TAMP Season 8 Episode 16 The Sahara Raid Experience Part I with Sam and Atlas Wilderness Wheels
Send us Fan Mail Sahara Raid Experience: Rallying Made More Accessible Clive is joined by Sam and Atlas to explore the Sahara Raid Experience, a Morocco-based desert event that aims to make rally riding more accessible without losing its sense of challenge and adventure. They explain how this year’s event combines an untimed raid category for riders who want to enjoy the scenery with a new timed, roadbook-based rally category for those seeking competition.The conversation covers the rou...
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Clive is joined by Sam and Atlas to explore the Sahara Raid Experience, a Morocco-based desert event that aims to make rally riding more accessible without losing its sense of challenge and adventure. They explain how this year’s event combines an untimed raid category for riders who want to enjoy the scenery with a new timed, roadbook-based rally category for those seeking competition.The conversation covers the route, bivouac experience, safety planning, bike and camping options, entry categories, and the event’s mission to make rallying more attainable—especially for Moroccan riders.
Key topics
- Who organizes the event: Sam discusses his role as organizational director, while Atlas explains his responsibilities as sporting director, including route reconnaissance, roadbooks, timing, and leaderboards.
- Raid or rally: Riders can choose an untimed category focused on riding and scenery, or a timed category with roadbook navigation and competition.
- The route: The event includes a prologue and four stages, with varied terrain such as sand, rocks, canyons, and the iconic Plage Blanche.
- The marathon stage: Riders head deep into the desert for a remote overnight bivouac before returning to the main camp.
- A safety-minded terrain choice: The organizers have decided not to include dunes this year, while still offering plenty of sand riding.
- The bivouac and community: The main camp is in El Watia. Staying there for most of the event means less daily packing and more time to relax, share stories, and connect with other riders.
- Safety and support: The team discusses equipment checks, satellite trackers, emergency planning, and the support arrangements for remote sections.
- Ways to take part: Riders can bring their own bike or arrange a bike and support through a provider. Camping and accommodation options vary by arrangement.
- Keeping rally accessible: The event was originally created to give Moroccan riders a more affordable way to experience rally-style riding, and the team wants to preserve that welcoming spirit.
Categories at a glance
- Raid: Untimed, for riders who want to enjoy the route and scenery without the pressure of the clock.
- Rally: Timed and roadbook-based, for riders interested in competition and navigation.
Notable quotes
“Rally can be whatever you want it to be.”
“If you don’t want the pressure of the clock and just want to ride your bike in nice scenery and enjoy it, that’s why we wanted to keep the raid category.”
“We’re a bunch of passionate weirdos that like bikes and getting lost in the desert.”
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/borders
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-perfect-day
License code: FOOTKTRUKPPKRCAR
