Safety and FAQ

Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Holidays

Safety: our top priority

Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Holidays are designed for advanced and expert riders. Our routes are chosen to be both interesting and challenging for riders who take their motorcycling seriously and who love to go around corners.

If you enjoy this type of riding and have developed into an advanced or expert rider, then you already know safety is a big part of riding a bike. At Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Holidays we take the safety of our guests very seriously. We wash, lubricate and inspect your bike every day so you can be sure your ride is working properly.

Our route maps are carefully laid out to present the kinds of information that is important to motorcyclists. Our guides are happy to point out any sections to watch out for.

On one of our trips, you’re always welcome to ride out on your own. But if you’d like to learn about the area or you’d like to follow someone’s line through a twisty section, our guides are a wealth of information and excellent riders.

We know the roads you’ll be riding and can point out things — like those downhill, decreasing radius corners that can surprise you! We believe that riding safely means riding within your own limits. The fact that we’ve taken care of the details like where to stay and how often you’ll need to get gas, lets you concentrate on your riding and your comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to ride with the rest of the group?
No, everyone is welcome to travel at their own pace. We ask that people call us at the hotel if they are not there by dinner time.

I’m riding with a friend, can we trade bikes or try other machines?
You are welcome to trade bikes, you are responsible for the motorcycle you are riding. We also carry a spare motorcycle in the chase vehicle. We are able to let riders try that bike for a day and load theirs in the truck.

How much time do we spend in the saddle each day?
Every day is different, but we average about 4-5 hours of actual riding. Riding on stop-overs is optional. It is important to note that riding in the mountains requires far more concentration than the open road. While it is extremely exhilarating, it can be tiring for riders not used to this type of riding.

4 hrs is not enough, what if I want to ride hard all day?
Our average minimum ride is 300km per day. Alternate routes are available on almost all days. This gives our serious riders a chance to travel as far as they want in a day. Taking the direct route gives our guests a chance to enjoy the scenery or take advantage of a morning or afternoon activity.

My passenger has his/her motorcycle license and would like to ride his/her own bike but only for a couple days. Can you accommodate him/her?
Passengers with a license are able to take the spare bike out for a few days as long as it is not needed, at no extra charge

You say that you include all meals, does that mean we all have to meet for lunch?
No, lunch time is flexible. We usually pick a place to get together along the way, but you are by no means obligated to stop and eat at any particular time. We will provide a delicious box lunch to carry with you if you are planning on exploring on your own. You are also welcome to stop and have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. (Meals on rest days are not included)

I have an allergy to a certain food. Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Definitely! There is never a a set menu for our guests. All of the restaurants provide an extensive selection of dishes, and you have the freedom to order anything you prefer. Also, all of the restaurants we use are happy to cater to any special requests. “We ate like Kings, I had some of the best meals of my life”. Bertie Simmonds, Bike.

Does the package price include insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is part of the package price. We can arrange medical insurance for you. The rate ranges from 5-7 dollars per day, depending on your age. We also recommend flight cancellation insurance. Again, we can make these arrangements for you, or you can call Shelly, our travel agent, directly at (604) 905-4919.

I’ve been looking at other motorcycle tours and your price seems higher than some others, why?
Many tour operators advertise their price stripped, then its up to you to add all the options. Some of these options are rather significant such as the motorcycle, motorcycle upgrade, food, insurance, etc.... We advertise a price that includes all the things that you need on your holiday rather than try to fool potential customers with a low stripped price. We are also offering an upscale product with truly exceptional accommodation. We feature a riding guide and a well-appointed chase vehicle (passengers always welcome) with a spare motorcycle. We keep the size of our group limited to eleven motorcycles for better group dynamics and because some of the places we stay are cozy and off the beaten track and cannot handle busloads of people. Also, don’t forget our prices are in Canadian Dollars.

Also see our Why Ride with Us section.

Can I bring my own motorcycle?
Absolutely, there is a reduction in the rental price of the bike that can be negotiated for riding your own motorcycle. You are still entitled to all the same privileges as riders using our bikes, such as the use of the chase vehicle and the opportunity to try any spare bike in the back of the chase vehicle. The current rate is a credit for $200.00 CAD per riding day taken off the price of your holiday.

Why do most of your holidays start in Whistler?
Vancouver is known to be very congested and the roads out of town are confusing and poorly marked. We arrange your trip to Whistler from either the airport or downtown. You spend your first evening with us in the relaxing atmosphere of a world class resort in a 1st class hotel. The next morning we ride north on Highway 99 and don’t have to stop at a traffic light for 250Km. This gives our riders a chance to get used to an unfamiliar motorcycle under ideal conditions.

