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No 7 a.m. reveille nor 10 p.m. taps! No “this is the route for the day and we'll meet for lunch at Homer’s restaurant at 12:15 sharp!” No regimentation! No “you must!” No “it has to be!”

These are tours that are not “tours!” Having pioneered Alpine mountain motorcycle touring, the Beachs know that individuals need rest and relaxation; the peace and serenity that come from getting away from organized entertainment and activities; time to be the explorer; time for peaceful reflection in a setting of great natural beauty and spectacular views.

The Beachs stress the joy of individual exploration. By removing the obstacles and minimizing the problems, we provide an exceptional and memorable experience for the first time visitor as well as the experienced international tourer.

Our company was established in 1960 and our first European motorcycle trip was in 1969. We conducted our first tour of the Alps during the spring of 1972 and have conducted tours continuously since then. We now have a presence in Europe as Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland with an office in Munich. Each member of the Beach organization has a personal commitment to make your vacation trouble-free and totally satisfying.

Details have been taken care of. Now it’s time to simply relax and enjoy!

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Most of our tours are of two full weeks duration. Beach’s definition of a two week tour means 14 nights in hotels, 13 days use of the motorcycle. We don't fudge the length of your tour by telling you that the two days you spend in the air are a part of your vacation, even if others in the industry do.

While we do not require riding every day, we do spend two to four days on the road between double overnights. Riders not accustomed to two or three day motorcycle trips will need to consider this. During those double-overnight stops it is not required that people ride on the free day.

In our experience, it takes about a week for tour participants to become really comfortable with riding in a foreign country. After the first week each rider settles in and really begins to enjoy the experience. Tours of shorter duration never really allow the participants to relax and simply enjoy.

For the rider who really wishes to indulge in a destination, we also have 3 week itineraries in New Zealand. Grand Tours they are!

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After dinner we have a briefing to discuss the following day’s suggested routes and other options available. This time is set aside to help you plan day-to-day routes that will satisfy you.

Each motorcyclist receives a tour book, specifically written and published for his tour. Daily itineraries, distances, time enroute, suggestions for special activities, and directions to the hotel are included.

In addition, this book has illustrations of road and traffic signs, currency exchange information, driving tips, and everything else that our 35+ years of touring experience suggests to make your trip more enjoyable and trouble free. Naturally, excellent road maps are also furnished.

With meetings, maps, optional GPS units, and tour books, participants are well-informed on each day's routing possibilities. Then the adventure begins!

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An experienced member of the Beach family has always conducted each Alpine tour. For the past 5, and next 20 or so years, that pleasant duty falls to Rob Beach.

Each tour participant is met at the airport by a Beach representative and when it’s time to depart we are there to say “Adieu” and “Gute Fahrt!”

We travel the same distance, pack and unpack daily, eat the same meals and meet with rain, heat, wind, snow and beauty — the same as any tour member.

All Beach tours have a guide on a motorcycle and a support van.

Of the Alps, Rob says “There are ever so many fantastic, interesting, and beautiful parts of Europe. As a rider and enthusiast, I appreciate the Alpine areas more than any other. I have to thank my father for introducing me to these stunning countries and great roads. I will tell you a secret — it is for one simple reason – self indulgence — that we continue to focus our central European tours on the Alpine mountain chain, and that I don’t want anyone else to guide them. It is the best place in the world to ride motorcycles!”

In New Zealand we have a select group of local guides who add color and knowledge to these great tours.

Our program does not feature a vast array of tours, so we don’t need a vast array of guides. We are able to handpick only the best  —  people knowledgeable about the area, about motorcycles, about people, about enjoyment and pleasure, and those who know that you are special while you travel with us.

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Motorcycles are provided and are included in the rider tour price. There is no mileage charge nor mileage limitation. You are free to use the motorcycle to your heart’s (and bottom’s) content!

