Posted by Eric Lange on Fri, Mar 07, 2014 @ 10:39 AM
It's with great pleasure I can say we finished our February 17th private group tour of Patagonia on the BMW motorcycles with success! This trip was a request by a group of riding buddies from Mexico, who first contacted RIDE Adventures back in September 2013.
As we're always reminding folks, September is pretty late in the year to still get bikes and hotels together for peak-season Patagonia (which is October through March.) However, through some hard work by those supporting RIDE Adventures and our trusted partners in Patagonia, we pulled everything together for a great adventure ride. (Mario, Gustavo, Sigifredo, and Juan Carlos, 3 of the 8 Riders at Lago Grey above in Torres del Paine National Park.)
In particular, we had incredible luck on this trip with the weather! Whereas many riders in Patagonia had been reporting harsh rains earlier in the season, 16 Days we spent from Osorno to Ushuaia, and then back to Punta Arenas only came with a few minor showers here and there. Even the wind, which can often be over 100kph, never became a huge factor on this trip.
On the final night of the tour, I always like to toss the question about "which is the best motorcycle trip you've ever done?" Not trying to over-pump Patagonia, or speak too highly about our services here at RIDE Adventures, but the consensus once again was that this trip beats them all. (And this time it was from a group of guys who had done plenty of other trips.) In fact, talks are already underway for a few guys to return with friends and family members to do it all again. (To the right, Salvador "El Oso" enjoys the snow-capped Andes Mountains surrounding Lago General Carrera.)
RIDE Adventures is always supporting motorcycle travelers, whether they're looking for a full-service guided tour experience, or a "self-guided" trip where they just rent the motorcycles from us. There are benefits to both options of course, the latter saving some money overall. But the guided tours like the one we just finished sure do come with their advantages. When there's a flat tire, Thomas (support truck driver) and myself have it all fixed in 7-30 minutes, depending on if it's a tubed or tubeless tire. The customers just sit there and enjoy a snack while we work away. Likewise, we had a pretty serious crash with one rider, who did break his leg. Unfortunate as that is, with our satellite phone and local knowledge, we had an ambulance on the site within an hour (in a very remote region near Futaleufu) and the rider was taken care of swiftly and in comfort.
So, there are advantages to these guided/supported tours for sure! I always wish these tours didn't cost so much, so that more people could enjoy them. Once you take a look at the cost of everything down here in Patagonia (hotels, food, BMW's, trucks, etc.) it becomes quite clear why the pricing is as such.
More news and stories about that trip, soon. Still getting ready for the next trip, which starts tomorrow morning! You can see upcoming dates for this Patagonia trip on this link, and let us know when you're going to enjoy this incredible landscape personally.
Posted by Eric Lange on Tue, Feb 04, 2014 @ 06:35 AM
Starting from the Mariscal Sucre District of Quito, Ecuador, the "10 Best Days of Ecuador" motorcycle tour is underway!
Riders from the U.S. (Chuck, Dave, Bob, and David) are all on Suzuki DR650's, Kawasaki KLR 650's, and a Husqvarna TR 650 for a 10-Day loop through what is known as "The World's Most Ecologically Diverse Country." With the wide variety of plant and wildlife we'll encounter in this fairly small country, the geological and topographical changes shouldn't be overlooked either.
We started with visit to the Intiñan Museum, which marks the "Middle of the Earth" on the equator. A series of fun experiments, (like seeing the way water flows differently in the northern and southern hemispheres) and a history of the indigenous people kept us entertained.
On through to Otavalo and saw the shores of Lake San Pablo, followed by an entire day of awesome Andean valley views, waterfalls, and bright green foliage on the way to Mindo on Day 2. Mindo is a neat setting due to its rainforest-like setting, and surrounding coffee and cocoa / chocolate plantations. Upon arrival there, we actually took a guided tour through the cocoa plant and learned where that incredible food comes from, how it's processed, and becomes such a treat for us all. (Below I'm touching the cocoa pods that hold 45-50 cocoa beans, then stripped down and processed into El Quetzal's chocolate bars and products, ranging from 55%, 77%, 85%, and 100% cocoa chocolate bars to barbeque sauces with chocolate in them!)
