feb, March 2012 Arguably the most complete trip in the range, Atlas to Desert is the longest running of our Morocco mountain biking holidays and has everything in one perfectly-formed journey. Arguably the most complete trip in the range, is the longest running of our Morocco mountain biking holidays and has everything in one perfectly-formed journey. Following a dazzling route from North Africa’s highest range of mountains to the northern fringes of the Sahara Desert, this varied and inspiring MTB adventure combines isolated dirt roads with occasional singletrack. Accommodation ranges from wild camping to comfortable local-style guest houses and finishes with a night under the stars in the dunes of the Sahara. Arguably the most complete trip in the range, is the longest running of our Morocco mountain biking holidays and has everything in one perfectly-formed journey. Following a dazzling route from North Africa’s highest range of mountains to the northern fringes of the Sahara Desert, this varied and inspiring MTB adventure combines isolated dirt roads with occasional singletrack. Accommodation ranges from wild camping to comfortable local-style guest houses and finishes with a night under the stars in the dunes of the Sahara.Charlie says : “The strength of this trip is in its incredible variety….of everything…..from landscapes to accommodation. Accessible to all reasonably fit riders”. Arguably the most complete trip in the range, is the longest running of our Morocco mountain biking holidays and has everything in one perfectly-formed journey. Following a dazzling route from North Africa’s highest range of mountains to the northern fringes of the Sahara Desert, this varied and inspiring MTB adventure combines isolated dirt roads with occasional singletrack. Accommodation ranges from wild camping to comfortable local-style guest houses and finishes with a night under the stars in the dunes of the Sahara. “The strength of this trip is in its incredible variety….of everything…..from landscapes to accommodation. Accessible to all reasonably fit riders”.Our clients say : “We all wondered how Skedaddle managed to provide so much for the money. With all the accommodation, food, vehicles, guides etc it seems hard to cover it all for £995. So very well done.” Mike, Feb 2011
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| Atlas to Atlantic | ||
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Atlas to Atlantic - MTB Grade 3 - 8 days / 7 nights Departures - 08 10 11 and 05 11 10 then April + Oct 2012 Our Atlas to Atlantic got off to a flying start in the spring with five star reports! More compact geographically, slightly shorter and involving less travel (i.e. more time on the bike), this moderate grade trip has all of the textbook “Moroccan” elements - most importantly a fun adventure with plenty of local cultural experiences. Our got off to a flying start in the spring with five star reports! More compact geographically, slightly shorter and involving less travel (i.e. more time on the bike), this moderate grade trip has all of the textbook “Moroccan” elements - most importantly a fun adventure with plenty of local cultural experiences.This “two centre” trip focuses on the High Atlas Mountains and the picturesque coastal fort town of Essaouira, staying in two great hotels. Riding is a mix of singletrack and dirt roads, normally with two options to cater for all ability levels. Our got off to a flying start in the spring with five star reports! More compact geographically, slightly shorter and involving less travel (i.e. more time on the bike), this moderate grade trip has all of the textbook “Moroccan” elements - most importantly a fun adventure with plenty of local cultural experiences.This “two centre” trip focuses on the High Atlas Mountains and the picturesque coastal fort town of Essaouira, staying in two great hotels. Riding is a mix of singletrack and dirt roads, normally with two options to cater for all ability levels.Charlie says : “Less full-on than some other trips with some great riding and some time built in for a holiday too!” Our got off to a flying start in the spring with five star reports! More compact geographically, slightly shorter and involving less travel (i.e. more time on the bike), this moderate grade trip has all of the textbook “Moroccan” elements - most importantly a fun adventure with plenty of local cultural experiences.This “two centre” trip focuses on the High Atlas Mountains and the picturesque coastal fort town of Essaouira, staying in two great hotels. Riding is a mix of singletrack and dirt roads, normally with two options to cater for all ability levels. “Less full-on than some other trips with some great riding and some time built in for a holiday too!”Our clients say : “It was one of my top ten experiences in my life - I cannot wait to book another trip with you.” Vicky, April 11
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| Atlas Traverse | ||
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Atlas Traverse - MTB Grade 4 - 5 - 10 days / 9 nights Departure - 02 09 11 then not until May and June 2012 For those looking to pit their wits and test their mettle against the highest mountain range in North Africa then look no further as the High Atlas Traverse may very well be the trip for you! A notch tougher on the physical and technical scale from the Atlas to Desert this trip traverses this mighty range, from west to east. For those looking to pit their wits and test their mettle against the highest mountain range in North Africa then look no further as the may very well be the trip for you! A notch tougher on the physical and technical scale from the Atlas to Desert this trip traverses this mighty range, from west to east.Staying in basic village accommodation, this remote, wild and particularly adventurous journey is aimed at those with a good level of fitness, and options exist to test your technical skills down rocky descents which run in parallel to dirt road routes. For those looking to pit their wits and test their mettle against the highest mountain range in North Africa then look no further as the may very well be the trip for you! A notch tougher on the