Also see our Whistler & Western Canada section.

Can we use a motorcycle to do some exploring after our holiday?
Absolutely! Whistler is well situated for short trips to either Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast. We can help you with arrangements.

I want to try a sportier bike but I am traveling with my wife, is this possible?
Yes! any guest is welcome to swap bikes with the guides or try one of our spare bikes. Your wife can also ride up front in the chase vehicle if she just wants to relax. 

You say that you encourage guests to try out different bikes, how does this work exactly?
Our bike swapping policy is as follows; guests are always welcome to ride any guide bike, or spare bike on the trailer. If they want to trade motorcycles with another guest, both parties have to agree. If someone booked a certain style of bike and was interested in riding something else for a while they would have to agree to a swap, nobody can be forced to give up the bike they booked.

Do you have many female riders?
Approximately 20% of our guests are female riders and it is important to note that they tend to be excellent motorcyclists! Over 40% of our guests are females including both riders and passengers.

What should I bring to wear?
Good riding boots, gloves and a helmet are essential. Warm riding gear is also important, either leather or cordura. A rainsuit is also a good idea to bring. We have several Triumph rainsuits that we can loan riders if we are notified in advance. Casual clothing is all you need to bring for evening wear. Its better to over pack than leave essentials at home. Our chase vehicle is going to carry your bags so you don’t have to worry about loading everything onto the bike. Many guests bring spare gloves. Electric vests are not usually necessary, but we can prepare for hook-up if desired. Hiking books or sport shoes and some sport clothes are a great idea because there is lots of outdoor exploring to do on foot, horseback or on a mountain bike. When in doubt on what to bring, just ask us.

Download the Guest Information Package (PDF file, 265k)

I have many years of experience, but I haven’t ridden in years. Am I going to have trouble?
This is not a holiday to re-learn forgotten motorcycle skills. The riding is both exhilarating and challenging and our routes are chosen to satisfy experienced riders. We recommend that any rider thinking about getting back into motorcycling take a comprehensive training course. (One day aboard a 250cc does not count!) Once you are again competent and comfortable operating a large displacement, modern motorcycle in a variety of different riding conditions, you are ready for a motorcycle holiday. We also recommend that riders are in reasonable physical condition and are comfortable riding a motorcycle for extended periods of time.

I have been riding for years both on the street and the dirt but don’t have a motorcycle license, can I ride anyway?
NO! Anyone with a little riding experience can get a motorcycle license. Better yet, take a motorcycle training course and get your license that way. What they teach you could save your life!

I am just over 5 feet tall, but I like to have my feet well planted at a stop, can you accommodate me?
A portion of our fleet is catered to shorter riders and some bikes can be lowered to accommodate most riders. Just let us know in advance so we can prepare the motorcycles.

Other than the motorcycles in your fleet, what other bikes are available?
In the past we have made special arrangemtns to accomodate guest that really prefer to ride a motorcycle we don’t carry (i.e. Harley Davidsons and Honda Gold Wings). There is an additional per day up-charge for these bikes to be negotiated. If there is a particular brand/model that you are really interested in, let us know. We may be able to hound our dealer into renting us one of his demo bikes. Again an up-charge could apply.

What are the speed limits and what is the situation with the Police?
The posted speed limits range from 80km/h to 110km/h. Most of our routes are off the beaten track and therefore there are very few police cars. We warn our guests in advance of any areas where speeding is heavily enforced. We do not endorse reckless riding and your safety is one of our greatest concerns. You are however permitted to ride at your own pace as long as you ride within your own comfort zone. All guests are responsible for their own traffic fines.

What activities are available on the stop-over days?
A variety of day rides are always an option, however many of our guests use this time to enjoy other activities. Some of the more physical things offered are: hiking, fishing, tennis, boating, horseback riding, plane rides, golf, and mountain biking. You also have the choice of simply lying by the pool or lake in the sun, or exploring a new town, shopping till your heart is content. It is totally up to you!

Also see our Activities Page

Didn’t find your answer?

If you didn’t find the answer to your question, please contact us and we’ll help you out. It’s a full-service operation here!

Here’s a little more information about us and our story that also might help. 

Testimonials

Hi Gang,
Just a little note on what I liked best: Arriving Sunday night June 9th to the 19th.
What I like least: going home on June 20th.

Anything that went on between just blew me away. If I cannot find the cash to do another trip there will not be much point in going on with this life. Loved every minute.

Thanks!

Fermin & Monica, Mexico City, Mexico

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