Fequently Asked Questions



	The list below provides a summary of questions and answers of most of the questions we get asked. If you require further information on topics not covered here, then please contact us and we'll be pleased to answer them. How do I make a reservation? Am I suitable to come on your tours? How much riding experience must I have? I don't own a bike and would like some pre-trip experience? Do we go off-road and do I need off-road experience? What equipment and clothing must I bring? Do you supply bikes? Will the bike fit me? Can I bring my own bike? Do we ride on our own or as a group? Can the pillion sit out some legs in the support vehicle? Can non-motorbike riders also take part in the tour? How many kilometers or miles will I have to ride each day? What are driving standards like in the countries we go to? Where do I fly to? Can I take my helmet as cabin baggage on my flight? Do I need special travel insurance? What if I have an accident? What documents do I need to bring? How do I get my bike to Marbella? What is our accommodation like? What if I do not like spicy Thai food? What will the weather be like? How much spending money do I need and can I change money? What health precautions do I need to take? What if I have any special health or food conditions? Do I get collected from the airport? Do I have any insurance excess in the event of any bike damage? Do you offer tailored or personalised tours? How do I make a reservation? Please chose 'Make a Rseervation' from the end of one of our tour descriptions. You will be guided through the easy booking/reservation process which only takes a couple of minutes. Please note if you dates are not available, or if all of your dates are not availbale for a group booking we shall contact you to arrange an alternative date. If you do not have internet access just download and fill in the booking form using the link below, and either fax or post it to us at Discovery Moto Tours, 6 Parabola House, Parabola Road, Cheltenham GL50 3AH, UK Tel: +44 (0)8700 726 739 Fax: +44 (0)1242 211 505 Email: info@discoverymototours.com We’ll send you your confirmation and all details required to enjoy your adventure. First select your tour, date choices and decide which bike your prefer to ride. For your information 70-75% of riders choose the R1200GS, and 70-80% of riders have a pillion passenger. It’s more suited to carrying two due it’s larger size and smooth shaft drive making the ride less tiring. The R1200GS is ideally suited for riders of 5’7” and taller, whilst the F650GS is ideally suited for riders of 5’8” and shorter. Decide how many extra nights accomodation you would like, then complete your personal, passenger and payment details. If you would like to extend your visit and book extra nights accomodation before or after your tour, please indicate this on your order form. Prices for extra nights are charged at £125 per per twin or double room and £85 per single room per night and include breakfast. You will stay at the same 4, 5 star or boutique hotel as we use on our tours, so you will not have to move hotels on the first day of the tour. Go back to list of questions... Am I suitable to come on your tours? As long as you have you are of general fitness and can ride for 120 to 250 miles (200 to 350 kms) per day then you are fine to come as long as you also meet the following insurance requirements. On our Thailand tours you must be aged between 17 and 75 years old. On our European and African tours you must be aged between 25 and 75 and have held a full bike licence for at least 2 years. Riders outside of this criteria must email: info@discoverymototours.com stating your age at the tour start, how long you have had a full licence, how much riding you do/have done, your occupation and your current bike owned (if any). A small premium may be applicable for riders outside of the standard criteria. Our riding is on road and we enjoy the company of varied ages and sexes. In fact what makes a group and the conversation interesting is a mixed group of peoples from all walks of life. Please note that to rent a motorbike you must have a full motorbike licence to cover you for the cubic capacity (650 or 1200cc's) for the bike you have chosen and meet the above insurance requirements. Go back to list of questions... How much riding experience must I have? You must hold a valid motorcycle license to cover motorbikes of 650cc or greater. You must also be competent to ride up to the maximum mileage in a day given on each tour specification. You must also have experience of riding a larger machine regularly in the past two years and feel confident about your road riding skills. Overseas experience is not essential. Our rides are not typical brochure holidays, although we do offer great facilities. You need to be prepared if we have unforeseen difficult situations and act as a team. Being flexible, open-minded and having a good sense of humour is key to ensure a great adventure. These situations when they do occur in our experience make us all stronger and cement our friendships. Go back to list of questions... I don't own a bike and would like some pre-trip experience? For those riders who would like to refresh their skills before starting on the tour we recommend you opt to come a day early and opt for our pre-trip training and refresher package. This covers