In 2008 I began a relationship with the Moroccan desert that strengthened over time.
In 2008 I began a relationship with the Moroccan desert that strengthened over time. During the first years, my visits to the Alawite country lasted several weeks. Then, at the end of my trip through West Africa, I settled in Merzouga to wake up every day in front of the dunes of Erg Chebbi. They were four magnificent years that gave me endless experiences and good friendships.
When I decided it was time to dedicate more time to traveling to other continents, I divided the season between Asia, Africa and Europe. Three months a year, in the Moroccan desert, were enough to develop my activities related to the world of trail running in Morocco.
Something vital
It’s been a long time since the desert became something vital to me. The simplicity of its people, the value of time, the landscapes, the calm, are some characteristics that I value and need to experience. At the end of February 2020, I left Morocco with the plan to return in October of the same year. It is the first time in thirteen years that I have not received my dose of energy from the dunes of Erg Chebbi. I miss the sun in the middle of winter, the contrasts of the desert and that special connection with the planet that I have only achieved there.
I also miss meeting other riders in Nador to travel together, for a few days, to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and share one of the most special routes I know. The Nomad Trail is a motorcycling and adventure experience, but above all it is a life experience.
These days I have the feeling that all that has been left far away. The dynamism that the desert has offered me has been extraordinary. Now I was preparing new crossings through the desert, guiding riders through it, or reviewing roadbooks for the training of an official Dakar team. I miss all that.
BMW GS, a faithful partner
During all these years there has always been a common denominator. The GS. I moved to the desert with my “Red Zebra”, a 2007 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. With it I discovered many corners of the desert and learned to “climb” the dunes.
Then came Tormenta, a BMW F800 GS adapted for the desert thanks to the collaboration of Twalcom and Andreani MHS. With it, in 2016, I reached the finish line of the first Merzouga Rally Dakar Series in Africa. I even qualified in second position in my category, after winning the last stage in the dunes against 450cc motorcycles. What a great bike, Tormenta!
BMW R1250 GS HP
I had the honor, thanks to BMW Motorrad Spain, of spending a few months with a BMW R1250 GS HP before this model left the dealerships. It is a motorcycle that surprised me a lot due to its handling, resistance and technology. For me it is the best GS that has been made so far.
As long as I can’t return to the Erg Chebbi dunes with my GS, I’ll settle for seeing them in my dreams.
