tour 1 gary france

Revolutionising Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Fleet Management with CTEK: A Conversation with Gary France of Tour1

Gary France, the director of Tour1, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle touring company, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of motorcycle fleets. Having been riding motorcycles for his entire life and transitioning from a career in construction, he began a new adventure. Inspired by a motorcycle rally in Rome with friends, he founded Tour1 13 years ago, authorised by Harley-Davidson. Specialising in motorcycle tours across Europe, New Zealand, and the US, these journeys span 7 to 14 days, featuring around 12 motorcycles. Gary's unique approach allows participants to bring their own motorcycles while Tour1 takes care of all the logistics.  

In the dynamic realm of motorcycle fleets, where bikes predominantly hit the road in summer and face sporadic use during winter, Gary sheds light on the specific challenges faced. "I predominantly ride in the summer, and it's essential to keep my motorcycles fully charged consistently. The primary challenge lies in the charging process, especially when they remain inactive for over six months. Ensuring they are fully charged and ready for action becomes a crucial task during this period." 

Gary vividly describes the frustrations encountered before implementing the CTEK MXS 5.0 units. Harley-Davidson's powerful engines demand constant peak performance from their batteries. "The large capacity engines of Harley Davidson motorcycles demand substantial power, necessitating them to be consistently fully charged. In the past, the batteries would frequently drain and even be dead, because I had no power in the garage. At one point, I had to purchase three new batteries in a single year due to these challenges.” 

He continues, "However, the integration of the CTEK chargers has transformed my latest garage environment, moving from chargers on the floor to an organized wall setup with 12 cables hanging from the ceiling. This not only enhances safety but also provides an aesthetically pleasing and clutter-free space.” 

With the MXS 5.0 units strategically placed on one wall, Gary elaborates on how this arrangement simplifies monitoring the battery conditions for the entire fleet. "This means I can place any bike anywhere in the building, and there is a cable hanging there, ready to be plugged in – there are no cables running across the floor, which is much safer when you are moving heavy motorcycles around." 

What truly stands out for Gary is the consolidated placement of all MXS 5.0 units on one wall. This arrangement allows him to effortlessly monitor the battery condition of every motorcycle in one glance. "Seeing that row of green lights indicating the bikes' batteries are all fully charged and ready to go is reassuringly simple," he notes, underlining the convenience and efficiency of the setup. 

Considering the cost of Harley-Davidson batteries, Gary emphasizes the value of having CTEK chargers connected 24/7 to motorcycles when parked. "Now, the batteries boast a remarkable lifespan of 10 years! This not only translates into substantial cost savings but also significantly reduces the time spent on plugging and unplugging. The decision to have a dedicated charger for each motorcycle proves to be highly advantageous." 

In the world of Harley-Davidson, where batteries come with a hefty price tag, Gary expresses his satisfaction with the step process employed by the CTEK MXS 5.0 advanced charger. "What I really like is the step process the CTEK MXS 5.0 advanced charger goes through to check the battery condition and keep it ready for the best possible performance." 

Since integrating CTEK chargers into his maintenance routine, Gary concludes, "Since I have been using these, I have had no problems whatsoever, and I like that!" This content grin is a testament to the reliability and peace of mind brought about by the seamless integration of CTEK chargers into Tour1's motorcycle fleet management. 

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Why one-way motorcycle touring on your own bike makes sense.

Wednesday 23 March 2016

There must be some bends here somewhere.

Friday 18 March 2016

Essential riding items - the results.

Thursday 18 February 2016

You cannot ride without...... what.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Please make it less perfect.

Sunday 27 December 2015

Best 20 motorcycle roads.

Monday 25 May 2015

Sometimes, things don’t work out like you planned, tuesday 19 may 2015, project livewire test ride.

Saturday 4 April 2015

Riding through spain to the h-d rally in jerez in june.

Monday 9 March 2015

He’s a talented motorcycle artist – and now i go behind the canvas to discover more..

H-D Motorcycle Tours in Europe

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In a few short years, Gary France’s self-description changed from “Project Management Executive” to “Writer, traveller and motorcyclist, who is happiest when combining all three”. That’s quite a shift, but nevertheless a fairly authentic summary.

