Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of bikes are suitable for the tours?

Whilst most of our customers ride sports/sports tourers/tourers and with engines of 500cc and above, we will consider other bikes on an individual basis. ie You tell us what bike and which tour you are considering and we will let you know if we think it is suitable or what difficulties you may have on that bike on that specific tour.

What is the average age of the riders in the group?

The average age is probably between 30 and 50 but we also have riders from mid twenties to mid sixties attend. Everyone is made welcome and we usually find a good mix of age groups on most tours. The minimum age is 20.

What sort of accommodation can I expect?

All accommodation used on our tours is of a high standard and all have been personally checked by Extra Mile Bike Tour staff & associates. While comfort, cleanliness, friendliness are top of our list of criteria, we also focus on and bike security and try to use accommodation that offers other amenities nearby such as restaurants, banks, shops etc.

Do you cater for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes! Quite often a number of our clients are vegetarian's so we make special provision for you on the Booking Form. Please let us know IN ADVANCE what your specific requirements are so that we can put in requests for you at the tour Hotels / B&B's.

What documentation do I need to take with me?

You will need to take your UK European Driving Licence (both parts), V5 Logbook, Personal Travel/Medical and vehicle insurance documentation, European Breakdown Recovery, a valid Passport for the ferry crossing check-ins and at custom check points, and European Health Insurance Card EHIC (https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do).

Is there a luggage van?

No! Whilst some of our tours are accompanied by a safety vehicle this is not for carrying luggage. All riders should pack and plan to be riding with their luggage daily. The only exception to this is if we have a permanent base for the tour and are returning there each night. Then there is no need to ride with all your luggage daily. We would reccomend that tank bags are taken each day. They are very handy.

What happens if I breakdown?

This is always a question at the back of every riders mind. Although all tour members are required to have there own European breakdown/recovery cover, as you are riding in group, you won't be on your own for long if at all. Our experienced tour guides have managed many breakdown situations from minor to major mechanical failures, so you can rest assured that nobody gets left behind.

What should I pack?

As part of each comprehensive tour information pack, we'll send you our suggested kit list of must take items along with some suggested additions. From experience, most people take too much. Everyone is different and some will have hard panniers whilst some will use soft or throw overs. Our advice would be pack what you think you need then unpack it get rid of half of it and repack. Whatever you decide to take, don't overload. Remember the handling of the bike will be effected by your luggage.

Should we come on a UK tour before going on a tour abroad?
This is definitely not essential however, if you have never toured in a group before, it’s a great way to see if you like it.

How far do we ride each day?
Mileages will vary every day, usually in relation to what we are trying to achieve. If travelling on French/Belgian & German Motorways enroute to destinations further afield, then we can cover as much as 350 miles in a day. This is compared to riding in the Alps, it can be as little as 80 miles. Once at our destination, we leave time to visit attractions, have lunch, or just stop for a brew. You will find estimates of daily mileages and totals for each tour within the tour details in our fully comprehensive information packs.

What happens on ‘rest’ days?
On the tours where our destination is to be our base for more than just an overnight stay, we usually allocate rest days where your time is your own, so please feel free to do as you wish. Within your Tour Pack will be information on local attractions, or your guide will be able to suggest some possible places of interest to visit Alternatively you may just want to wander the local town/village and sample the local beers. There will also be a number of guided tours, which you are welcome to join.

I have never been on tour before - will I hold everybody up?
No, as we continually remind people, our tours are motorbike holidays /tours, not a race! Whenever there is a group of riders together, you will always get a wide range of experience and riding abilities. We are quite used to this. You will never be asked or expected to ride beyond your capabilities. However, you owe it to yourself and the other members of the tour to be a competent rider and choose a tour within your riding capabilities.

How do we book a tour?
Once you have made your choice, we suggest you ring us on 0845 269 0854 or alternatively you can email us at bookings@extramilebiketours.com to ensure that places are still available. If you then wish to book, you need to complete the Booking form and send it to us with payment or alternatively email us in order for us to take payment via credit card. We will not hold a place for anyone untill such time as we receive either payment in full or deposit. All our tours are booked on a "first come first served basis". Upon our receipt of your Booking Form and payment, you will be sent a Booking Confirmation Invoice showing the remaining tour balance and when it is due where applicable.

Can I pay in instalments?
Yes! Whilst we believe our tours are good value for money, we also understand that any holiday can be quite a financial commitment. A growing number of customers like to pay in instalments, so give us a ring and we will be quite happy to come to an arrangement. We strongly urge you to take out some kind of holiday cancellation insurance in the unfortunate event of you being unable to come on tour due to redundancy or illness.We will accept Staged payments / installments made by cheque. However, staged payments made by credit card are subject to a handling fee of 2.5% per transaction. You will receive a booking confirmation, along with terms and conditions, the payment schedule for the tour and an invoice. Failure to send prompt payment may result in cancellation of your booking.

Is my money safe?

All monies paid to Extra Mile Bike Tours are held in a Trust/Holding Account until such time as the tour has been completed. Only then are the funds released for general/business use.

What happens next?
Once we receive the balance for your tour, we will issue a final receipt, together with any relevant information. A fully comprehensive Tour Information Pack will then be sent 21 days before departure – however, please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you may have.

If you have any other questions please check our Terms & Conditions before giving us a call.

A diverse team but mainly from military backgrounds, we all have a passion for bikes and for travel. Professional CBT & DAS motorbike trainers, survival instructors, first aid instructors, bike fanatics and businessmen make up an energetic, organised team with the key ingredient that brings it all together.....a sense of humour.

Between us we have lived in, and travelled across, every continent across the globe on all sorts of mode of transport both during our time in the military and afterwards.

We understand the needs of both the individual and the group when it comes to traveling through unfamiliar areas and even foreign countries and maybe for some, for the first time as a group. Working as a team, from the back office staff making bookings, to the tour guides looking after you throughout the trip, we will ensure that each and every day, of every tour is as fulfilling as it possibly can be with everything organised and running smoothly.

We work hard, we go that EXtra Mile to make sure you enjoy the rides, the scenery, the sights, the culture and the instruction on offer. ve any questions or queries.

We go that EXTRA MILE to ensure your enjoyment, mile after mile.........