12/02/2023 Bikepacking Morocco Day 116 : You gotta make the moment last

by Brian · Published December 2, 2023 · Updated March 3, 2024

The guy walked up to me at the gas station with a big smile. “Est-ce que c'est une caméra?”

“Huh?”

“caméra…. ici”. He pointed to the bolt that holds my rear shock on.

“No,” I consoled him, and to prove that my shock bolt wasn’t recording his gas-station-shenanigans, I did a little shock dance bouncing the shock. He smiled and walks back to his two buddies, laughing and punching them. I’m pretty sure that one of them thought my shock bolt was a camera. This is a new one.

Before I embarked on this stretch of road, I thought it was something to “just get done.” It’s flat, and I’m a mountain scenery kind of guy. But in my heart, I realize that I’m really just a “love to ride my bike” kind of person. Admittedly, I’m only 4 days into probably a 14 day Sahara crossing, but this stuff suits me well, even if it means enduring shock bolt conspiracy theories.

I know it will become more remote further along, but about every 50 miles there is some sort of gas station-like-place where I can get water and entertainment from the people resting during their epic drives. I can also get mid-day tea… something I shouldn’t be doing (caffeine), but it’s a nice hydrating treat.

I’ve been trying to savor this section. Janet and I have been packing in these tours. That is great because I feel like we have been making the most of the precious minutes of life. The disadvantage with moving fast is that as soon as we get home from one trip, I’m designing another - leaving little time to “process” the previous one.

Morocco has required a little bit more processing than usual; there’s more “newness.” Also I met a lot of new people in the first 3 weeks. It is really really nice now to have some quiet time to let those experiences bounce around in my head a bit. Maybe this leg feels a bit to me like what a vacation on the beach would feel like to someone who likes that sort of escape. Getting to see Janet on video calls every day is the icing on the cake.

Photos:

Getting hidden for a camp

At the other entrance to town, it looks like a swordfish, not a Narwhal!

Atlantic Ocean. This morning was very humid thanks to 2 days of wind from the South. Also, quite a bit of rain (deep puddles) evaporating. Winds came from the side or head most of the day. 12mph for me during those times. And 20mph when it came from side-behind. Forecast for next 4 days looks much better, though.

So, Garmin’s time zone map is off for Western Sahara. I guess so few people ride here that it hasn’t been reported. I did a sync on my phone this AM to try and correct it. I watched as my 830 switched from 9:30am to 10:30am to 8:30 am. Kind of rotated through those options several times during the sync. After satellite connectivity, they both went back to being an hour ahead of the real time shown on my phone (internet verified).

So, this is the gas station. A battery powered pump filling up an 18 wheeler. Have any of you ever jump started a car? You know what happens when you connect the clamps? After this photo, I gave myself a little distance. The 18 wheeler was some sort of tanker. Hope it was tanking camel milk and not gasoline.

I’m enjoying the ride!

I have been getting puppy updates every other day. Here you can see they have already grown! Bad news, though. On the left hand side of the cage, you can see that one of them is sick. He was one of the two that looked almost dead when I got there. They are going to care for him, but it’s not certain he will recover. 😞

My secret camera 😂!

There are these interesting rocks that I used to keep the wind from blowing up into the tent. I found some seashells, and was like “wow! Snails and seashells in the desert!” Then I remembered the ocean is like a mile away 🤦‍♂️ Now that I think about it, these “rocks” look like old coral 🪸

Strava Comments:

Jessica M.

I want the white puppy!!

Brian L.

Jessica Malone - and white puppy wants you! WhatsApp is +212 670-999673 they speak English (the vets, not the dogs). Not sure how international puppy transfer works, but in 7 weeks, they will be going to someone. Could one go to you?

Jessica M.

Brian Lucido that would be fun, but likely impossible! Thanks for saving them!! Keep up the adventures!

Ann L.

Sad about the the sick puppy but the other 4 sure look robust. Jessica Malone that white one with the black spot markings is super cute and I’m sure will find a good home. Brian Lucido so glad your video calls with Janet are working out.

Brandon B.

All of this is astounding to me

Carol D.

The puppies are looking good!

Janet W.

I'm so glad the vet is sending you updates on the puppies. The 4 sure are full of energy! I really hope the little one recovers. The scenery there is more interesting that I expected, and your campsite has a great view - of rocks. Love our video chats every day!

Chris N.

I figure within 10 years an action camera will be available within the geometry of common bolt sizes.

Judy I.

Cameras are everywhere now. I can see why those guys were suspicious. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could bring one of those puppies home? Best souvenir ever…🐶

Laura W.

Puppies look lively and full of it! What a blessing...

Osman I.

It's great that you saved the puppies. The man may be pointing to the body of the shock, which may look like an expensive telephoto lens sticking out of the bag, loosely held by the strap. The 18-wheeler probably uses diesel fuel, which doesn’t ignite from a spark.

Mark G.

Lots of time during the day for your language school, favorite podcasts, contemplating, and planning the links to create your segmented round the world tour.