Pistes ou points GPS pour un voyage Midelt-Nador à moto? (Maroc)
by Katochman43
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
je suis à la recherche de points GPS ou de pistes entre MIDELT et NADOR. je compte m'y rendre en mai 2009 avec des potes en moto. Mais pour boucler mon parcours, il me manque cette portionde 400 km. J'ai bien consulté les livres de Gandini mais dans cette région, y'a pas grand chose, à part peut-être remonter par le Rekham. Mais comme on va le faire en descendant à MERZOUGA, j'aimerai bien trouver d'autres pistes.
alors si vous avez des points GPS qui passent pas loin de Missour, Outat oulad el hadj, Guercif, et NADOR, je suis preneur. Je pensais le faire sur deux jours.
KATOCHMAN
bonjour,
Je ne connais pas cette partie du Maroc. Effectivement Gandini ne propose pas grand chose dans ce secteur. J'ai regardé sur les cartes en ma possession ( ign 250 000e et 100 000e) et il me semble possible de trouver des tronçons de pistes qui se rejoingnent et permettraient de faire le circuit envisagé. Si tu dispose de ces cartes je pense que cela doit permettre d'envisager un parcours Midelt- nador en sachant évidement que l'on peut souvent être amené à faire un changement sur le terrrain, en fonction de l'état ou du passage possible ou non sur ces pistes. ci joint un site ou tu peux trouver des cartes, si tu n'en a pas encore.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/north_africa/
salut
perju
Je ne connais pas cette partie du Maroc. Effectivement Gandini ne propose pas grand chose dans ce secteur. J'ai regardé sur les cartes en ma possession ( ign 250 000e et 100 000e) et il me semble possible de trouver des tronçons de pistes qui se rejoingnent et permettraient de faire le circuit envisagé. Si tu dispose de ces cartes je pense que cela doit permettre d'envisager un parcours Midelt- nador en sachant évidement que l'on peut souvent être amené à faire un changement sur le terrrain, en fonction de l'état ou du passage possible ou non sur ces pistes. ci joint un site ou tu peux trouver des cartes, si tu n'en a pas encore.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/north_africa/
salut
perju
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
merci Perju pour ce renseignement. je vais consulter ces cartes et je verrais si je trouve mon bonheur. j'ai bien essayé de regarder sur google earth mais y'a plein de zones non lisibles et c'est pas facile.
en tout cas merci d'avoir répondu.
KATOCHMAN
Slt
J'avais prevu une remontée via boulmane au nord mais les conditions climatiques nous ont fait changer les plans, donne moi ton adresse email j'essaie de retrouver ça, à quel format tu les veux
Eric
Eric
bonsoir,
C'est sympa mais ce n'est pas moi qui cherche des points gps, revois le site c'est en fait katochman.
perju
C'est sympa mais ce n'est pas moi qui cherche des points gps, revois le site c'est en fait katochman.
perju
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Désolé, je n'ai pas cliqué répondre ou il fallait
j'ai lu la réponse que tu avais faîte à Perju, mais en fait, si j'ai bien compris, elle était pour moi?
j'ai regardé le lien que tu avais mis au bas de ta lettre "deux400xraumaroc" et je dois avouer que c'est super bien. j'aime bien le voyage décrit qui part de Tanger - Fez - Missour - Boudnib - merzouga - tinerhir - imilchil - midelt - meknes et tanger -
j'ai vu qu'il y avait les points GPS mais il y en a 29 pages. il s'agit je suppose de la trace suivie? s'il faut que je les reprenne un a un, j'en ai pour des mois. tu n'aurai pas cette trace au format Garmin des fois, histoire de les envoyer sur le mapsource. ça me gagnerait du temps.
merci de ce que tu feras.
personnellement, je pars vers le 29-30 avril et je reviens le 10 mai, soit 8 jours de moto avec 10 potes. ça fera mon huitième voyage là bas, et je ne m'en lasse pas ...
KATOCHMAN
Euh "Tanger - Fez - Missour - Boudnib - merzouga - tinerhir - imilchil - midelt - meknes et tanger - " tu dois confondre, mon premier voyage c'était : Ceuta - Fez-Midelt-Tinherir-Zagora-Foum Zguid-Marrakech-Agouti-Beni Mellal-Meknes-Ceuta
Et le second : Nador-Debdou-Talsinnt-Merzouga-Mahmid-Tata-Tafrout-Aguinan-Ouarzazat-Midelt-Nador.
Tu pourras télécharger les traces au format Garmin, sur mon blog il y a un lien (en bas à droite ) ou bien sur ce site ( il y a les miennes et d'autres aussi ): http://www.adventure-rally.com/spip.php?article130
Eric
Et le second : Nador-Debdou-Talsinnt-Merzouga-Mahmid-Tata-Tafrout-Aguinan-Ouarzazat-Midelt-Nador.
