FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

I can organise a trip myself! Why should I go with a company?
Anyone can organise a trip! Especially now with GPS and the Internet but a tour is something different. Apart from the obvious reason e.g. support, guide, peace of mind it is the camaraderie and the social aspect which is one of the main reasons even experienced bikers keep coming back year after year. Meeting new people and making friends is the order of the day. If you have never travelled in this way before just give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

What information will I receive?
Our tour pack contains a tour manual which gives help and advice on riding abroad, legal information for the various countries you will visit, suggested packing lists plus a list of documents you will require for your tour. The pack will also contain detailed maps, routes and GPS data. We supply all this information in digital format (a cd which can be run from any computer). If you have any problems or you do not have access to a computer, just let us know and we will send you printed copies.

Is the support vehicle and guide readily available?
All Global Touring UK tours are fully supported with guide and support vehicle*. Tour members will be provided with contact numbers for the guide and support vehicle before the commencement of any tour. Tour members who decide to travel away from the group will still be able to contact either the guide or support vehicle and will enjoy the same level of support as the group.

Can you carry my luggage?
Dependent on the size of the group we may be able to carry all or maybe a limited amount of your luggage. In all cases we will endeavour to carry the heavier items leaving you free to enjoy your tour.

What about breakdowns or if I am sick?
Tour members are obliged to obtain ‘Breakdown and Recovery Insurance’ prior to any tour which would facilitate the repatriation of the bike back to the UK. Our support vehicle is always on hand to recover the bike back to the hotel or to the nearest dealership. In all instances, Global Touring UK will be on hand to assist in any eventuality. The support vehicle is at your service and included in the tour price.

What standard of accommodation can I expect?
All accommodation used on our tours have been personally checked by Global Touring UK. Our criteria are cleanliness, comfort, facilities, food and bike security. Some of our hotels have swimming pools, saunas and health facilities which are available to all our tour members. Tour members will be provided with all contact information for all Hotels before the commencement of any tour. Our half board hotels provide a three or sometimes four course meal. The quality of the food is one of the major considerations for Global Touring UK when selecting our tour hotels.  We do not always use the hotel for evening meals as some of our destinations provide exceptional local restaurants. In this case an evening restaurant will be chosen for the group but tour members are not obliged to join if they wish to explore further.

Where do we eat lunch?
Anywhere! We have frequent breaks along the way for fuel, food and toilet breaks. Lunch could be in a mountain side café enjoying the views over the valley, a road side diner or occasionally if we have enjoyed a late breakfast we may just enjoy a snack while refuelling. We will not see you hungry.

What speeds do you ride at?
When riding in the group the pace is always dictated by weather, road conditions and rider’s abilities. All tour members are issued with maps and route information (including GPS data) enabling the more experienced riders to ride at their own pace if they so choose. This is a tour and not a race and the idea is for everyone to enjoy the experience and to always ride within their riding capabilities.   

Do you accept children on tour?
Unfortunately due to the conditions of our indemnity insurance we cannot accept anyone under the age of 18 years old

Are women welcome on your tours?
Of course! We have noticed that more and more women are leaving the pillion seat and becoming riders themselves. We think this is brilliant and welcome women as rider or pillion.

How long will I be expected to ride each day?
Daily distances are dependent on road conditions, terrain and destination, but the normal is between 150 to 250 miles per day. We use motorways ONLY when necessary*, mainly to avoid towns where tour members can be separated by traffic lights and junctions. We always aim to arrive at our chosen destination with ample time to relax before our evening activities. Although all routes have been checked it is sometimes necessary to detour to avoid seasonal traffic or road works, therefore all GPS and Route data supplied by Global Touring UK should only be used as a guide and not THE BIBLE.

Will my bike be suitable?
As a lot can depend on rider and experience therefore it is not easy to recommend a particular bike or model. Most bikes on the tours are 600cc and above and capable of sustaining speed and power all day. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your bikes suitability.

Do the group always ride together?
No, you are always able to leave the group if you prefer to make your own way at your own pace. We only ask to be given an approximate route in case of emergencies (see ‘is the support vehicle and guide readily available).

What experience do I need to ride on the continent?
Please read our customer testimonials on the ‘Gallery’ page. Hopefully these should answer any questions you may have.

What items should I bring?
You will receive a ‘Tour Manual’ in your tour confirmation pack which will contain a suggested packing list of clothing, medical supplies and documentation. We do carry all essential items such as irons and hair dryers in the support vehicle as well as some medicine and toiletries. Also contained in your confirmation pack is information on driving laws, group riding and general touring tips.

Personal, Accident and Breakdown Insurance
Global Touring UK requires that all tour members obtain adequate insurance cover before undertaking any tour and may be asked to provide evidence of cover prior to the tour. The insurance should cover recovery, repair and repatriation of the bike to the UK. Personal insurance should cover medical expenses and personal repatriation back to the UK. Also loss of cash, credit cards and personal items should be covered. You should always carry a European Health Insurance Card  which entitles you to free emergency medical cover in most countries (click here for information). You should also check that your insurance covers you for loss of payments due to late cancellation.

How do you provide for my financial protection?
The 1992 Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations require all holiday organizers to make provision for the protection of holidaymakers’ money in the event of the company’s insolvency. In accordance with the regulations Global Touring UK Ltd will hold all clients’ money in trust until such time as your tour is completed.


Any further questions please download ‘Terms & Conditions’ which are available
with our ‘Booking Form’ or email info@globaltouringuk.co.uk




* for logistical reasons the support vehicle is not available on the Spain tour
* due to the mileage required to comfortably reach our coastal destination, some motorways are used for our trip down to Spain