This trip is an excellent one for those who like the off-motorcycle experiences as much as the do the actual motorcycle riding. On Day 3, the route to Canoa on the coast, the guides will take you to a hidden "Cascada" (Waterfall) by walking about 45 minutes through jungle-like canopy. We walk through Jackfruit trees that produce fruits larger than basketballs, a variety of other interesting flowers and vegetation. Eventually arriving for a swim at this hidden lagoon and waterfall, clean fresh water feels great! Then back to the bikes to suit up again and hit the road. Below, Dave digs into a Jackfruit that yields litterally fistfulls of delicous, semi-sweet fruit.)
January & February are of course very busy months for us here in Ecuador! Everyone in the northern hemisphere is trying to get out of the cold, and the year-round comfortable temperatures here on the equator sure have made for a pleasant winter getaway. Our group has a couple of riders from Wisconsin, so the warm weather is especially appreciated right now!
Stay tuned for more of a trip report soon. We're about to do some yoga on the beach here in Canoa, and then head down the coast to Puerto de Cayo along the many shrimp farms and watermelon plantations. "The World's Most Ecologically Diverse Country" simply does not disappoint if you're a nature lover OR a motorcycle rider, so be sure to grab a spot on your next "10 Best Days of Ecuador" motorcycle trip if that describes you! Of course, you do need to be an experienced motorcycle rider...we'll help you determine if you're fit for the ride.
Posted by Eric Lange on Sat, Jan 11, 2014 @ 04:34 PM
Still can’t believe you didn’t join us!
We just finished another Discover Colombia motorcycle trip in the heart of this beautiful country. Nobody encountered the drug cartels. Nobody was confronted or mugged. Everyone had a great time, and I think we all felt the true warmth and friendliness of the Colombian people.
One afternoon when riding from Villa Vieja to Tierradentro, one of the BMW F800GS’s had a suspension issue, and had to put up on the truck for the rest of the day. Long story short, we had some issues with the tie-down situation on the truck, while in the middle of a small village somewhere along the route. Were weren’t stopped but for 2 minutes before a crowd had formed around us in the town plaza, and one local guy in particular basically thrust his way into our situation. He absolutely insisted upon sawing the wood we needed to rearrange the truck, did most of the heavy lifting for us and then refused the few dollars-worth of gratuity we offered him. His reason? “Ustedes son huespedes en mi pais!” (In English: You are guests in my country!”) We didn't really need his help, but he wouldn't let us do the work!
Many travelers still have an impression of ‘pure mayhem and danger’ when Colombia comes to mind. This is understandable, as the troubles depicted in movies and new reports were for many years, quite accurate. Colombia did have a troubled past with the drug cartels and corruption, such that even the citizens of this country were in essence “trapped” at home. What many of us need to realize now is things have changed here in Colombia, and we now travel throughout the country with complete freedom and security. (To the Right, passersby on a motorcycle were part of the cornflower fight in the streets of a small town on New Year's Eve. NO, that's NOT cocaine!)
Can you find trouble here in Colombia? Sure you can. Much the same as you can find trouble in Chicago, Toronto, Munich, or Sydney. If you stay out in the streets until 4am in unsavory parts of any city in the world, it’s possible to come across the wrong people. In over 4 years of working in this business though, with hundreds of customers up to this point, I still don’t know of any true horror stories that should stop anyone from visiting Latin America.
What’s interesting is that while much of the world still holds a dark and haunted image of Latin America, the opposite could not be more accurate. Especially here in Colombia, recently declared the “Happiest Country in the World,” travelers are likely to be surprised. These people who have risen from such a troubled past are now realizing what a precious country they stand on, and they’re extremely proud of it. (Below: Chris, Fritz and I went out for a run in Popayan and found this view atop one of the hills. A public park full of friendly faces, it made for a true "moment" near the end of our trip.)