Tu pourras télécharger les traces au format Garmin, sur mon blog il y a un lien (en bas à droite ) ou bien sur ce site ( il y a les miennes et d'autres aussi ): http://www.adventure-rally.com/spip.php?article130
Eric
merci pour ces renseignements. j'ai bien regardé les traces sur le lien.pourrais tu me dire si entre Ceuta et Fes, et entre MEKNES et Ceuta il s'agit de pistes ou simplement la route car je vois que le tracé suit à peu près la route?
merci pour tes renseignements.
KATOCHMAN
Entre Ceuta et Fez on avait eu un peu de piste en quittant la route principale, du coté de Mokrisset - Zoumi, mais les engins de chantiers étaient là, je crois que depuis c'est tout goudronné.
Si je dois y revenir un jour ( ce que j'espère bien Inch'allah) on s'est dit avec mon pote que la bonne combinaison ce serait de descendre en bagnole + remorque jusqu'à Midelt, laisser tout à l'hotel Kasba Hasmaa et là t'es prêt à attaquer les pistes. départ le samedi matin du sud de la france le dimanche à midi t'es à Midelt via Nador.
merci pour ce renseignement. il doit bien y avoir des pistes mais je sais pas par où elles passent exactement.
quant à descendre jusqu'à Midelt pour y laisser la bagnoleet la remorque, c'est le bon plan. mais tu peux les laisser plus haut aussi, vers Taourirt ou guercif, et de là, tu prends les pistes du Rekham. même s'ils l'ont goudronné un peu, il reste pas mal de pistes jusqu'à Talsint, environ 250 KM. Je les ai faîtes l'an dernier, elles sont toujours aussi magiques. on est perdu au milieu de nulle part mais dieu que c'est beau. par contre, faut pas tomber en panne.
je repars fin avril avec un groupe de 10 motos, j'espère que d'ici là, j'aurais bouclé mon parcours.
merci encore pour tout.
KATOCHMAN
bonsoir, je viens vers toi car j'ai lu ta réponse concernant la descente du rekkam en 2008. je suis déjà descendu par guercif, tendrara le chott tigri et figuig, puis direction beni tadjit et bou denib ( en gros, E1 + F1+Q1+R3+R2+S1+N1+K4 du gandini ).
Cette année je compte également descendre par le rekkam et prendre plus nord-sud, style traourirt, barrage hassan II, matarka, anoual, beni tadjit et bou denib (c'est en gros le parcourt R3 +G3+G4+J5 et K4 du même gandini).
La seconde solution est de suivre en gros le trajet du road-book Vibraction, traourirt, debdou, el ateuf, sefoula, anoual, talsint, bou denib.
Ma question est : as-tu fais l'un des deux et quel style de paysages y trouve-t-on ?
Merci d'avance
perju
perju
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Salut
Oui c'est ce que l'on a fait en Oct 2008, Nador Debdou tout goudronné, on a même essayé un detour qui part au nord de Traourirt et contourne par l'est ( passage près d'un grand barrage récent qui n'est pas sur les cartes ) tout goudronné aussi. Ensuite Debdou, el Ateuf, sefoula, anoual, que de la piste, des grandes étendues, pas mal de traversée d'oued normalement à sec la plus part du temps mais parfois les passages sont pas évidents à trouver. Nous l'avons fait sous de violents orages, avons été bloqués 2 fois 1H00 devant des oueds en crus, fini de nuit sous les éclairs et arrivé à Talsinnt 5 mn avant la coupure d'électricité qui nous a scotché là 24h00, de toutes façons vu l'état de la piste entre Beni Tadjite et Boudnib le surlendemain on ne serait pas passé, col de Belkhacem sympa à faire.
A Talsinnt on peut se poser chez SAMIR, café Bellevue c'est pas vraiment une auberge ( en cours de construction de chambre Inch'allah) mais il te libère son séjour, te fait manger douche chaude et très sympa.
Les photos sont là :
http://picasaweb.google.fr/EDN400/Maroc2008J2#
http://picasaweb.google.fr/EDN400/Maroc2008J3#
Eric
je connais bien ce parcours pour l'avoir fait quatre ou cinq fois à moto. c'est vrai que de Nador à El ateuf, en passant par taourirt et Debdou, c'est tout goudonné, soit 200 KM environ. par contre, pour aller jusqu'à Taourirt, on peut trouver des pistes en roulant au cap. je l'ai fait deux fois, je me suis un peu perdu, mais j'y suis arrivé. De taourirt à Debdou, on peut aussi trouver des pistes sur la droite de la route. dans la montée de Debdou, au bout de 2 ou 3 KM, il y a une petite piste sur la droite qui coupe à travers la montagne et qui arrive sur le plateau. et après, c'est le rekham. là aussi, il y a plein de pistes. si tu suis le road book vibraction, ne prends que les points GPS car les pistes ont trop changé. c'est grandiose. C'est un plateau entre 1500 et 2000 mètres d'altitude, et tu arrives directement à Talsint, 8 KM avant la ville sur la route Anoual Talsint.
