- David Wood from Oregon in the U.S. set out on a solo motorcycle trip through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego all the way to Ushuaia at "The End of the World!" Thanks for commenting that our Patagonia motorcycle rentals performed well for you, and that you enjoyed your trip, David!
Ulli was exceptionally helpful whether with route suggestions, changing panniers, supplying pannier bags, new maps [and exceptionally fairly not charging me for a bracket which broke supporting one of the panniers when i returned the bike as he could see it was not due to a fall] as well as some very well received cold drinks on his porch when picking up and dropping off bikes!
-Barrett, Ireland, March 2017"
- Barrett and his friends are making us stand tall and proud with huge smiles after trip reports like this! Please remember though, Patagonia motorcycle rentals should be reserved 8-12+ months in advance, as the season sell out early. Barrett, we're glad you guys planned well ahead, and enjoyed your adventure ride: )
- Moments and photos like this one from Bastian Guenther are a treasured part of any "Self-Guided Fly & Ride The Patagonia Experience" trip on our BMW GS rentals. We're just glad you finished this tough ride safely, Bastian. Knew very well that Patagonia would make the trip an excellent one for you.
"I simply loved our Bolivia 2016 trip. Bolivia is a very poor country but the people are friendly, the hotels were clean and the food good and very cheap. And, most importantly, the riding was excellent and exactly what we wanted to experience – a technical demanding ride over rough dirt backroads through lots of mountain passes. Cory is very professional and well organized. He soon warmed to our peculiar sense of humor and we really had a good time. I would definitely do this trip again in future."
- Paulo Santana from the British Virgin Islands requested a Private Group Motorcycle Tour of Bolivia, and all indications are that he got what he was hoping for. Thanks, Paulo!
"Bolivia and the route that Cory took us on is really “cool” in terms of an adventure motorcycle outing. It is certainly more technical than what I would imagine many GS1200 destinations are and that alone makes it special for more advanced riding. It is also certainly not a 2 up tour. In fact I found that riding it faster was safer than riding slower, as your concentration levels remain high; but doesn’t give you much sightseeing value, unless you stop. We generally wanted to ride bikes and not look at pretty scenery on a bike, thus it suited us.
Destinations, accommodation, meals and general operations was in my opinion, above average. Motorcycles worked well and all issues we had were dealt with effectively… Obviously a backup vehicle and spare bike is a great bonus. I would highly recommend Cory and this operation in Bolivia to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure experience."
- Ricky Dos Santos from the British Virgin Islands and some riding buddeies had a Private Group Motorcycle Tour of Bolivia, which as we can see turned out to be a great riding experience!
- Priscilla De Castro from New Jersey commenting on her 30th birthday celebration trip ... a motorcycle rental package in Bolivia! So glad you enjoyed, Priscilla. Nice rest stop photo from the Salar de Uyuni.
- Mary Jo Ford, along with her husband and daughter from California enjoyed a customized version of our Self-Guided "RIDE the 3 Corners" adventure riding package. This photo overlooking the Salar de Uyuni from Fisher Island, what a place to RIDE!
"My partner and I didn’t speak a bit of Spanish but we chose to do the 7 day self guided tour. I loved Colombia and its fantastic views. The people were friendly and the cities were full of history. Our point of contact, Ricardo, was awesome. He was incredibly helpful and friendly. He went above and beyond what we expected. He will be very successful in this business and you can’t go wrong with him on your side. The bikes were new and in great shape, absolutely perfect for the terrain. We had some problems but nothing we couldn’t deal with and it didn’t slow us down. It was planned for more off-road for us. We had mud, rocks, rain and landslides to deal with. It made it a true adventure!
I think you could ride the country for months and never ride the same road twice. WE WILL BE BACK!!!"
