Gravel bike tour for a good cause: From Dakar to Appenzell

6,000 kilometers between desert, wind and home

The idea of cycling from Dakar to Appenzell might seem crazy at first glance. For me, however, it's a conscious decision. On April 1st, I'll start in Dakar, on my gravel bike, alone, with luggage – and with the goal of arriving in Appenzell some 6,000 kilometers later.

This extraordinary gravel bike tour is more than just a sporting project. It's a journey through climates, cultures, and inner states. It takes me along the West African coast, through Mauritania and Western Sahara, on through Morocco and Europe – back to the center of the world – my family in Appenzell. And it combines adventure with meaning.

In this blog post, I would like to share my specific route, the real challenges, and the thoughts behind this journey.

The route: From Dakar to Appenzell

The journey begins in Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, and ends in Appenzell – my home in the Alpstein region. In between lie thousands of kilometers of asphalt, sand, coastal winds, and wide open spaces.

I'm setting off in April, deliberately taking the coastal route. From Dakar, I'll take the N8 and the Route de Gandiol towards Saint-Louis. Then I'll cross the border into Mauritania at Diama. From there, I'll follow the N2 towards Nouakchott and continue along the coast to Nouadhibou.

After crossing the border at Guerguerat, the long journey through Western Sahara begins on the RN1 – past Dakhla, along the Atlantic coast, through endless, barren landscapes. In Morocco, the route continues via Agadir, Tiznit, and towards Marrakech. Then it's on through Spain and France, down the Rhône Valley – back to Appenzell.

This route is not a typical tourist route. It is rugged, exposed to wind, sometimes lonely – and precisely for that reason appealing.

The stages of the tour

The tour is divided into several stages, each with its own character and different requirements.

Dakar (Senegal) - Mauritania

The start in Dakar is intense. Traffic, heat, noise – and suddenly I'm right in the thick of it. Along the coast towards Saint-Louis, things become quieter. The landscape flattens out, the Atlantic accompanies me, and the north trade winds remind me daily that I can't control everything.

Temperatures in April are already high. Water planning is not a detail here, but a basic requirement.

Mauritania - Morocco (Western Sahara coastal road)

Mauritania is vast. Between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, there are stretches where I ride straight ahead for hours. Hardly any shade, hardly any infrastructure, often a strong headwind.

Western Sahara is a world unto itself. The RN1 stretches seemingly endlessly along the coast. To the left, the Atlantic Ocean; to the right, the desert. Military checkpoints, long distances between supplies – and plenty of time to think.

Here, a sporting challenge also becomes a mental journey.

Morocco - Spain

The atmosphere changes after Agadir. More traffic, more life, more dynamism. The journey remains challenging, especially with luggage. Marrakech marks a transition for me – from Africa to Europe.

Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar is not just a geographical turning point. It is leaving a continent that has challenged and shaped me.

France to Appenzell (Switzerland)

I continue my journey through Spain and France towards the Rhone Valley. The landscape becomes greener, more structured, more familiar. And yet my legs are tired, the kilometers are noticeable.

The final leg takes me back to Appenzell.

The challenges of the tour

Such a tour presents numerous challenges – physical, mental, and logistical.

Physical challenges

Long distances: I plan for 100 kilometers or more daily – depending on wind, supplies, and terrain. There are only a few rest days with hotel comforts; it's mainly about recovery in rhythm with the route.

Challenging terrain: The route consists mostly of asphalt, but wind, heat, and sometimes poor road surfaces make each stage demanding. My gravel bike is designed for sporty riding – almost like a road bike. Efficiency is crucial.

Psychological challenges

Loneliness: In Mauritania and Western Sahara, there are stretches where I don't encounter anyone for hours. This solitude can be liberating – but also challenging.

Motivation: There will be days when headwinds and heat are exhausting. Motivation then arises not from euphoria, but from discipline and clarity about one's own "why." Going home – family.

Logistical challenges

Accommodation: Accommodation isn't available everywhere. Sometimes I have to rely on simple hostels or a tent. Flexibility is essential.

Provisions: Water is limited in certain sections. I have to plan carefully where I can refill. Energy intake is not a luxury, but a prerequisite to reach the destination safely.

Preparing for the tour

This journey begins long before the start in Dakar.

Fitness and training

Regular training: In the months leading up to my departure, I specifically built up my endurance – long rides, elevation gain, wind training. My body needs to be prepared before it has to cover 100+ kilometers a day. What better way to prepare than with a tour from the North Cape to Appenzell in June/July 2025?

Test drives: I tested the equipment and setup multiple times – especially tire choice and luggage distribution. On a 6,000-kilometer route, there's no room for fundamental experimentation. Of course, I constantly adjusted and optimized everything with Dani from Dani's Velolade in Steinegg.

equipment

Bike choice: My KOBA gravel bike is light, efficient, and robust – but deliberately sporty. It's not an expedition tank, but a fast long-distance bike. That demands clean riding and good equipment management.

Equipment: Minimalist, but functional. Tools, spare parts, water reserves, navigation – everything has its designated place.

Nutrition

Healthy eating: I rely on simple, readily available energy sources – supplemented by conscious nutrition wherever possible. My body is my engine.

Hydration: In West Africa, hydration is a strategic factor. Dehydration is not an option.

The good cause behind the tour

This gravel bike tour is not just a personal project. It's also intended to raise awareness for the "Move4Kids" project. Every kilometer ridden has additional significance.