BY CLAY LARROY
Traveling can be an important
part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You need to do all of
your research so that you don't forget to pack something important, see what
the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds and save money by
visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation
without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn when the
popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the less popular
time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you may have to
contend with less than ideal weather. When
you want to plan a vacation contact me!
The growing popularity of motorcycle or vespa
touring is evident when you consider that such tours are now offered in almost
every country in the world. But can’t you just ride off on your own without
help? Sure, although reasons to work with a travel consultant to find a first
rate tour operator are very compelling.
Three major advantages immediately stand out: First, tour operators
are experienced in their destinations, know the lay of the land and can lead
you to places and roads you might otherwise miss on your own. You’ll see areas
other visitors may never discover.
Secondly, by carefully selecting and arranging
lodging and dining throughout the tour, riders are freed up from taking
valuable vacation time to worry about where they’ll spend the night and where
they will find the best meals.
Thirdly, should you choose to travel with
others from a tour group, tours give riders the chance to enjoy the company of
others, often from around the world. Lasting friendships are not unusual.
Some
Rules of the Road
Tour operators will arrange either individual
travel or group tours. Going with a group does not mean staying with a
group at all times. For many tours, the group rides together each morning and
riders can then choose to join up with the others for the day or part of the
day or not at all. Single riders frequently meet up with the group later in the
day. Many tour groups set up a briefing after dinner to discuss the next day’s
routes and options. It’s also common for each motorcyclist
to receive a personalized tour book that outlines daily itineraries, distances,
time en-route, and suggestions for special activities and directions to the
hotel.
So how much experience do you need before
taking a tour? Obviously, a rider’s experience will vary, and it’s often up to
the individual. Usually, the only formal requirement is a valid driver’s or
motorcycle license, but many tours recommend at least the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s
basic or even its experienced rider courses before participating in a tour.
Participants should have the ability to safely handle a large motorcycle in
traffic. They should also have confidence riding in a variety of road, traffic
and weather conditions. Tour operators say that experience is important.
Riders can expect paved roads unless they hear
otherwise. An average ride of 200 miles a day is not unusual and is generally
regarded as a comfortable distance. Shorter tours are available as well for
riders who want to test their comfort level. Some riders prefer to ride long
and hard all day; other riders want an easier pace, perhaps to amble along and
enjoy the countryside scenery. Operators offer a variety of tours that meet
most personal preferences.
Some tours ride every day. But many others
offer "free days"" where riders stop for two nights, for
example, in the same hotel. This provides a chance to rest, relax, or see the
sights in a particular area.
Depending on where you are in the world,
weather conditions can have an impact. If a tour is in the mountains, such as
the Alps, for example, the winter may bring icy conditions. Most tour operators
take this into consideration and schedule rides at times of the year when
weather is not likely to be adverse. But riders should be prepared on all tours
to face a variety of conditions.
And when it rains? Tour riders may have to
endure the rain if a planned destination must be reached. That’s why the proper
clothing is essential to minimize discomfort.
The
Risks of Motorcycle Riding
This perhaps brings us to the risks involved. How much risk is there
in a motorcycle or vespa tour? Motorcycle riding is, by its very nature, a
risk-filled sport. But to say how much danger is very difficult. It all
depends.
It depends on the tour itself and on rider’s
ability. Experience here helps - road or weather conditions that may be an
intense challenge to a newcomer could be of no concern for an experienced
rider. Another consideration is that in foreign countries, riders may be on the
wrong, or left, side of the road, and this requires different handling. But
riders can overcome any potential problem by practicing prior to the trip.
Road
Companions
If you’re wondering about what kind of company you’ll
be riding in, it might help to know that you’ll meet all walks of life. Younger
riders in their 20s are common, and older cyclists well beyond retirement are
also easy riders. All types of cycles are also represented, so you might not
have to worry if your aging bike will receive frowns from more upscale riders.
Also note that some tour operators have
provisions for spouses who, for one reason or another, do not want to ride
along. Support vehicles follow riders. Often, the tour will allow the spouse to
join the driver in a support vehicle at no charge, but check this kind of arrangement
before booking.
Many tour operators also allow other family
members to join the tour. Friends might join a rider in their own car, or they
may have the option of renting a reasonably priced auto through the tour
company.
REFERENCE SITES:
“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop
Live Life and Travel to create marvelous memories!
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