The motorcycle will be at the hotel at the beginning of the tour, and that is where it is taken at the end of the tour. You need not spend time transporting our motorcycles to some rental location. In addition, you deal only with the Beachs for all motorcycle arrangements. There is no need to sign secondary contracts with outside agents.

In the Alps we currently use the BMW F650 & F800 series and the R1200R as our base motorcycle. All other BMW models, with the exception of the LT, are available for an additional charge. Other brands may be available on special request. Rob's  thoughts and comments on appropriate models for the Alps may be found here.

The New Zealand tours provided a more eclectic mix of BMWs, Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas, and Ducatis. The tours prices are based on the use of a BMW R or GS. Full faired bikes such as the BMW RT are subject to an additional charge.

On all of our tours the rider has a choice of the available models.

There is no need to pay a damage deposit upfront, but during the tour you are responsible for the first US$1750 of damage to the bike, regardless of the cause.

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Each suggested daily ride has been carefully planned to take maximum advantage of road conditions and still permit sight-seeing and relaxing.

There are many riding options each day, so those riders who want to ride long and hard will find opportunities to do so. Those who wish to amble along and enjoy the scenery may opt for a different route and cruise through the countryside.

We have chosen our overnight stops with two things in mind — sightseeing and riding opportunities. The choice is yours. Each day you choose the route to take. Most days on the Alpine Adventures and the Oktoberfest Olio routes ranging from 120 km. (3-4 hours riding time) to almost 400 km. (8 hours riding time) are suggested. The minimum distance varies from day to day, and our longest minimum ride on the Alpine Adventure is 260 km. which translates to about 5 hours of riding.

On occasion the Maori Meander tours of New Zealand cover longer minimum daily distances, requiring 4 to 7 hours riding. It is important to keep in mind the fact that we have an entire day to cover those hours of riding. Departing the hotel at 9:30 a.m. and staying out till 6:00 p.m. gives you 8.5 hours to cover the distance and do things other than ride!

Average riding distances on the Italian Idyll range between 150 and 250 km. With so many double overnights the Italian Idyll offers more flexibility than any other tour. Many days it's not even necessary to ride, but for those who wish to, superb roads beckon!

One of the pleasing things about a Beach tour is that evening accommodations are pre-arranged. You can stay out and play till dinner time, if you like. There is no need to end your day at 4:00 p.m. in order to search for lodging for the night.

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Each tour features two or more “free days,” where we stay two nights in the same hotel. This provides an opportunity for rest, relaxation, sight-seeing and/or taking advantage of outstanding riding locations. On these days it is not necessary to ride, but we will wager that, after a taste of the roads in these areas, you will spend at least part of each day on the bike!

Usually there is a spare seat in the luggage van if someone wishes to ride in a cage for a day or two.

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The Alpine and Italian tours are mountain tours and this means weather can change rapidly. These tours are in June, July, August and (in the Alps) September — months when mountain passes will generally be open and the roads clear of snow. Remember that the temperature changes 3 degrees for each 1,000 feet of change in altitude. So, if it is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the valley at 3,500' above sea level, it will be 57 degrees Fahrenheit at 9,500. We do spend time running up and down mountains and need to be prepared for a variety of temperatures.

Our Maori Meander tours are in New Zealand’s spring, summer and fall seasons. Temperatures range from a low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Participants on the Italian tour should expect temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. On all tours, regardless of the time of year, we must be prepared for a variety of conditions each and every day.

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We, like the postman, travel rain or shine. As we do have a planned destination each evening, it is necessary to ride in changeable weather conditions to arrive at that destination. Excellent riding gear is essential on every tour. It is not fun to be wet or cold on a motorcycle ride!

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All participants must have the ability to safely handle a large motorcycle in traffic and exhibit confidence in riding under a variety of road, traffic and weather conditions.

Completion of a motorcycle safety course is a definite plus. All operators must have a valid license with motorcycle endorsement.