A partir du Point du puit Assi el ahmar, tu peux bifurquer plein EST sur Matarka, j'ai fait la pise et elle est superbe. de Matarka, tu redescends par la piste (100 KM environ) sur Anoual et 40 KM de goudron jusqu'à Talsint.
sur tout le plateau, ce sont de grandes pistes assez roulantes, mais avec quelques oueds à traverser. Fait gaffe si il pleut. Je me suis trouvé coincé par la pluie, faut surtout par rouler et vite trouver un point haut. t atends que ça passe et tu pux repartir.
tu as toutes ces pistes sur Gandini, avec un bon GPS, elles ne posent pas de problème particulier, sinon que tu es au milieu de nulle part là haut sur ton plateau.
c'est sûrement par là que je vais passer fin avril 2009, à moins qu'on arrive à Tanger, auquel cas on changera l'itinéraire.
KATOCHMAN
bonjour,
merci pour ta réponse. j'envisage de faire effectivement une descente Guercif, hassi el ahmar, matarka, anoual, bou anane. Ce n'est pas encore figé comme parcours car la traversée du chott tigri à l'est de tendrara m'avait laissée un super souvenir, donc j'hésite encore, ce qui est dommage dans ce parcours c'est qu'une fois à figuig on est obligé de revenir direct sur bou denid puisque au sud c'est l'algerie. Ceci dit la région avant d'arriver à figuig est superbe (montagne, oueds, palmeraie, maison troglodydes etc..).
perju
merci pour ta réponse. j'envisage de faire effectivement une descente Guercif, hassi el ahmar, matarka, anoual, bou anane. Ce n'est pas encore figé comme parcours car la traversée du chott tigri à l'est de tendrara m'avait laissée un super souvenir, donc j'hésite encore, ce qui est dommage dans ce parcours c'est qu'une fois à figuig on est obligé de revenir direct sur bou denid puisque au sud c'est l'algerie. Ceci dit la région avant d'arriver à figuig est superbe (montagne, oueds, palmeraie, maison troglodydes etc..).
perju
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
bonjour,
Merci pour ta réponse. J'ai répondu à celle de katochman en premier, je te fais donc la même réponse. Si tu en as l'occasion essai la descente par tendrara et le chott tigri avec arrivée sur figuig. C'est un super parcours. perju
Merci pour ta réponse. J'ai répondu à celle de katochman en premier, je te fais donc la même réponse. Si tu en as l'occasion essai la descente par tendrara et le chott tigri avec arrivée sur figuig. C'est un super parcours. perju
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Salut, je reviens vers toi car je souhaiterais trouver un itinéraire de pistes entre TANGER ET FES, puis entre FES et Midelt ou FES et Imilchil. j'en touve bien quelques unes mais je sais par réellement si c'est de la piste ou du goudron.
si tu avais les points GPS voire les traces au format Garmin, je serais preneur. j'embarque le 28 avril de SETE pour TANGER et ensuite 9 jours à 10 motos et 2 4X4.
Par contre, si de FES tu as une trace jusqu'à MISSOUR ou Outat, ça m'arrange aussi. Tout ce que je trouve, c'est de la route, et les Katochs, ça préfère la piste! ;;
merci
KATOCHMAN
Slt
Entre Tanger et Fes je ne connais pas de pistes, je ne pense pas qu'il y ait grand chose.
Entre Fes et Midelt tu peux aller voir sur mon blog, on a fait ça en 2006, goudron jusqu'à un peu avant Ifrane, piste ensuite jusqu'à Milchiffen goudron puis piste dans les forêts de cèdres au milieu des singes, tu peux télécharger la trace et le Road Book avec WP sur mon blog.
Pour info j'ai mis à jour le blog avec le récit de 2008.
Pour info j'ai mis à jour le blog avec le récit de 2008.
SAlut,
je suis en préparation de l'itinéraire que nous allons emprunter en Avril, et j'aurais bien besoin de conseils pour rejoindre Marrackech depuis Ceuta. Est-ce que l'un d'entre vous peut me conseiller sur un itinéraire plutot piste ?
J'ai consulté les sites et forums indiqués plus bas, J'arrive à me rendre jusqu'à Meknes. mais pour la suite ...?
Merci d'avance pour vos indications.
