"Cessation of Suffering En Route: A Duo Pedaling Towards Morocco"
In the summer of 2025, Max Grillenberger and Mario Denzel, two friends from Germany, embarked on an epic bike tour that would take them from their homeland to the shores of Morocco. Their journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, provides valuable insights for those considering long-distance cycling.
With minimal experience in road biking, Grillenberger, a student in Mannheim, joined forces with Denzel, a seasoned cyclist. They packed minimally, carrying one set of spare clothes, small items like soap, toothbrushes, a first-aid kit, and spare tubes for their bikes. Their preparation for the Morocco bike tour lasted only a day, with the route planned using apps like Komoot and Bikerouter.
The couple initially faced issues due to excessive luggage, but they soon learned to make compromises. If accommodations through "Warm Showers", a platform offering a bed and shower for one night to cyclists, were not available, they switched to Airbnb. They spent the most money on food during their journey, often stopping to eat while on the road and taking only one day off.
Grillenberger and Denzel encountered several obstacles along the way, including three flat tires and physical discomfort such as numb toes or fingers, back pain due to an ill-fitting bike, and sore buttocks. However, they emphasize the importance of gradual build-up of mileage, incorporating back-to-back riding days, strength and core training, bike handling and comfort practice, nutrition and hydration practice, and mental preparation as essential strategies for physically preparing for such a demanding journey.
Upon their arrival in Rabat, they were physically exhausted but delighted to have made it. The friends traveled through France, Spain, and took a ferry in Algeciras during their bike tour to Morocco. They even enjoyed a three-day tour through the desert without their bicycles before they returned via a transportation service.
Grillenberger expressed a willingness to embark on the journey again, despite having to make certain compromises, such as with their clothes. Their journey is documented on a blog, which can be read on Polarsteps - Automatic Travel Tracker - Explore. Dream. Discover. A helpful tip from a taxi driver proved useful in the return of their bicycles, demonstrating the value of local knowledge and connections during such adventures.
Despite the challenges, Grillenberger and Denzel's Morocco bike tour is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the power of preparation. Their story serves as an inspiration for those dreaming of long-distance cycling journeys, offering practical advice and encouragement for those ready to take on the challenge.
Sports played a significant role in Max Grillenberger and Mario Denzel's journey, as they embarked on an adventure-travel expedition through Europe and Morocco by bike. Their lifestyle during the travel was centered around cycling, managing minimal resources, and embracing accommodations through platforms like "Warm Showers" and Airbnb. The tour, filled with challenges like flat tires and discomfort, also included moments of relaxation, such as a three-day desert tour without their bicycles. The friends' experience underscores the importance of proper sports training and preparation for long-distance cycling, transcending the travel span into a testament of physical endurance and the spirit of sports.