Matthias, one of the riders from Germany said it simply after our farewell dinner on Friday night: “It was quite an experience.” For many of us, these trips aren’t necessarily about the scenery, the twists & turns, or the riding in the Andes Mountains. The overall experience is what many of us are after, and will take away from such an adventure. Going somewhere you thought you might have never gone in your life contributes to that.
I guess the point of all this is, if money or getting time away are your reasons for not venturing off on a motorcycle trip like this, well, those are good reasons. Best to wait until your situation is right for it. However, if the fear of the unknown or what you’ve seen in movies is what’s keeping you back, please reconsider. Colombia and the rest of Latin America is waiting for you with open arms, bright and shiny smiles, and what will likely be one of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have. Coming from someone who for years thought that South America would be the last continent I’d ever visit, I sure am glad I’m working and visiting down here each year.
Greetings from Colombia,
Eric
Posted by Eric Lange on Wed, Dec 25, 2013 @ 08:30 PM
Friends and fellow motorcycle riders, a huge thanks goes out to all of you for making 2013 such an incredible year for RIDE Adventures, LLC! The business saw fantastic growth in its 3rd year since opening, and we'll proudly continue with more plans for making more happy customers in 2014 and beyond.
A few highlights from 2013:
Rider Magazine Article: March 2013 saw a group of highly respected motorcycle industry owners and managers get together for the "Industry Invitational 2013," and Arden Kysely from Rider Magazine came along to cover our Patagonia Experience motorcycle tour. That article from August has helped promote the service we offer, helping riders see the incredible Andes Mountains of Chile and Argentina.
Motorcycle Rallies and Events: Always looking forward to getting out and meeting you in person, we had booths at the MSTA Star 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky, the BMW RA at the Biltmore in North Carolina, the BMW MOA Rally in Salem, Oregon, and the Curve Cowboy Reunion 2013 in Bend, Oregon. So great meeting you all in person! We look forward to more events in 2014.
Expansion of Partners Network: It's no secret, we depend heavily on our trusted Partners and fellow tour & rental operators around the world. Anyone in the travel business who tells you otherwise, just isn't telling the truth. As such, we've taken our relationships with existing Partners to new levels, allowing you to communicate directly with them through our website. So you still get the comfort of dealing with the U.S.-based RIDE Adventures, LLC, and you still get the reassurance that we're connecting you only the best providers in each region, and you still get the benefits of the Repeat Customer Discount program; but now, you can communicate directly with the best providers in each country for arranging your motorcycle trip! This year we added motorcycle rentals in South Africa and New Zealand to make sure you're taken care of when winter rolls in up north.
The list could honestly go on forever, but as you can tell by the gaps of time in between recent blog posts, things are VERY busy right now, and time is tight. I personally am off to Colombia in the morning to help with the last "Discover Colombia" guided tour for 2013. Then off to Ecuador and Patagonia for other tours through March.
My best wishes go to all of you for similar travel plans and a safe and healthy 2014. Perhaps I'll be seeing you on one of these tours, if not in 2014, sometime soon!
RIDE on!
Posted by Sarah Williams on Sat, Nov 30, 2013 @ 09:19 AM
We just finish one of the quicker and easier builds on a dual sport bike: Installing the Rox Speed FX handlebar risers on a 2009 Husqvarna TE450.
The Need: Obviously for the standing position and overall comfort, we felt the original bar position was a little low. These 2" risers from Rox were ordered, and came out of the package gleaming with post-machining perfection typical from the Rox people in Minnesota.
The Install: About a half an hour was needed in total.
1) We took the handlebar guards off so that we could re-route some of the wires and cables to the bottom side of those brackets you see the finger pointing to. (Not sure if they are Husky original parts or what, this bike was a last-minute, used purchase for the Pine Barrens 300 in New Jersey.)
2) The installation of the Rox risers was easy as usual. Using the original handlebar mount, simple allen wrenches and hex-heads, and then spending a few minutes adjusting, feeling, and adjusting, before tightening them down for good.
3) Re-securing everything like the handlebar guards was easy, and we were done!
