Terms and Conditions

Statement:

The purchase of this tour package offered by Blue Cucumber Tours constitutes a contractual agreement between Blue Cucumber Tours (hereinafter referred to as the sponsor), and the tour participant(s), and tour passenger(s) if applicable, (hereinafter referred to as the participant), and represents the acceptance of, and the agreement with, the following Terms and Conditions.

Tour Registration:

Upon receipt of your completed Tour Registration Application and Tour Reservation Deposit, (and the successful clearing any of said deposit, if required), the participant will receive a confirmation letter from the sponsor stating the participant is registered for the selected tour.

Responsibility:

The decision of each participant to participate in any lengthy motorcycle tour should be made on a voluntary basis, based on each participant's own assessment of his or her overall riding abilities and physical condition. The chosen Tour is not designed for, or appropriate for the novice rider. The tour contains a pre-defined number of days of continuous riding (As stated for each specific tour), with an average daily travel of 290 miles. If you do not think, with complete confidence, that you will be able to ride for the selected number of consecutive days, consisting of about 8 to 9 hours of activities each day, then maybe this is not the motorcycle tour for you. Each participant must assume all risks associated with operating a motorcycle on unfamiliar roadways. Each participant should be comfortable with and capable of handling areas of challenging road and harsh weather conditions. While most of the tour route traverses older two-lane highways and interstates, some areas of roughly paved road surface will be encountered. Some small areas of the tour route will have a gravel surface, and some may be dirt, both of which the group will proceed across slowly and with caution. Some sections of the tour route in western Arizona are quite narrow, have sharp curves with no guardrails and the visibility around those curves is severely limited. Beware. It is the responsibility of each participant to get acquainted with the applicable traffic laws, rules and regulations for motorcycle travel within any US state that the path of the tour travels through. A link to the laws of each state has been posted on the Links page of the website. Each participant is responsible for himself / herself and for damages inflicted onto other participants and / or members of the public and / or any personal or public property. Your signature on this document is a personal agreement to indemnify and hold harmless Blue Cucumber Tours and it's agents and / or employees from any claims by any party arising out of the sponsoring of and / or participation in said tour or any of its components. This liability is not excluded or reduced if the participant is following the tour guide's directions or instructions. Each participant must adjust their speed and / or control of their own driving and / or own riding according to their own skills and the roadbed conditions and concern for their own safety, as well as the safety of their own passenger (if applicable), and especially the safety of the other participants and their passengers, who are also participating in the tour. Blue Cucumber Tours are for experienced motorcyclists only, and are open only to participants holding a current and valid UK driving licence with an UNRESTRICTED motorcycle endorsement. Proof of the same must be submitted during the application process (A copy MUST be attached to the Registration Form). The sponsor, the tour operator and their designees reserves the right to accept or reject any tour participant on an individual basis for any reason deemed appropriate by the sponsor. The sponsor reserves the right to completely cancel a tour and apply all deposits to a future tour at its sole discretion. The sponsor also reserves the right to alter any tour itinerary for the comfortable or convenient daily operation of said tour due to any unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to harsh riding weather and / or conditions, and also if the tour guide feels the safety and / or health of the tour participants may be compromised. The sponsor does not assume responsibility for your personal health, your physical condition and / or your safety, and makes no assessment as to the participants physical ability to join the tour, driving ability etc.

Liabilities:

Blue Cucumber Tours, its tour guides, or any of its agents and / or representatives, shall not be liable for any personal injury, property damage (including your motorcycle or any part thereof) or loss arising out of an individual's participation in the tour and expressly disclaim any liability for any injury, property damage, lost luggage and / or loss, delay, change of itinerary, shortened vacation time, inconvenience and / or additional expenses. The sponsor shall further not be liable for damages, refund or otherwise for mechanical breakdowns, government actions, acts of God, strikes, harsh riding weather or any other circumstances beyond the control of the sponsor. The above even applies to any case where the participant had followed the tour guide's instructions. Your signature on this document is a personal agreement to indemnify and hold harmless Blue Cucumber Tours, and it's agents and / or employees from any claims by any party arising out of the sponsoring of and / or participation in said tour.

