How does it all work?
Arrival
Pack your gear and hand luggage and fly or take a train into Stuttgart, Memmingen or another nearby airport (if not those two, we'll make a plan). We'll pick you up in a car. No jumping straight on a bike at the airport and hitting 16 roundabouts and then the motorway!
Intro
On Day 1, there will be a quick familiarisation session - with the group, the rules in the countries we'll be going to, and your bike. A ride around the countryside around the HQ will allow you to get to know the bike, its cornering behaviour, braking and handling.
We'll even get you to do a bit of slow riding and emergency braking, so there's no surprises once we're on tour.
The tour
On Day 2, we load up our panniers and hit the road. We'll ride in group formation and take an easy start for a couple of hours before hitting any mountain passes.
From then on it's ride, eat, ride, explore, dine, laugh and enjoy the views. Good times only!
Last day
We'll get back in time to have a relaxed dinner together and get you ready to travel home the next day (incl. airport transfer).
Tours FAQ
What clothing do I need?
Most importantly, safe riding gear. Then, something to wear to dinner and any activities on your tour, so likely sports clothes and perhaps a swimming outfit.
You should be able to fit your things for the week into a hand luggage-sized bag. Ideally bring a travel towel for any impromptu swims - and waterproofs!
What documents do I need?
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License: Full European/UK or a restricted (European A2, up to 35kW)
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Passport: For our UK friends, remember the 6+ month validity requirement
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Visa: For people from further abroad, we can help with itineraries and invitation letters
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Insurance: Travel insurance covering motorcycling and any other risky activities you'll get up to
What about rain?
There will be rain, and it can be surprising. Mountains equals unpredictable weather, so please bring good (!) waterproofs that you've tested, and waterproof boots or socks.
If you don't have good waterproofs, invest in a set of Scott Ergo Pro (go high viz top if you want to be seen by other road users in terrible conditions). You won't regret it.
Do the bikes have phone mounts and USB-chargers?
Yes, we can provide phone cradles and USB chargers. We'll also have a bunch of EU adpters for charging your things in the room.
What about helmet comms?
Bring them! Absolutely happy for you to listen to music or link up with some people on the tour.
How about cameras, GoPros etc.?
You're welcome to bring whatever you fancy and take pics and videos, just please check with the other people on the tour before uploading them online. There will be no designated photographer with us, so it's on you to take some snaps!
How will I transport my stuff?
Your trustry Transalp comes with lockable, waterproof hard case panniers that'll fit all you need. You can leave your empty bag or suitcase at HQ.
Will you take a deposit?
Yes, we'll take a €200 deposit at the start of the trip. This is to cover any breakage and speeding fines (ha!) and will be returned to you once we know that everything is in order. There is no insurance excess or anything other surprise costs.
How does the insurance work?
Our bikes are insured for rental and guided tour use, on a 3rd party cover basis. This means if you drop your bike into someone's Maserati, we should be covered for their damage. The Transalps are not insured for damage, so any breakage is for us to bear (you only pay max. 200€). Note that as usual, our insurance does not cover the rider, so please make sure you have your own medical insurance cover.
Who these tours are (not) for
Expectation management is everything
Tourers
Tourers will be right at home here. While we limit our days to 200-300km per day (3-5 hours saddle time), you'll get the whole vibe, including stopping to smell the roses.
TOUR NEWBIES
If you've never gone on a tour before but you're generally an open-minded and fun person, you'll fit right in. Our tours are newbie-friendly.
The curious
If you're curious and you want to see, taste, experience things off the bike as well, rather than dismount only to go to bed, this is your tour.
Speed devils
If you spend most of your time at 100mph+ and suffer from OCO (obsessive-compulsive overtaking), you may find our 50 horse power, 600cc bikes underwhelming.
Off-road addicts
We think there's lots of excitement in the landscapes we cross and tiny roads we travel on. If you're bored by the thought of riding on the road though, and your head is constantly on the swivel for the next bit of dirt or gravel, this is not the tour for you.
Impatient people
We do our very best to give you an awesome experience. However, we're only a two-person operation and sometimes, things will go wrong, take some extra time, or be a bit meh.
If you hate the thought of that, it's probably best you go with a more established provider. No hard feelings!