Guided Motorcycle Tour and Rental FAQ

We’ve compiled a list of most frequently asked questions to help you in your decision to book a tour with us. If you don’t find a question you have in mind listed below, feel free to Contact Us Here

Q: What does ALL INCLUSIVE mean?

A: Ride Free covers all the basics: One tour guide on the lead bike and the second driving the support van, breakfast, lunch, dinner, motel/hotels, gas, support vehicle for luggage, supplies ,water, and tired passengers; park fees, basic insurance, tour guides, planning, your motorcycle or vehicle rental, shuttle to and from LAX airport to the hotel we use.
A spare motorcycle and trailer is an option for a small fee per person on small tours if you want it.
We can arrange extra days for you before and after the trip, and help finding other activities on your before and after tour days.
Option of paying for your own food etc… if you like. I am very easy and flexible.

All you need to bring is a free spirit and the love of the open road.

All you have to do is show up at the airport.
We recommend the All Inclusive, the best way to Ride Free with no worries, just take the rare opportunity to unplug from the world and Ride Free! This is what it is all about.

If you are joining an All Inclusive Tour and want to pay for your food, gas, park fees, etc., I am very easy and flexible. You do chip in for the support vehicle and extra guide etc if you are on a All Inclusive Tour.

SELF GUIDED – See Self Guided Tour Page

NON INCLUSIVE – We have a less expensive Non Inclusive option for complete tours which provide the basics only:.

  • Rental motorcycle, lodging, route, daily itinerary
  • Either one guide leading in a bike, or driving the support vehicle
  •  Option of hotels pre booked like guided or self guided, or just book as we go, wherever we end up..
  • Nothing else included:  pay for own food, park fees, gas, etc

 

Q: How do meals work?

A: There is the option to opt out of the meals ahead of time. That is no problem at all. We usually have breakfast on the bikes. It is fun and scenic. We eat on the rim of the Grand Canyon for example watching the sun rise. It also allows us to hit the road. For lunch and dinner we find real neat places to eat. Usually a great local spot so you get a real honest feel for the area and the people there. We always eat at places that I would eat if I was on the road looking for a great meal.

For every meal there is a dollar amount that covers your meal. It is at the higher end of where we eat for a good meal. You can get a great meal everywhere with that amount. If you decide you want 2 lobsters and prime rib etc and go all out, all you have to do at the end of the meal is to put in the extra to us.

NOTE – We very very rarely have anyone go over, this has always worked very easily and well.

Alcohol – You pay for your own alcohol.

 

At Ride Free we want you to really experience the culture of the area. That is why we choose to stay in clean lodging with character, and to eat a local spots. Often we meet really neat people along the way at these spots.

It is about the unexpected people and experiences along the way. Not about point A to B follow the leader.

Q: What do I need to participate in a tour?

A: To drive one of our motorcycles you need:

  • A motorcycle endorsed drivers license (from any country).
  • Riding experience to a competent level.
  • To be 21 years of age or older.

Contact us, I am very happy to answer any questions and to walk you through the process.
If you or a friend doesn’t want to or qualify to ride, you may come along in a new convertible Mustang.

Q: What About Insurance?

A: VIP basic insurance waiver is included in all guided tours.
Here are the details: Motorcycle Insurance Options (click)

Q: What kind of motorcycle can I ride on a tour?

A: RideFree Motorcycle Tours has over 35 motorcycles tour participants can choose from. When you ride with us, take your pick from the following beautiful late model custom Harleys: Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTC), Softail Custom (FXSTC), Bad Boy (FXSTSB), Fat Boy (FXSTF), Dyna Wideglide (FXDWG), Dyna Low Rider (FXDL), Road King (FLHR), Electraglide (FLHT), Electraglide Classic (FLHTC), Sportster 1200 (XLH1200), Sportster 883 (XLH883). Other super custom Harleys available upon request. Choice of Harley based upon availability. We also have Goldwings, BMWs,Trikes, and other options available.

Q: Can I bring my partner on a tour?

A: Yes. Passengers are welcome on your motorcycle. Or, we can rent them a convertible Mustang to drive if you like. See rides for passenger cost.

Q: Do I need to bring a helmet?

A: No, however most participants bring their own helmets. Small lid helmets are provided at the rental store. You can also buy full face helmets at the rental store starting around $100. The rentals are not full face. There is also jackets and gear that can be rented or bought when we pick up the bikes.

Q: What do I need to bring on a tour?