Tour Route, Daily Mileage and the Importance of Time:

Each participant must remember and keep in mind (with a positive attitude) that this tour allows the tour group to cover a significant distance within the United States in the relevant number of days specific to the chosen tour. Distances averaging 290 miles of riding during every day of the tour is typical and required. While 290 miles does not sound like an extremely long ride for a whole day, it is important to remember that the tour group will be travelling on mostly smaller two-lane highways, with lower maximum speed limits, along with curves and hills ... and two-way traffic and at the pace of the slowest rider within the group. Travelling in a long group with a support vehicle will also make passing very difficult, you MUST ONLY pass other vehicles when you consider it is safe to do so. The tour group will also be stopping frequently along the way to experience the various attractions and historical icons which await each of us along the tour route. It will be of utmost importance for each participant to get up on time each morning and be ready to climb on the saddle and begin at the pre-arranged time. Stops along the way will also be for an allotted time period and these time periods must be adhered to as closely as possible. The daily pace for the tour has been researched, carefully selected and plotted in detail to provide each participant with the most enjoyable "cross section" of what is available to see and experience during the chosen tour route. The intent of the rigid time schedule is to allow each participant the rare opportunity to experience and to discover as much as is possible in 6 days, of the history, the lore, the culture and the overall excitement of travelling through the real America.

Accommodation:

All accommodation will be included and provided for the duration of the tour. To make the tour affordable, pleasurable, and as relaxing as possible, every effort has been made to secure reasonable, clean, comfortable and secure lodging along the tour route. Some modern hotels in the cities have been selected, along with a few extraordinary inns and lodges along the tour route, and last, but not least some older, clean and well kept period motels from the hey day. Appropriate single occupancy accommodation is provided each night. Some may have swimming pools and/or spas. Double occupancy is used for Rider and Pillion.
 
Meals:

The tour package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Some mornings, there will be a Continental Breakfast included at the hotel / motel. A couple of other included specialty meals are included and described elsewhere in the itinerary. Any additional meals are not included and are at each participant's complete option and additional cost. Alcohol Will NOT be included or purchased by Blue Cucumber Tours in any circumstances. However, alcohol may be purchased and paid for separately by an individual IN MODERATION during the evening only. Alcohol is prohibited at all times during the tour, other than during the evening meals, and moderation is required at the risk of being prevented from participating in the next days’ activities at the sole discretion of the tour operator. Water will be available and provided at all times.

Travelling Speed:

Travelling speeds on Interstate Highways in the western United States are higher then in the UK and it is required to travel safely within the posted speed limits.

Tour Travel Information:

Each rider will receive all of the necessary information, addresses and phone numbers for each day. 

Luggage:

Each participant will be required to produce their luggage at the support vehicle each morning prior to the designated start time in order for it to be loaded for the duration of the days riding. Hand luggage will be accessible from the support vehicle during lunch and dinner stops only if required.

Travel Insurance:

Participants are required to purchase travel insurance on their own prior to departure, and said insurance must include coverage for partaking in a motorcycle tour. Please recognise that Blue Cucumber Tours do not offer nor provide this coverage. Please contact your professional insurance representative for advice.

Flights and Air Travel:

Blue Cucumber Tours do NOT include Flights as part of the purchased Tour. It is your responsibility to make your own flight arrangements. If you miss your flight, it will be your responsibility to make alternative arrangements, and the group will continue as scheduled. No refunds are available.

Tour Briefings:

Each participant is responsible for arriving at the first nights accommodation in plenty of time for the Tour briefing. The timing for the briefing will be communicated prior to departure. Each participant (Rider and or Pillion) MUST attend the Tour Briefing. This briefing will cover important information regarding the safety of the tour group, it is therefore compulsory for ALL participants to attend this briefing.

Additional Expenses:

Each participant is responsible for their flights, shipping (if applicable), additional meals (except as noted), daily snacks and refreshments, souvenirs, film, cameras, laundry service and any tips.

Laundry Service:

Each tour participant is responsible for his or her own laundry service. Try to bring enough clothes for the tour duration. laundry facilities are available at some of the hotels/motels, service is not available every evening.

Mobile Phone:

It is a requirement that each tour participant has a mobile phone and charger (with US adapter) in their possession in case they should get lost or become detached from the group or in case of an emergency. You should confirm coverage whilst in the US with your phone provider. The tour guides will distribute their numbers during the initial tour briefing. You will need to keep your mobile phone handy at all times during the tour for any important communication, or due to any necessary last minute changes in the itinerary.