familiarisation with your bike, basic riding skills, bike control, emergency breaking, terrain and traffic awareness and riding with a pillion passenger. This course takes 1 day and costs £365. Please indicate on the booking form if you would like this special refresher training. Go back to list of questions... Do we go off-road and do I need off-road experience? Our tours are on-road. You do not need any off-road skills to enjoy our tours. The roads are good. Occasionally we do encounter potholes or road repairs, and we sometimes also have to ford water crossings in Morocco or Northern Thailand after a downpour. There are always guides at hand to help out if you require. Go back to list of questions... What equipment and clothing must I bring? We provide new model BMW R1200GS or F650GS motorbikes. You must bring your helmet, boots, gloves and normal riding gear. Please note that you do not need heavy warm riding equipment, as our locations are all warm climates. We recommend a jacket that you can vent. Temperatures are typically 20-30 degrees but can drop to 5-15 degrees when we cross over mountain range tops. An extra pullover usually covers this well. You should also bring a set of lightweight waterproofs. For general clothing try not to bring too much as we carry everything all the time. Easy informal clothes are best, with shorts and beachwear. Please use a softbag for you extra clothing that will be carried in our support vehicles. Go back to list of questions... Do you supply bikes? Yes we do. Most riders choose to use one of our bikes. We use new 2007 model BMW R1200GS and F650GS motorbikes, famous for their comfortable, go-anywhere ability, and proven reliability. We find 70-80% of riders choose the R1200GS as it is especially comfortable when a pillion is carried due to its larger size and smooth shaft drive. The F650GS is ideally suited to shorter riders, although the ride height can be lowered for shorter riders wishing to use a R1200GS too. Both give you the joy of using the latest most modern machines available. The also have ABS fitted, lockable luggage and in Europe we have heated grips too. Go back to list of questions... Will the bike fit me? Yes, our bikes have fully adjustable seat heights. On the R1200GS we can adjust the seat height from 820mm to 780mm and if required for riders under 5' 7" we also have a low seat which can reduce the seat height by a further 20mm. The F650GS seat height is adjustable from 780mm right down to 700mm to suit riders down to a height of 5' 2". Seat heights have never been a problem. Most riders from 5' 7" and abover choose a standard seat height of 780mm. Riders over 6' tend to increase this to 800mm or 820mm. Riders under 5' 5" often select a F650GS. Don't worry though as we can set this in a few minutes when you first get you bike. Go back to list of questions... Can I bring my own bike? Yes you can. Your bike must be in good order and capable of traveling at least 250kms between refueling. We do not stipulate any brand of bike, but we would recommend a comfortable, dual-sport type bike for all tours except in Spain and Portugal where almost all bikes in good order would be suitable. When using your own bike you must also make sure you have insurance cover for the countries we ride in. We have chosen BMW's GS bikes for their comfortable, go-anywhere ability, plus their reliability. Lockable panniers are also advisable. Go back to list of questions... Do we ride on our own or as a group? We ride as a group with a lead rider, and sweeper rider. This gives you peace of mind and prevents anyone from getting lost. Our support vehicle(s) follow behind and catch us up at lunch breaks, activity stops etc. Our groups usually have a minimum of 6 riders and a maximum of 12. This number gives us just the right amount to create a good evening atmosphere ensuring plenty of good fun banter. Go back to list of questions... Can the pillion sit out some legs in the support vehicle? Yes this is one of the reasons why we always run one or two back luxury back-up support vehicles, apart from luggage transport, and to cover any breakdown possibilities. Go back to list of questions... Can non-motorbike riders also take part in the tour? Of course, passengers have the option to be a bike or support vehicle passenger. Many non-bike passengers and partners choose our tours as we cater for their needs as well. Go back to list of questions... How many kilometers or miles will I have to ride each day? Our tours are designed to cover 130 to 200 miles (200 to 350 kilometers) per day. We also add-in rest days at the best and most interesting places to stop. Very occasionally we cover up to 300 miles (500 kilometers) but this will be on very good roads. There may be unforeseen events, which would mean our expected averages might change, usually due to weather. Go back to list of questions... What are driving standards like in the countries we go to? Like everywhere there are good and bad drivers. We mostly travel on quiet roads and there is far less traffic than in the UK. Driving through the centre of London would be more challenging than where we go. Go back to list of questions... Do I need special travel insurance? No you do not. We recommend you use your normal travel insurance policy, with medical cover. Please check it covers you during a motorcycling holiday though. If you get any