A rider’s total mileage is not important. Experience is!

Consider:
The Alps are very different from any U.S. mountains.
New Zealand riding takes place on the left side of the road.
Italy, and the Alpine areas of Europe have some very narrow roads

All venues, due to the terrain and/or weather conditions, undergo road-repair. It may be necessary to ride through construction zones where the pavement is in disrepair or is possibly non-existent.

None of the tours are on roads that are sensible places to learn the basics of riding.

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Motorcycle riding is, by nature, an intense, risk-filled sport. It is very difficult to say how much risk is involved in our tours, as much depends on the ability of the participant. A road or set of conditions offering considerable challenge and risk for a novice rider often present an experienced rider with little risk.

Likewise with weather conditions — a rider accustomed to riding in the rain will possibly find it uncomfortable. A rider terrified of riding in the rain will possibly make poor decisions and put himself in a very dangerous position.

Riding in the European Alps is certainly some of the most difficult street riding a North American motorcyclist will ever encounter. It will also certainly be the most rewarding from the standpoint of the scenery, the challenge, the daily options available, and the sheer joy of life. The Alps are, truly, Motorcycle Heaven.

Riding in New Zealand is a bit easier than in the Alps, but is compounded by the fact that one rides on the left side of the road. This requires constant diligence. A rider who spends too much time thinking about the handling or operation of the motorcycle may find himself in trouble. The operation of the motorcycle must be second-nature, so that attention may be focused on staying on the correct side of the road. That said, New Zealand has lightly trafficked roads and attentive, experienced riders should have no problems dealing with the left-hand riding.

Curvaceous is the single word that aptly describes central Italian roads. There are fewer hairpins to negotiate, and shorter climbs and descents, than in the Alps. But the turns follow one right after the other and no place is level, resulting in few straightaways. Throughout the itinerary traffic is generally light and the road surfaces excellent.

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All of our motorcycles carry the legal limit liability required in each country. This covers damage to others but does not include collision coverage for the motorcycle. Each motorcycle operator is responsible for up to US $1,750 of motorcycle damage. It should be noted that we do not require an advance cash motorcycle damage deposit. Should there be any damage to the bike while on tour you will be invoiced for the repairs.

There is no medical coverage for the rider or passenger and we strongly advise you to secure medical or accident and trip interruption coverage. Check your current health insurance as it may very well cover you during your trip.

New Zealand has a national health plan, so additional medical coverage is not necessary.

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A list of suggested clothing and riding gear is furnished after an application is received.

We do not have riding gear available on any tour — you must supply all of your own.

A variety of good riding gear is required for tour participants to be comfortable and safe. Riding in jeans and a T-shirt is not recommended, and the weather is not always accommodating. Therefore, excellent rainsuits, good cold-weather riding gear and proper protective equipment are musts on all tours.

Very few of our tour members have been pleased riding on tour with 1/2 or police style helmets. A full coverage helmet is a much better idea.

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We pay great attention to creature comforts. Nightly accommodations are furnished in quality hotels with private baths. Some hotels have saunas and/or swimming pools. The hotels are chosen for a specific reason — be it the view, the area, the owners, or the ambiance.

Alpine accommodations vary between three and four star hotels. Most New Zealand accommodations are similar to those found in rural America.

The Maori Meander tour features three nights on selected family farms and one very special night on a Maori Marae. South Island Scamper tour members also are housed on a private ranch or farm for two nights.

We make use of the best accommodations available in each given area and have chosen them with great care and consideration.

Tour prices are based on two persons sharing a room.

Single occupancy is available at additional cost but may not be available for the few nights spent on private farms on the New Zealand tours. Solo riders willing to share a room never pay single room supplemental prices with us — if we can’t find a roommate for you, that is our problem, not your expense!

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A luggage van is provided on every tour, allowing you to ride an unencumbered motorcycle during the day. Each tour member may bring two suitcases and a carry-on bag. Your luggage must be in the hotel lobby by 9:30 in the morning and will be in the hotel by 6:30 in the evening.