WE'VE USED THESE RISERS On the "Patagonia Experience" dual sport adventure in Chile & Argentina
Unlike other forum posts out there, we don't seem to have any issue with cable/wire tension or restriction, once they were re-routed below the handlebar guard brackets. That being said, you can see about a 20mm/.78 inch drop of the triple clamp over the fork tubes. The primary rider of this bike might be raising those soon, but there is so much slack already in these lines, it doesn't appear that we'll have issues with tension througout full range of motion.
So the end result is a "thumbs up" vote for another set of Rox Risers on the Husqvarna! Their simple-genius design will allow for more adjustability than standard block-type risers, if there should ever be a need. Add to all this some pretty snazzy looks, and we're big fans of these risers. (Having used them on a Yamaha XT250, BMW R1200GS, GS Adventure, and KTM 950 as well, they will undoubtedly be a feature of any bike we work on.)
(Below: With the handlebar guard off, we're able to just reroute the necessary cables and such around that black mount/bracket. Clutch hose didn't need to be moved. Bottom: The freshly farkled trail-riding machine!)
Posted by Eric Lange on Sun, Nov 24, 2013 @ 07:08 AM
Talking with a friend the other day, I was reminded of a time when I didn't have reliable, properly functioning, waterproof motorcycle gear. Out there in the rain, wind, and shivering cold there were times I was wondering "why on earth anyone would ride motorcycles?"
The truth is, I kind of miss those moments.
Back in 2009/10, I spent lots of time out prospecting routes in the Andes Mountains in search of the best motorcycle trips possible. Thousands of kilometers, week after week, sometimes for a couple of months at a time, and of course I had to deal with the occasional storm or mechanical issue.
With motorcycle travel comes flat tires, empty fuel tanks and other delays, so of course there were occasions where I was stuck in horrible weather just trying to fight my way to any kind of civilization where I could put a roof over my head. Passing on the option to set up my already-soaked tent in those Patagonia winds, I just wanted a warm & dry room and often fought it out with the chill of the night.
Occasionally I'd get close enough to a tourist bus or truck to catch a glimpse of the cozy faces all bundled up inside. "Why on earth am I traveling like this again?" as I felt the warmth of the truck's engine along side me. It's amazing how such a source of heat makes itself apparent when you're shivering in the dark. Wishing for nothing more than warmth and comfort to be waiting at the end, every mile can be a grind.
I guess the point in sharing these memories is that, they are now exactly that, "memories." Brutally uncomfortable experiences at the time sure don't seem like something to remember, but somehow, moments like those are the ones that stick out years later. I now look upon them with a smile because I survived. (Long since, I have upgraded to excellent motorcycle gear made by Klim, as reviewed on this link for the jacket, and this link for the pants.)
FREE DOWNLOAD OF MOTORCYCLE GEAR ADVICE Can Be Found By Clicking This Button
These thoughts come up now as I think of the many self-guided motorcycle rental customers we've booked this season are all getting ready for their own fantastic voyages in Patagonia and other destinations. Nerves and trepidation are ominpresent amongst these riders, and questions are pouring in as they all second-guess the adventure ahead. While I wish them the most incredible experiences, in the back of my mind, a small part of me hopes they encounter at least some amount of challenge on their voyage ... the type of challenge that make adventure riding so special.
We head out into the unknown in search of new experiences, sites & scenery, and the ultimate adventure. Just don't forget folks, overcoming obstacles is all part of that. As a noun, the word "Adventure" is listed as "an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. As a verb, "engage in hazardous and exciting activity, esp. the exploration of unknown territory." (Source: Google) Mash all those thoughts together, and we should expect that things won't go as planned. That, afterall, might be exactly what we're after, what we need, and what we desire.
WANT A SELF-GUIDED MOTORCYCLE TRIP? We Help Riders With Everything Needed Right Here
Posted by Eric Lange on Thu, Oct 24, 2013 @ 06:56 PM
Maybe you've done water crossings before, or your luck as an adventure rider has yet to produce the opportunity. Whatever the case, there are at least 7 important points to consider before you go riding through any river, stream, puddle, or whatever you come across! Please take advantage of the notes below, or the video review on this link.
