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The Route
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Introduction
Be aware that while the C2C Rally to Casablanca is a six day event, you will most likely need to plan in (at least) one extra day to leave Morocco.
Unlike our other events, you will not be able to dispose of your car in Morocco, either by scapping or selling.
You will complete paperwork to import the car into Morocco when you arrive, and you must leave with the paperwork and the car.
TO EMPHASISE: You can not leave a car in Morocco, even if it has to be TOWED OUT.
Day 1 - June 22, 2009 - Calais to Millau
The first day is a nice easy blast down the French Autoroutes to Millau. It's only 580 or so miles and should take the front runners about 10 hours. For the slower players, maybe as much as 14 hours. Or maybe 16.
Like all of the other StreetSafari Euro events, the first day requires all the teams to do some serious mileage. If you have only ever done 3, or maybe 4 hours driving in one go before (which is what most of us have ever done before going on a banger rally), when you complete your first REALLY long day, you will be tired but elated.
It's a real achievement that shouldn't be overlooked after you have done your first really long day. Driving 3 hours in the UK will seem like a trip to the shops.
If you think the organisers get away with skipping the first day, think again! We find it equally long and arduous, and this is the first of many long trips for us over the season.
We can only give one piece of advice to new teams about these long days: keep your nose to the grindstone and keep stops to a minimum. Do not have hour long lunches, do not browse the shops, do not go sight seeing. Don't even get off the Autoroute to take a more picturesque journey for a bit.
Stay focused and the last mile will soon come up. Albeit 10 hours later. Or so. Maybe.
Day 2 - June 23, 2009 - Millau to Andorra la Vella
First part of the day is to climb back up to the Autoroute so that we can cross the absolutely fabulous Millau Viaduct, the highest public motor bridge in the world, the roadway through the clouds.
The Millau Viaduct is the highest bridge in the world*, and was built by the French, but more importantly, the architects were British.
The day will progress mainly off the Autoroutes up to the beautiful Principality of Andorra.
Andorra is famous because we (the Brits) haven't had a war with them. We've battled most nations on the planet, but not Andorra. Which almost makes it unique.
Day 3 - June 24, 2009 - Andorra la Vella to Alicante
Today it's back to the major routes and the second blast south.
Most banger rallies are beginning to flag at this point. Spirits are weak, cars are expiring, tempers are rising. But not Calais2Casablanca.
C2C is a five day rally so teams need to remind themselves that they are only just about to reach the halfway point as we blast past both Barcelona and Valencia.
If we stopped now, it would be weak. Calais2Casablanca teams need to be teams with iron wills and the courage to go onto new places. Go further and farther than any other banger rally!
Day 4 - June 25, 2009 - Alicante to Malaga
Day 5 - June 26, 2009 - Malaga to Tangier, Morocco
Today is the day where we get to have fun.
A quick jaunt to the ferry for a short crossing. Teams then need to plead their way into Morocco.
The evening will be informal as the pleading may take several hours. Lets just say that if cars like the Batmobile turn up, it will most likely be first time they will have seen such a car come through.
Quite simply, the Moroccans won't know what to make of us. A bit like the Czech Border guards. However, here's hoping they have a sense of humour. Unlike the Czech Border guards.
Day 6 - June 27, 2009 - Tangier to Casablanca
Day 6 is the final drive in a totally different culture to the end point in Casablanca.
Today is a nice easy drive where veteran teams can discuss whether the locals drive better or worse than the locals in southern Italy.
The common misconception is that Morocco doesn't allow alcohol. It does allow alcohol, they just don't like you wandering the streets drunk. We don't think they have capital punishment anymore, so you probably won't be beheaded during your stay, but we would ask all teams to take no chance and practise the utmost good manners when staying in Morocco.
Seriously, though, many people have an image of Morocco as a romantic, though backward country. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Incredibly rich in culture and history, the country varies widely from region to region, but Casablanca in particular is a thoroughly modern city with a unique personality.
As its culture and traditions are worthy of respect, you may find a bit more guidance on this event as opposed to our other banger rallies. This is only to help make the event as enjoyable as possible, for both the participants and the locals.
After all, it's not an event, it's an attitude! And an adventure, besides.
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