Mines & Dunes 2026
Event Overview
Mines & Dunes 2026 is a self-supported, single-stage bikepacking adventure across Morocco, organized by Morocco Bike-Adventure. Starting in Tangier on October 3, the route heads south through the Rif, Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains before reaching the Sahara and finishing in Boudnib. Riders can choose between a piste route using unpaved roads and paved sections, or a fully paved road route.
The piste option offers two distances: a 969 km short route with approximately 17,360 m of climbing and a 1,150 km long route with approximately 20,260 m of climbing. The road route covers 1,540 km with approximately 21,490 m of climbing. The adventure has no time limit, allowing participants to ride at their own pace in a fully self-supported format.
The journey combines remote mountain roads, former mining areas, desert landscapes and long stretches away from major settlements. Key highlights include the abandoned Ahouli mines, high mountain passes and the Sahara desert.
For official information and registration, visit https://morocco-bikeadventure.com/mines-dunes-pioneer-edition/
Ride Experience
- Self-Supported Adventure: Riders are responsible for their own navigation, supplies and equipment, with no route support from the organizer.
- Mountain-to-Desert Terrain: The route crosses the Rif, Middle Atlas and High Atlas before descending toward the Sahara.
- Long-Distance Challenge: Choose from 969 km, 1,150 km or 1,540 km depending on the route.
- Remote Riding: Some sections are far from civilization, with resupply gaps reaching up to 160 km on the long piste route.
- Ride at Your Own Pace: There is no time limit for completing the adventure.
Why It Stands Out
- Three Route Options: Two piste distances and one fully paved road route provide different ways to experience the crossing.
- Diverse Moroccan Landscapes: Riders pass through mountain ranges, isolated mining areas and the Sahara Desert.
- Ahouli Mines: The route includes the abandoned Ahouli mining area, one of the event’s notable landmarks.
- No Race-Time Pressure: The event focuses on self-supported adventure rather than a fixed completion time.
- Solo or Pair Riding: Participants can enter individually or as a pair.
Summary
Mines & Dunes 2026 is a long-distance, self-supported cycling adventure from Tangier to Boudnib, combining demanding mountain terrain, remote pistes and the Sahara Desert. With solo and pair categories, multiple route options and no time limit, it is designed for riders seeking an autonomous ultra-distance experience in Morocco.
