Tips for Touring Planning
OK. You have decided to participate in a Biker's Paradise tour. Now it is just a matter of handling a few more details before hitting the road. Most of those details will be handled by Biker's Paradise. It does make sense though to quickly review what we will do and what you will need to complete on your end.
1. Communication / Timelines
As stated earlier, our goal is to maximize your enjoyment of the ride. One of the first steps in doing so is to communicate with you about what to expect. Communication is the most important step as you will be making decisions based on what is on the itinerary for the tour.
You can expect to receive updates from us via email, and occasionally from the post office. Typically if some type of deadline is involved, you will receive that information via email with plenty of time for you to respond. As the deadline approaches you will receive a reminder notice so we can stay on track. If you happen to miss a reservation, deposit, or deadline, we will do what we can to assist you, but we may not be able to guarantee that item or event (lodging, special attraction, etc). To avoid getting shut out of anything please be prompt in responding to our communications.
2. What to Bring?
Packing for a multi-day bike tour is always a challenge. Even after riding for thirty years, my list of what to bring and the process for loading the bike is always evolving. If you are leaving your residence on your bike, you have the advantage of conducting a few practice runs before heading out. If your trip involves some air travel you will have an added issue of leaving your luggage behind while on the tour. We can assist you here. Just drop us a line.
There are numerous references on the web, or in print, which can provide more guidance as you prepare to pack. Here a few suggestions that may you find helpful:
a. Our favorite guidline is that old quote about preparing for travel, "Take twice the cash and half the clothes."
b. Avoid bringing anything along that can be found in a hotel (e.g. hair dryers).
c. Be prepared for all the weather you may run into. For a trip into the mountains or higher elevations you will need warm clothing.
d. Dress in layers, and always carry good quality rain gear.
e. Bring only enough stuff to last four or five days. You can always do laundry once if the tour lasts two weeks or longer.
3. Packing / Loading the Bike
This greatly depends on what type of bike you are riding. Loading a bagger is much different that strapping a backpack on a Softail.
a. Know how mch space you have on the bike and do your best to leave a bit of room for that inevitable purchase you will make along the way (T-shirt, poster, mug, shot glass, book, etc.).
b. Don't exceed the weigh limits for your bike.
4. Cameras / Camcorders / Film
Definitely bring your camera or camcorder with you. Generally it is a good idea to start your ride with plenty of film, or media, to take your photos. You may be out in the middle of nowhere and ready to take the shot of lifetime and the nearest film/media is an hour away. Plus there is always the challenge of expense when purchasing film or digital media at remote locations. Do not put your film or videotapes (used or unused) in luggage that you will be checking in for air travel. These x-ray machines may ruin you media as they are very powerful. Hand carry these items through security. Request a manual inspection of these items and request they not be x-rayed. Sometimes they will allow this and sometimes they will force you to run it through the machine with your carry on items. No film over 600ASA should be put through any machine.
As Biker's Paradise tours are documented with a professionally edited video, you may be asked to share your photos. All the folks who share their photos automatically receive a CD with all the other photos that were taken. This approach generally allows you to obtain some shots you may not otherwise have noticed, or had the opportunity to take. To facilitate this process, when you develop your film, order a CD of your images so you can send that in to us. If you are shooting on a digital camera, burn a CD for us.
5. Lodging
We do our best to make sure you receive the accommodations you requested. If you are traveling solo and want to decrease your lodging expenses and are willing to share a room, you can note that on the rider application. We typically try to secure hotels that are reasonably priced. You always have the option of booking you own hotel if you want something different than we are offering. Sometimes we stay in very remote places that have few choices and limited amenities
6. Chase Vehicle
When possible, there is a chase vehicle (truck / SUV/ van) that joins us on the tour. This will allow your passenger to take a break from riding, if needed. It also allows for storing extra items and for carrying a cooler of refreshments and snacks. If a chase vehicle is lined up for a particular tour, you will be informed at the outset.
The following table indicates the overall categories of what we organize. Please contact us if you have any comments or questions.
| What We Organize | What We Don't Organize |
Hotel Reservations | Flight Reservations |
Motorcycle Rentals | Airport to Hotel Transfers |
Restaurant Reservations | Airport to Bike Rental Transfers |
Special Event / National Park Tickets |