Moroccan CyclosportiveMarrakech Atlas Etape

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We write a lot about racing on the ATC blog, but there’s another side to the sport of cycling that’s probably equally rewarding and much more likely to end with the rubber side down. The sportive may be your answer if what you’re looking for is an alternative to serious competition (granted, sometimes the unofficial win is just as coveted), a new challenge to train for, or simply an excuse to travel to an exotic locale.

In addition to providing beautiful scenery, feed stations, and 6,985 feet of climbing, the Marrakech Atlas Etape, held in Marrakech, Morocco, on April 27, 2014, benefits Education for All, a Moroccan NGO that helps girls from rural families complete their secondary education.

The Marrakech Atlas Etape had approximately 170 participants in 2013, its first year. Two ride options are offered, 60km and 140km. When the weather cooperates, both offer spectacular views and a unique way to experience the sights and sounds of the Moroccan countryside.

The 60km route features a gentle gradient (average 1.25%), suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. To any dedicated cyclist opting for the long haul, the 140km route, known as the “Ouka Monster,” presents the challenge of a grueling ascent to a ski resort high in the Atlas Mountains, followed by an exhilarating descent back down.

For more information, check out the links below:

• Marrakech Atlas Etape website - detailed info on routes, registration, accommodation, and more
• 2013 event feature from road.cc - a lesson learned!
• Education for All website - the nonprofit the ride benefits