One of the most frequent questions we get asked relating to our Moroccan expedition is ‘will I be able to do it?’
The answer is yes, but only if you prepare for it, as riding for six days straight is a big test by anybodies standards, especially when you factor in the climbing. However, that’s not to say it isn’t within your reach.
The key lies in your preparation, which means having the right approach with training, nutrition, recovery and mindset, all of which are key components of our bespoke performance programmes aimed specifically at ensuring you are in optimal condition to take on the Atlas Mountains.
Your journey starts long before you arrive in Marrakech, and it’s what you do in the months leading up to the start of your chosen expedition that maters the most. So, in order to help you prepare fully, we have put together some useful advice.
– Training: There are no shortcuts when it comes to preparing for an event like this, you need to take your training seriously and ensure that you are building up to the level required in good time. It’s no good leaving it until a few weeks before and hope that you will be fit enough. If you have any doubts about how to train for a multi-day event such as one of our expeditions get in touch and we can help with a bespoke programme.
– Nutrition: To get the most out of your training, as well as to be able to handle the rigours of six days riding, it is vitally important your body is getting enough fuel. This applies both to the months leading up to the expedition, as well as during the trip itself.
Nobody knows your body as well as you, so make sure you’re eating enough, and of the right foods. Not sure what you should be eating, feeling lethargic on long rides? Then just drop us an email and we can help take a look at your nutrition to ensure you’re getting the most out of your body.
– Recovery: One of the most critical aspects of riding on consecutive days is ensuring you’re getting enough nutrition to maximise your bodies ability to repair and recover. You have to make sure you’ve topped up your fuel tank ready for the next day, which can often mean eating just before the end of the day’s riding, and then a hearty meal in the evening.
It’s also important that once you’re off the bike you make sure that you’re maintaining your fluid levels and resting your legs. We also find a portable massage machine, such as Tens or Mooyee, can be really beneficial for your leg muscles after a long day in the saddle.
– Pace Yourself: This is a marathon not a sprint, so be a tortoise not the hare. The temptation is to race up every climb as if it were the last, which might seem like a good idea on the first day, but come days three and four onwards you will end up paying for the effort. The focus is not on racing every stage, but rather managing your efforts, savouring the unique landscape that we will travel through and enjoying every moment of the journey.
– One Day at a Time: It might sound obvious but the easiest way to look at a multi-day event is to simply focus on one day at a time. Don’t start worrying about days four and five, they will come around soon enough, but instead focus on riding in the moment and enjoying each day for what it is.
As well as offering unique expeditions we also provide a fully customised training service to ensure that you are able to achieve your performance goals.