Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a typical day?

A: We will usually meet for breakfast around 8:00 AM and discuss the day’s ride over breakfast.  We will briefly cover the route, riding conditions, and group riding hand signals.  “Kick Stands Up” at 9:00 AM but we will make a brief stop in about an hour for those of us over 50 that have to take a “bio-break”.  We will ride about 2 hours and break for lunch.  After lunch we will ride about an hour and take our afternoon “bio-break”. We will ride about another 2 hours before stopping for the evening.

Q:  How many miles will we cover in a day?

A:  We like to keep our days around 250 miles.  We have found after many tours we average about 30 MPH over the course of a day.  Between “bio-breaks”, gas stops, and lunch we average about 30 MPH for the day.  So a 250 mile day is about an 8 hour day.

Q: How do I prepare for a tour with Tour On 2, Inc?

A: While our typical riding days is about 250 miles, riding an average of 250 miles for multiple days can be physically demanding. Staying in motels, eating in restaurants, staying up later than normal can contribute into not getting a good nights rest. The effects of the lack of sleep are cumulative and after several days you can become very fatigued. We recommend that you get as much sleep as possible prior to and during the tour. You may need to also limit your caffeine input prior to and during the tour to help you sleep. We recommend that you get into riding shape prior to the tour. Try riding as much as possible to become accustomed to a full day of riding. Lastly, mentally prepare yourself to have a good time. We try our best to make sure you have a great riding experience but sometimes other factors such as weather can affect that. Less than perfect weather can create challenges but the also create special memories that will last a lifetime.

Q: What will be the accommodations be like?

A:  We like to choose places to stay that are clean, comfortable, secure, quiet, and bike friendly.  I have traveled on business for many years and I am very “picky” on where we will stay. I am sure you will be very satisfied with the accommodations we choose.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Look at the suggested packing list on our web site.  Make sure you watch the weather for the weekend to have an idea of what to wear.   I like to bring clothing that can be worn in layers in case it becomes colder than expected.  I always bring my rain gear, chaps and polypropylene long underwear just in case the weather turns cold unexpectedly.

Q: What types of places will we stop for lunch?

A:  We like to stop at places that are a “off the beaten path”, that have great food and are biker friendly.  I can assure you that we will not be stopping at a McDonalds or an Applebee’s!

Q: Can I have a beer, wine cooler, or mixed drink when we stop for lunch?

A:  Absolutely not!  If you drink adult beverages during the day’s ride you will be asked to leave the ride and you will not be given a refund.  You can drink if you like after the day’s ride is finished.  Drinks are not included in the tour cost; you are on your own for your drinks.

Q: I am a newer rider and have limited group-riding experience.  How are we going to ride so I will be comfortable riding in a group?

A: We do many things to make everyone as comfortable with group riding as possible.  First, in our pre-ride orientation we will cover how we will ride as a group and group riding hand signals. We will follow established group riding practices and we will not ride above the abilities of any riders in the group.  It is our objective to have a safe enjoyable ride so it is imperative that everyone in the group follows the groups riding procedures and use the group riding hand signals. A copy of the group riding practices and hand signals can be found on our web site.

Q:  How do you create the routes and will we be doing any riding on the interstates?

A: The routes are created from hours of studying maps, travel brochures, travel articles, and map routing software.  I look for the “road less traveled” but I also look for routes that are safe with good paved surfaces that are free from construction. I use the web to get updates on road construction so we can avoid constructions if possible.  I try to avoid interstate roads but sometimes that is the only choice so will use them as sparingly as possible. All the routes are ridden before they are finalized and may be changed if construction or road conditions make it necessary.  We will make route changes also if we think we can enhance the riding experience.  We do have one route on one tour where there is a short ride (1.3 miles) on a gravel road to reach the landing for a river ferry crossing. It is the only road to the ferry crossing so we have no choice but we take our time and it really is not a problem.  Maybe we will get lucky and it will be paved before our next ride!

Q: What if my motorcycle breaks down? 

A: We understand that everything mechanical can break especially ones with hundreds of moving parts like a motorcycle.  You should complete all periodic maintenance weeks prior to your tour. If you are not capable of servicing your motorcycle take your motorcycle to a dealer that is capable of making sure you motorcycle is running in optimal condition. If you do not have a current road side assistance policy for your motorcycle we will make sure one is purchased for you. We have made arrangements with Motorcycle Towing Services LC, (MTS), so you do not have to be worried about breaking down while on a ride with us.  MTS will handle all towing and roadside assistance if we need them. We still require that all riders have their bike serviced at required intervals per the manufacturer’s recommendations and that all riders perform a T-CLOCK inspection at least one day before the start of the ride. If you are not familiar with a T-CLOCK inspection we will provide that information to you prior to the ride. Some of our tours will have a support vehicle that is capable of towing a disabled motorcycle to a shop for repair. Even though we will have this capability all riders should bring on our tours a safe and reliable motorcycle. If you do not want to ride your motorcycle we can assist you in getting a rental motorcycle for the tour.

Q: What if it is raining?

A: We ride rain or shine.  We will adjust our riding style and we may adjust the route but rain is just something we riders just have to deal with. We will not ride if there is a possibility of icy conditions.  In the rare event we must cancel a ride because of weather we will do our best to reschedule your tour.

Q: Can our group ride on my own?

A:  Yes; you and your group can ride on your own if you wish.  We will provide everyone route sheets for the day so if you want to go off on your own you can.  You will be responsible for your own meals if you do not eat with the group on tours where meal are provided.

Q: Can I book a “custom tour” for just my friends or co-workers?

A:  Yes, we can create a custom tour to meet your exact needs.  We can create tours for “Women Only” or team building tours for your co-workers or employees. We can also create self-guided tours where we would provide route sheets and lodging.  Please remember that while we do not rent motorcycles, we can help you to rent a motorcycle for a weekend tour.

Q: What happens if someone has an accident or an emergency illness on the tour?

A: We understand that accidents can happen and that people can get sick on a tour. Your health and safety are our primary goals on all our tours. All Tour On 2 staff are certified in first aid CPR and first responder trained through Accident Scene Management (www.accidentscene.org).  It is also a requirement that all our guides be certified and trained as a first responder as well. Pam has a medical background and we can rely on that knowledge if necessary. We will handle any accident as the conditions warrant and get proper emergency assistance if needed. All tour guides carry first aid kits and are prepared to use them if necessary. We have already had experience in dealing with riders that get ill during a tour.  We try to make ourselves aware of any medical conditions you or your passenger may have when you fill out your application. If you medical conditions change prior to the tour please let us know so we can respond should changes in your health occur.

Q: What happens if I book a tour that includes a rental motorcycle and the rental dealer will not allow me to ride?

A: Rental motorcycles are the property of the rental operator and they will determine if you are able to safely operate their motorcycle. Should you be unable to pass their riding accessment you will be allowed to ride in the support vehicle. You would also be refunded the amount of money you paid to the rental operator. Tour On 2, Inc assists our customers in renting motorcycles from reputable rental dealers; we do not own or rent any of our own motorcycles. To date this has not been an issue we or our rental dealers have experienced.