Quite a year 2019 has been, folks.
We started on New Year's Day with the announcement of our newest motorcycle rental fleet based here in Bend, Oregon and our inboxes and schedules have been full ever since. The decision to not build the fleet around the BMW brand was an interesting one that I explained a few blog posts ago, but with these extremely popular Africa Twins and other bikes being reserved by riders from around the world, it's clear that 'word is out' about just how many great options are out on the market right now. Thankful for that.
Along with those plans came the announcement that we'll be offering more North American Motorcycle tour packages now, both as Guided Groups and Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE" experiences. As shown on that page and by popular request, we're filling up the calendar for this new fleet as requests come for trips in Baja, Alaska, and all the incredible riding in between. Don't forget though, simply renting a motorcycle from us remains your option as well. (Doesn't have to be a full package with hotels, guides, or support truck.)
Baja: Back in April, a small group of Customers joined us for what we now call our "Baja on Down" package, a 10-day dual sport adventure ride from San Diego to San Jose del Cabo. After years of hearing how great Baja was, we spent the month down there confirming this to be quite true. Through the Mexican "Ruta del Vino" (Wine Route) valley setting in the north, and then bouncing between Pacific Coast and Sea of Cortez beach settings, we got intimate with this 12th largest peninsula on the planet and zig-zagged the whole way. Among the most surprising highlights? Each of us being a bit 'on the fence' about going whale watching, and then walking away from an absolutely unforgettable life experience after a 25-minute petting-session with a baby grey whale and its school bus-sized mother. Combined with the hospitality of the kind-hearted Mexican people, the fantastic meals we enjoyed along the way, and all that great riding, Baja is a must for riders. As such, Baja trip dates are already posted for the coming winter season if you'd like to grab a spot.
Alaska & Canada: Riders have requested it, and I have yet to visit Alaska personally, so 2 trips are planned to "Bend on Up" and "Bend on Down." From our hometown of Bend to Prudhoe Bay, we still have spots available for the northbound trip which runs July 21st to August 12th. After re-fitting and maintaining the bikes in Anchorage for a few days, we'll begin the southbound trip on August 16th, but this time, head up to Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories before heading south through British Columbia back to Oregon. The plan is to incorporate some not-so-obvious routes and terrains along the way, while also considering that this is quite a long trip at 23 days. Rental bikes are available, and yes, there is the option to bring your own bike, so hopefully some more of you will get to enjoy this remote and pristine part of the world with us.
Oregon - The "Best Week in Oregon" adventure ride is already getting quite a response since we made the announcement a week ago. Fantastic scenery, varied terrain, and a totally fun adventure riding experience all packaged together in a 1-week vacation for our Customers. We recognize that not all of us have time for these multi-week excursions we've been running, so hopefully this opens up the possibilities for more folks to scratch that riding itch. Like most of the routes on our site, this trip can be done as a Guided Group tour, or a Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE" package. Either way, our Africa Twins and KTM's will be ready for your arrival before heading out into the adventure riding mecca that is Oregon. Guided Group trip dates are set for June 2-8, June 16-22, July 11-17, and September 15-21, but it looks like we'll be adding more soon. (Photo shown is of Crater Lake National Park, a must-see that is part of the Best Week in Oregon route.)
Patagonia & Others: Folks, for almost 10 years now, if you've really been following, I've been hounding away about how important it is to book motorcycle trips with us as far in advance as possible. Please don't do what some still are, which is to "keep checking in" with us about availability for months, only to find out that they waited too long and we are now sold out. -- Please trust, this is not like renting cars, where there seems to always be an unlimited supply of them available. In each location shown on our website, there are a limited number of bikes available each season, and so it is absolutely crucial that people get their deposits in to get reservations set while we can still accommodate. We've already had to reject numerous booking requests over the past few weeks, as groups looking for bikes in Patagonia's peak season sent their deposits in too late. I dislike suggesting such urgency, as of course it sounds like a sales-pressure tactic, but please trust ... if I write you back with such a suggestion to hurry ... it's for sincere reason.
Thanks for tuning in. Let us know if you want to ride somewhere in the world.
