Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on each tour?
Do I/we have to travel with the group?
How do I know where to go if I want to go alone without the guide/group?
Are there shorter or longer tours?
What do I need to bring?
How far do I have to ride each day?
Do I have to be an experienced rider?
Who can participate?
What is included in the tour price?
How much will this cost ?
How do I secure my position in a particular date tour?
What is not included in the tour price?

Q: how many people are on each tour?

A: We run a minimum of 4, maximum of 5 bikes + the guide. With potential for 2 pillions in each tour group, this gives a total of 5 riders or a maximum of 7 people.

Q: do I/we have to travel with the group?

A: That's up to you - most days there is a choice of routes; an easy, medium and challenging. The group (and guide) generally takes the medium route, which will take in at least one mountain pass.
Each evening we check in at how everyone is going and decide on a majority basis which route will be the guided one, taking into consideration aspects such as weather etc. The easiest option usually involves one or more freeway (autobahn) style sections, and will see people arriving at the following night's stop well ahead of the rest of the group.
Ultimately the experienced guide will make the final decision - and all options are good! So there will be some opportunity to choose own daily riding companions, routing, and time schedule. The guide is always there if you want to follow the leader and not worry about maps and navigation (recommended).

Q: How do I know where to go if I want to go alone without the guide/group?

A: Daily itineraries, suggestions for things to see or do, and directions to the next nights stay is all included in daily maps. There is a briefing each night to outline the following day's suggested routes and other options available.
We can work out who would like to go on which option - e.g. a highly-skilled hardy group may all choose to take on a more challenging option (2 or more mountain passes), and if all participants feel they would like to do take this option, the guide will obviously head this way too!

Q: Are there shorter or longer tours?

A: We've found that 12 days is a good balance, considering that it will be a minimum of a fortnight out of Australia , including the flying time. It takes a couple of days for most people to shake any jetlag cobwebs, get familiar with a different bike and riding on the right-hand side of the road.
For these reasons we recommend sticking with the group for the first few 'orientation' days, although there are still options for those ready to leap into big days of riding. If you feel you are just getting into your stride at the end of our tour (and are lucky enough to have not met your time and money restrictions!!), there are options for extending the bike hire and continuing your adventure on your own.
We will certainly have brought you up a few notches in your confidence with the navigation, language and road-craft skills needed for riding in Europe. Or maybe you would like to extend your holiday after the tour with a non-motorcycling visit to other parts of Europe such as the British Isles , Northern Europe , or Spain etc, etc.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Detailed recommendations / suggestions re. clothing is sent to participants on receipt of deposit for tours; generally you will need all your regular riding apparel- helmet, boots, gloves, wet-weather gear etc. and options for both hot and cold conditions.
The bikes are equipped with one 36 litre GIVI top-box. We ask that each rider bring a magnetic tank bag such as the dri-rider city bag - should have a clear map pocket and a shoulder strap to carry when away from the bike. These combined are more than enough room for clothing/ baggage required on the tour. Much of your riding gear will be stowed in your tank-bag to get it over from Australia. Additional luggage for travel and not required for the riding may be stored at base until the completion of the tour.
We also require participants to have a mobile phone with international roaming activated. Even some 'pre-paid' sim cards now have the option of international roaming - check with your service provider.

Q: How far do I have to ride each day?

A: Minimum distances average 170km per day, with 270km being the largest minimum distance, and 75km being the shortest. These distances indicate the most direct route to the next overnight stop, and in most cases we will be taking a much less direct option i.e. the curvy stuff (fun!).
Expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours on the bike each day - or up to 8 if you want to! We also have a 2 night stop in the national parks area of eastern provincial France where you can either take a day off riding, or pack in as much more as your bum can handle.
The suggested daily rides are designed to take in the best the roads have to offer and still have time for photos and relaxing. It's fun to mix up big days with shorter ones in a cruise-day then 'go large' pattern.

Q: Do I have to be an experienced rider?

A: Yes. You need to be able to handle an open-class road bike (smallest are 650cc- see 'bikes') over a variety of road surfaces and in traffic. The European Alps are no place to learn the basics.
You should also consider that we back up 3 days of riding before resting a day, so some understanding/ experience in motorcycle touring is an advantage.
Riding on 'the wrong' side of the road is not as daunting as it sounds - it usually only takes a day or so for your brain to 'switch polarity'. As long as the operation of the bike is second-nature, attention can be focused on staying on the correct side of the road for the 'orientation' stage.

Q: Who can participate?

A: Each rider obviously must have a valid Australian (or other internationally recognized) motorcycle license. If taking a passenger, your license must allow you do so.
Passengers as young as 12 are welcome to join the group, but they need to be ready to spend extended periods on the pillion seat, same for all passengers.

Q: What's included in the tour price?

A: Return airfare (economy) from Sydney- Melbourne-Brisbane.
Bike hire - current model Kawasaki demonstrators Z750, ER650S or Versys 650.
Z1000's, KTM 950 Supermoto and 990 Adventure, GTR1400 and ZX14 all available at small aditional cost from standard hire. See bikes.
Bikes have accident/theft insurance - a 1000 euro 'at fault' deposit is required for insurance excess.
Twin-share accomodation which is a combination of off-season ski-resort lodges, pensions, gasthoff's (guest houses), and bed and breakfasts - dependent on the country we are in.
All breakfasts are also provided - quite different to Australia - true 'continental breakfasts'.
All transfers to and from Munich airport/ city, to Weilheim for bike pickup. Please contact us for exact details of what is included.

Q: How much will this cost?

A: $6890 for rider, $5470 for pillion passenger.
'Meet us in Munich' options available (arrange your own flights) - contact us for details.
Return flight dates are flexible (subject to seat availability), at no extra cost - so you can stay on in Europe after a tour. You may also choose to have a stopover on the way home (typically London / Singapore / Bangkok etc).
There is also the possibility of extended bike hire (limited availability) after Ozalps tour completion. Contact us with your requirements.

Q: How do I secure my position in a particular date tour?

A: A $600 booking deposit is required to secure a position in any tour. Spots in each tour are assigned in a first paid deposit basis.
Payment of the flight component is due within 2 weeks of final flight confirmation, or can be paid on confirmation via credit card. Full payment for the tour is required 3 months prior to the the tour commencement date. Payments can be made by direct deposit or cheque/money order.

Q: What's not included in the tour price?

A: Lunch, dinner, beverages, laundry, road tolls, fuel, items of a personal nature, and souvenirs are individual expenses. These expenses can change - depending on your priorities.
Fuel is not as bad as you'd think, at about $25 to $30 Australian dollars a tank. Count on using about a tank a day on average. But you could use 2 tanks every day if you are enjoying the riding so much...
Road tolls generally apply to the autostrasse/ strada, so if you choose that option on the day, the expense will be offset by fuel and time savings.
Most days we do lunch at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the weather and the views - but if you've had a big breakfast, you might just skip lunch. And I highly recommend a picnic on a mountainside...
Restaurants are open from about noon to 2:30 for lunch, so you can do that every day if you like, or save your appetite for a splash out in the evening.
The local beers in Europe are similarly priced to home, and the wines are often considerably cheaper.