Just imagine someone switching from over 30 years of managing and implementing some of the most complex and challenging construction projects in the world, and turning instead to planning and making a road trip on a Harley-Davidson across America. After almost two years of preparation, and not leaving any aspects to chance, his journey began with a head full of details: routes, stop-off points, and names of places he had heard of but had never been to.

But some dimensions of life are not subject to planning. Over the next 20 weeks and 21,000 miles, Gary’s heart progressively took over from his head as he lived out his dream of a lifetime. The experience allowed him to let go of his results-oriented approach, to become the person who relaxed and enjoyed both journeys: the one on the road and the one that saw him changing his life.

Gary owns and rides three motorcycles . He lives close to London, in the United Kingdom. He travels as often and as far as possible on those bikes.

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MEDIA CENTRE

BEWARE, DEAR TRAVELER

Beware, Dear Traveler: You are about to enter pages dedicated to exceptional travels in Paris and beyond where you will NOT find standard, cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all tours. You will not choose, reserve and pay in three clicks. Instead, you will find the hint of recipes for exclusive, rewarding, customized tours. You will be invited to write to and speak with the Paris and France travel specialist himself to create tours that blend your interests and those of your travel companion(s). Enter these pages only if you are seeking to enjoy, appreciate, learn and experience Paris or regions of France in personalized ways.

Gary Lee Kraut has been inspiring and informing travelers to France for three decades. His unparalleled experience as a Paris-based travel writer, consultant, event organizer and guide has made him the go-to guy for individuals and travel professionals seeking highly personalized tours, advice and tailor-made events in Paris and throughout France. Gary is a French and American dual national.

Gary works with a selective clientele of curious travelers looking for enriching and informative travel experiences. His clients for tours in Paris and throughout France—traveling as individuals, couples, families or friends—share a sense of cultural and historical curiosity and discovery and an atypical willingness to enjoy tastes, experiences and encounters both on and off the beaten track.

Gary’s Paris Revisited and France Revisited® touring, organization, workshops and tasting events have enriched the travels of countless visitors from across the U.S. and around the world.

Your man in Paris

Gary Lee Kraut has been inspiring and informing travelers to France for three decades. His unparalleled experience as a Paris-based travel writer, consultant and guide has made him the go-to guy for individuals and travel professionals seeking highly personalized tours, advice and tailor-made events in Paris and throughout France. Gary is a French and American dual national.

His clients for Paris tours and France tours—whether traveling as individuals, couples, families or friends—share a sense of cultural curiosity and discovery and an atypical willingness to enjoy tastes, experiences and encounter both on and off the beaten track.

Right Foot Tour

Left Foot Tours

Paris By Late Night

Family Touring

Stylish Women

Daytrips to Champagne, Burgundy, Loire Valley

Gary's Curious Tasting & Travel Club

Travel Therapy

Spoil Someone You Love

Culinary and Wine Adventures

Further Travels

What travelers are saying, « gary is far more than a guide, he’s a reason to visit », “you put paris in a wonderful perspective and enriched our experience by three-fold.”, “gary’s market, wine & dine tour made for the best meal and most informative evening we had in paris.”, “gary’s historical and cultural knowledge about france is matched only by his skills of storytelling that that brought sights to life.”, “thank you for being so generous with your time and energy. since children tend to be the toughest critics of all, i thought you might appreciate their definitive thumbs up”, “i know you like to say that you’re just the facilitator and that the real magic is paris itself, but on our last day in paris my husband bought me the most fabulous ring and i think some of that has to do with your magic.”, “normandy was a remarkable day for us. we are forever indebted to you for the many ways your perspectives touched our lives.”, “my tour was personal, distinctive, and soul-satisfying. gary provides personal attention along with intimate knowledge and a true love of the place.”, “you were so calm dealing with our mixture of personalities and variety of wants. you made quite an impression. we will return.”.

• Testimonials

As an Orchestral Contemporary Percussionist he has performed with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonic, performing as soloist in Toru Takemitsu’s concerto “From Me Flows What You Call Time”, the Nova Ensemble, the West Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestras, the Dallas Brass, the Doddworth Saxhorn Ensemble, the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Canberra Symphony with whom he performed William Kraft’s “Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra”. Gary’s list of recent world premiers include works by Larry Sitsky, Sir Michael Tippet, Sandra France, Roger Smalley, Ross Edwards, Peter Sculthorpe, Robert Cucinotta, Edward Applebaum and Robert Casteels.