Photo Rights:

Any rights to any digital images or filming taken along the tour and / or taken of the tour participants themselves, which are obtained by the tour guide, or an outside entity, during the tours, are to remain the express property of the sponsor and may be used in any commercial publications, commercial, documentary and / or website at the sole discretion of the sponsor and / or the outside entity.

Complaints during the Tour:

Should any participant have a legitimate complaint, despite the thoroughness the sponsor has applied to the overall logistics, planning and daily execution of any tour component, said complaint shall not be openly discussed, especially in a heated way, in the presence of the other tour participants but shall be made verbally to the sponsor's tour guide immediately and if necessary followed up in writing within 14 days post tour. This process is required and must be adhered to in an effort to keep the overall positive attitude and camaraderie between the participants and tour guide on a light hearted, enjoyable and focused basis so all participants may wholeheartedly enjoy their tour of a lifetime.

Daily Restroom Visits ("The Loo"):

For the convenience and respect of others on the tour, if you are the type of person who must visit the loo for 20-25 minutes every morning around 10:00, you will most likely get left behind, with the opportunity to catch up at our next stop or two. Each rider has a complete route map and detailed directions, so you can catch up. Every scheduled stop has restrooms.

Tour Structure & Itineraries:

Blue Cucumber reserves the right to cancel or change any tour in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances. If unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to alter itineraries, travel routes, hotels, and restaurants as required. Should cancellation or change be necessary, Blue Cucumber will offer you the choice of an alternative tour date. Blue Cucumber is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected by our cancellation or changes.

Rental Bikes:

Motorcycles are provided via a rental company to each rider individually and is included the tour price. All of our bikes are late-model Harley Davidson*, and some have saddlebags and a windscreen. The different models are available on a first-come basis, so reserve early. Please review your rental agreement for all details of your contract. Your Registration form requires you to choose your 1st and 2nd choice from those listed on the RideRoute66.co.uk website. Your choice of motorcycle may not always be available, and thus the rental company reserves the right to change or substitute motorcycle models in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances. * Trademark of Harley Davidson Inc.

Tour Reservations:

To make your tour reservation, you can request the Registration Form by completing the required information fields on the Contact Us page of the website. You will then be sent a PDF Registration document which includes these Terms and Conditions. Print off, complete and return it along with the deposit and copy of your driving license.

Payment Policy:

A deposit of £2,000 will be required for each rider and a £1,000 deposit for each pillion / passenger to reserve space on a tour. Payment is required at the time of submitting your Registration form. The balance is due no later than 8 weeks prior to the tour. Blue Cucumber Tours has the right to cancel your reservation and apply cancellation charges as indicated below if payments are not received as required.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

• Your Tour payment (deposit payment and final payment) is NON REFUNDABLE within eight weeks prior to the tour start date. However, if for any reason you have to alter your tour dates more than eight weeks prior to the scheduled tour start date, your payments will be transferred to an alternative tour.

• Circumstances beyond our control will include, but will not be limited to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, war or threat of war, civil unrest, bad weather (forecast or active), change in foreign office advice or industrial action.

• We cannot pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, cover any loses or accept responsibility, if due to circumstances beyond our control we have to change your holiday after booking. Circumstances beyond our control will include but will not be limited to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, war or threat of war, civil unrest, bad weather (forecast or active), change in foreign office advice or industrial action.

• There will be no refunds for unused services or accommodations once the tour has started.

• As stated previously, purchasing travel insurance / trip cancellation insurance is a requirement of each participant on the tour.

Safety:

Some states' law requires that a safety helmet must be worn while operating or riding on a motorcycle. Some adjacent states of (Arizona, New Mexico and Utah) do not have compulsory helmet laws. Blue Cucumber Tours requires that a helmet be worn for comfort and safety at all times while riding on our tour. Blue Cucumber Tours prohibits tour participants (including pillion) from consuming alcohol or taking illegal drugs while operating on any of our motorcycles. Anyone found to have consumed alcohol or illegal drugs prior to or during any day's ride will be prohibited from riding for the remainder of the tour. Blue Cucumber Tours reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any tour participant at any time for any reason. Any illegal drug use or possession will be reported to the authorities. Blue Cucumber Tours uses a “2 yellows and you’re off” card system for the safety of all tour participants. At the discretion of the tour guides/staff you will receive a “Yellow Card” for behaviour deemed to be dangerous / unacceptable. This is meant as a warning. A second “Yellow Card” will be issued as a final warning followed by a “Red Card”, on receipt of a red card you will lose the right to continue with the days ride and be required to travel in the bus. At this time it may be necessary to remove you from the tour all together. The Blue Cucumber Tour guides decision is final, additionally, they reserve the right to produce a red card with no warning in extreme circumstances.

