Shortly after our departure from the hotel we refueled in Ait benhaddou and proceeded straight east across the desert. The views and desolation reminded us of the US-50 in Nevada – the “loneliest road in America”.
We passed through Quarzazate which was a more modern city with it’s own airport. It was also a city of storks, the leggy avians nesting in most of the high structures in town. Leaving town we noticed a network of powerlines crossing the landscape but with no noticeable source of power. (we later learned that there was a significant solar array power plant nearby)
Passing through the next town we were overtaken by a pair of riders on BMW’s – a 1200 GSA and a yellow F650 GS (they reminded me of my trip through the Western States with my buddy Kevin who also rides a yellow F650 GS).
When passing through a traffic circle my cornering proved too aggressive for the polished and painted concrete that formed the circle, and I low-sided into the curb. Embarrassed but otherwise unhurt I picked up the bike and examined the damage, which consisted of some scrapes on the roll bars, a broken mirror and some leaked oil. Before I knew it, there were the two BMW drivers – Phillipe and Kamil – standing alongside Steve. Kamil was a mechanic so did a quick check and concluded after some discussion that the bike was otherwise undamaged and ready for use. Still, rather than continue we took advantage of the situation to stop for an espresso with our new acquaintances.
As the four of us headed east towards Boumaine Dades it was clear we had the same objective – the Dades Gorge. So we drove as a group up into the valley through it’s famous twisty section before a quick stop and a return trip south. At Boumaine Dades we bid Phillipe and Kamil farewell (they were returning to Quarzazate) and we continued on to our hotel which had a commanding view of the town.