As an International Clinician for Yamaha Musical Products, Remo, the Zildjian Cymbal Company and Innovative Percussion Products he has toured presenting master classes, concerts and workshops throughout the U.S.A, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Brazil and New Zealand, Mexico and most recently Cuba. As a World Music Performer, his own personal research has led him to India, Africa, Brazil, Cuba and South East Asia.

Gary France regularly provides Leadership to numerous organisations such as Head of Music West Australian Conservatorium of Music (WAAPA) (1992 – 1994) Head of the ANU School of Music (2005) as well as Convener/Artistic Director of numerous major events such as Heartbeat multi-cultural Music Festival (1995), the Australian National Marimba Festival (2001) the Rhythms of Life Percussion Festival (2002) the DRUMatiX Percussion Group, the Australian National Percussion Symposium (2003), Australian Music Educators National Conference (2005), The Australian International World Rhythms Festival (2008), The Australian Marimba Festival (2008), and PAS Australia Days of Percussion 2012, 2013 The PAS Australia National Drum and Percussion Camp 2014. Gary France’s current leadership positions included: Senior Editor of PERCUSscene Magazine, President PAS Australia Chapter, International Board of Directors PAS, Distinguished Artist in Residence and Associate Professor at the Australian National University, Board of Directors SPEAK Percussion and is the Artistic / Educational Director of the Gary France Academy of Drumming and Percussion. As a Composer / Sound Artist: Gary’s most recent projects have included composing the sound design and music for the Australian premiere production of QED by Peter Parnell (West Wing), Video Phase by Steve Reich with performances at the Taiwan- Australia New Media Art Symposium (AUS 2006) and KOSA International Percussion Festival (USA 2006), collaborative composition and performance for the Southeast Asian segment of the Opening Ceremonies (15th Asian Games DOHA 2006), the New Directions Music Festival (Singapore 2005) Busan International Music Festival (South Korea 2018)  as well as the Australian Percussion Gathering (2010). As a Guest Speaker: Gary France has presented Keynote Addresses to the Australia Britain Society, ASME, AMBOC, ABODA, Maryborough Music Conference (2019) and numerous national music educator forums and societies. Gary France was co-founder of the ACT Music Educators Network (ACTMEN).

Credentials:

He received his Bachelor of Music degree, Music Education / Performance, in 1979, from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, and his Master of Music degree, Orchestral Performance / Jazz, in 1988 at the University of North Texas. While at UNT Gary became was not only awarded several competitive teaching fellowships but was also selected as the first and only drummer/percussionist, in the sixty-year history of the program, to direct the prestigious Jazz Lab Bands (6 O’Clock and 9 O’Clock bands).

Gary France has done much, through his dedicated teaching performing and entrepreneurial leadership, to significantly raise the profile of percussion playing in Australia. Describing Gary’s 1986 appointment in Australia by eminent Australian musician Richard Gill, in his 2012 book “Give Me Excess of It” “The Musical Tornado Gary France had an almost immediate impact on percussion nationally”

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2024 Wells Fargo Championship prize money payouts for each PGA Tour player

It pays to play well on the PGA Tour. Just ask this week’s winner, Rory McIlroy .

The 35-year-old won the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club on Sunday at 17 under by five shots to secure his 26th win on the PGA Tour after a blistering final-round performance. McIlroy shot a 6-under 66 and played Nos. 8-15 at 8 under with a pair of eagles.

For his efforts, McIlroy will take home the top prize of $3.6 million, while 54-hole leader Xander Schauffele will bank $2.16 million for finishing runner-up. Even Ben An in third place cleared seven figures with a $1.36 million payday.

With $20 million up for grabs in the signature event, check out how much money each PGA Tour player earned this week at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.

Prize money payouts

Story originally appeared on GolfWeek

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Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Tours in Europe and Beyond

Harley-Davidson Rally, Senigallia, 2024

Summary: This is a fully guided tour to the Harley-Davidson rally in Senigallia, Italy.

We have deliberately chosen a route to get to Italy that includes great riding.  The route out to Senigallia includes some wonderful roads in France, Switzerland and Italy, including some amazing high alpine roads in the Alps mountains including Grimsel Pass, Furka Pass and Nufenen Pass.  In Italy, we ride through the Tuscany region and visit wonderful places such as Sienna and Cortona. Check out the route on the map at the bottom of this page.