7 Important Things to Consider
1) Let Your Bike Cool Down, First!
We've all heard the warnings and perhaps some of you have even seen it happen: Cold water hitting extremely hot metal could result in damage or cracking motorcycle parts.
This being said, it's best to let your engine and other motorcycle parts cool down just a bit before entering extremely cold water. Brake rotors on cars are well-known for warping after hitting cold puddles, so it's fair to say the same reaction could take place with a motorcycle brake discs. If you hurried up to a cold glacier-fed water crossing and suddenly hit the brakes, or perhaps let your engine idle for a few minutes while contemplating the decision to cross, it's best to wait until a more "moderate" difference in temperatures exists between said parts and the water. Although it's rare or unlikely to sustain damage from such an encounter, it is a possibility.
2) Check How Deep the Water Is
From a distance or certain angles, you might not be able to know just how deep a body of water is. That being said, it's best to get off the bike, walk out into the water, and determine just how deep or "unforgiving" your projected path of travel is. We take risks every day as motorcycle riders, and some risks like water crossings tend to stress the financial side of things more than safety concerns. See how the depth of the water relates to Point #4 just ahead!
ENJOY A RIVER CROSSING On Our "Patagonia Experience" Guided Motorcycle Tour in the Andes
3) Consider the Strength of the Water Current
If it's a large, standing puddle of non-moving, this doesn't apply; but a strongly flowing river crossing is an entirely different situation. Have a good look and do what you can to feel the current before riding out into it. Then imagine the incredible power that water (at over 8lbs/3kg per gallon) would have as it's slamming into the side of your motorcycle. Would you be able to keep the bike upright against that force? Also keep in mind that if you have to lean your bike into the current in order to stay upright, the current will be "lifting" your bike slightly, lessening your traction and contact with the ground. On top of what might already be a slippery surface under the water, and one where your feet could slip as well, try to determine in advance if crossing such extreme current is realistic or not.
4) Know Where Your Air Intake Is
Even the BMW R1200GS, the longtime title holder of "world's most popular adventure bike" doesn't offer much in terms of how deep water can be before reaching the air intake point (until the 2013 model year when the Liquid Cooled version of the boxer engine also meant BMW also raised the air intake point.) The point is, you should know for sure where the point is that your engine breathes from, as submerging the motorcycle in water up to that point will not be a good idea. (Hopefully we don't have to explain that engines don't stay running if they're gulping water. Photo above/right shows how Ian's engine was choking after just brushing the top of the river in Patagonia.)
5) Choose: Sitting vs. Standing Position
As is covered in our Free Whitepaper Download about Sitting vs. Standing while riding, there are Pro's and Con's to both positions during water crossings as well. When seated, you'll be able to tap the ground with your feet if you need to regain balance, but your visibility of what lies ahead isn't as good as when you're standing. Then again, what if you're riding along in the standing position and don't see a log hidden under the water at a 45-degree angle from which you're traveling? Even at a mere 2-3 mph, it's quite unlikely you'll be able to keep from falling (unless you were able to tap your foot down to maintain balance.) Again, keep in mind the Pro's and Con's of both riding positions, and don't just think about what looks cool for the camera!
6) Clear Your Engine Carefully If Needed
Did your bike end up in the water? Don't feel bad, you're probably not alone.
If your engine stopped running and there's even a chance your engine's combustion chamber(s) consumed any water, don't just push the button and try to start it right away as you could destroy your engine. What's known as "hydrolock" means you've got a significant amount of water above the pistons, (in the combustion chambers) and you'll want to clear that water out safely before cranking the engine over with your electric start. Take the spark plug(s) out, put the motorcycle in gear, and rotate the rear wheel by either pushing the bike or spinning it by hand. You'll see water spraying out the spark plug holes as the engine turns through its cycle, and after a good 10-15 cycles, it should be ready to reassemble and run again. (Be sure that your airbox is empty as well!) You'll want to inspect your oil situation at the same time. Is it white and "milky?" That means water got mixed in with the oil, and should be changed immediately, or at least as soon as possible.
