Tangier to Dakhla on Mobylettes

Some adventures start with meticulous planning, while others are born from a late-night conversation and one too many beers. That was the case for Martin and Ludo, two travelers with a passion for the open road, who set out to ride from Tangier to Dakhla on vintage mobylettes—an idea as ambitious as it was crazy.

Initially, their plan was to ride from Brussels to Hossegor, but as the discussion evolved, they realized there was a better destination: Morocco, the birthplace of the moped. With that, their adventure took shape, pushing them toward a journey that would test their endurance, mechanics, and sense of adventure.

Why This Route?

As ocean lovers, the decision to follow the coastline from Tangier to Dakhla felt natural. "The goal behind this trip was to find the perfect wave," they shared. While most surfers flock to the well-known breaks between Essaouira and Agadir, they wanted to explore the lesser-known, untouched spots along the northern and southern coasts.

The adventure was about more than just surfing—it was about discovery, freedom, and proving that a trip like this was even possible.

Moments of magic and challenge

Every journey has its defining moments, and for Martin and Ludo, the first time they rode on the beach was one of them. "We drove for 30km on empty beaches, only crossing a few stray dogs and fishermen. It was magical," they recalled.

But adventure isn’t adventure without challenges. Mechanical failures were constant, and the risk of being stranded in the middle of nowhere was real. One of the toughest moments came when Ludo's moped suffered a broken piston—50km from the nearest village.

With no rope to tow the bike (despite Martin insisting they buy one), they had no choice but to improvise. Ludo had to hold onto the back of Martin’s moped with his bare hands, enduring 50 grueling kilometers to reach help. "My arms remembered it for a long time," he laughed.

Despite the breakdowns and struggles, they quickly learned that in Morocco, nothing is a problem. Locals always had a solution, and their kindness and generosity turned obstacles into unexpected encounters and new friendships.

Fueling the journey

Before setting off, the duo got in touch with us, drawn to our heritage and adventure-driven spirit. We equipped them with the right gear to tackle their journey, and after over a month of daily use, they had nothing but praise.

• Bags: Their only travel luggage, carrying all their belongings while enduring the relentless Moroccan sun and dust—yet still holding strong.

• Gloves: Essential not only for protection but also for keeping their hands warm during early morning and evening rides.

• Jerseys: Ideal for riding in high temperatures, offering sun protection while staying breathable—and stylish enough to wear off the bike.

• Goggles: A lifesaver on dusty tracks and especially during a brutal sandstorm that nearly stopped them in their tracks.
  

"Your gear went through hell and back, and it never let us down," they told us.

Lessons from the Road

Beyond the miles, the breakdowns, and the breathtaking landscapes, this journey left them with two major lessons.

Hospitality:

"The Moroccans taught us true generosity. People welcomed us into their homes, offered food, and helped us even when they had almost nothing. Morocco opened our eyes to what really matters."

Believing in the impossible:

"So many people told us it was impossible to cross Morocco on old 300€ mopeds. But nobody had ever tried—so how did they know? The more you struggle, the more you appreciate the victory."

Their unorthodox choice of transport also sparked connections with the locals. Riding the same mopeds they used daily made them approachable, and many Moroccans saw themselves in their journey.

What’s Next?

After pushing the limits of what a moped can do, Martin and Ludo are ready for their next adventure—this time on a real motorcycle. While nothing is set in stone, the Portuguese coastline is calling, and even a simple ride through the Belgian Ardennes sounds like the perfect way to explore.

After all, adventure isn’t about where you go, but how you experience the road.

Whatever comes next, one thing is certain—their spirit for Leaving The Main Road remains untamed.