The founders
Nelson Filipe
The idea of Big Trail Challenge was born in the desert, 10 years ago when the two founders met and did a tour together. Nelson, which can be also called Desert Fennec, is an extremely experienced adventure traveller, that knows Morocco better than his hands and has been the architect of the BTC routes using his field experience to take participants to amazing scenery landscapes.
After traveling across the four corners of the world, decided to delight other people with the world wonders and created back in 2012 Mundo de Aventuras Travel & Expeditions, where he provides amazing experiences across the globe. In 2025, he decided to focus exclusively on 4x4 adventure trips although he remains connected to BTC as advisor.
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Pedro Pessoa
Pedro has the passion for motorcycle travelling for many years and he traveled for more than 30 countries in many "lonely rider" trips.
He has been the architect of the concept and the philosophy of the event incorporating Nelson's field experience and his own marketing and business experience.
He is the one that keeps saying that the event has only 3 rules: Safety, Safety & Safety
Quiet and methodic, he is the Tour Leader, the gate keeper and the guardian of our core values:
Customer always first
Passion
Authenticity
Integrity
Technical Director
Ignasio Calvo
With years of experience organising adventure trips on different locations around the globe, Ignasi joined the team recently and he his currently our route architect, GPS recorder, Roadbook artisan and the morning 'Briefing Man.
He shows the participants, what’s coming ahead and somehow makes it sound easy!
Mechanical Leader
Let's hope it never happens, but if you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere, this is definitely the guy you want to have around! Even when it seems impossible, the desert MacGyver can make it happen! With his technical knowledge, his incredibly skilled hands and a screwdriver, he keeps you moving and in the groove.
Luis Agostinho - the Desert MacGyver
Garage Iriki Zagora - Abdul
In the heart of the desert, the well know Garage Iriki is Zagora collaborates with us and provides mechanical expertise. With deep knowledge of the terrain, trusted connections across Morocco, and yars of experience of rallies and off-road adventures, their team helps keep adventure moving and ensuring that every participant can continue the journey with confidence.
Logistic coordination
With years of experience in Morocco and beyond, he is one of the setady forces behind the adventure. He coordinates the logistics, supporting part of the medical team from the 4x4 vehicle and always finding solutions where others see obstacles. No matter the challenge and what needs to be done, he is always there with calm energy, commitment and a smile.
Paulo Cebola
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Medical Team
Dr.Claudio Guz & nurse Manuel Pedreira
Our medical team, experienced doctors and nurse with backgrounds in VMER emergency response, has been part of this adventure for years. Their calm under pressure, field experience, and unwavering commitment are essencial to the safety of the event, providing immediate support and confidence whenever challenges arise in the route.
Media &
Event coordination
Fearless and bossy, full of energy and enthusiasm, she supports the group and the organisation on many fronts and coordinates the event's media activities. She drives her 4x4 Land Cruiser as part of the support crew, picking up sometimes motorcycles from the track and carrying them in the trailer, through the desert tracks by herself!
Dr. Tiago Almeida
Lezita Melo e Simas
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Logistic support
Joaquim Alves
He is the last to leave the hotel in the morning and the first to arrive, to make sure participants have their belongings when arriving at the end of each stage.
He is also the one that makes sure you get a cold beer in your hands, when you arrive the hotel, full of dust, sweaty and tired after riding all day!