Frequently asked Questions |
It is completely acceptable and even advisable that before you choose your tour operator with whom you'll venture on a Harley-Davidson® with, to compare the different products offered.
This is why we decided to explain the certain rationale for our choices in operation and in general the traps to avoid. |
> What is the best time to travel the American West?
Some tourist sights are situated at high altitude. Yosemite National park, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon are approximately 3000 meters above sea level. As a general rule San Francisco is quite cold and the west coast is made temperate by the currents of the Gulf Stream. Unless you avoid the National Parks, you must wait until May to start travelling and then stop at the end of September. In June, spring is in the air and the heat is bearable. No tour operator can promise perfect weather but by touring between May to September, you stack all the chances on your side! |
|
|
> Why offer high standard accommodation?
The amount of rooms booked by West Forever and Live the Dream each year in each hotel, allows us to negotiate the best rates possible in the best hotels. For Route 66 the selection is sometimes limited and we always book the best of what is available in the area. The quality of the hotels does not negate a difference in price compared to a company offering accommodation of lower standards. In any case, our clients will tell you, how pleasant it is, after a long day on a bike in the heat of the desert, to rest in a relaxing room, with air-conditioning, comfortable beds and a hotel equipped with a pool or a Jacuzzi. The quality and the originality of the place are also criteria used to choose our hotels.
And finally, this is very important, the proximity to the sights is absolutely essential. Imagine that after viewing the sunset over the Grand Canyon you had to ride back to Flagstaff, the first town outside the National Park, to sleep... over 100 km away. ... Unless of course you don't mind missing out on the magical sunset over the Grand Canyon! |
|
|
> Why choose to ride together, in groups of 10/12 bikes and take a guide?
Firstly, riding together is for sociability but also for the simple pleasure of sharing the experience. To have to wait for technical support, if happened to be required, (which is rare) under the desert sun for 1 to 2 hours, will at least ruin your day! On top of this, in certain times of the year, you must drink large amounts of water. The nearness of our support van and its cool water is a cause for comfort and also security! Keep in mind also, that space for 2 weeks of luggage on a bike is very limited. Our support van also transports your luggage. And finally, clients of West Forever and Live the Dream will ride miles of road across America, the probability of an accident is real. The proximity of the van, equipped with first aid and a mobile phone, could be critical. Be careful, some tour operators are not very explicit about the guide and minimise their importance. Without a guide, it's impossible to be certain that you will arrive at each destination each evening. If you miss one hotel, good luck catching up with the next one... and travelling without a hotel booking in the middle of the high season... nearly impossible! Not applicable to Route 66 and Run to Sturgis. |
|
|
> Why include the petrol on our Guided Tours?
Imagine a group of 10 bikes, all paying individually for petrol. Each takes 3 minutes to pay (if you are lucky and your credit card works OK). This is a waste of 30 minutes at each petrol station, which amounts to 1 1/2 to 2hrs a day waiting amidst petrol fumes. With West Forever, your guide pays for petrol. If this is not included in the price of other tour options, it will add extra dollars to you budget each day! Not applicable to Route 66 and Run to Sturgis. |
|
|
> Why include supplemental liability insurance?
This insurance provides up to 1 million dollars of supplemental liability protection against claims made by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained in an accident. This insurance is usually not included in travel insurance when riding a motor bike. It is much better to have that peace of mind.
|
|
|
> What guaranty do we have that the tour will depart?
On paper not any; no agency will give you a 100% guaranty. The only thing that can be guaranteed is the refund of 100% of the tour cost. The best guaranty we can give you is that by working with West Forever, a company running successfully for 10 years, we have chosen very carefully the number of tours we offer.
Before you choose the organisation with whom you'll decide to go, check the number of tours programmed and the increase from one year to the next. Be careful, some organisers, instead of cancelling, have the right to increase the price if the minimum numbers is not achieved. This is not of course the case of Westforever or Live the Dream. |
|
|
> Should we take a trip where cars and bikes are mixed?
Not if you like to ride a motorbike!
If you must take your mother in law, sure! This is your choice... |
|
|
> In what technical state will be the Harley-Davidson?
The quality of your Harley-Davidson will be the quality of your trip and will depend on the quality of the rental shop. There is in Los Angeles some real "rip off artists" who offer shady deals. We have had some bad experiences in the past. This is why today we work exclusively with Route 66 Riders, where the Boss Glenn Bartels, son of Bill Barters the most renowned dealership in America. Their entire bikes are serviced by mechanics, qualified by Harley-Davidson®, in accordance with the Harley-Davidson ® Company. West Forever breakdowns are not frequent and most of the time they are simple problems such as a battery or punctured tyre due to the heat. The support van following the group has a repair kit and the guide has sound mechanical knowledge. The success of your trip will also depend at the speed at which you'll obtain your bike on your first day. Route 66 Riders is only a few hundred metres from your hotel, which will save you a tedious bus transfer to the rental shop. Before you sign for your trip, don't hesitate to enquire about the condition of the bikes and the reputation of the rental shop. It is your right! |
|
|
> What specific "Harley" experience has the tour operator?
Dominique Dillenbourg, Director of West Forever, has more than 13 years experience in the Harley-Davidson® industry. He was a district manager with the Harley-Davidson® company. He was later the founder of the Harley-Davidson® Chapter (the biggest dealership then of Europe) then Mulhouse before dedicating himself to West Forever. Avoid all the opportunist organisers, the knowledge of the speciality of Harley-Davidson® and the expectations of a Harley-Davidson® rider is essential to the success of your trip. Make sure also that your guide has the right knowledge and that this is not a summer job for a college student. This is a difficult job with serious responsibilities that can only be given to people with experience. Check as well how many years experience the organisers have on this type of travel. |
|
|
> What else should I read between the lines?
The most expensive part in the cost of your trip is your bike rental. Before you compare, check how many full days of rentals you have. |
|
|
> What about the Route 66?
This is a semi-guided tour. It was first included in a West Forever programme in 2003 to celebrate the 100 years of Harley-Davidson®. A group of 35 bikes rode all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles - 3800km! Route 66 has a kind of compulsory one way drive, from East to West. It is the historic route! But, this increases the tour cost due to the one way rental. A long road, Route 66 is a legend and to ride it once in your life is to enter the legend. The “Mother Road” is still making a few dreams come true. |
|
|
> How not to pay the single supplement if I am travelling alone?
You can request us to find another traveller to share a room with you. We will contact other single riders on the tour with your request. There is no guarantee though. |
|
|
> Are the prices fixed?
The fluctuation of the dollar is a real problem for organisers of international tours and travel. It is impossible to predict the dollar value and prices are provided as a guide only and may vary due to changes in taxes or charges or due to currency fluctuations. Please check all prices and information before booking. Please note that the price of your holiday may change at any time up to 30 days before your departure if any new taxes or charges are introduced or if any existing taxes or charges are varied, even after you have paid all or part of the quoted price of your holiday. Live the Dream will endeavour to notify you immediately if there is a price increase. |
|
