Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to those questions you may be considering.

Q. Why would I want to do a guided tour, rather than planning it myself?
A. Our guided tours have several advantages. We intimately know the areas we are visiting and will lead you on roads and to places that you might not have ventured to on your own, including those areas not on published maps or tour books, so you will enjoy experiences that other visitors to the region often miss.  Also, our tours give you the opportunity to share a great motorcycling holiday with other enthusiasts from other parts of the world and develop friendships that may last a lifetime.

Q. What is included in the price of a tour?
A. Your ALL INCLUSIVE "Blue Cucumber Tours" motorcycle tour will include everything you need following your arrival to the USA, including the rental of your choice of Harley Davidson motorcycles, our exclusive Ride Route 66 tour shirts, our commemorative customised leather jacket, excellent lodging, our very friendly and experienced tour guides, our Safety Support vehicle, three wonderful meals each day, basic insurance, and fuel!

Q. How can I get my luggage there?
A. Bring it with you if you can, or ship it by UPS, DHL, or other shipper to us, and we will ship it back to you by UPS at an additional charge. Your luggage will be transported from stop to stop by our chase vehicle and trailer. This allows you to concentrate on your tour and the sights, not your suitcases!

Q. What should I bring for the tour?
A. You will be provided a Blue Cucumber “Ride Route 66” customised leather riding jacket. We also suggest you bring leather riding gear including chaps, rain gear and rain boots. Casual clothes and swim suits (some of the lodging have pools and spas) and last but not least, bring a camera. For convenience, our Rental Riding Gear is available.  (One of our most popular stops is the Day One “Boot Barn” shopping trip!)

Q. How much money will I need to bring?
A. Your all-inclusive tour includes most tour expenses, but you might wish to have some pocket money for such things as souvenirs, film, gratuity and tax.

Q. What if my pillion / co-rider tires of riding on my motorcycle?
A. Our support coach vehicle will follow the group at all times, and has plenty of room for additional passengers.  Arrangements can be made to ride with the driver of the chase Vehicle If your one pillion/ co-rider tires, they can enjoy a break in the chase vehicle. We even welcome passengers in our coach, who join the tour without riding on motorcycles!  Our tours are full of activities, and pillion/ non-riding companions always have just as much fun!

Q. What happens if the motorcycle has mechanical problems?
A. Our tour guide/ lead motorcycle and support coach vehicle are in constant contact by either two way radio and or cellular phone. Any motorcycle needing repair will be exchanged (if available) from our spare bike from our Safety Support truck and repairs will be made at the nearest area dealer or shop. Our 24/7 Roadside Assistance service will also respond as needed.

Q. What kind of lodging and dining can I expect?
A. Our biker- and family- friendly motels are chosen for comfort and, often, as a historical Route 66 landmark or in a culturally important area. Lunch and evening meals are from full menus.  No one has ever gone hungry!  All included meals will be group meals.  Alcoholic beverages (at the end of the tour day only) are not included in the tour price. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during the course of the day's ride.

Q. What is a typical tour itinerary?
A. You will check into the designated lodging late each afternoon. We will have an introduction gathering in the lounge area. Typically, we will meet in the morning for breakfast at 7:00 am and depart at 8:00 am which will leave us time for stops and an early arrival at our next night's lodging.  The group's evening meals will be about 8:00 pm to give you time to freshen up after the day's ride, or you are free to eat elsewhere or on your own at your own cost if you wish. On the last day there will be a farewell breakfast and the group disperses from the hotel to start your return journey back to the UK at the end of the tour.

Q. What about custom tours?
A. We can arrange custom tours to many US and Canada locations for 8 bikes or more. Call us, and we can discuss arrangements with you.

Q. How much riding experience is necessary?
A. We recommend one or two years experience. Some of the mountain roads can be challenging but we will be touring, not racing. We will be traveling at safe speeds at all times. Average distances on our six-day tours will be about 200 to 300 miles per day, with two slightly longer days included.  It is mandatory that you have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license, except for those choosing to ride a trike.

Q. What will the roads be like?
A. Most roads will be backcountry and mountain single lane carriageways, some will be two lanes and some four lanes as we exit cities.  Not very often, but when necessary, limited access Interstate roads will be used.

Q. What kind of weather can I expect?
A. We make every effort to schedule tours during the optimum weather months for each region. Spring and Autumn can be rather cool in the mountains, and frost is not out of the question on some early mornings. The mountains are warm and pleasant in the summer with cool evenings and mornings. Schedules for travel will be rain or shine. If necessary, tour schedules will be changed to suit conditions. Dress accordingly; you can always take off extra clothing.

Q. Do I have to ride with the group?
A. These tours are designed to allow you to enjoy each day's ride. At the beginning of each day, your tour guide will provide each rider with a map of the day's route and answer any questions you may have. You can choose to either follow his lead on the planned tour route, or go off on your own and meet up with the group at a later time that day.  After a memorable day of motorcycle touring and American landscape, all tour members meet at the appointed hotel.

If you have any specific questions that have not been answered sufficiently above, please don't hesitate to contact us with your questions.

If you have any questions that are not covered above, please don't hesitate to contact us using the contact page/email form.