The Scram Africa 2019

For the first time ever, the Scram Africa had two rounds: the first from May 4 - 11, and the second from May 11 - 18.

In total, there were 35 riders from all over the world (Europe, Canada, USA, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic etc.) riding different types of motorcycles. Triumph Scramblers, Royal Enfield, Ducati Scramblers, BMW, customized Harleys, and even a sidecar. Everyone gave it their all and performed to their best standard. And thanks to our mechanic and medical team, almost all the riders (and their bikes!) made it to the end of the trip.

The trip started in Marrakech, with the first stage ending at Zagora, the Gateway of the Sahara desert. Over the next three days, we crossed the Sahara desert, riding near the Argelia border and passing by the smalls villages of Tafraoute, Merzouga, and Alnif at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Incredible landscapes and tracks where the sand turns into a river, combined with high temperatures, made these stages the most difficult part of the trip.

We left the desert behind and headed towards Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains, meandering through incredible mountain passes at more than 3,000 meters. The contrast in temperature and landscapes was a lot to handle, but this is what makes this country so inspiring.

The tracks were difficult in some parts, and very challenging for the heavy bikes such as the Triumph, Ducati and Harley. But this is the challenge of Scram Africa. It’s a unique adventure where the goal is to ride off-road tracks with unusual bikes.

Each day we started early in the morning together after a short briefing. We gave every rider a bag with food and water to last the whole day so they could go at their own pace, and stop and have lunch wherever they wanted.

Thanks to a digital roadbook, they always knew the route and direction to take, and in case they did get lost they could easily find the right direction.

 

The staff followed behind in 4x4 vehicles in case the riders needed medical or mechanic help. Alongside was a truck carrying all the riders’ luggage that would be there to greet them at the end of each stage.

As the days went by, riders were feeling the fatigue. Clocking up kilometers in the heat and riding over stones, sand, and broken roads took its toll, with some taking a tumble and needing medical attention. But don’t worry, nothing too serious went down! 

And the bikes didn’t escape unharmed either. Some had broken shocks, footpegs, tanks, and wheels, and some had burnt electric cables and broken clutches. Most could continue riding, though, thanks to the skills of our mechanics and greatly-appreciated help from local people.

And the bikes didn’t escape unharmed either. Some had broken shocks, footpegs, tanks, and wheels, and some had burnt the electric cables and broken clutches. Most could continue riding, though, thanks to the skills of our mechanics and greatly-appreciated help from the local people.

Scram Africa is a unique motorcycle experience full of unforgettable memories that will have a special place in your heart and soul. In fact, most riders were already planning Scram Africa 2020 straight after they completed the last stage!

Photos by Riki "Rocket" Rojas and Gotz Goppert