How does my bike get there?
Expedition member's bikes are collected 10-15 days in advance, freighted to Southern Spain and then carried in the support vehicle to Mauritania and the start of the piste.

How do I get there?
Members can fly (via Paris) to the start of the piste in Atar, where the bikes and support team will be ready and waiting. 

Who carries all the fuel, water and gear?
The support vehicles will carry all fuel, water and gear so that the team can enjoy unladen bikes.

How much other stuff can I bring?
You can carry up to 30 kilos of kit and spares on the truck.
 
What is the pace likely to be?
Daily distances will vary considerably according to terrain and the needs of the team. An average day might be 150km. You can add to this as much free-riding as you like. A lead rider will be nominated each day who will be responsible for route-finding, running comms with the support truck and setting an appropriate pace.

What's the riding like? 
Don't come if you don't like sand! The route was used by the Dakar in 2004 and quickly sorted the wheat from the chaff. We'll be going slower – with plenty of time at the close of day to recover, enjoy the desert or free ride – but this is still a formidable and remote passage. Riding is very varied with approximately 50% of the route soft sand or dunes and the rest a mixture of fast hamada, rock fields and hard-pack. You will get a taste of every type of Saharan terrain along the way. 

What paperwork is involved?
Traveling with a vehicle in Africa involves a bewildering degree of bureaucracy. Most you don't need to worry about, we will guide you through the process.
 
Do I need a carnet?
Not currently, however the rules for Mauritania are in flux and it is possible entry restrictions may be placed on older vehicles. We recommend (and may require) that you get a carnet if your bike is over 5 years old.

What am I paying for?
Flights, freighting, fuel, support workers/guides costs and wages, vehicle costs, equipment costs, visas, insurance, border costs, other paperwork, food, accommodation and endless other expenses. 
Wherever possible we make sure that the expedition benefits  local economies. Any profits made from this trip go to Riders for Health to provide transport for health workers around Africa. For more information on this excellent charity check www.riders.org

Who are Beast of Burden?
We are seasoned Saharan travelers based in the North West of England. Together with our associates and local contacts we provide logistical support and transport for motorised travel in North Africa. 

What preparations have been made for this trip?
We made two recces, covering the majority of the route last year, by 4wd and bike. We've combined first-hand experience with local knowledge, input from other desert travellers and modern maps/navigational resources to have a sound route preparation in place. You can check the recce pictures here - there are a lot of them so make a cup of tea first!

Is this a package tour?
The trip has most of the features and benefits of a tour, with some important differences. By signing up you are joining an expedition team. As a team member you have a say in group decisions and your actions can have a direct affect on the success or otherwise of the expedition. Don't expect anyone to hold your hand – as the bikes move faster than the trucks you will be riding unsupervised for most of the day.

What about security?
Serious theft and violence against travellers in Mauritania is very rare. Other than minor pilfering, we have never had a problem. If we become aware of a risk we will inform all participants. Wherever necessary we will take local, up-to-date advice before confirming routes.

I ride competitively, is this good training?
We're not racers, but we believe so, yes. This is an unequalled chance to ride the Mauritanian sand pistes without the attendant pressures of competition and heavy fuel loads.

Where do we stay?
Most nights are spent camping in the desert - a highlight of this kind of trip for most people. Camping does not need to be uncomfortable, but you should be ready for the outdoor life! Other nights we will stay in traditional tents or small auberges or hotels. 

What happens if I crash out or breakdown?
If your bike cannot be repaired we will load it onto the truck and recover it. You will have the option of riding with the support team -slower, but still fun.

What if I get hurt?
We carry a full medical field kit, (including IV equipment, prescription drugs etc.) and have a AMRFT trained support member. There are modern hospitals in Bamako and Nouakchott but these may be several days drive away – a good reason to ride within your limits. There are no rescue services in the desert so we are effectively self-reliant in an emergency. Travel insurance which covers medevac back to the UK is a requirement of the trip.

How do I book?
Email us for an entry form.

I have more questions, what do I do?
Don't hesitate to email us (or call on O781O83 3583). When it comes to sounding out a trip like this there is no such thing as a daft question.