The Weather:

The weather conditions along any extended tour route may eventually yield rain. During most of the tour the weather will be dry and hot, with higher temperatures in Arizona and California. Rain gear for each participant is a requirement for the tour. If the rain becomes too strong, and the road conditions become dangerous, the tour guide will stop the tour participants and assemble the group. A vote will be taken to; a) to seek temporary shelter and wait the rain out, or b) cancel the days activities. This decision is to be made by the tour operator, and is final and not subject to discussion. If areas or attractions of that days tour itinerary are missed due to a complete rain out or due to harsh weather conditions, the option of backtracking along the tour route to see said areas or attractions the next day is not possible and will not be considered, as the tour itinerary must be kept on schedule because of the reservation schedule of the nightly motels / hotels. If severe weather is encountered, such as lightning, hail, high cross winds, dust storms and / or the possibility of a tornado, that days riding may be cancelled due to the safety, health and welfare of each participant. This may lead to the of an extra nights' accommodation for each participant. In such a drastic case, said extra cost for the accommodation must be paid by the participant. Also the group will need to travel the interstate the next day to make up the lost day.
  
The weather in California and the desert southwest is generally mild with temperatures between 60F [15C] and 95F [35C]. Mountain temperatures are cooler and may dip into the 40's F [5-10 C] in the early morning hours. The Blue Cucumber Tours operate during the spring and early autumn to avoid the peak summer heat. Prior to the tour date, Blue Cucumber Tours will provide you with a comprehensive list of things to bring (and not bring) to make your tour experience as comfortable as possible. Under no circumstances shall Blue Cucumber Tours be held responsible for rain, wind, snow or other weather conditions, nor can your tour participation be cancelled or amended by you on the basis of rain, wind, snow or other weather conditions.

Equipment Problems:

• The Tour bikes are well-maintained late-model Harley-Davidsons. If a motorcycle becomes inoperable due to mechanical failure and the problem cannot be reasonably resolved under the terms of your rental contract with the rental company, a replacement motorcycle will be provided, but the possibility of a day or more to make the replacement is possible due to the remote area of most tours: every efforts will be made to minimize any delays.
 
• If a motorcycle becomes inoperable for any reason other than mechanical failure, it will not be replaced.
 
• Blue Cucumber Tours provide a high quality lock for each motorcycle that must be used at all times when the motorcycle is unattended. A stolen motorcycle will not be replaced.
 
• Blue Cucumber Tours will not be liable for missed reservations or other expenses incurred as a result of any motorcycle breakdown or loss.

Insurance:

Blue Cucumber Tours carries no insurance of any form for your liability nor personal injury during the tour. This coverage is available as part of your rental contract with the rental company. You have many protection options which you should review with the rental company and with your licensed insurance advisor. A security deposit will be authorized on your credit card when you pick up your motorcycle and will be refunded when the motorcycle is returned with no damage.

Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of Blue Cucumber Tours to properly arrange and conduct your tour as per the tour descriptions contained herein. However, Blue Cucumber Tours and its own employee and agents shall not be responsible for, and shall not accept liability for any claims, damages, losses, costs or expenses arising from: (a) Personal injury, disease, sickness, or death, however caused, while engaged on or by reason of your participation on any Blue Cucumber Tour whether due to maintenance, use, operation or control of any motorcycle, automobile, hotel, airline or other common carrier used in conjunction with the tour. (b) Loss or damage to luggage or other property. We recommend you purchase travel insurance covering loss, damage or theft of luggage and personal belongings. (c) Delay, failure or loss resulting during a Blue Cucumber Tours tour due to the actions of hotel operators, airlines and other common carriers, other suppliers, or due to government action, mechanical breakdown, weather, labour disputes, terrorism, acts of war, acts of God, or any other causes beyond Blue Cucumber Tour’s direct control.