The tour starts in Folkestone in the UK and we take 7 full days of riding to get to Italy.  We will be staying at 3 and 4 star hotels on route. We arrive in the coastal town of Senegallia on the east coast of Italy on the day the rally opens, Thursday.  We are then at the HOG rally for 3 nights.

The rally site is in the main square of Senigallia and we have two hotels there. The first is a 3-star hotel right on the sandy beach and this hotel is an 8-minute walk to the rally site. The second is a 4-star hotel just a 4-minute walk to the rally site. There is a supplement on the tour price to stay at the 4-star hotel. Both hotels are in terrific locations.

Of course, at the rally site there will be much to do, including bands, the expo, demonstration motorcycle rides, the parade and much more!

Our group sizes normally range from 10 to 14 motorcycles. Due to the likely popularity of this tour, we will run two groups.

With this tour, after the rally you will be riding back to the UK and you have a choice about how you do that. The standard tour includes for riding back over 3 days mainly on motorways through Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Belgium.

Alternatively, you can opt to take a 5 day ride back to the UK which includes a stop over in Venice (with a guided tour of the city by Tour1), riding the dramatic San Boldo Pass, riding in the wonderful Dolomite mountains and then riding the spectacular Grossglockner Pass, before getting back on faster motorway roads to Calais. There is a supplement for the tour price if you want to take the 5-day ride back.

Please note, this tour is for Harley-Davidson riders only!  We usually accept one or two bikes from other brands, but this is going to a Harley-Davidson rally after all. 🙂

2024 Prices

Two riders sharing a room, price each

£2,530 for the standard tour, with options

Single rider in his/her own room

£3,280 for the standard tour, with options

Rider and pillion sharing a room

£3,870 for the standard tour, with options

• Description
• What's included
• Information

To make sure the tour fits your needs, we have given a number of options for this tour.

The tour starts in Folkestone in the UK for everyone. We take the Eurotunnel train to cross the English Channel. The standard tour is a six-and-a-half day ride to Senigallia, 3 nights at the rally, then a 3-day ride back to the UK via mainly motorways.

You can then choose to stay in a 3-star hotel right on the beach in Senigallia (just an 8-minute walk to the rally site), or for a supplement of £170 (or £85 per person sharing), you can choose to stay at a 4-star hotel very close to the rally site. It’s first come, first served on the choice of hotels.

For the return journey back to the UK, depending on how much time you have, you can choose between blasting back in 3 days mainly on motorways (the base tour), or you can choose a better 5 day ride which includes a stop over in Venice (with a guided tour of the city by Tour1), riding the wonderfully dramatic San Boldo Pass, riding in the wonderful Dolomite mountains and then riding the spectacular Grossglockner Pass, before getting back on faster motorway roads to Calais. There is a supplement of £400 (or £200 per person sharing), to take this extended ride back.

If you want to ride wonderful and scenic roads, with someone else making all the arrangements, then riding with Tour1 is for you. We are hugely experienced tour operators having ridden all over Europe and we know where the best roads are.

The tour concentrates on riding terrific roads in wonderful landscapes. Many of the roads we have selected for the tour run through mountains, alongside rivers or through glorious countryside – our aim is to put a huge smile on your face as you ride east towards Italy and back again.

Tour dates.

The standard tour departs Folkestone on Friday 31 May 2024 and this includes taking 3-days to ride back to the UK, so returns to Folkestone at around 5pm on Tuesday 11 June 2024.

The extended tour departs Folkestone on Friday 31 May 2024 and this includes taking 5-days to ride back to the UK, and returns to Folkestone at around 2pm on Thursday 13 June 2024.

Day One (Friday, 31 May)

We catch a Eurotunnel train from Folkestone to Calais early on the Friday morning.  The aim of today is to get to the great roads further south, so we use some motorway to get there. We stop for lunch in the beautiful city of Laon which rises up above the surrounding plains. We have lunch next to its spectacular cathedral.

We then visit the old motor-racing circuit Reims-Gueux, which used to host grand-prix racing. The now abandoned pit buildings make a great back-drop to photograph Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

We stay the night in Chalons-En-Champagne.