- Chris Coonshead and his buddy, David, seem to have discovered what Riders from around the world are talking about: Not only is Colombia perfectly safe to experience in person, but our Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE The Essential Colombia Adventure Ride" package makes it easy to have an experience like the one they had! Come on back, guys, the bikes and fun people of Colombia will be waiting : )
Just arrived home yesterday, with the long plane ride I had a lot of time to reflect on my time in Africa. I cannot speak for everyone, although I am an American and that’s just what we do! Haha. Many people talk about the “trip of a lifetime” and usually even though the travel was good it doesn’t leave you with that sense of a great adventure. I will tell you that for me the trip to Namibia and South Africa was absolutely the best trip I have ever been on. To answer your questions, the bikes were in great shape (except for some reason my tires kept going flat), but that’s another story. The description of the package was spot on, it will challenge riders of all levels. Accommodations were excellent, and the food was fantastic. I experienced so many different types of game it was amazing.
- Sentiments like these by Dan Crawford from the U.S. are exactly why we do what we do. After a long wait for the trip to finally happen, a most sincere thanks to you, Dan, for sharing this post-tour commentary. We are happy-beyond-words that you enjoyed your Southern Africa Experience.
"The trip was awesome! The itinerary allowed some side excursions on “rest days” which we took full advantage of with trips to the Salar to Tara, Valle de la Luna, and Isla Incahuasi. The route suggestions were spot-on (my favourite being Ruta 9 north of Salta…we did it both directions…epic!).
If someone asks me whether I’d recommend a self-guided fly and ride with RIDE Adventures…the answer is absolutely YES!! Our experience was incredible, the scenery was stunning, the people amazing, and we overcame problems with help from your people on the ground. We are already talking about doing a ride in southern Chile and Argentina, plus riding the Lagunas route from SPDA to Uyuni is now on my bucket list. Hopefully I can convince you to rent me a DR650 in ANF at some point."
- Dave Munro from Calgary and his buddy, Al, sure did enjoy their Self-Guided, Fly & RIDE The 3 Corners: Argentina, Bolivia & Chile trip, and we couldn't be happier for that. Come back again anytime guys, the Andes are the longest mountain chain in the world, and there's lots more to experience!
- David and Marina Belton enjoyed the variety of riding in Patagonia, from the tight, valley-lined roads to the wide open spaces on our "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" Self-Guided Motorcycle Trip Package. Come again, and thanks for sharing!
- Dominic Ginder and his father, Bob, made excellent use of 16 days of riding time with their Motorcycle Rentals in Patagonia. Dominic, you're correct as well about future plans for Croatia. So much to explore by motorcycle!
"FYI, I got back to Uvalde Texas yesterday afternoon. It was a great trip, I would sum it up as successful. The hotels, restaurants, and bike you choose were the best. The route and scenery was unbelievable. The weather was a bigger obstacle than I expected as were some of the roads. Nothing really difficult but 2700 miles was a challenge. Did I tell you that I celebrated my 70th birthday during the ride? Also I met lots of interesting people. I’m headed to Colorado to ski in ten days. And then???
- Congratulations to Ed Carnes from Texas for celebrating his 70th year with a successful solo Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia" trip! We sometimes wonder if some riders have read too much about the drama of Patagonia's conditions and are turned away as a result. Yes, winds and conditions can be tough sometimes, but Ed just showed us all how to do it: Be patient, keep at it, ride smart without showing off for your friends, and most careful, experienced dual sport riders can enjoy some of the world's best riding safely. This photo taken and recognized as the spot where RIDE Adventures was born by the simple thought "more people need to experience this." Ed had a few clouds that day, but when that sun cracks and the waters turn bright blue ... oh what a site.
La moto gs 1200 lc estaba en perfecto estado, casi nueva y con el neumatico trasero nuevo.
