An exciting opportunity has been taken by three intrepid motorcycle adventurers visit a remote part of Morocco and take part in a genuine research expedition. This "mini expedition" has been specifically designed for those new to adventure riding or those seeking to improve their skills prior to undertaking a bigger adventure at a later date.
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THE LEGION EXPEDITION - March 2012
The image of remote desert forts manned by Foreign Legionnaires surrounded by hundreds of hostile tribesmen is an iconic one made famous in many books and films.
Such desperate last stand actions did actually take place in the late 19th and early 20th century as the French Foreign Legion spearheaded the French occupation of Morocco. Operating in extreme conditions the Legion built and manned remote outposts all across the Atlas Mountains and the deserts beyond. Today these forts are long abandoned and largely forgotten.
The aim of this expedition is to locate and record some of the more remote sites before they disappear completely. This 2000km, 6 riding day, journey will be a true adventure that will take in some of the most spectacular sites in Morocco. The route using gravel roads connected by some challenging off road trails will be ridden on KTM motorcycles. The team will mainly operate from a fixed base near Er Rachidia but will also camp out for one / two nights. In addition to the exploration the expedition will raise money for the charity Help for Heroes.
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INTERESTING FACT
Probably the most well known story of the Foreign Legion is Beau Geste. Written by P C Wren it was first published in 1924. One of a series of books set in the Foreign Legion it has been reprinted many times and made into, or served as a rich source for, numerous Hollywood films and TV series. In 2010 it was broadcast as a Radio 4 play. Some claim that Wren actually served in the Legion but no evidence exists to support this. He did however have a detailed knowledge of the Legion and whilst the stories are somewhat melodramatic some of the details are accurate. It has been said that Wren created the British mythology of the Legion and of the men who volunteered to fight in it.
Grave of P C Wren 1875-1941 - Amberley Church, Stroud, Gloucestershire
TRAINING WEEKEND
The first training session took place on 26 - 27 November. Covering navigation, camping skills and team building exercises it has got the team used to working together under pressure. Follow up training will continue in the New Year.
Legion Expedition team
Warming up before training commences
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