More Rock... Oh!   Eco-Challenge 1998, Morocco

Eco-Challenge 1998 took place in the south of Morocco, starting in the coastal town of Essaouira and finishing in Marrakesh. The course headed south along the Atlantic coast, first on 200 camels along the beach (which was mayhem), coasteering and kayaking some 80km in pretty big seas. After a transition, competitors were transferred inland to the Anti-Atlas mountains, where there was a gulley walk and a general mountain hike with a huge abseil. This was followed by a ride on Moroccan Army stallions, more hiking, including an ascent of Mt Mgoun, Morocco's second highest peak, and finally a near 200km mountain bike ride into Marrakesh. Below is a description of the race by Team Porelle published by Trail Bike magazine.