Four days. Endless gravel. Big skies, bigger mountains, and a sense of possibility that only comes from riding somewhere truly wild.
A few weeks ago I left cold raining England and hopped on a plane to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to scout a route for an upcoming women’s four-day gravel camp. Run by Female Explorers UK – a community helping women ignite a passion for adventure – and on the ground support from MTB Morocco. The aim was simple: find the perfect balance of adventure, challenge, beauty, and comfort — and the Atlas delivered on every front.
Gravel Riding in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains feel purpose-built for gravel riding. Long, flowing pistes wind through wide valleys before climbing steadily into the mountains, with surfaces ranging from smooth hardpack to satisfyingly chunky sections that keep you engaged.
Every day brought variety: high mountain passes, quiet riverbeds, remote plateaus, and playful descents where you can let the bike run. It’s adventurous gravel riding without being intimidating — ideal terrain for multi-day gravel camps and endurance riding.
A Bike Built for Adventure: Reflex
Days like these really highlight the importance of the right bike, and my Reilly Reflex Gravel race bike felt completely at home in the Atlas Mountains.
The titanium frame soaked up the rougher sections beautifully, taking the sting out of long, rocky tracks while still feeling lively and responsive on smoother terrain. On long climbs, fast gravel descents and extended days in the saddle, the Reflex felt stable, comfortable and confidence-inspiring — exactly what you want when riding remote gravel routes.
It’s a bike that allows you to focus on the landscape, the adventure and the ride itself, rather than worrying about fatigue or comfort — a perfect match for endurance gravel riding and multi-day bikepacking-style trips.
Big Views and Remote Landscapes
The scenery is, quite simply, breathtaking. The views often stopped me mid-ride — I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance while red and ochre mountains glow as the light changes throughout the day. One moment you’re riding through wide-open landscapes that feel almost lunar, the next you’re passing through small Berber villages with green fields tucked into the valley walls.
Food, Fuel and Support
After big days on the bike, Moroccan cuisine hits exactly the right note. Fresh, flavourful and deeply satisfying — steaming tagines, warm flatbreads, sweet mint tea and shared meals that quickly turn tired legs into happy ones.
Equally important was the outstanding support from MTB Morocco. Our support vehicle carried ample water, a vast selection of (naughty and) healthy snacks, and provided the reassuring option to jump in if the legs gave up. That safety net makes a huge difference on longer gravel rides, allowing riders to push their boundaries while knowing support is always close by.
This level of care and logistics will be central to the women’s gravel camp, creating an environment that feels adventurous yet supportive.
Friendly Faces
What truly elevates gravel riding in the Atlas Mountains is the people you meet.
Throughout the journey, we were met with smiles, waves and genuine warmth. Children ran alongside the bikes, villagers offered directions or tea, and everywhere we rode we felt welcome. It’s a region where cyclists are not just passing through — they’re invited in.
For a women’s gravel camp, this sense of friendliness and connection adds something truly special, helping riders feel safe, supported and inspired.
Why This Women’s Gravel Camp Will Be Special
With MTB Morocco providing expert local support and logistics, and Female Explorers UK creating a space for women to ride, explore and grow together, this four-day gravel adventure promises to be about far more than just kilometres covered.
To find out more about the Morocco trip follow here.
For those wanting an adventure closer to home there will be a gravel day in the New Forest in the summer follow here