HotChillee Atlas Mountains
Itinerary
Saturday 27 April 2019
Arrival Day
Sign On and Welcome Dinner
Sunday 28 April 2019
The Marrakech Atlas Etape: Marrakech – Ouirgane
Monday 29 April 2019
Stage 1: Ouirgane – Lake Takerkoust
Tuesday 30 April 2019
Ouirgane – Asni – Ouirgane
Wednesday 1 May 2019
Imlil – Marrakech
Thursday 2 May 2019
Departure Day
Stage Routes and Profiles
To follow shortly, but gravel stages will be approximately 80-100km per day and predominantly on gravel trails and mountain paths.
Event Format
Day 1 starts with the Marrakech Atlas Etape, a sportive from Marrakech to Oukaimeden, the highest ski resort in North Africa. There’s a shorter Etape route for those wanting less climbing on Day 1, and whilst the Etape is a road sportive, don’t be fooled, gravel bikes will be perfect for the terrain!
Over the next 3 days we will explore gravel roads, paths and trails across the roof of North Africa. The group will be supported by HotChillee Ride Captains and local guides and followed by a 4×4 support vehicle (where routes permit) stocked with water and nutrition. The vehicle will be accessible at various points of the day. Carefully selected lunches will be arranged each day so all you have to focus on is pedalling.
At the end of each day you can relax at the 4* Spa Hotel before sampling the excellent wines and regional cuisine.
Bring your non-riding partner and discover the delights of Morocco together. There’s plenty of optional activities for non-riders to explore the local area, enjoy 4* spa treatments or simply lay by the pool. Rides will finish in the mid-afternoon, giving you the opportunity to enjoy time together before another fun day in the saddle.
What’s included?
Airport transfer for you, your baggage and bike at set times
5 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
Entry to the Marrakech Atlas Etape
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals (drinks not included)
Baggage forwarding between Days 1 and 2
Local guides and HotChillee Ride Captain support
On road mechanical support
Medical support
Support cars on route
Event t-shirt
Photos
What’s not included?
Flights (return from London as low as £74 when booked early)
Insurance
Activities for non-riding partners
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included in your event entry. Transfer times are as follows:
Friday 26th April: Marrakech Menara Airport to Event HQ - 20:00 or 21:30 or
Saturday 27th April: Marrakech Menara Airport to Event HQ - 11:00 or 20:00
You will be asked to select which transfer you require at registration.
What Bike to Ride?
Ideally a gravel / endurance / Cyclocross bike or at a push a road bike that can take wider multi terrain or off road tyres such as 28mm. The wider the tyre the lower the pressure you can run it at, which does make for a more comfortable ride. If your bike has disc brakes it does make a difference. Braking is more positive and on a steep, rough fast gravel descent where you need to hold the handlebars and brakes lightly is where you really notice it.
If there is one thing to make your life easier it’s riding with SPD’s and MTB shoes. There will always be some walking in the mountains to cross rocky landslide areas or washouts. Having shoes that are safe whilst carrying the bike makes a big difference plus at least mud and small pebbles will not stop you from clipping in or out.
The HotChillee Ride Captains ride the Specialized Diverge.