A: General riding gear. Jeans, long and short sleeved T-shirts, riding shoes or boots, gloves. For summer weather, some long sleeve white T Shirts are a great idea. You will have the opportunity to put a pack in the chase vehicle, so you have some room for error in how much you pack. We also stop by Harley-Davidson shops along the way, so you can purchase things if you want. A well-defined list of items to pack will be sent to you upon completion of your reservation; or, you can request a list from us.

There is plenty of time to buy jackets, gloves, helmets, and any gear you might need at the rental store.

Mornings and evenings can be brisk. Some warm gear year round for the early mornings on Coast trips, and Spring and Fall RT 66 trips. Some light windbreaker/gear is easy and great to have. The rental store sells a $39.00 foul weather gear that is great for a windbreaker with pants for early ams etc on certain times of the year.

Some common items include:

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Long underwear
  • Windbreaker / gear
  • Sense of adventure
  • SPF 50 Sun Block

Q: How much money do I need to bring on a tour?

A: As little as you want on All Inclusive Tours. From the first to the last date of your tour all expenses are covered. That includes:

  • Motorcycle rental
  • Gas
  • Motorcycle insurance – The tour includes the basic VIP insurance, but additional medical, liability, and property insurance is available at time of bike pick up.
  • All scheduled meals
  • All lodging
  • 2 Park fees ( if the group ops while on the trip for some extra unscheduled park visits, then that is not covered )

Your only expense will be souvenirs, snacks, beer, and film.

Q: Where will we sleep on the tour?

A: Lodging ranges from 4 star hotels in Vegas, motels in Hollister, to camping in the middle of nowhere ( Camping is ONLY on custom camping tours ). Most tours include resort hotels and motels.

When available we stay at the places with the most character. I prefer the old vintage places from a bygone era with
lots of character. If we are doing a ride for your group, we can go any level when available.

Cleanliness of a hotel in very important to ride free.

We normally share rooms, 2 people in separate beds, per room. Couples will have their own room.
We do this to keep cost reasonable and still be all inclusive. Most people enjoy sharing a room with someone else on this adventure. We always have great people on tour with us. Your own personal room is available at an extra room cost, just let us know ahead of time so we can arrange it if you like. Or, decide on tour if extra rooms are available.

Hotels Before and After Tour – We can arrange your hotel before and after the tour for you in the hotel we stay in. We suggest arriving at least a night before the first LA night and start of tour, and stay at least one extra night after the last day.

You will want your rest before and after the tour. Don’t let a delayed flight ruin your trip. Also, on the last day, it is
possible to finish late in the day instead of lunch if we had a breakdown etc.

Q: If I have a motorcycle, can I ride it on one of your tours?

A: Yes, the cost is around between the cost of the normal rider fee and a passenger fee. This is great for Americans who want to meet other (and often international) riders, and for people who want to discover unknown riding locations that take a lot of time to find alone. My classic car dealership, www.sakowskimotors.com, can sell you a bike in Los Angeles to ride on tour, then handle shipping home to you anywhere in the world.

Q: Is airfare included in the tour cost?

A: No. Your tour begins in Los Angeles the day of the tour. Arrangements can be made for early Los Angeles hotel accommodations, upon request. Also, we can book your hotel for days after the tour. The hotel we use is close to the LAX airport, and has a shuttle to and from the airport, and to Manhattan and Hermosa Beach. You will want to fly into the LAX airport on tours that start in Los Angeles. We suggest arriving a couple of days early, and leaving a couple of days after the tour so you have time to rest before and after the tour.

Q: If I make a deposit, when is my final payment due?

A: If you reserve a tour with a deposit, your final payment will be due 90 days prior to your reserved tour date. If you would like to change your method of payment, contact us prior to 90 days before your scheduled tour.

It is best to get your deposit in as soon as possible so we can provide you with the best tour possible, and to reserve your spot.

Q: How Do I Pay for the Tour?

A: You can pay in full, or you can make a $500 deposit for the rider. A passenger deposit of $500 (if needed). Contact us, and we can set up payment.

Q: Can I get a refund on my deposit?

A: Yes. If you cancel a tour reservation prior to 90 days before a reserved tour, you will be refunded the full amount of your payment or deposit, minus a $250 processing fee. Full refunds will not be given to cancellations requested later than 90 days before a reserved tour due to booked hotels and motorcycle rentals. We must book hotels and bikes far in advance to be able to provide a great tour for you. It is a good idea to check in to travel trip insurance. That will cover you if you miss the tour last minute for any reason.