Trail of the Southern Oasis Piste

Trail of the Southern Oasis Piste – Nador, Morocco

• Date: 21st March 2027
• Location: Nador, Morocco
• Distances: 1940 km (Piste), 2060 km (Road)
• Event Type: Self-supported Bikepacking

This April, a remarkable bikepacking adventure in Morocco unfolds, tracing a path deep into the Sahara. The Trail of the Southern Oasis invites riders to experience the vast, quiet landscapes of the country's remote south. Setting out from Nador, the journey is one of self-reliance and discovery, a true test of endurance and spirit against a backdrop of seemingly infinite horizons and profound desert silence. It offers a unique start to the season for any dedicated long-distance cyclist.

Participants can choose their own challenge with two distinct route options. The Piste route covers 1,940 kilometres with 11,000 metres of elevation, prioritising rugged gravel tracks and ancient pistes. For those who prefer smoother surfaces, the Road option presents a 2,060-kilometre journey with 15,950 metres of climbing. Both paths promise an immersive experience, traversing windswept plains and following old caravan routes that echo with history.

The event is structured as a single-stage, self-supported adventure, placing the emphasis on personal navigation and resourcefulness. Riders can enter solo or as a pair, but the core experience is one of individual pace and journey. There is no time limit, allowing each participant to absorb the atmosphere of the Sahara at their own rhythm. This format makes it an accessible, if challenging, bikepacking adventure in Morocco for seasoned ultra-racers and introspective tourers alike.

The schedule begins with a rider registration and briefing in Nador on the evening of March 20th, 2027. The grand depart takes place the following morning as riders roll out towards the distant finish line in Sidi Ifni. This point-to-point journey crosses a huge expanse of the country, showcasing the diversity of its terrain. For those interested in similar long-distance rides, there are many other gravel events in Morocco that explore its varied landscapes.

The route leads cyclists past forgotten railway outposts and through scenery that shifts with the passing of each day. As sunlight fades, the desert reveals one of its most profound sights: a sky filled with a brilliant canopy of stars, accompanied by a silence that is almost absolute. It is an environment that encourages reflection and a deep connection with the landscape, a core part of this bikepacking adventure in Morocco.

After many days on the road or piste, the adventure concludes with a finisher party in Sidi Ifni on the evening of April 2nd. It’s a moment to share stories and celebrate the immense accomplishment with fellow riders. The Trail of the Southern Oasis is more than a route; it is an experience shaped by the gravel under the tyres, the endless sky, and the quiet rhythm of the ride. More details can be found on the official event website.