difficulty try Trailfinders in London. We provide all the insurances relating to the bikes themselves. Go back to list of questions... What if I have an accident? If it is only your bike that is damaged, we will try and fix this on the road and if this is not possible, it will be put in the support vehicle and taken to the nearest place where it can be repaired. You may have to travel in the support vehicle (luxury 4 x 4) until your bike can be repaired. If the bike is beyond repair (this has never happened), but in such a case you may have to finish the tour in the luxury 4 x 4 support vehicle. No refund can be made if you decide not to continue with the journey, but this cost should be covered by your insurance policy. If you are injured at all and cannot or do not wish to ride further then you can transfer into our support vehicle. For your peace of mind we also have radio and cellular communications, plus our guides have basic first aid training. If you are injured in the accident, then we will make all reasonable efforts to get you to a place where you can be appropriately treated, given where we are. You must be aware and accept that depending on our location and the country that we are in, the speed to which emergency vehicles can get to you in the event of an accident and the quality of treatment you may receive might not be to the level you expect back home. In many cases though it might also be superior too. If you have a minor injury, you may decide to continue the journey as a passenger in the support vehicle, with your bike being carried. In the event of a serious injury, then you will not be able to continue the journey and your travel insurance must cover you for treatment and repatriation to your country of origin. In this instance the tour must continue without you. You may have the option also to rejoin the tour later by flying to a further destination if you are able. Go back to list of questions... What documents do I need to bring? Everyone needs a passport that covers you in the country you are traveling too. Please check with the relevant embassy, but a standard UK, EC, US, Australian etc passport is fine for all the countries we visit. Your passport should expire 6 months after your trip finishes. Please also bring your travel insurance documents. For riders please also bring your full motorbike license. An International Drivers Permit is also recommended. For riders using their own motorbikes please bring your log book, insurance, valid MOT if applicable, a valid green card (obtainable from your insurance company if traveling to Morocco, although you can buy extra insurance at the Moroccan border.) Please make a copy of all the above documents for you and your passenger to be given to us at the start of your tour. Go back to list of questions... How do I get my bike to Marbella? For those riders bringing their own bike you can ride to Southern Spain. Go back to list of questions... What is our accommodation like? We aim to stay in 4 or 5 star hotels, beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, paradors or kasbah style, or special interest accommodation. We only ever deviate from the above list if the hotel is physically not available. We are aware our accommodation adds greatly to the value of your discovery trip and we put extra special care to find the above. At all times our hotels are clean with ensuite facilities. We also try to add extra facilities when available such as great views, saunas, spas, swimming pools, massage facilities, good bars and restaurants, fitness facilities, satellite TV and internet. Go back to list of questions... What if I do not like spicy Thai food? In Thailand our choice of food is very broad. Thai food itself is delicious and always freshly prepared, most of it without any spices too. We always have the option for western food as well. All of the local foods we eat in Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Thailand really add to the experience of your holiday. At all places you have the choices to eat western and vegetarian too. Go back to list of questions... What will the weather be like? Our riding is done in wonderful warm climates so lightweight clothing and vented jackets are the norm. It can get cold when we pass over mountain ranges so a layer of warm clothing is needed too. Rain can occur everywhere, although on most tours we do not get any, but you must bring a set of waterproofs too. Please refer to the BBC weather sites for the latest conditions. Go back to list of questions... How much spending money do I need and can I change money? You only need spending money for drinks, souvenirs and your own personal spending. We cover everything else. If you wish to dine on your own in the evening and of course many people do, then you would need to pay for you own evening meal on those occasions. Evening meals are fun though, and full of banter and good conversation about the days discoveries. You can change all major currencies in all the countries we travel too. In Morocco many smaller outlets and petrol stations do not accept credit cards, but the main places do. In Morocco only we advise to bring extra foreign currency, especially if bringing your own bike. There are ATM's in all of the countries we visit, plus all hotels change currency too. Go back to list of questions... What health precautions do I need to take? Please