WR250R 4000-km review
WR Introduction
WR250R Stage 1
WRing about in Wales
WR250R ready for the desert
Morocco trip report, 1–9
Fuel log

I’m testing prototypes of Kriega’s new OS32 panniers on a Tusk rack. All good so far: rack is solid, bags are massive and rugged, strap on securely and easily via a plate, but come off with minimal faff too.
On a par with Magadan throwovers, but secure fitting included.

Mitas MC23 Rockriders not doing so well after ~2000km, but what do you expect from a knobby? Fine on the road and great to have grip in the dirt – means you can relax more and saved me many times.

El Bouriat – the Marie Celeste of the Sands.

I swing off MW6 northwards and ride crossing-county to pick up MW3 at the base of the jebel. This is real ‘off-road’ riding – fun but can get technical, so (at my age) a light bike is ideal to stave off exhaustion.

Back on the pistes. I recall this spot from 2008 in the Mazda.

I pass through an old fortified berm from the Polisario war. In fact there are still landmines hereabouts, I learn later. Cross-country riding was not such a good idea.

It’s darn hot – mid-30s? In Assa I hop in the town trough for a splash-down.
Ten minutes later I’m sweating like a kipper again.

The incongruous gateway to Aouinat Lahna

Newly born camies

I spend a windy night in an old pump house

Ancient pictograph of the the original one horse power.

The best thing with camping is it gets you on the road early – ideal when its hot.

Cool ride to Aouinat Igoumane – that’s route MW3.

The new road ends at the mosque by the oasis. Pass through the gap in the hills and carry on west

The abandoned fort of Ayoun du Draa

There’s a lovely spring here; water as fresh as you like. On this trip I’m trying to avoid bottled water. Just like at home, tap water is fine (except Foum Zguid and other low-elevation desert towns).

The WRs horn could not hoot its way out of a wet paper bag

Track gets a bit rough up to Ain Kerma pass. Coastal ‘fog’ vegetation begins.

From here you can see the coastal dunes.

And I’m back in the Oued Draa riverbed, but now just a few miles from its estuary into the Atlantic.

Tan Tan by night – unrecognisable since my last stay in ’97.

£2.50? That will do nicely. I have not been eating enough. But then at home I eat too much, so waistband harmony ought to be restored.

I tried to get to Es Semara (Smara) via El Mahbes but got turned back at Zag.
Will try Smara again via Mseid along an old Dakar piste, then swing up on Laayoune (or maybe even Dakhla) from the interior. Inch allah.

Part 4  > > >