Frequently Asked Questions | club-moto fully guided motorcycle tours
We have tried to cover most items within our site, but there will, of course, be other questions you may have about our tours, particularly if you haven't toured before or ridden in Europe previously.
Please see below our answers to what we consider to be the most commonly asked questions...
Please feel free to contact us with any further queries on:
E: info@club-moto.com
T: 01536 412855
We would also welcome any comments/additional questions that we could include within these FAQs.
What sort of roads will we be riding?
On all club-moto tours we feel that the roads we use are a vital and critical element to the tour. We don't run purely 'sight-seeing trips' but trips to allow you to ride your motorcycle through awesome locations on amazing roads. To this end we will be largely travelling along rural empty roads, frequently through spectacular countryside and with multiple bendy and twisty sections. We avoid, wherever possible, the use of major trunk roads and we very rarely use any motorways. We actively search out and test roads away from big towns and cities, to provide a stress free, challenging and rewarding ride.
All roads are tarmac with no 'off-road' sections.
How many miles a day will we cover?
The mileage varies (and is itemised on all tour itineraries) depending on the terrain we're crossing. If we're travelling across open countryside and plains, we may on occasion cover 250-300 miles. If however, much of the day's route involves mountain ranges the mileage will be considerably less. We aim to leave our hotel at a reasonable time following breakfast and arrive at our next overnight stop with plenty of time to enjoy the evening.
Generally we ride for about 1.5 hour runs with coffee stops in the morning and afternoon and a lunch stop in between – this can vary depending on the tour. Covering mileage in the countries we travel through is a totally different and much more enjoyable experience than the equivalent in the UK, with the roads being generally of a much better quality, far emptier and with fewer villages/towns to travel through. And of course, as we head further south, the weather has a tendency to be glorious!
On our rest days (see tours for details) you can do as you wish – go for a ride around the local area or relax and enjoy what’s on offer where we are. All our two or three night stops are carefully chosen to provide you with options, and we will provide you with more information within the tour day pack.
What level of experience will I need?
Our tours are suitable for experienced riders and pillions who are comfortable with riding up to 300 miles a day and are confident on technical roads, whatever the weather (although with the locations we travel through, this is generally superb!).
I have never ridden abroad before – is that a problem?
Not at all. Previous experience of riding in Europe is not essential. We are very experienced at travelling across Europe and our aim is always to make your trip a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Additional details will be provided in the pack we send out prior to the tour to explain legal requirements, general customs and much more information about the countries we will be travelling through.
We love sharing our passion for riding in Europe and enjoying the pleasure that 'first time' European riders derive from the experience.
The only problem will be realising what you've missed and that the UK will never seem the same again!
Will the pace be too quick or too slow for me?
We run a corner marking/drop off system.
This works with the club-moto lead rider always being in front and dropping off the rider immediately behind when there are any turn-offs on our route. That rider then remains on station and directs all other tour members until the club-moto tail rider arrives. At that point the rider sets off again and can travel at whatever pace they choose, passing other tour members they encounter until reaching the lead rider if they choose to. At all times, the club-moto lead and tail riders remain at the front and rear of the group. The lead rider can easily adjust the overall group pace to suit.
We always regroup at our stops.
Should you need to stop for any reason between planned stops (comfort break, photo opportunity, etc), this won't be a problem as the tail rider will wait until you are ready to move on again. Although please be aware that others may be waiting further along and of course if you stop and go off route the tail rider won't be aware.
Are these routes researched?
All our routes have been heavily researched and ridden or driven (in the winter months!) by us to confirm suitability. All coffee, lunch and fuel stops are pre-planned. We have stayed in the hotels used to ensure they are of the high standard required for our tours and that they provide adequate parking for our motorcycles.
We would suggest you may like to bring additional locks, etc for your bike for the hotel stops. These can be carried on our support van while we're riding. (please note on some of our short French tours the van is not included, although that may be revised subject to numbers).
Are pillions welcome?
We very much welcome solo riders, riders with pillions and small groups on our tours.
Do I have to share a room?
You have several accommodation options available.
You can either have a room to yourself as a solo rider, share with another solo rider or ask for a double/twin room. These options are all available to select on the booking form linked to each tour.
