Our journey begins at the airport where we’ll meet teammates and the Charity Challenge representative. Last minute nerves will morph into excitement as we touch down in Marrakech, a magical city of snake charmers, fascinating architecture and bustling markets. Our guide will brief us about the challenge ahead at our hotel, before we head out for our first team dinner together.
The landscape quickly changes on the first day as we head towards Demante, nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. There's no turning back as we pedal into the mountains, towards the natural arch of Ini Nifri. After lunch, it's back in the saddle for a steady climb up the mountain path. Team spirit will inspire us to push through to camp, where a sumptuous feast awaits.
Think of the dazzling view at the top as you battle your way up the steady ascent to the first pass. From here it's an exhilarating downhill ride past tiny mountain villages. The terrain becomes trickier as the ride passes through a small gorge and up to Tizi n'Tirghist (2,626m). Exhausted but energised by the ride through the Ait Bpou Goumez Valley, enjoy the thrilling descent into camp.
Expect today to be tough. The easy downhill will lull you into a false sense of security, before the hard ascent through fields and Berber villages. After lunch, it's time to dig deep for a huge 830m climb on dirt tracks to the foothills of the Mgoun Massif. This will be our first night in a traditional auberge, complete with Berber hospitality.
Today is the longest and toughest day of the challenge – but also the most magnificent. Once again, we will tackle the 13km ascent up to the Tizi n'Tirghist pass. From here we freewheel down 300m, taking in the mountain vistas before beginning another ascent to the Tizi n'Ilissi pass at 2,530m. Finally, a 1,000m downhill slope leads us into the village of Amerzai.
The final day of the challenge follows the course of the Ahançal Valley, passing farms and Berber villages. Expect a hard ride out of the valley onto a dirt road through dense pine forests. Our efforts will be well worth it as the night will be spent in the shadows of the imposing cliffs of the Cathédrale, besides the sparkling Ahançal River.
Feeling triumphant, we had back to Marrakech via Morocco’s largest reservoir, the carp-filled Lake Bin el Ouidane. Heading on from here, we arrive in Marrakech in the early afternoon. Share a drink or two with new-found friends and trekking partners in our final team dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Before heading home, there's some free time to explore the city and partake in some last minute souvenir shopping in the frenzied souks of Marrakech. Eventually, however, it's time to head to the airport for our flight home to London.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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