5 Things To Remember Before Joining An Organized Motorcycle Tour

Pangong-Tso Lake, 2014

“It’s about the journey not the destination”. You must have heard that countless times but there is another key ingredient. The journey can be ruined or be memorable thanks to who you ride with. These days there are countless ‘tour-companies’ and ‘operators’ and ‘guides’ who are promising you a ‘full-package’ with them. Here are some things to remember before you say yes to that ‘all-inclusive’ ‘adventure of a lifetime’. 

1) Credibility: What is the company's reputation? Did they do a ride last year or a recce run this year or did they ride a decade ago? Because things change dramatically every year it is important that they know where they are taking you. And has anyone else recommended them to you? Is there any online review about them from previous clients? Or are you believing everything they claim on facebook or their website? Did they actually take those photos? If possible, meet them before you commit.

2) The Guide: Don’t expect to become best-friends with the tour operator but if you find him/her unfriendly before the trip, then find another group. How well do they communicate before the trip can give you a hint on how they will care to communicate during the ride. A less experienced but friendly guide is better than a grumpy-mister-know-it-all. Like the guy who ruins a good movie by telling you the end, you want someone who knows how to let you be surprised by the special places. And remember it is one thing to ride with someone for a breakfast run, another to be with them for a fortnight. Go with someone who loves people, not just loves riding a motorcycle and needs you to fund their hobby. 

     

3) Backup Plan: In case things go wrong, how well are they prepared? What are their troubleshooting options? Refunds? Do they know first-aid skills in case of a medical emergency? What about mechanical breakdown? What about landslide, flash-floods, roadblocks, curfews, political tensions? Can they handle stress? And what do they guarantee and what do they not promise.

4) Schedule: Ask about the itinerary. Food stops. Distance. Time taken. How many people are in the group and who are they? You will be sharing your experience with them more than your guide. A group of 10-12 people is a large enough group. 12 to 20 is a crowd. Up in the mountains, anymore than 20 bikers is a village. Instead of a quite reflective moment when you stop you will have constant chatter, conflicting views and locals who can’t wait to see you ride away. Are you getting value for your money compared to other tour groups? Where are you staying? Are they flexible enough to allow you to stop for photos and breaks or is the itinerary too detailed and rigid?

5) You: Finally, what kind of person are you? If you are a control-freak, a guided tour will be a nightmare. In fact, you will ruin everyone else’s trip. If you are a busy person with little time to plan all the details and an easy person who just wants to ride then go for a guided tour. Let them know your expectations but remember once you commit make the best of your ride. Asking for the service is one thing. Abusing for not getting what you expected will only make things worse. Save your criticism for the end. A grateful and gracious person is easier to serve than a critical and ungrateful client.