7) Check Your Brake Fluid & Pump Your Brakes
It's quite unlikely that water would get into your brake lines or reservoirs, but still a good idea to be aware of this possibility before proceding. In short, do an entire brake system inspection and make sure proper pressure is still applicable through your hand and foot levers before proceeding. Much the same, be sure to pump the brakes and dry-off the brake pads and calipers a bit, as water can obviously keep your brakes from functioning 100%. So don't just pull out into traffic without checking your brakes!
As always, be sure to check our "Free Motorcycle Travel Info" page on www.rideadv.com, download anything that will help you and your adventure travel plans, and let us know when we can help make your motorcycle travel wishes a reality!
OREGON DUAL SPORT RENTALS Shown Here Gave Us the Footage for the River Crossing Video!
Posted by Eric Lange on Mon, Oct 21, 2013 @ 06:44 AM
If you've booked your motorcycle rental or guided tour with us and need to figure out the best way to transport all your clothes, riding gear, and travel items, this short version of our "How to Pack" video series sums it all up nicely for you! It's a low-cost, reliable way to make sure you're not stuck figuring out a plan for your excess luggage.
Either see the video embedded below, or follow these important points:
1) Start with 2 Duffel Bags, about 100 liters each. If you don't like the duffel bag style, certainly consider a motorcycle-specific option like the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag.
- The 1st bag, which should be water and dustproof, is used for carrying your daily clothes, blue jeans, shirts, underwear, etc.
- The 2nd bag is dedicated to carrying your motorcycle gear, boots, jackets, helmet, etc.
2) When you arrive at your destination, you'll empty the 2nd bag by putting on your motorcycle gear each day
3) Slide the empty bag into the bottom of your 1st bag, and enjoy your motorcycle trip!
With this simple 2 Piece Duffel Bag System, you don't have to worry about storing or transporting hard, cumbersome suitcases (which are not allowed in the support trucks of most guided tours anyway.) The empty bag will also act as a form of protection in the bottom of the 1st bag, such that hard objects inside the bag aren't rubbing against hard surfaces on the back of your rental motorcycle, or the bed of the support truck in the case of a guided tour.
Again, hard-case traditional "square" luggage should have no place in motorcycle travel. I've personally been traveling with this 2-Duffel system for over 5 years now, and haven't had a single problem with it. Sure, it takes some creativity to make sure the peak/visor of my
dual sport helmet doesn't get knocked off in transit, but that's not too tough to figure out.
So check out the video below, and let us know if you have any questions!
DOWNLOAD FREE MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL INFO Here on This Page Dedicated to Helping You!
Posted by Eric Lange on Sat, Oct 12, 2013 @ 05:23 PM
In case you hadn't noticed, the 14 Day Self-Guided "Fly & Ride Peru" tour is now available!
As the overwhelming majority of riders out there still prefer to "go it alone," we've got great options like this one that make it easy for you to experience Peru without blowing any budgets out of control. Now you can arrange a trip with a group of friends or by yourself, and with a pacakge like this one:
- Simply Contact Us to reserve the trip with RIDE Adventures
- Show up on your scheduled date in Arequipa, Peru
- The Peru motorcycle rental you've reserved will be waiting for you
- Follow the GPS or map instructions we've provided
- Enjoy the route highlights that simply cannot be overlooked (especially in Peru. With the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, and Machu Picchu, it's impossible not to be amazed!)
- Stay at the nice, reputable hotels we've pre-reserved for you
- Have the time of your life on a motorcycle trip that costs about half of what most guided tours cost!
LARS IS READY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Contact Him About Riding In Peru!