You enjoy the freedom of an unencumbered bike during the day, and have available all of the evening wear you need. Live out of two saddlebags? For many people it is impossible — and you never need to do so on a Beach tour.

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All breakfasts are included. All evening meals are included except on the free days. Please refer to the individual itineraries.

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Anywhere! Some days you may wish to lunch at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the weather and the views and some days, if you’ve had a late breakfast, you may just wish to skip lunch and some days you may wish to have a picnic on a mountainside.

We can suggest restaurants on the route you are taking for the day. Restaurants are open from about noon to 2:30 for luncheon ... and generally, you can’t go wrong in choosing local dishes.

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Our evening menus are planned in advance, so we need to know what your requirements are. We will arrange for your evening meal to be prepared for your special needs.

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Airfare, airport taxes, and airport fees are not included in the tour price. Luncheons, beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature, road tolls, gasoline and souvenirs are individual expenses. Return freight for the motorcycle in the event of an early departure from the tour.

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The following figures are to cover gasoline, lunches, beverages, and tolls for a single rider, and for couples. These estimates should cover necessities plus souvenirs and extra activities. Can you get buy for less than this? Yes - the figures here assume you will eat lunch in a restaurant daily, ride through a tank of fuel and buy some souvenirs to send home.

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Riders must be in possession of a valid motorcycle operator's license.

For American citizens, a passport is required for overseas travel.

On the Alpine tours an International driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement is also necessary. This document is available at your local AAA office. No visas or vaccinations are required for Americans in the countries in which we travel.

Citizens of countries other than the USA must check with their local authorities concerning any additional documents that may be necessary.

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Tour participants have ranged in age from 12 to 84. Each motorcycle operator must have a valid motorcycle license.

The operator’s minimum age for the Alpine tours is 17. In New Zealand, riders under 25 are limited to 500cc bikes.

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Yes. Both motorcycles and automobiles are welcome on every Beach tour, so friends or family may still join you by car in the adventure of international touring! The tours in New Zealand are particularly suited for companions in automobiles which can be rented at reasonable rates.

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For many years our only rule has been: Arrive at the hotel in time for dinner! If you can’t make it by 7:00, please phone so we don’t worry.

All riders must adhere to local traffic laws and to the laws of the countries visited during the tour. And finally, you must enjoy each day!

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Simply complete one tour application for each person, and send it with a deposit of $350 per person to our office. The balance is due thirty days prior to the departure date. Download a tour application

In the event of a cancellation, a fee of $150 is assessed. If the cancellation notice is received less than thirty days before the departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be assessed. Any nonrecoverable expenses incurred will also be charged to the applicant.

There are no refunds for unused services or accommodations once the tour has started.

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Possibly. We have conducted custom tours in the past, and special itineraries are available for groups. Please contact Rob Beach with your request.

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A tour member leaving the tour for any reason must arrange transportation for himself, his luggage and vehicle to the final tour destination. We will assist as far as possible. These arrangements are subject to the approval of the tour guide.

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Yes, if you are prepared to spend money and time and endure general aggravation. The only practical transport is airfreight as ocean freight can take many weeks with uncertain arrival times.

Most airfreight carriers require crating the bike. Costs of $1,000 to $1,500 to Europe, and $1,500 to $2,500 to New Zealand (each way!) are the norm. In addition, it is necessary to secure European insurance coverage before Customs will clear the motorcycle.

The bottom line is that unless you will be riding overseas for more than a month there is little or no financial benefit to shipping your own motorcycle. If your dream is to ride your bike overseas, then the people to arrange it for you, along with the necessary insurance coverage for transport and while on the road are Motorcycle Services, LLC.

Riders joining a tour with their own machines pay the passenger price for the respective tour, not the rider price.

