Cycling Collection by Vincent Reboul
Morocco of the passes and beaches — the Atlas via the Tizi N'Test
8 days
2-7 h/day
661km
8,250m
8,710m
As the country has modernised, motorways have replaced some of the more difficult roads. Among the old, abandoned roads, the Tizi N'Test is the most incredible.
The Tizi N'Test road is a former major access road to southern Morocco and is simply breathtaking. This Collection follows this old road through the little-known Agafay Desert at the gates of Marrakech, the green landscapes of the Ouirgane region, as well as the N'fis valley dotted with old kasbahs, to later reach the Test Pass (or Tizi in Arabic), an incomparable high altitude belvedere which dominates the large and overheated Souss plain. The vertiginous descent that follows takes you to the town of Taroudant, also known as little Marrakech. The second part of the trip explores the small roads along the wild coast between Agadir and Essaouira.
The Atlas Mountains, the Moroccan countryside and the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast are all combined in this adventure. Over 660 kilometres (410 mi) and eight stages, you discover rich landscapes.
You can do this adventure over a week, but I would advise taking at least ten days to allow for rest days and exploration, which are essential for a broader view and a better understanding of the country.
You ride along little-travelled roads that dazzle you with their breathtaking scenery and take you back in time. Morocco is indeed a country of incredible contrast. In big cities, the population is relatively wealthy and modern whilst people live simply and self-sufficiently in the mountains.
The roads can be dangerous in Morocco as there is little respect for traffic rules. It’s therefore important to be extra vigilant, especially when arriving or leaving the cities. I’ve taken great care to use mostly roads with no or very little traffic to avoid these inconveniences as much as possible.
This route is ideal for cycle tourers, gravel riders and bikepackers. There are many sections where the terrain changes from tarmac to unpaved. Mountain experience is required for this trip as you’ll cross a 2,000-metre (6,600 ft) pass.
You can take on this trip in spring, autumn and winter, but avoid summer at all costs. Temperatures in the Souss plains and the Agafay Desert make this adventure impractical in the summer.
Finding food, water and accommodation is easy. Local supermarkets are everywhere, as are open-air markets. The food is hearty, rejuvenating, diverse, of good quality and reasonably priced. There are also many small outdoor restaurants. I particularly like the restaurants where everyone sits at the same table. There’s no better place to meet locals and fall in love with Morocco.
To get to the beginning of this adventure, you’ll have to get to Marrakech. There are three options: bus and car from Spain or a flight to Marrakech International Airport.
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The Atlas via the Tizi N'Test
659km
8,500m
8,970m
Last updated: June 10, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
42.0km
02:44
320m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
66.2km
05:20
1,270m
1,030m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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117km
07:53
2,090m
2,490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
116km
06:28
330m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
81.7km
05:21
410m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
100km
07:42
1,990m
2,000m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
90.1km
07:17
1,470m
1,470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
48.3km
03:30
390m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
8
Distance
661 km
Duration
46:16 h
Elevation
8,250 m
8,710 m
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