Gracias por vuestro buen trabajo"
- For those who haven't practiced their Spanish since high school, Victor Vivaracho (from Spain) is very happy with how his Patagonia Motorcycle Rental experience with RIDE Adventures went. (Approx: "The trip was perfect. The BMW R1200GS LC was in perfect condition, almost new and with a new rear tire. Thanks for your good work.") Glad you enjoyed, Victor!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Germany
If you’re just coming into town, your guide will arrive at the airport to escort you to the tour’s starting place hotel. Hopefully you're not just arriving in Germany though, as this would mean you've missed the fun at BMW's Motorrad Days just before. Either way, spend your afternoon exploring the city and its delicious local fare.
In the evening, the entire group will meet and discuss the upcoming adventure, the routes, bikes, and more over a traditional German dinner.
Day 2: Munchen - Zel am See (Germany - Austria)
Following breakfast, the group will gather for our first debriefing. We’ll begin with a quick discussion of ideal riding techniques, cornering, acceleration and deceleration through the Alps, and more, all to prepare you for the safest and most enjoyable ride.
Once we’re done with the technicalities, it’s time to don your boots as we head off to our first European destination: the Krimml Waterfalls just outside Zell am See, Austria. This unique naturescape is Europe’s highest waterfalls with an impressive drop of 1,247 feet. For a more bird’s eye perspective, take the park’s cable car up to the ‘Top of Salzburg.'
This unique spot offers panoramic views of the Eastern Alps, Limestone Alps, the Pinzgau mountains, and the Hohe Tauern National park. Once you’ve put away the camera, it’s time to head to our first night out from Munich.
For those wishing for a short detour, there’s an optional side-tour to the ‘Eagle’s Nest,' an historic building that now serves as a traditional Austrian restaurant.
Day 3: Zell Am See - Corvara (Austria - Italy)
Today, we’ll ride along 48 spectacular kilometers of alpine road that winds through the scenic Hohe Tauern National Park. This includes ascensions to elevations as high as 8,215 feet above sea level.
Practice your cornering techniques as we glide through these mountain passes. Towards the early afternoon, we’ll stop and enjoy stunning views of the Pasterze glacier before we ride out of Austria and into Northern Italy.
Day 4: Corvara Rest Day (Italy)
Officially a ‘rest day’, we offer this as a unique break from the tour and allow adventure bikers to explore the many mountain passes surrounding the beautiful ski resort of Corvara.
Your tour guide will propose a group-designed ride, but feel free to craft your own itinerary. A popular option is a relaxing trip to the nearby Venice (125 miles away) for a cappuccino overlooking the canals.
Day 5: Corvara - Merano (Italy)
This is a full day of Alps exploration. Today, we’ll wind three incredible high mountain passes that are all above 6,500 feet. We’ll follow the river Torrente along tight curves and through rock tunnels as we climb the Passo Pennes mountain pass, then we’ll sweep our way through the Passo Giovo (Jaufenpass) and the Passo Rombo (Timmelsjoch).
This last pass is often called the “secret passage” due to its being much less frequented as travelers tend to opt for the lower Brenner or Rescher Passes. This means less traffic as you enjoy unspoiled panoramic views of the Alps. We’ll end the day at a picturesque alpine resort situated in Merano and enjoy a traditional Italian fare over wine as we discuss the day’s travels.
Day 6: Merano - Lake of Como (Italy)
It’s time for the Passo Stelvio, Top Gear’s rated “greatest driving road in the world”. We’ll begin the day with an exciting 48 switchbacks before we take a respite at the picturesque top.
Once we’ve finished drinking in the views, it’s another 37 switchbacks to the quaint Passo Gavia. These narrow and less trafficked roads will allow you to enjoy the more natural and wild side of the Dolomites.
And at the end of the day, kick your boots off and enjoy another spectacular evening at a resort in Lake of Como.
Day 7: Lago di Como - Briancon (Italy - France)
Following morning coffee overlooking the lake, we’ll make our way out of Italy and into France. Our trip will take us through the first day of phenomenal riding in the French Alps.
There’s more switchbacks in store for you as we cross through high mountain passes and into Briancon and delicious French cuisine comprised of fresh croissants, perfectly aged cheese, and some of the world’s best wines.