Day Two (Saturday, 1 June)

Having ridden on motorway yesterday, we completely avoid them today and instead ride some wonderful roads in rural France. For the morning, we have chosen little-known country roads that take us southeast across mainly farming areas before arriving at Mirecourt for lunch. In the afternoon the roads become amazing as we ride through the low-lying Vosges Mountains before staying at a remote 4-star hotel set in a forest.

Riding in the Vosges Mountains is a warm-up for what is to follow!

Day Three (Sunday, 2 June)

The scenery completely changes today as we get to ride some of Tour1’s favourite high alpine roads in the Alps!

First we ride through some wonderful scenery in the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch before riding some nice twisty roads overlooking Sarnersee.

Then after lunch we rise up the Alps to ride Grimsel Pass and the wonderful Furka Pass, used in the James Bond film, Goldfinger. There are some spectacular views from Furka Pass. It is a truly great days riding on some terrific roads set in amazing scenery.

Day Four (Monday, 3 June)

This morning we ride another great road, Nufenen Pass and then a short section of motorway carries us towards the border with Italy. We ride alongside Lake Maggiore before heading off into the hills above the lake on some very twisty roads.

We stay the night just west of Milan (but don’t go into this busy city).

Day Five (Tuesday, 4 June)

This morning we ride across the plains of northern Italy before entering the hills between Bologna and the west coast, where the riding becomes fabulous. There are great roads here for riding motorcycles.

We stop in places that haven’t changed much for hundreds of years.

In the afternoon we enter the area of Tuscany, famous for its beautiful rolling hills.

We stay the night in a remote location in wonderful scenery.

Day Six (Wednesday, 5 June)

This is a very special day, riding more wonderful roads in Tuscany. The roads are very twisty and a joy to ride.

We are close to Florence in the morning, but do not enter the city as it can be very busy, but instead stick to the terrific roads, especially to its south.

In the afternoon, we visit the beautiful square in Siena, where twice a year they run the famous horse races. The square is a UNESCO world Heritage site and it is easy to see why.

There are more fabulous roads to ride in the afternoon and we stay the night in the beautiful city of Cortona, perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding plains. Wonderful stuff!

Day Seven (Thursday, 6 June)

From Cortona we have a short ride of about 3 hours to get to Senigallia and we should arrive at the rally site by mid-afternoon. There are of course, more great roads to ride to get there as we head east across Italy.

At the Rally

There is always much to see and do at the Harley-Davidson main European rally. The rally site hosts bands, dealer displays, demonstrator bikes, vendors, bars and all shapes and sizes of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. On our arrival day of Thursday, or perhaps on Friday morning, we will have a group orientation ride / walk to ensure you all know where the various rally activities take place.

For most of your time in Senigallia, from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning, you are able to do as you please, whether that is ride in the local area, visit the rally site, watch some of the live bands on the main stage, or visit the custom bike show – it is up to you. If your partner wants to fly down to the rally and spend time with you, there is only a small charge for your partner to stay at the hotel.

On the Friday afternoon we are likely to walk to the location of the custom motorcycle show.

On the Saturday, if you wish, you can join thousands of others in riding in the parade.

The rally officially ends on the Sunday, 9 June 2024 and it is on that day we start the journey back to the UK. Here are the two options for the ride back…..

OPTION 1 (for those who need to get back to the UK quickly)

This is the main option in the standard tour and involves riding back across Europe to Calais over three days ( Sunday 9th, Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th June ) mainly on motorways. The hotels and the return Channel Tunnel crossing for this option are all included as part of the tour.

OPTION 2 (for those with a little more time and who want some more fun on the way home)

This alternative takes 5 days to get back to the UK and includes three great things to see / ride.

On Sunday 9 June , we will ride using motorways direct to Venice, arriving mid-afternoon. We will stay just outside of Venice (no vehicles allowed in Venice itself) and catch a short train journey into Venice. You will then be treated to a guided tour of Venice by Gary France and taking a Vaporetto water bus along the Grand Canal, we will see many of the cities famous waterfront building and the famous Rialto Bridge. We will get off the Vaporetto at St Marks Square, to see the basilica and the Bridge of Sighs.  Should you wish, you can ride in a Gondola (not included in the tour price). We will eat in a restraunt in Venice before catching a train back to our hotel.