consult your doctor for up to the minute advice on any jabs and boosters required. It would also be a good idea to get a European EHIC insurance document if travelling through Spain and Portugal, available from the Post Office, which enables a percentage of any medical fees to be reclaimed. The EHIC has replaced the old E111 which is no longer valid. Please note no special vaccinations are required to enter Spain, Morocco or Portugal. Go back to list of questions... What if I have any special health or food conditions? It is important when you book you tour to make us aware of any special health requirements, disabilities or medications your may have or take. Please also do the same if you have any special dietary requirements. If we are not made aware then we cannot make provisions for these requirements on the tour, or assess the impact these may have on the tour. In extreme cases it may mean you not being able to participate. Go back to list of questions... Do I get collected from the airport? Yes, we will arrange for you to be collected and dropped off at the airport for all of our tours, unless you bring your own bike. If you arrive a few days early or leave a few days later as long as we are providing the accommodation on those days we can also manage your airport transfers. Go back to list of questions... Do I have any insurance excess in the event of any bike damage? Yes this is an excess or deductable amount of £950 for an R1200GS and £500 for an F650GS. This will be charged to you credit card before the start of your trip. When you first collect your bike you will check it and note any damage at all. If you damage the bike any further whilst in your care, this to include scratches, dents, cosmetic damage, lost keys, damage to luggage or any other breakages, but to exclude punctures, mechanical or any breakdown issues, then you agree for your insurance excess to be used to repair the damage and any remainder to be refunded back to me. The cost of these repairs will never be greater than your insurance excess of £950 for an R1200GS and £500 for an F650GS. In addition, if you are hiring the motorcycle and not joining one of our guided tours there is also a theft excess or deductable of £2000 for an F650GS and £3000 for an R1200GS. Go back to list of questions... Do you offer tailored or personalised tours? Yes, we do. Please call or email to discuss your requirements. We can run very tailored tours varying the dates and routes for any group size. Go back to list of questions... Where do I fly to? If you are joining any tour in Spain, Morocco or Portugal the you need to fly into Malaga airport in Spain. If flying from Europe many airlines such as Ryan Air, Easyjet, BMI Baby etc have the route very well covered with numerous flights into Malaga daily from all around the UK and Europe. If you are joining a Thai tour, then for both the Southern Beaches tours you need to get a return to Phuket. Most flights (Thai Airways, EVA Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, etc) first fly to Bangkok, where you'll change planes for the one hours hop down to Phuket. Thai Airways, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia and Orient Airways all cover this route and there are many flights daily. If your are joining the Thai Northern Mountains and Rainforest tour then you should take the same flight to Bangkok and then take a return to Chiang Mai. Again the above airlines all fly between Bangkok and Chiang Mai several times daily. For the Grand Thai Luxury Tour depending on whether you start in Chiang Mai and finish in Phuket or start in Phuket and finish in Chiang Mai you'll need to fly into one destination and leave from the other. All travel agents can book these round trips including the internal legs for you and typical prices are £400 - £600 return from any European city, US$400 - US$800 from anywhere in Asia/Australia and US$750-US$1100 from the US. We recommend you take at least one extra night stay (although most add 3-7 extra in Thailand split between the start and end of the tour) so you are fully recovered from your flight if you cross a continent to start your tour, or cross more than three time zones. If you are flying from the UK to Spain for example this requirement is not neccessary, but it's still a nice addition to you tour nonetheless, allowing you extra time to relax and explore Marbella. If you do arrive on the first day, then please try and get a flight that arrives about 12 midday on the start day of your tour, which allows us to pick you up and get you to your hotel. We realise that this can be difficult with flight times, so it is better to arrive a little earlier rather than later, because on the first day we all meet in the evening for a casual introduction, a great meal and a talk about the tour. Go back to list of questions... Can I take my helmet as cabin baggage on my flight? Our experience from guests is that you can take your helmet as cabin baggage, but don´t rely on this. We reccomend that you speak to your airline carrier prior to your flight, as airline tend to change their rules on a very ad hoc basis. Go back to list of questions...

The list below provides a summary of questions and answers of most of the questions we get asked. If you require further information on topics not covered here, then please contact us and we'll be pleased to answer them.