Day 8: Briancon Rest Day
This is our second break day of the tour. Like the first, you’ll have the option to join a group-proposed ride through nearby high mountain passes, or follow your own riding itinerary.
Of course, no one will fault you if you should opt to stay near the hotel and enjoy all of its relaxing amenities.
Day 9: Briancon - Aosta (France to Italy)
Time to say "au revoir, France!" as we wind our way along the high mountain passes of Col du Lautaret and Col du Galibier on our way out of the country. We’ll pass through to Italy by way of the incredible Petit Saint Bernard Pass and coast down winding roads to the charming Aosta Valley.
Day 10: Aosta - Andermatt (Italy - Switzerland)
It’ll be an early morning as we make our ascension up to Grand Saint Bernard Pass and travel across the Switzerland border just in time for a lunchtime break of cheese fondue.
Depending on the group’s overall itinerary, we can take a side trip to photograph Switzerland’s most famous mountain and national symbol, the Matterhorn, or continue with our high altitude conquests and ride through Nufenenpass and St. Gotthardpass.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll make our way to Andermatt, our Alpine resort basecamp for the next two nights.
Day 11: Rest Day Andermatt (Switzerland)
Didn’t get a chance to snap a shot of Matterhorn? Want to explore the exciting Klausen pass? Well, today is your day to explore the surrounding Swiss Alpine roads.
For our third and final rest day on the road, the Furka pass, Grimsel pass and Susten mountain passes are your oyster and you can once again either follow a group-led motorcycle tour or choose your own adventure.
Day 12: Andermatt - Livigno (Switzerland - Italy)
At RIDE Adventures, we want to provide you with a unique and unforgettable motorcycle adventure. Which is why on this day we’ll be returning to Italy not by the comfortable low road, but by the exciting and less commercialized high mountain passes.
We’ll sneak by St. Moritz, one of Switzerland’s oldest and most prestigious ski resorts, before snaking our way along the Bernina pass and back into Italy.
Day 13: Livigno - Silvretta Strasse (Italy - Austria)
It’s breakfast in Italy, lunch in Liechtenstein, and supper in Austria! Three countries in one day, and we will answer the fun question of just how many Liechsteins can fit into one land mass the size of the United States.
After lunch in the country's charming capital city of Vaduz, it's onto Austria and the famed Silvretta Strasse. The Silvretta Strasse has been named by Ultimate Drivers as on of the “Top 10 Roads in the world” for its road surface, conditions, and ultimate scenery, making it an ideal ride for our expansive tour as we exit the Alps and forge our way back to the city of Munich.
Today you’ll enjoy long sweeping bends, sheer granite rock roadway borders, and sweeping, near unbelievable mountain sights at every stretch.
Day 14: Silvretta Strasse - Munich (Austria - Germany)
It’s time to head back to reality, but we’ll make the day linger. Our final road journey will take us along curvy foothills to the flat German valleys around the city.
Before we enter Munich, we’ll spend a few miles racing down the German ‘Autobahn’, one of the world’s only public roads without a listed speed limit. And our last side trip will be a walk around the Neuschwanstein Castle, also known as ‘the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s 'Cinderella Castle’. Take off your helmet and enjoy a leisurely walk down this historic site's stunning halls and rooms under our guided tour.
After this fairy tale experience, it's back on the road to Munich. Once back in the city, we’ll make our way to the tour’s last hotel for the night where we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner complete with weissbier and a hearty chat about all of the memorable sights and experiences of the Alpine tour.
Day 15: Flight home
Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to squeeze in a few last minute mini-adventures before packing your bags. A tour guide will be available to arrange your transfer to the airport.
Enjoy your flight and we hope to see you again on a new and exciting tour offered by RIDE Adventures!
BMW F750GS
X
32.1 in
493lb / 223kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW F850GS
X
33.9 in
504lb / 229kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc