Frequently
asked questions about SOS-Morocco
Q.
When is the trip?
A.
We tour in the Spring and the Autumn. We depart from London Gatwick
airport on 7thMay. 2009 and arrive back on May 17th. We also ride in
Morocco in Oct 2009
Q.
How long do we tour for?
A. 10 days. This includes eight days riding.
Q.
Can I bring a pillion?
A.
Yes.
Q.
How much does it cost?
A.
We are asking each rider to raise £2750 (£2250 pillion).
This is a significant sum of money but not only will you be making a
huge difference to the orphans you will get to experience an amazing
bike adventure completely free. We will help you along the way and if
you raise more then its more money direct to the charity.
Q.
Is SOS-Adventures part of SOS Children's Villages?
A.
No we are a seperate entity but on every trip we organise we raise money
for the charity. We concentrate on setting up great bike adventures
and the charity then uses the money we raise to help the children in
their villages.
Q.
How much does the charity get?
A. Once all the costs of the trip are
paid we donate half of the remainder to the charity and put the other
half to work running SOS-Adventures. Accounts are available at the end
of the trip to give all riders an exact breakdown.
Q.
What does this adventure include?
A.
We will fly you from Heathrow airport to Marrakech, in Morocco, and
back. All accommodation will be covered for the duration of the trip.
All breakfasts and evening meals are provided. We will provide a motorcycle
for you to cover the route on. We have mechanical assistance to follow
the group throughout the tour.
Q.
What is the weather like?
A.
Morocco is North Africa and whilst incredibly hot in the Summer it is
quite pleasant in Spring and Autumn. Dry, warm and sunny most of the
time. It may rain very occasionally and the higher we climb into the
mountain the chillier it gets.
Q.
What is the accommodation like?
A.
We have a mixture of semi luxury accommodation and a night or two in
more traditional accommodation. After the harder days we generally try
and stop somewhere a bit nicer to recuperate but remember that some
bits of the country are still very backward so don't expect to download
your e mails every night.
Q.
Can I extend my stay?
A.
Yes. You need to tell us when booking and we will arrange a different
date for your return. You may have to pay extra if there is an increase
in cost but we will only charge you the increase if there is one.
Q.
What bikes will we be riding?
A. We will use suzuki DRZ 400s
and Yamaha TTR 250s. Both very well suited for the mixted terrain.
Q.
What are the roads like then?
A. The route is on tarmac of varying
quality and we will explore dirt tracks across the mountains. Nowhere
really difficult but if you do want to get stuck in Morocco is so wide
open you can ride on the road or 2 metres beside it where its a whole
different story. We've had motorcross fanatics and commuters both doing
the same A to B route and loving every minute of it.
Q.
Do I need a license?
A.
Yes. A full UK or European bike license is required. Please bring the
paper part as well as this is sometimes asked for.
Q.
Do I need a helmet?
A.
Yes.
Q.
What bike gear should I bring?
A.
For the bike we recommend protective clothing with armour and a good
off road jacket. We will be riding in a hot environment so layers that
can be taken on and off with insert able or attachable armour are better
than leathers. Kevlar lined clothes with motocross armour offers good
flexibility. We recommend Draggin Jeans. Also proper off road boots
that support the ankle and protect the calves and shins. You will also
need waterproofs as it can rain. These are just recommendations. The
point is the better protected you are the safer you are.
Q.
Do I need luggage for the bike?
A.
No. We will transport all your baggage along the route. A small backpack
for personal items for the day is all you need.
Q.
What other clothing should I bring?
A.
Bring your swimming gear as there will be beaches and swimming pools
along the way. Mainly summer clothes with some warm clothing for the
odd chilly night. One smart set of clothes and then t shirts and jeans
and a couple of fleeces is not a bad start. Please bear in mind though
that space is not unlimited when we transport your bags along the route.
Q.
Do I need a jab?
A.
Yes. Please consult your GP to get the best medical advice. We require
that all tour riders have medical insurance with the facility to fly
you home if the worst happens. Having said that many Moroccan hospitals
have better expertise than the UK.
Q.
Can I drink the water?
A.
Not recommended, a policy of bottled water only is good. It is available
everywhere.
Q.
What is the food like?
A.
Good. They eat a lot of meat and vegetarians can feast here comfortably
as well. If you are eating veg or salad make sure it is cooked or peeled.
Where food has been rinsed there is no guarantee of clean water so be
sensible. Whenever you see a lot of people eating in a cafe or restaurant
it usually means the food is good and clean as locals shun bad eateries.
Q.
Do they speak English?
A.
In the cities some people will, especially in hotels. French is the
main language. All of the organisers and team leaders can communicate
in French so you shouldn't be left unable to ask for what you want.
Q.
Do I need a visa?
A.
No. You can visit for up to 90 days from the UK without a visa.
Q.
What is the currency?
A.
Moroccan Dirhams. There are lots of banks and cash points and most people
withdraw local currency as they go. Otherwise it is useful to bring
a bit of cash (euros ) as we will be on the road during banking hours
and euros can be changed anywhere, you will however get a much better
rate from the hole in the wall. You cannot get dirhams outside of Morocco
to bring with you.
Q.
Will my mobile phone work there?
A.
Yes if you have roaming activated but getting a line is not always guaranteed.
Q.
How do I book?
A.
Send us an e mail or call and we will give you all the information you
need to make your adventure a reality!
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