physical and technical scale from the Atlas to Desert this trip traverses this mighty range, from west to east.Staying in basic village accommodation, this remote, wild and particularly adventurous journey is aimed at those with a good level of fitness, and options exist to test your technical skills down rocky descents which run in parallel to dirt road routes.Charlie says : “If you are a regular rider with an unquenchable thirst for real “adventure,” in a culture completely different from your own, then look no further!” For those looking to pit their wits and test their mettle against the highest mountain range in North Africa then look no further as the may very well be the trip for you! A notch tougher on the physical and technical scale from the Atlas to Desert this trip traverses this mighty range, from west to east.Staying in basic village accommodation, this remote, wild and particularly adventurous journey is aimed at those with a good level of fitness, and options exist to test your technical skills down rocky descents which run in parallel to dirt road routes. “If you are a regular rider with an unquenchable thirst for real “adventure,” in a culture completely different from your own, then look no further!”Our clients say : “ The scenery was extraordinary, the accommodation was great, the food laid on was good and the programme was well put together and well executed. The group was friendly and the whole thing was hosted by an enthusiastic and motivated guide … keen to give us a genuine taste of the local culture as well as laying on a fun cycling holiday. Very, very good”Iain C. April 2011
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| Road Atlas | ||
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Road Atlas - Classic Road Grade 3 - 10 days / 9 nights Departures : 04 11 11 and 18 11 11 Recent resurfacing and a general expansion of the Moroccan road network has really put road cycling on the map in Morocco, and we’ve found a dazzling route through the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains with some monster climbs, never ending descents, and, er, not really any flat riding! Three years into our Road Atlas trip and its rapidly growing in popularity as word spreads that Morocco is ready and able to take on the major European mountain ranges for beauty and riding conditions. Quiet country lanes, good surfaces and perfectly graded climbs and descents combine with the obligatory huge slice of friendly North African culture, to make a winning combo for keen leisure cyclists. Charlie says : “This trip gets better every time. Some of the roads and the scenery go way beyond the regular superlatives. A great illustration of how cycling is the best way to see another culture.” Our clients say : “Morocco was an absolute blast and turned out to be one of the best trips I’ve been on” Sri, Nov 2010.
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| 10 Reasons to Choose Morocco | ||
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10 Reasons to Choose Morocco for your next Skedaddle Holiday
• A quick hop from the UK to Marrakech (3 hour flight) • A quick hop from the UK to Marrakech (3 hour flight)• The nearest true culture shock to the UK and Europe• An extraordinary and unparalleled variety of scenery and 300 days of sunshine a year• Amongst the world’s greatest cuisines• One of the friendliest and most welcoming of destinations• Trails to suit all levels of ability and fitness• A full range of hire bikes if you don’t fancy taking your own• Stylish and convivial local-style guest house accommodation• Some of the best wild camping in the world (including sleeping out in the Sahara!)• Our legendary Moroccan crew. You will be looked after so well that • A quick hop from the UK to Marrakech (3 hour flight)• The nearest true culture shock to the UK and Europe• An extraordinary and unparalleled variety of scenery and 300 days of sunshine a year• Amongst the world’s greatest cuisines• One of the friendliest and most welcoming of destinations• Trails to suit all levels of ability and fitness• A full range of hire bikes if you don’t fancy taking your own• Stylish and convivial local-style guest house accommodation• Some of the best wild camping in the world (including sleeping out in the Sahara!)• Our legendary Moroccan crew. You will be looked after so well that • A quick hop from the UK to Marrakech (3 hour flight)• The nearest true culture shock to the UK and Europe• An extraordinary and unparalleled variety of scenery and 300 days of sunshine a year• Amongst the world’s greatest cuisines• One of the friendliest and most welcoming of destinations• Trails to suit all levels of ability and fitness• A full range of hire bikes if you don’t fancy taking your own• Stylish and convivial local-style guest house accommodation• Some of the best wild camping in the world (including sleeping out in the Sahara!)• Our legendary Moroccan crew. You will be looked after so well that |
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| Big Abs Homestyle Berber Tajine | ||||||||||||||||
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The “Big Abs” Homestyle Berber Tajine in 10 easy steps! 1. Heat up your charcoal 2. Place tajine base on coals and fry onions in vegetable oil with cumin, ginger and paprika 3. Add a few morsels of lamb and fry with onions until brown 4. Layer first sliced potatoes then sliced carrots in a conical shape over the meat and close lid of tajine pot 5. Add water when required to keep the tajine moist 6. Cook for an hour and a half 7. Add tomatoes for the final ten minutes 8. Season with salt and pepper 9. Serve 10. Eat, enoy and prepare for a post meal snooze!! . |
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This superb desert biking adventure focuses on the deep south of Morocco, a land of big skies and stark mountain ranges where mud-brick kasbahs appear to rise up out of the desert, sitting in tranquil palm oases and framed by dramatic backdrops of snowcapped mountains. We ride along Morocco’s dirt roads, taking us from Marrakech to the Tichka Pass, the highest in the High Atlas, and then southward, descending along the Draa Valley to the fringes of the Sahara Desert.