On Monday 10 June , we ride north out of Venice and do two great things. First we ride the fabulous San Boldo pass, famous for its road having 5 hairpin bends in tunnels. Then in the afternoon, we ride the best roads in the Dolomite Mountains (Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Valparola Pass and the road to Cortina).

On Tuesday 11 June , we ride one of the best motorcycle roads in the world, Grossglockner Pass. It is simply stunning. We stay the night just north west of Munich.

On Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 June , we crack on with getting back to Calais by using mainly motorways and we will arrive back in Folkestone at around 2pm, ready for most people to ride home that day.

With option 2, the hotels and the return Channel Tunnel crossing for are all included as part of the tour, but there is a supplement of £400 to pay for this option).

• Outbound and return channel tunnel crossing
• Three and four star accommodation in terrific locations on route to Senigallia
• Breakfast every day
• 2 evening meals on our journey to Senigallia
• Pre-purchased motorway vignettes
• Well researched routes to provide you with fantastic roads to ride
• Experienced tour guide to lead the tour
• A back marker / sweep
• Tour1 T-Shirt
• Comprehensive tour itinerary
• GPS routes for your sat nav (if you want them)
• Tips for riding in Europe guide
• Staying in a 3-star hotel in Senigallia
• All hotels to get to Senegallia and the hotels for the option 1 return journey

Options with a supplement….

• Upgrading to a 4-star hotel in Senigallia
• Supplement for the hotels needed for the longer ride back to the UK (option 2)
• Please note, we have booked 12 rooms in each hotel in Senigallia. As soon as all 12 rooms are booked for the tour at either hotel, that option will have to be removed.

What’s not included….

• Accommodation before the tour starts, or after it ends
• Petrol (gas) you use
• Other road tolls where payment is made at the time
• All other meals and drinks
• HOG Chapter-specific events at rallies
• Rally tickets (we don’t include for these so you can choose what type of tickets you want)
• Motorcycle rental, should you need it (we can help arrange this)

Each day, we normally start riding at 8.30am sharp and cover in the region of 150 to 200 miles.  We try to avoid motorways wherever possible and only use these when there is no real alternative.  We take mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks and of course find somewhere for lunch.  Our plan is to normally arrive at that evening’s hotel by around 6pm.

We use good quality hotels – not super luxury and not bottom end, but mid-range – normally 3 and 4-star.

We ride at a pace to suit all of the riders.  We stick to all speed limits in towns, but in rural areas we ride at, let’s call them ‘more appropriate’ speeds.  We generally ride in staggered convoy on straighter roads.

As we have pre-booked hotels and a schedule to stick to, we ride in all weathers.  During any exceptionally inclement weather, we will pull over for short periods.  We could experience a range of different types of weather, so bring waterproofs, just in case.

We like these tours to be about having a real adventure, riding on great roads with like-minded people. For that reason, we do not use a support van, but we always have a back-marker.

Payments – we require a £400 deposit to be paid when you book a tour, with the balance to be paid in four equal payments, nine, seven, five and three months before the tour starts. If you prefer, you can pay the balance of the cost of the tour earlier than this.

*Ride Difficulty Rating

Each of our rides has a difficulty rating and this tour is rated as ‘moderate’.  That means this tour is not recommended for new riders.  You should have at least four years of riding experience on large motorcycles.  You must have ridden on the right-hand side of the road before and you must be comfortable with travelling in a group of riders and be able to keep a good pace within that group.  We do not ride fast, but at the same time, it is better if riders do not go too slowly.

The route does include some high mountain passes with a few tight hairpins, but these are not the really dramatic hairpins found on say, Stelvio Pass.

While there is not much motorway riding on the tour, as a guide, the group will be riding at speeds of 75mph on motorways.  You must be confident of riding in rain and on wet roads. Each day’s riding will be around 9 hours, with breaks.  You should be able to ride all day.  If you are at all unsure if your riding ability is good enough for this tour, then you must contact us by telephone to discuss.

• Tours in Europe (12)
• Starts in UK (10)
• Challenging Riding (7)
• 2024 Tours (7)
• 2025 tours (6)
• Moderate Riding (5)
• Easy Riding (1)
• New Zealand (1)

Great riding courtesy of the genius Gary France who is terrific at finding the roads – great company and the best rally I have attended.  See you all next year!   Simon Turner, Newmarket.

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