Salut,
de Meknes à Marrakech, pas de problème pour descendre par les pistes mais te dire comme ça de but en blanc par où passer exactement, c'est pas possible car il a plusieurs centaines de KM par les pistes. Je crois que le mieux à partir de Meknes serait d'aller à AZROU, une soixantaine de KM au Sud Est de MEKNES. De là, tu prends des pistes plein SUD en direction d'Imilchil, puis un peu au dessus du Lac d'Imilchil, tu vires plein Sud Ouest en direction de l'assif Melloul jusqu'à la Cathédrale, puis tu continues sur la piste qui va à Iminifri - demnate - et ensuite t'es pas loi de Marrakech. Mais prévois quand même au moins 3 jours pour cet itinéréraire.
Si tu as un ordinateur, télécharge Marocco Topo et avec un logiciel Garmin, tu verras toutes les pistes dont je te parles.
Si tu as ce logiciel, je peux te donner des sites ou des fichiers où ces pistes apparaissent.
KATOCHMAN
non non, je suis pas le sultan du Maroc, je connais un peu, c'est tout.
si tu veux des infos plus précises, lance un appel à Raoulx sur ce site, lui il le connaît par coeur, et en plus, il te répondra sans problème.
pas de problème s'il faut t'aider, V.F. est fait pour ça, non?
KATOCHMAN
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
More discussions
hi there! I’m heading to Vietnam with a biker friend for 3 months, starting from Hanoi... the plan is to do the northern loop, return to Hanoi, then head down to Ho Chi Minh City... and probably ride back up through the mountains. We’re leaving in February. Just a little detail—we’re two retirees, both 63, used to riding motorbikes, and we have French and international licenses... we’re looking for good tips and advice since we’re planning to buy 125cc Chinese bikes locally. Thanks to everyone, and happy trails—life is beautiful!
Hey everyone!
New to the forum, but not so new to Asia 😄
I’m Nico, from Switzerland, currently based in Bangkok. I love taking my motorcycle out to get lost in the mountains and small villages of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and more. I’ve been roaming around this area for a good fifteen years now, racking up quite a few kilometers—especially in northern Vietnam.
This time, I finally decided to tackle the Mae Hong Son Loop, clockwise. I’d been to Pai several times before, but oddly enough, I’d never done the full loop.
So, I’ll try to give you a little recap here, day by day, with the roads, stops, places worth checking out… and those that didn’t quite blow my mind 😅
I also filmed the trip, so I’ll post the corresponding video at the end of each day if that’s okay. If it’s not allowed here, just let me know, and I’ll remove them without any issue.
DAY 1 — Chiang Mai → Doi Inthanon → Mae Chaem → Khun Yuam
I left Chiang Mai after renting a Honda ADV 160 from Pop Motorbike. Not exactly an Africa Twin, but for what I had planned, it was more than enough.
Quick hotel note: I stayed at the Lanna Thaphae Hotel before leaving. Around 30 € per night, super well-located, and probably one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. A crucial detail for any motorcycle road trip, obviously.
The plan for the day was pretty straightforward:
Head toward Doi Inthanon… and see what happens.
Flawless Swiss organization.
First stop along the way at Wachirathan Waterfall. A really nice waterfall, very easy to access, but don’t expect to channel your inner Indiana Jones—it’s crowded, touristy, and swimming isn’t allowed. Still, it’s a pretty stop along the way.
Next, up to Doi Inthanon.
The road climbs steeply, and my little 160cc started to realize that carrying my 80 kg to Thailand’s highest point probably wasn’t part of its youthful dreams. I was maxing out at 34 km/h in some spots.
But it made it. Good little bike.
The summit is nice—the forest is beautiful, and it’s cool—but I have to admit, it didn’t completely wow me. Glad I went, but not necessarily the highlight of the day for me.
Because then comes Route 1192.
And that’s *much* more my thing: small mountain roads, beautiful scenery, hardly any traffic… the kind of road where I usually start taking way too many unnecessary detours just because a little side road “looks fun.”
Stopped in Mae Chaem for a bite to eat, then headed to Khun Yuam to finish the day.
A little over 200 km in total.
Khun Yuam is… quiet.
*Very* quiet. 😅
A cute little market, a couple of cafés/restaurants, and zero chance of ending up in a club until 4 AM. But after a day on the bike, it was perfect.
Stayed at the Mit Khun Yuam Hotel, around 20 € for a small but very decent room.
All in all, a solid first day and a pretty relaxed start to the loop. Part of this leg is mostly about getting out of Chiang Mai and really diving into the mountains, in my opinion.
Because for me, the really interesting stuff starts over the next two days…
And a few slightly questionable route decisions will also make an appearance 😅
If anyone’s planning the Mae Hong Son Loop, feel free to ask your questions—I’d be happy to answer!