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Call, write, fax, or e-mail us. We will be happy to answer any and all questions for you. Remember that the only foolish question is the one you neglect to ask! Here is a page with contact information. We strive to answer any and all of your questions before you depart, so that the only surprises on tour are the pleasant ones we have planned for you!

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Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. and Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland do not assume responsibility for bodily injury, for damage, nor loss of any personal effects.

We recommend the purchase of travel insurance which covers personal injury; accidents and illness; trip cancellation; and loss, damage, or theft of luggage and personal belongings.

Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. and Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland act only in the capacity of agent for the tour members in all matters connected with transportation, accommodations, or auto rental. No liability shall be incurred by Beachs for delay, loss, damage, or injury to person or property while a passenger is using the facilities of an airline, train, steamship line and/or other transportation line.

The right is reserved to decline, accept, or retain any participant on the tour. Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. and Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures, Ltd. Niederlassung Deutschland are not obligated to replace a damaged motorcycle. A tour participant’s motorcycle may be secured should the rider not comply with local traffic laws.

The right is reserved to alter the itinerary at any time for the convenient operation of the tour; also to substitute hotels, date of departure or return, or withdraw the trip if deemed necessary at any time, for any reason.

The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets and vouchers shall be deemed to be consent of the above conditions.

All prices are based upon tariffs and exchange rates existing on the printing date of this brochure and are subject to change without notice.

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Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures are exactly that... motorcycle adventures.

We do not conduct grueling tests of man vs. nature.

We do not encourage riding outside of one’s limits. But it is up to each individual to know his own limits.

Our tours are focused on motorcycling. It is, after all, why we are on a motorcycle tour and not a bus tour. Participants should be ready to ride — at their own pace — daily, and to center many of their daily activities around “the ride.”

It is necessary, on all of the tours, to understand that you will be pushing yourself — riding in conditions and on roads that may be very unfamiliar to you. If that sounds overwhelming to you, it will be.

On the other hand, if you are ready for new experiences, for riding on some of the world’s finest roads, for a ride where you are not "just another number", for great hotels, fantastic company, and good fun, then join us for a Motorcycle Adventure!

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All prior Beach tour members. Names on request.
Austrian National Tourist Office, 500 Fifth Avenue, #2009, New York, NY 10110
Better Business Bureau, 741 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209
BMW Canada, 920 Champlain Avenue, Whitby, Ont. L1N 6K9, Canada
BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, P. O. Box 489, Chesterfield, MO 63006
BMW Motorrad Sparte, Hufelandstr. 6, D80993 München, Deutschland
BMW of North America, PO Box 1227, Westwood, NJ 07675-1227
BMW Riders Association, PO Box 510309, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951-0309
Fodor’s Travel Publications, Inc. 201 East 50th St., New York, NY 10022
French Government Tourist Office, 610 Fifth Ave. #222, New York, NY 10020
German National Tourist Bureau, 122 E. 42nd Ave., New York, NY 10168
Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1763 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072
Italian Government Tourist Office, 630 Fifth Avenue, #1565, New York, NY 10111
Karl Maier BMW GmbH, Erdomgerstr. 10., D-85464 Neufinsing, Deutschland
Manufacturers & Traders Bank, Grand Island Plaza, Grand Island, NY 14072
Merrill Lynch, 214 Senate Avenue, Suite 501, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Moto-Center Thun, Bernstrasse 117, CH-3613 Steffisburg, Switzerland
New Zealand Tourist Commission, 780 Third Ave., #1904 New York, NY 10017-2024
Rider Magazine, 2575 Vista Del Mar Dr., Ventura, CA 93001
Scherb GmbH, Ilzweg 3, D-82140 Olching, Deutschland
Sparkasse, D-82140 Olching, Deutschland
Swiss National Tourist Office, 608 Fifth avenue, New York, NY 10020
Whitehorse Press, PO Box 60, North Conway, NH 03860-0060

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