How can you become the most envied trendsetter in both Country Clubs and Biker Gangs at the same time?  This will be difficult if you're a fan of one and not the other, but those who love riding motorcycles such as Harley-Davidsons and playing golf have a grand opportunity here.

(Above, a clip from Tierra del Fuego during some route research, where it's difficult to even stand still in such wind.)

"How windy is it in Patagonia?"  -  "What's it like riding a motorcycle in Tierra del Fuego?"  -  "Can I handle the riding terrain?"

We're getting these questions almost every day now, and that's exactly why RIDE Adventures exists: To consult with you about your ideal motorcycle riding vacation AND make your reservations for you!

Some riders can handle the wind in Patagonia, and others cannot. The best thing you can do to determine this ahead of time is to CONTACT US and start a discussion about whether or not Patagonia is right for you.

"How windy is it in Patagonia?" On certain sections of your journey through the Andes Mountains in southern Chile and Argentina, the Argentine side can be extremely windy. By about 9:30 a.m., the sun has heated the surface of the "pampas" of Argentina, and cold Andean winds come rushing down the eastern side and across Ruta 40 in an incredible hurry. It's not uncommon for a steady 50+ mph west wind to then continue through to the early evening, and because these portions of the trip are so wide open, just taking off your helmet or gloves for a rest break might mean you'll never see them again. (They could get ripped away by the winds, with few fences or anything to stop them for blowing across the country.)

Again, it's best to consult with us about whether or not such riding conditions are something you can handle. Generally speaking, riders with a solid history of off-pavement riding will make it through the Patagonia wind safely if they keep a moderate speed. Then again, that's an overlooked truth about all motorcycle riding: If you just swallow your pride and slow down a bit, you can make it through just about anything!

Slowing down might not be an option for Dakar Rally riders, but are you getting paid to ride so fast?

Excitement for our upcoming Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail tours is building, and each inquiry or booking comes with questions about preparedness.  ("What do I need to bring???")

For tires, you'll definitely need something in the "dual sport" category, hopefully with about a 50/50 split of pavement vs. non-paved capability.  For this, check with Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Cyclenutz for the Heidenau K60 Scout or other options for your bike. 

Especially if you're researching a new vacation destination, deciding how to best spend your time and money can be a daunting task.  This simple list of the Top 5 Things to do in 1 All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation should help make it simple for first-timers, and we'll reveal how there's 1 island, 1 country, and 1 incredibly fun way to see it all...

How should you pack?  With a topcase or a waterproof bag strapped across the back? 

Looking back at this photo from the recent AltRider "Conserve the Ride" event in Pennsylvania, I'm reminded of how often the question arises:  "Aren't those riding pants hot?"

(Above: Another picture showing just how extremely dangerous South America is from my first trip down there. I had stopped for lunch in this small village, and that lady and her kid asked to pose with my motorcycle so they could take a picture! I tried to fight them off, but they had me surrounded with fresh seafood and friendly people, and I barely made it out of there with any space left in my stomach.)

All sarcasm aside, I just had to comment because the question of "How dangerous is South America?" came up again yesterday.  (Our most recent blog post covered the same topic.)

I was in one of the BMW motorcycle dealerships in New Jersey, chatting with staff, and telling them how RIDE Adventures is doing motorcycle tours in South America. One of the staff introduced me to a police officer and customer who had just walked in to buy some parts for his bike.  The staff said "hey, this guy Eric works for RIDE Adventures, and does motorcycle tours in South America."

The officer's response:  "Hmm.....do your tours include an AK-47?"

Your dual sport motorcycle helmet is probably going to stink eventually, which of course is considered "proof of adventure" for some.

Mounting your motorcycle might mean it’s time to let everyday worries and concerns drift away behind you.  Be careful how far you’re taking this though.

As Rob Piddington of Sensorcom Ltd. recently explained in Adventure Bike Rider Magazine, the 100 decibels of wind noise & buffeting that is typical inside helmets at 65mph is enough noise to cause permanent hearing damage after just 2 hours of riding.  This is of course an “approximation,” as aerodynamics, helmet fitting, riding conditions, and many other factors go into creating those in-helmet sound levels.  

Aside from parking our motorcycles permanently, or never enjoying the speed that they are capable of, the best thing we can do to protect our hearing is to use earplugs.

“But those custom earplugs…..they’re so expensive!”  

Yes, compared to over-the-counter options found at most major drug and hardware stores, custom-made earplugs are extremely expensive (often over $200 per pair.)  With a typical price of $3 per dozen for the cheap drugstore options, the purchase or potential misplacement of custom earplugs might be too much for some riders to digest.

In a recent visit to Dr. Earnest C. Riley, an Otolaryngologist near Atlanta, GA, we were informed that many of these cheap over-the-counter foam and plastic earplugs offer the same 15-25 decibel reduction of the custom fit earplugs that his office sells.  Provided they are fitting properly, (sealing off the ear canal fully) these disposable foam earplugs can be re-used repeatedly, but should of course be swapped out for new ones when they become dirty or a factor in potential infections.

On various motorcycle forums and blogs, riders have reported that the “1 thing they can’t ride without” is their pair of custom earplugs.  Recognizing that custom earplugs are probably more comfortable than the over-the-counter options, it’ll be up to each of us to decide their value when purchasing.  Might be worth your time & money to try the cheap version first though.

Hey Adventure Motorcycle Riders, don't wait too long to book your Patagonia riding adventures!