I also filmed this first day, so for those who’d rather see the roads and landscapes than read my rambling, here’s Day 1 😊
DAY 1 VIDEO
I’ll post the next part in the coming days with Day 2: Khun Yuam → Mae Surin → Mae Hong Son.
And that’s where it starts getting *really* fun. 😉
That’s all for now! Looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the forum!
Hi there,
I’d like to ride from Mahajanga to Morondava, sticking as close to the coast as possible—using roads and tracks—in September 2026. If you’ve got any suggestions, let me know! 😉
Paul
I’d like to ride from Mahajanga to Morondava, sticking as close to the coast as possible—using roads and tracks—in September 2026. If you’ve got any suggestions, let me know! 😉
Paul
hi
I’m planning a 10-month trip to South America, and I’m looking into options for shipping a motorcycle to Buenos Aires by air or sea. If anyone has any info, thanks in advance!
christian
Hi there,
With two friends, we just got back from a two-week trip across Sri Lanka on a Royal Enfield 350cc Classic, without going through a specialized agency.
I organized everything myself.
If you need any info, I’ve written a trip report and put together a financial breakdown of our adventure.
Cheers
With two friends, we just got back from a two-week trip across Sri Lanka on a Royal Enfield 350cc Classic, without going through a specialized agency.
I organized everything myself.
If you need any info, I’ve written a trip report and put together a financial breakdown of our adventure.
Cheers
Hello everyone.
I'm looking for campsites around BOLZANO (South Tyrol) for early September.
I'll be on my motorcycle with a small tent.
I've noticed that some campsites have exorbitant prices.
If you've traveled through the Dolomites by motorcycle or otherwise and camped there, I'd love any tips on places and prices where I can stay for one night or several.
Thanks to all of you, and happy travels.
Hi everyone,
With a tourist visa, is it still tolerated in 2026 to buy and sell a small motorbike or scooter (with the green card in the previous owner’s name)?
Thanks for any recent first-hand experience! V
With a tourist visa, is it still tolerated in 2026 to buy and sell a small motorbike or scooter (with the green card in the previous owner’s name)?
Thanks for any recent first-hand experience! V
Hi everyone,
I’m starting to think about a trip that’s really close to my heart: Algeria by motorcycle, specifically the southern part of the country. It’d be for January 2025, and I’ve got two main questions:
Is it possible for an individual on a motorcycle to travel freely, outside of any organized tour, or does the regulation require some kind of supervision in the Algerian Sahara region?
Is the Hoggar massif accessible by road or by (rideable) tracks?
Beyond the official recommendations, I’m really looking for your firsthand experiences. Thanks so much for your answers, and sorry if my questions are a bit newbie!
Ride safe! ✌️ Didier
I’m starting to think about a trip that’s really close to my heart: Algeria by motorcycle, specifically the southern part of the country. It’d be for January 2025, and I’ve got two main questions:
Is it possible for an individual on a motorcycle to travel freely, outside of any organized tour, or does the regulation require some kind of supervision in the Algerian Sahara region?
Is the Hoggar massif accessible by road or by (rideable) tracks?
Beyond the official recommendations, I’m really looking for your firsthand experiences. Thanks so much for your answers, and sorry if my questions are a bit newbie!
Ride safe! ✌️ Didier
Hello everyone! ✌️
I just realized I’ve been registered on VoyageForum since... March 28, 2012 😊. Yet, I’ve barely participated until now.
August 1, 2026, will mark a somewhat special milestone: 5 years on the road.
We left Switzerland on August 1, 2021 with a simple idea: let chance decide our direction. We placed a bottle of wine on a world map, spun it... and it chose our first destination.
A year later, when we arrived in Morocco, we faced a new choice: continue toward Africa or head to Asia. This time, a tarot card game made the decision. Since then, we’ve tried to keep this journey as open to the unexpected as possible.
Today, that adds up to about 120,000 km, 46 countries, and over 1,800 days on the road—mostly by motorcycle, but also by sailboat, train, bus, hitchhiking, or on foot when adventure calls.
Our guiding thread isn’t just the motorcycle, but service exchanges. Instead of simply passing through countries, we try to stop regularly to lend a hand to the people we meet. So far, that’s about 600 days of volunteering.
Over the years, we’ve:
renovated a house in Croatia made earth bricks in the Moroccan desert helped sail a boat through the Greek islands looked after houses, dogs, horses, a camel... and lots of other animals worked at a street art festival in Morocco created videos for local associations and projects worked the grape harvest on the Tibetan plateau been accredited as "media" for the World Nomad Games in Central Asia
Some of the moments that have stuck with us the most include six months in China, a night spent on the Great Wall, the Pamir Highway, the Silk Road, three months in Taiwan, and the incredible encounters in the mountains of Central Asia.
