Presented by Fuel Motorcycles
Words by Karles Vives | Photos by Gotz Gopper
For the first time, the Scram Africa has had two rounds, the first from 4th to 11th May and the second round from 11th to 18th May. In total, there were 35 riders from all over the world, (Europe, Canada, USA, Costa Rica, Republica Dominicana, etc.. with all kind of motorcycles. Triumphs, Royal Enfields, Ducatis, BMWs, Harleys, and even a Ural. All performed great and thanks to our mechanic and the medical team almost all of the bikes and riders arrived at the finish line.
The trip started in Marrakech and the first stage ended at Zagora the Gateway of the Sahara desert. From there the next 3 days we crossed the Sahara desert riding near the Argelia border and passing by the smalls villages of Tafraroute, Merzouga, and Alnif at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. An incredible landscape and tracks where the sand rivers and the high temperatures make this stage the most difficult part of the trip.
We left the desert behind and headed through several mountain passes at more than 3.000 meters high. The contrast in temperature and landscapes is shocking but that’s what makes this country so attractive. The tracks were difficult for the heavy bikes like Triumph, Ducati or Harley but that’s all part of the challenge of the Scram Africa. A unique adventure where the point is to ride off-road tracks with non-proper bikes.
Each day we started the stage early morning after a short briefing. We give every rider a bag with enough food and water for the day so they can go at their own rhythm and stop to have lunch whenever they want. Thanks to a digital roadbook they always know the route and the direction to take, and in case they got lost they could easily find the right direction. The staff followed behind by 4x4 vehicles in case anyone needed medical or mechanical help, followed by a truck with all the luggage.
After a few days the riders and bikes began to fatigue due to the heat and rough terrain. Broken shocks, footpegs, tanks, wheels, electrical cables and broken clutches. Most of them could continue riding thanks to the skills of the mechanics and help of the locals. In addition to those difficulties, the Scram Africa offers unforgettable moments like drinking a cold beer in the middle of the desert under a starry sky, or sleeping into a "Haima", a tent used by the nomads of the desert, with only the sound of the camels outside.
So, Scram Africa is a unique motorcycle experience with unforgettable memories that will remain in your heart and soul ... In fact, as most of the riders finished the final stage they were already planning for the Scram Africa 2020!
