As 12 of us climbed into the bus, having loaded the bikes at Agadir, we all looked forward to arriving at the Riad after a 90-minute transfer south to Tiznit. Bikes unloaded and a 3-course evening meal we settled down in our en suite rooms for the first ride in the morning.
Bikes assembled we took the old road to the old port at Aglou. I’d mentioned sardines for lunch at the small cafe by the sea, but none were caught. However, the fresh food and sea views made up for this. Into Aglou itself that’s packed at weekends but quiet today, where the Atlantic waves hit the shore.
Breakfast was always a bit of an event, not least in ‘what will appear from the kitchen next’ Fresh orange juice, coffee, a basket of patisserie (spot the French influence) already laid, there then appeared a pastry dish such as msemen followed by eggs and it was to vary day by day.
Our second day would take us into the Anti Atlas. The road climbed very gradually to the town of Bounaamane where we stopped for coffee in a town untouched by tourism. After that it got a little steeper as we cycled through the Argan tress to a glorious lookout where we ate picnic lunches. A fast zig zagged descent through a small settlement where the tea shop shut as it was prayer time. A steeper climb followed by a longer descent eventually led to Arbaa Sahal and our second tea break. There were still 400 metres of climbing back to Tiznit, but the temperatures were great, and the riding was lovely.
The Atlantic coast runs close to Tiznit, and it would be along this that the third days ride would go. Retracing the last part of yesterdays ride and of course tea, took us to the coast. A pizza lunch, back to Aglou and the Riad awaited, anyone for the pool?
A day of the bikes meant a tour of Tiznit which Aby as the owner and proud resident of Tiznit was delighted to do. We visited the museum soon to be opened, oasis and toured the town.
The fourth days riding took us to the barrage, a reservoir in the desert along an absolutely delightful desert road that twisted and turned as it followed the river below. Tea at a viewpoint and back along a different road.
Our last day was transfer day where we were dropped at Lakhassas for the road to Sidi Ifni. Loads of downhill riding and 2 climbs through the glowing scenery. We finished at the beach and a walk through an enormous stone arch.
It had been a lovely week, the Riad is an amazing place to stay.