We travel on Falkor, our lucky dragon—a 2014 BMW F800GS that’s been with us since the start and is starting to have some great stories of its own.
While we share our adventure on Instagram, Polarsteps, and YouTube, that’s not why we’re here. The forum’s rules about promotion are clear, and I totally get them. If I’m finally taking the time to write, it’s mostly because after five years on the road, I thought our experience might be useful to other travelers.
Happy to chat about:
preparing for a long motorcycle trip visas and borders the Silk Road and Central Asia riding in China (with or without a motorcycle) volunteering and service exchanges while traveling gear, daily life on the road... or just the unexpected moments that make long-term travel so special
Looking forward to swapping stories and hearing about your adventures too! 😊 Greetings from Thailand, and happy to chat! ✌️
Vincent, Nathalia & Falkor
I just realized I’ve been registered on VoyageForum since... March 28, 2012 😊. Yet, I’ve barely participated until now.
August 1, 2026, will mark a somewhat special milestone: 5 years on the road.
We left Switzerland on August 1, 2021 with a simple idea: let chance decide our direction. We placed a bottle of wine on a world map, spun it... and it chose our first destination.
A year later, when we arrived in Morocco, we faced a new choice: continue toward Africa or head to Asia. This time, a tarot card game made the decision. Since then, we’ve tried to keep this journey as open to the unexpected as possible.
Today, that adds up to about 120,000 km, 46 countries, and over 1,800 days on the road—mostly by motorcycle, but also by sailboat, train, bus, hitchhiking, or on foot when adventure calls.
Our guiding thread isn’t just the motorcycle, but service exchanges. Instead of simply passing through countries, we try to stop regularly to lend a hand to the people we meet. So far, that’s about 600 days of volunteering.
Over the years, we’ve:
renovated a house in Croatia made earth bricks in the Moroccan desert helped sail a boat through the Greek islands looked after houses, dogs, horses, a camel... and lots of other animals worked at a street art festival in Morocco created videos for local associations and projects worked the grape harvest on the Tibetan plateau been accredited as "media" for the World Nomad Games in Central Asia
Some of the moments that have stuck with us the most include six months in China, a night spent on the Great Wall, the Pamir Highway, the Silk Road, three months in Taiwan, and the incredible encounters in the mountains of Central Asia.
We travel on Falkor, our lucky dragon—a 2014 BMW F800GS that’s been with us since the start and is starting to have some great stories of its own.
While we share our adventure on Instagram, Polarsteps, and YouTube, that’s not why we’re here. The forum’s rules about promotion are clear, and I totally get them. If I’m finally taking the time to write, it’s mostly because after five years on the road, I thought our experience might be useful to other travelers.
Happy to chat about:
preparing for a long motorcycle trip visas and borders the Silk Road and Central Asia riding in China (with or without a motorcycle) volunteering and service exchanges while traveling gear, daily life on the road... or just the unexpected moments that make long-term travel so special
Looking forward to swapping stories and hearing about your adventures too! 😊 Greetings from Thailand, and happy to chat! ✌️
Vincent, Nathalia & Falkor
Hello, I’m retired and planning a roughly 3-week motorcycle trip (1200gs). The dates aren’t set in stone yet, and everything’s open to discussion—I’m pretty flexible with the planning.
hi
planning to ride through Rajasthan on a motorcycle in January 2027 and I’d love to hear about the road conditions.
I’ll be riding with a buddy on a Royal Enfield that I’ll rent in Delhi.
Thanks for your tips!
hi there
I’d like to ride the RN 12 by motorcycle in September.
I’d love to know the main challenges—I ride a 300cc and do enduro in France.
Thanks for your tips!
Paul Courtois
Paul Courtois
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a motorcycle road trip to Armenia and Georgia in September 2026 or May 2027. I’m looking for one or more riders (male or female) who’d like to explore these countries with me.
Along the way, we’ll visit Cappadocia, the capitals Yerevan, Tbilisi, Sofia, Skopje, and other cities—we can finalize the route and roadbook later.
This trip requires experience with long motorcycle journeys, as we’ll cover around 7,000 km over 5 or 6 weeks (or more, depending on sightseeing and time spent).
I don’t expect dozens of applicants, since motorcycle riders are few and far between on this forum, but I’m putting this out there anyway.
See you soon
I’m planning a motorcycle road trip to Armenia and Georgia in September 2026 or May 2027. I’m looking for one or more riders (male or female) who’d like to explore these countries with me.
Along the way, we’ll visit Cappadocia, the capitals Yerevan, Tbilisi, Sofia, Skopje, and other cities—we can finalize the route and roadbook later.
This trip requires experience with long motorcycle journeys, as we’ll cover around 7,000 km over 5 or 6 weeks (or more, depending on sightseeing and time spent).
