Modern Vespa

For those familiar with this ride:

Do you get the time to see the sights in addition to riding?

Is it a welcoming environment for male and female riders?

What are the highs and lows?

Was it worth it?

Any tips?

Mundane...
Are there laundry facilities and plenty of stops for water or bathroom breaks?

Thank you.

I rode in 2012, the 2nd one, and the 2014 one. There was a tremendous change in that period time. We went from searching for fuel and refueling with hand cranks out of 55 gal drums to having a whole entourage of vehicles following. A gas tanker, a ambulance with doctor, a couple of security vehicles, several support vans, and a support truck with spare scooters. It is extremely organized!! You ride from point A to point B. You will see all there is to see just riding....desert. You stop to fuel out of the tanker on the side of the road and you stop to eat lunch in the middle of the desert where they set up. At the end of the day, which is usually mid-afternoon, they usually have tours available for the area. Very much so!!! The Egyptians are very welcoming people. The organizers could be from California in appearance and manor. The local more traditional Egyptians are the same way. Their religion dictates that they welcome you, contrary to general opinion. Laundry will done by the hotel overnight for just a few dollars. There are no other facilities.
As mentioned before stops are for fuel and lunch. It is usually not overly hot
the time of year it is run and can be chilly at night and in the mornings.
The bathrooms are the otherside of the sand dune. You better be ok with that or you will have to hold it all day. Depending on the number of riders they divide you up into about ten scooter groups. Each with a experienced lead and a sweep.

For some reason they continually hound you to ride a tight formation. even in the middle of nowhere. Professional motorcycle riders have refused to ride because of that. However, just ride your ride that you are comfortable with. Don't let them force you into anything YOU are not comfortable. In 2014 we had a female rider who had told them she only rides at 50 kph and they said ok. It pissed them off but she rode her ride.

The are very concerned about everyone's safety and comfort. ABSOLUTELY!!!!! It is a great opportunity to meet riders from around the world and visit a fantastic country with wonderful people.

Here are links to my blogs about the rides. The 2012 is jumbled, but just click on the days on the side tab.
2012: http://crossegypt2012.blogspot.com/2012/10/farafra-oasis-to-dakala-oasis-day-6.html

2014: http://crossegypt2014.blogspot.com/

There are others here how have done it more recent times and maybe they will chime in.

double post deleted

The blog is amazing and quite droll but honestly I don't know if it makes me want to do that event more, or less. But definitely not twice!

Thanks for taking the time to reply with this comprehensive overview.