A vacation package like this one comes after many requests to have both a) lower priced options for our customers, and b) tour routes that focus on paved riding, more than off-pavement. On our "Pavement Only" tour page, you'll find a number of options, including this one in Peru, that allow you to ride an entire trip and never see more than about 5% off-pavement. (Sometimes it's just unavoidable due to construction, preserved National Parks, etc.) Still, even those small gravel or packed-dirt sections you'll encounter are simple enough that even the most "amateur" motorcycles handle them without a problem. Keep in mind folks: Nothing says you need to blaze through a motorcycle trip at "Dakar-like" speeds. Take it slow and easy, and you'll arrive just fine!
The only months you should avoid in Peru are about late December through March, as the rainy season in the Alti-Plano (High Plains) region of the Andes Mountains is in full effect. We've had groups do this trip in February, and they've enjoyed thoroughly...it's mostly a matter of whether you mind riding what could be quite a bit of rain. (With the right motorcycle gear, rain riding isn't much of an issue and can actually be a pleasure.)
So it's up to you: Are you going to wonder forever what it's like to ride motorcycle in Peru or Contact Us and reserve your trip now?
LARS IS READY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Contact Him About Riding In Peru!
Posted by Sarah Williams on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 @ 07:59 PM
When it comes to traveling to Peru, most tourists list visiting the ancient Machu Picchu on the top of their list. And while this awe-inspiring city is certainly worth your time, the country has much more to offer, especially for travelers venturing her roads by motorcycle. Here is a list of our top reasons why you should visit Peru by motorcycle.
Wild Mountain Roads. When it comes to twisting mountain roads, few places on earth can beat Peru's paved roads leading through the Andes. Ascending from Nazca, there is a throughway called the road of a 1,000 curves, and it is not exaggerating. On one long winding stretch you can climb to over 15,000 feet along a variety of exciting switchbacks and tight turns. Your view is complete with wild, virtually untouched mountain landscapes and distant glacial mountains overshadowing lush valleys.
The People. When booking a standard tour in a bus, you are often shuttled from one tourist sightseeing spot to the next. Never having a chance to take a break and speak to the people who call this country home. Many Peruvians still live very traditional lives. While biking in the countryside you will pass patchworked farm plots where farmers and sheepherders still dress in traditional indigenous clothing. Consider making a trip to the market town of Pisac. Here, the streets come alive on market days as Peruvian artisans travel from every corner of the country to peddle their wares. Enjoy time spent immersed in the country's local culture.
The South Coast. Cuzco and its surrounding wonders often overshadow the uniqueness of Peru's southern coast. This is an ideal place to let your wanderlust run wild down desert roads that border the country's rugged Pacific coastline. For those interested in exploring some of Peru's interesting wildlife, make a stop at the
Paracas National Reserve. This unique ecological zone is home to various marine life including whales, dolphins, shark, marlin, and much more.
The Many Ancient Ruins. For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, Peru is a magnificent place to explore the ruins and mysterious sites of ancient civilizations. On a motorcycle adventure of your design, you have the opportunity to visit both the most famed and the more hidden at your leisure. Visit of course the Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but then journey to the northern highlands to discover the city of Chan Chan. Afterwards, point your bike south, and head to the mysterious Nazca Lines and the city of Puno.
PREFER TO RIDE "SELF-GUIDED?" This 14 Day Peru Motorcycle Trip Includes Motorcycle & Hotels
Peru's 28 individual climates and varied terrain make it an exciting place to ride a motorcycle. From the outskirts of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest to the southern arid deserts, this country has an intricate geography whose roads may best be traversed by motorcycle. Peru is full of wonderful hidden treats, discovering which mystery you want to follow is up to you when you travel with the freedom of a motorcycle.
At RIDE Adventures we, along with our local partners, want to make sure you get the most out of your Peru holiday. We believe that one of the best ways to discover any new country is by motorcycle and its afforded freedom. Which is why we take away the hassle of trying to transport your motorcycle by providing all of our clients with their own bike while they visit the country. While we offer highly rated tours led by local riders, if you would rather discover Peru on your own terms, choosing your own destination is left to you.
Contact us today to learn more about our exciting motorcycle opportunities.
SEE THE "MACHU PICCHU EXPRESS" Guided Tour Thru Southern Peru's Highlights via Motorcycle