Mines & Dunes
ExtremeSelf-supported one-stage bikepacking adventure starting 3 October 2026 in Tangier and finishing at a desert camp near Boudnib, crossing the Rif, Middle and High Atlas and the Sahara. No time limit; piste (1,150km/20,260m) or road (1,540km) routes.
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▌ Self-supported one-stage bikepacking adventure starting 3 October 2026 in Tangier and finishing at a desert camp near Boudnib, crossing the Rif, Middle and High Atlas and the Sahara
Africa bikepacking event organized by Transbike Adventures
13 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]1150 km of extreme gravel through Tangier to Boudnib, Morocco
- [+]20,260 m of climbing — proper elevation
- [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
- [+]Organized by Transbike Adventures
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Desert
RED FLAGS
- [!]Ultra distance — needs serious training base
- [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
- [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding
Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips
Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts
Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
1150 km is not a race — it's an expedition. Pacing is decided by hours, not km splits, and sleep strategy matters more than power.
TIRE INTEL
Sandy sections benefit from lower pressure and width.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Tangier to Boudnib, Morocco in spring (October): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Resist the urge to push. Your race starts in 48 hours, not at km 0.
Eat early, eat often. Sleep matters more than watts now.
Mental low point. Stick to the plan. Most riders bonk here mentally before physically.
Save matches. The finish line will reveal itself when you stop chasing it.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Late-race climbs after the legs are gone
- [!02]Mental low point on the long, lonely middle section
- [!03]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
INSIDER INTEL
“The heat at Mines & Dunes is part of the test. Hydration strategy matters as much as fitness.”
“Cycling in Africa is different — the wildlife, the warmth of the welcome, the sheer scale of it. Mines & Dunes delivers all of that.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Self-supported by design. Carry your own food, water, tools, and shelter. Resupply from towns en route.
Plan for 24+ hour stretches between resupply points. Carry food and purification.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -All food and water beyond the start
- -Shelter / sleep system
- -Tracker (rider-supplied for many ultras)
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
- ▸Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
- ▸GPS device with full route loaded is required, not optional.
TRAVEL OPS
Mines & Dunes is a destination-worthy bikepacking event in Morocco. A solid bucket-list addition.