Should you be coming on your own and wish to share with another solo rider, we will make every effort to share you with someone compatible. Of course we are all there for the same reason – to enjoy a fantastic tour in amazing countries, so you will have plenty in common.
If you are coming as a group of friends there is an option on the booking form to nominate your 'room mate'. As long as he/she agrees of course!
Do we have to ride with the main group at all times?
Not at all. Whereas this is generally the case, this is of course your holiday and you can do as you wish. Should you decide you might like to miss part of any pre-planned routes we will provide you with details of our lunch stop and hotel for the end of the day. Obviously, in this instance we cannot offer the service of guided riding or support van back up, but would be pleased to suggest alternative routes, perhaps involving more major roads/motorways.
Do we have to travel on the same ferries as the group?
Ideally, we prefer that, but no problem if you wish to travel separately due to maybe wanting to spend more time on your trip. We can arrange this for you with adequate notice. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
What’s included on your tours?
Please see our What’s included page.
What are the benefits of the 'support van'?
Please see our Support van page.
(please note on some of our short French tours the van is not included, although that may be revised subject to numbers)
Is my motorcycle suitable for your tours?
All our routes use normal tarmac oads with no 'off road' sections so either 'adventure' or pure road bikes are perfectly suitable.
Many of our routes involve long stretches of bendy and twisty roads, so you need to be comfortable riding your motorcycle on such sections. Small capacity machines are not appropriate due to the mileage we cover. All motorcycles should of course be 'fit for purpose' bearing in mind the mileage regarding tyres, brake pads, chain and sprockets, etc.
Can I hire a motorcycle for the tour?
Yes, we can arrange this for you with third party suppliers if required. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How often do we stop for fuel?
We generally stop for fuel within 100 miles of the previous fuel stop. On occasion this may be less, or slightly further, to work with coffee/lunch stops. We assume that the majority of motorcycles can comfortably cover 125 miles on a tank of fuel. We can easily adjust if your motorcycle's range is less.
What do I need to bring with me?
We will send you a pre-tour pack well in advance of the tour departure, with a suggested list of what to bring (and what not to!). But please contact us about anything you may be unsure about and we will be very pleased to advise.
What will the weather be like?
We run tours through France, Spain and Portugal. Not surprisingly, the further south you get, the warmer it is! The weather for the tours is largely very good – plenty of sunshine and long dry days. But of course there can be exceptions, so we would always recommend bringing waterproofs and additional layers in case the forecast suggests we may need them. The temperature can be lower when crossing areas such as the Pyrenees.
We generally avoid travelling around southern Spain in July and August due to the potential very high temperatures.
Do I need breakdown or travel insurance?
We strongly suggest you take out cover for both breakdown and travel/medical insurance in case of any unfortunate instances. Whereas we will assist in any way we reasonably can, club-moto cannot be responsible for illness, accidents, breakdowns or repatriation of you and/or your pillion or your motorcycle.
What are 'trips to track days'?
Over the last few years we have taken part on many 'open pit lane' events on tracks in Spain and Portugal. Our research and detailed route planning has incorporated routes to all the major tracks in Spain and Portugal used for foreign track days. Whereas the majority of riders from the UK that attend these events have their bikes shipped to and from the tracks, and fly out to 'meet' them, we offer an alternative – ride with us to and from your events – expand your experience to include an amazing journey.
With our experience and knowledge of how these events work, we would be pleased to offer advice for any 'first time' European track day rider.
Please contact us to discuss further.
* Please note we do not organise your track events, but will guide you to and from your pre-booked event.
What is a 'bespoke' tour?
As advertised on our website we design individualised bespoke tours to France, Spain and Portugal for you and a group of friends. We have extensive knowledge of the countries and multiple routes that can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Please contact us to discuss further.
We hope these FAQs have covered any questions you may have, and please feel free to contact us with any further queries on:
E: info@club-moto.com
T: 01536 412855
Please also see our terms and conditions for additional information.
And, as mentioned above, we would also welcome any comments/additional questions that we could include within these FAQs.
Our aim is to provide you with an enjoyable experience of travelling across the stunning countries that we love and share our passion with you, so we welcome any feedback that could only serve to further enhance the experience for both you and future tour members.
We look forward to you joining us in the near future for an amazing trip....