I don’t expect dozens of applicants, since motorcycle riders are few and far between on this forum, but I’m putting this out there anyway.
See you soon
Hi, I’d like to take a 15-day "break" to get away from the surrounding hustle and bustle.
Why not explore the Peloponnese!
I’m not particularly drawn to museums, ruins, or monuments.
I want to experience local life—small villages, seaside spots, beaches, and the interior if the landscapes are extraordinary.
Ideally, coming from Athens, I’d take a bus or train to get as close as possible to a starting point, then rent a scooter (125cc) to explore by taking secondary roads or even coastal paths. I’d stay in 2-3 places for a few days each to discover their surroundings.
Do a loop.
What do you think would be the ideal itinerary?
From Athens, the best option would be to take either a flight or a bus to Kalamata. Rent a scooter and head either west or east. Is there a tertiary road (very lightly trafficked) or a path where I can ride slowly, take it easy, and enjoy the scenery without being bothered by traffic? I’d like to go all the way to Monemvasia, still hugging the coast. I need to find a way to avoid returning to Kalamata to drop off the scooter and catch a flight—maybe a small town where the train stops so I can head back to Athens.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Hi!
I want to rent an off-road style motorcycle to get around the coast during my trip to Ecuador. I’m only finding options in Quito. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks!
I want to rent an off-road style motorcycle to get around the coast during my trip to Ecuador. I’m only finding options in Quito. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m planning a sidecar trip to South America for 4 or 5 months at the end of this year.
I’m looking for info on shipping my vehicle by sea—possibly to Uruguay or another destination, as I haven’t finalized anything yet.
How do you get visas for the countries I’ll be crossing: Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile? Are they e-Visas, obtained at the border, or through embassies?
Where can I get vehicle insurance?
Lastly, if any bikers want to join us (my partner and me), we’re open to that possibility too.
Patrick
Hi, I’m planning to head to Morocco in early May on my 1200 RT. I’ll be leaving from Dax to Kenitra—happy to ride together if anyone’s up for it!
Hey everyone,
I’ve got 15 days off in June and I’m pretty undecided about where to go for a motorcycle road trip. Two strong desires are pulling me in different directions: Corsica or Norway.
Corsica has been a dream of mine for a long time: legendary roads, stunning landscapes, a unique vibe, and the perfect mix of sea and mountains. At the same time, I’m wondering if 2 weeks might be *too much* for Corsica—risking feeling like I’ve seen it all too quickly, especially on a bike. Since I also have an extra week free in May, I could use that specifically for Corsica. Maybe splitting it into two trips would make more sense? If so, which routes or regions would be the most interesting to plan for a 7-day trip?
On the other hand, Norway is *super* appealing. The landscapes look incredible, totally different from anything I’ve experienced, and it’d be a real “wow” trip. I know 15 days is still short for such a vast country. Getting all the way to the North Cape seems pretty much impossible in that time, but I’m curious about what realistic routes could be planned.
So I’m wondering: Is it better to save Norway for next year, take 3 weeks off, and do it *properly*? Or are 15 days enough for a first amazing taste of the country?
I’d love to hear about your experiences—whether it’s Corsica (ideal duration, routes) or Norway (what’s realistic in 2 weeks on a bike). Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
I’ve got 15 days off in June and I’m pretty undecided about where to go for a motorcycle road trip. Two strong desires are pulling me in different directions: Corsica or Norway.
Corsica has been a dream of mine for a long time: legendary roads, stunning landscapes, a unique vibe, and the perfect mix of sea and mountains. At the same time, I’m wondering if 2 weeks might be *too much* for Corsica—risking feeling like I’ve seen it all too quickly, especially on a bike. Since I also have an extra week free in May, I could use that specifically for Corsica. Maybe splitting it into two trips would make more sense? If so, which routes or regions would be the most interesting to plan for a 7-day trip?
On the other hand, Norway is *super* appealing. The landscapes look incredible, totally different from anything I’ve experienced, and it’d be a real “wow” trip. I know 15 days is still short for such a vast country. Getting all the way to the North Cape seems pretty much impossible in that time, but I’m curious about what realistic routes could be planned.
So I’m wondering: Is it better to save Norway for next year, take 3 weeks off, and do it *properly*? Or are 15 days enough for a first amazing taste of the country?
I’d love to hear about your experiences—whether it’s Corsica (ideal duration, routes) or Norway (what’s realistic in 2 weeks on a bike). Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a used small motorcycle to travel around the country for a month and a half.
I've done this in other countries without putting the registration in my name—is that possible in Guinea given the apparently frequent checks, or do I have to go through the paperwork?
Thanks.
Hello,
My dream is to ride Route 66 by motorcycle. I have a disability—while I’m not in a wheelchair, my walking mobility is reduced.
