Interview: “Morocco Surprised Us Every Day”
After seventeen years and countless cycling adventures worldwide, Patrick and Dirk thought they had seen it all. However, their recent eight-day journey through Morocco with FLY and BIKE proved otherwise. They not only traversed the majestic Atlas Mountains but also experienced the unparalleled hospitality of the local Berber communities. For Patrick, this trip marked his inaugural experience with an e-bike. We spoke with the duo about a destination that had long been on their bucket list and why, after all these years, they continue to choose FLY and BIKE.
From a Workplace Tip to Seventeen Years of Travel Joy
It all began seventeen years ago when a colleague suggested the perfect travel formula for Patrick and Dirk.
“At work, a colleague came across FLY and BIKE and immediately said, ‘This is perfect for you.’ And he was right.”
The idea of exploring a country by bike, rather than from a bus, immediately appealed to them. The fact that FLY and BIKE is a Belgian travel organization added extra confidence.
“You have a point of contact in your own language, and with Ils, there was an immediate connection. She had cycled the trips herself and could share from her own experience. That enthusiasm was contagious.”
What started as a single cycling trip has grown into a passion that, seventeen years later, remains as strong as ever.
“We’ve visited many destinations by now, but the feeling we have each time we depart remains the same. You know everything is excellently organized, allowing you to fully concentrate on the journey itself.”
A Long-Held Dream
Morocco had long topped their travel list.
“It was one of those destinations where we kept saying, ‘We have to go there someday.’ When FLY and BIKE organized this eight-day trip, the choice was quickly made.”
Although Patrick and Dirk had seen much of the world, this trip felt different.
“Europe is familiar. Morocco is not at all. You find yourself in a different culture, with different customs, and a completely different way of life. That makes such a trip so fascinating.”
According to them, this also meant that the guidance differed from a European cycling trip.
“You feel that everything is adapted to the country and culture. That gives the trip its own character.”
Where Silence is Truly Silent
The Atlas Mountains undoubtedly provided the backdrop for their most beautiful cycling days.
“The landscapes are truly impressive. You cycle through valleys and mountain areas where hardly any traffic comes. Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one riding there.”
But it wasn’t just the vistas that left an impression.
“With the bike, you reach places you would never come to otherwise. Small villages, remote houses, and unpaved roads where hardly any tourists pass.”
It was precisely there that the most beautiful encounters occurred.
“The people were incredibly hospitable. We were spontaneously invited for a drink and sometimes even to join the table. That happened without any expectation or ulterior motive. Simply because they wanted to welcome you.”
This contrast with daily life in Belgium lingered.
“Here, the front doors are often closed, and you see cameras everywhere. There, people open their doors to complete strangers. That really touched us.”
Morocco at the Rhythm of the Bike
According to Patrick and Dirk, you discover a country nowhere as intensely as on a bike.
“You don’t just ride through nature, but also right through daily life. You see children playing in the streets, people working the land, and you have constant contact with the environment.”
The routes, according to them, were perfectly tuned to that experience.
“We rode on quiet roads with little traffic, through beautiful landscapes and authentic villages. Every day looked different.”
The accommodations also contributed to the atmosphere of the trip.
“We stayed in charming riads that perfectly matched the destination. That kept you completely immersed in the Moroccan culture.”
An E-Bike as the Ideal Travel Companion
For Patrick, this trip added an extra dimension. Due to chronic back problems, he decided to opt for an e-bike for the first time.
“That was actually a necessary choice. On a regular mountain bike, I would get discomfort much faster and would probably have to step into the support vehicle regularly.”
In hindsight, it was the right decision.
“The e-bike was comfortable and made it possible to actively experience the entire trip. Without that support, it would have been much more difficult.”
The local guidance also did everything possible to ensure the e-bikes functioned flawlessly.
“For the Moroccan guides, e-bikes were still relatively new. They constantly checked if the batteries were sufficiently charged and even looked for opportunities to recharge during lunch if necessary. We found that commitment fantastic.”
Surprisingly Close
What perhaps surprised Patrick and Dirk the most was how quickly you can find yourself in a completely different world from Belgium.
“In less than five hours of flying, you find yourself in a completely different culture. That makes Morocco such a special destination. You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to experience a unique travel experience.”
According to them, that’s one of the big advantages of this destination.
“You get the feeling of being far from home, while the travel distance actually remains very limited.”
Enthusiastic Ambassadors
After seventeen years, Patrick and Dirk have become true ambassadors of FLY and BIKE.
“We love to