The ideal scenario would be to have a motorcycle driver and ride as their passenger on an organized trip.
Are there any guides or services like this offered by travel agencies?
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hello,
I’ve got a plan with a friend to go on a motorcycle road trip in 2028 or 2029, starting in Santiago de Chile and ending in Ushuaia, for about a month.
Has anyone done a trip like this before, and what’s the best time of year?
I’ve heard there can be quite a bit of wind depending on the season.
Thanks for any tips!
Cheers,
PA
I'm seriously considering heading to Nepal to do some nice motorcycle loops... my goal is also to do the Kailash Yatra round trip from Kathmandu, in a small group with a guide, in May '26... but here's the thing—I'm solo! So if you're up for sharing a similar adventure, hit me up... Cheers, Frankoys
It's all in the title: I'm heading to Krabi soon and want to rent a scooter for a few weeks, but after reading comments about all kinds of scams, I'm reaching out to ask where and how (read: *the right way*) to rent one.
Thanks for your tips and advice.
Hello everyone! Like every year, a winter migration is on the horizon (revised plan): this time, it’ll be Dakar, or even Abidjan, via Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal.
Looking for an experienced motorcyclist or pillion rider—small build preferred—on a GSA 1250 with a comfy seat and luggage setup, available from early November to late December 2025. I’d like to plan the trip together (important to me) to make sure we’re on the same wavelength.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Didier
Hi everyone...
Looking for travel companions to ride from France to Senegal by motorcycle.
I’m Paul, 37, and I’ve already done a bit of riding in Morocco.
For now, I’m solo, riding a 1998 SUZUKI DR 650 with some basic gear to keep things smooth. I’ll have a tent so we can do a few nights under the stars. We’ll need to coordinate departure dates—"ideally in November."
I’m currently checking out routes to take. Any tips would be welcome! :)
Have a great day, everyone!!!!!
Looking for travel companions to ride from France to Senegal by motorcycle.
I’m Paul, 37, and I’ve already done a bit of riding in Morocco.
For now, I’m solo, riding a 1998 SUZUKI DR 650 with some basic gear to keep things smooth. I’ll have a tent so we can do a few nights under the stars. We’ll need to coordinate departure dates—"ideally in November."
I’m currently checking out routes to take. Any tips would be welcome! :)
Have a great day, everyone!!!!!
Hi there!
I’m heading to Vietnam and Laos with a buddy next week for a month. We’re thinking of renting motorbikes, especially to do the Ha Giang Loop. We don’t have an international license, just our Belgian one. Is that enough? If not, is it risky?
Thanks for the info! !
I’m heading to Vietnam and Laos with a buddy next week for a month. We’re thinking of renting motorbikes, especially to do the Ha Giang Loop. We don’t have an international license, just our Belgian one. Is that enough? If not, is it risky?
Thanks for the info! !
Hi there,
In January 2026, I’m planning a motorbike trip through northern Vietnam for 3–4 weeks.
Must-dos: Hanoi, RC4, Dien Bien Phu, and of course the must-see landscapes.
I’m looking for any great tips, ideas… and maybe even a riding partner.
Cheers
In January 2026, I’m planning a motorbike trip through northern Vietnam for 3–4 weeks.
Must-dos: Hanoi, RC4, Dien Bien Phu, and of course the must-see landscapes.
I’m looking for any great tips, ideas… and maybe even a riding partner.
Cheers
Hi everyone,
In November, we’re planning to do the Ha Giang loop and the RC4 by motorbike without a guide. 😎 We’re looking for a decent place to stay/rent in Ha Giang.
If anyone has any info, we’d be really interested.
Thanks in advance! 😉 Ladava
In November, we’re planning to do the Ha Giang loop and the RC4 by motorbike without a guide. 😎 We’re looking for a decent place to stay/rent in Ha Giang.
If anyone has any info, we’d be really interested.
Thanks in advance! 😉 Ladava
Hello! We’re planning a motorcycle trip that will include a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in June 2026.
We’re unsure (still debating) whether we should stay at a hotel on-site and get to the memorial with an Uber (leaving our bikes at the hotel) and book a guided tour, or base ourselves in Kraków and take a tour that includes transport.
One thing’s for sure—we’d prefer a guide in French since we don’t speak English 😅.
Could you share your experiences or advice? I understand we need to book online rather than on-site. Thanks in advance for your replies!
Could you share your experiences or advice? I understand we need to book online rather than on-site. Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip in Cuba and was wondering if there are any bike rental places (125/500cc) with reasonable rates—not the Harley rental places!
Thanks for your help. Wave of headlights! !
I’m planning a road trip in Cuba and was wondering if there are any bike rental places (125/500cc) with reasonable rates—not the Harley rental places!
Thanks for your help. Wave of headlights! !






