Turkey Creek Motorcycle Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a valid motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement on your license. It is a good idea to have been riding a year or two at least. We recommend a Motorcycle Safety Training program offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Our tours are all-inclusive. We provide tour guides, daily route information and maps, breakfasts and dinners, lodging and fees for local attractions and National Parks per tour descriptions. More details ...

Not included are: lunches (except in Mexico), alcoholic beverages, incidentals, motorcycle repairs, fuel, repairs, airfare and hotels outside the tour dates, motorcycle rentals and shipping your motorcycle.

If you are riding your own motorcycle, you need to have liability insurance and be able to show "proof of insurance", if you are stopped by our friendly state or local police. If you rent a motorcycle, arrange insurance with the rental company. See the Mexico Tours regarding insurance while riding in Mexico. We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance for your trip.

Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah do not require a motorcycle helmet if you are over 21 years of age. Mexico does require helmets. We at Turkey Creek Motorcycle Tours wear helmets and strongly urge all riders to wear helmets and other protective gear. Eye protection is required by law in all jurisdictions where we ride and just makes sense.

The only time we go off the pavement is the driveway to some of our stops and parking lots. We can recommend some great side trips that are on dirt or gravel roads if you and your motorcycle are willing but they are not on our scheduled routes. Of course we may encounter stretches of road under construction and have to ride on dirt or gravel.

We will be staying and riding at altitudes from 8,000 ft up to 14,000 ft on some tours. Altitude will affect both you and your motorcycle.

How it affects you: You may tire more easily or feel out of breath. Alcohol will have a much stronger effect at altitude so even a beer at lunch is a bad idea. A small percentage of visitors to higher altitudes (above 8,000 ft) will suffer symptoms of altitude sickness. If you arrive by air, it is a good idea to acclimate for at least a full day before the tour begins at elevations below 8,000 ft. Please check with your doctor if you have concerns.

The sun is intense at altitude. We suggest that you drink plenty of water, use a high SPF sunblock and wear long sleeves. Good sunglasses are a must. The altitude and dry climate takes its toll on the skin so you may want to bring some lotion.

How it affects your motorcycle: The lack of oxygen at altitude means your motorcycle will run rich. You will notice that you have less power. An interesting effect of altitude is that in at higher altitudes, equivalent grades of gasoline are 2 octane numbers lower than the flatland. Regular is 85, midrange 87 and premium is 91. Some riders use a lower octane grade at altitude and report that their bike runs better.

The quick answer is, "Always different" from day to day, hour to hour. From peak to canyon floor the weather can change. We may see 40 to 50 degree swings in temperature during a day's ride and into the evening. On the highest peaks we can see snow any day of the year (it won't stick.) A rain suit and layers are the best recommendation. Bring both your winter and summer gloves. Heated clothing is not a "must have" but bring it along if you have it. The sun is extremely strong so sun block and lip balm are a must. See "What To Wear" for tips on clothing and gear.

If, for whatever reason, you or your riding partner don't wish to ride we can, as a courtesy to you, load your motorcycle on the trailer and invite you to ride in the air conditioned support vehicle.

We will make every attempt to ensure your dietary needs are met.

No, but we are happy to help with arrangements in renting a motorcycle. We have several companies that we work with. As a courtesy to you, we will arrange to pick you up at the airport and take you to pick up your rental. We suggest that you arrange for your rental motorcycle early.

Depending on the tour, you are welcome to park your truck and motorcycle trailer at our base accommodations during the tour if. If you would prefer to ship your motorcycle, we will put you in touch with a specialty motorcycle shipper. Your motorcycle will be received at a local garage. There will be a fee, which is not included in the price of tours. Any transport fees and are not included in the price of tours.

No. We will make sure you have maps and route briefings each morning. You will know where we will be staying each evening so you can rejoin us for dinner. Your liggage will be there waiting for you. If you will be late we ask that you call so we won't worry about you. We want to make sure you are safe, so if you have a cell phone give us your contact information.

The Southwestern dress code is casual. Jeans are welcome almost anywhere. Evenings are often cool up high so a long sleeve shirt and a light jacket are a good idea. Wear layers while riding so you can react to changes in temperature during the day. Don't forget your bathing suit.

We wear protective gear - motorcycle helmet, gloves, jacket, chaps or riding pants, and boots. We urge you do the same. Be sure to bring both your summer and winter gloves. A down or heated vest under your jacket keeps the morning chill away and packs away easily. Other important items are a rain suit, sunscreen and lip balm. A good pair of sunglasses is a must. If you are riding after dark, clear or amber lenses or face shields do the trick. See Checklist and Tips...

It is a good idea to make sure your tires are in good condition and have enough tread left to go the distance. Check your brakes and coolant, change your oil, and bring a tire repair kit. See Checklist and Tips...

You're on vacation, not the Iron Butt Rally. On the average day, we will cover between 120 and 200 miles with plenty of stops along the way. This provides a leisurely ride and allows you to visit local attractions, enjoy the magnificent vistas, stretch your legs, take pictures and get to know each other. We will arrive at our daily destinations in plenty of time to wash the dust off before dinner.

Speed limits vary greatly depending upon the route. It is every rider's responsibility to operate their motorcycle in a safe and legal manner and within the limits of the motorcycle and their ability. Any fines relating to the operation of the rider's motorcycle are the rider's responsibility as well.

As a courtesy to our riders, Turkey Creek Tours provides an 8 passenger, air conditioned, support vehicle with a motorcycle trailer that can accommodate two motorcycles. (note, we do not provide a trailer in Mexico)

The maximum number of riders and passengers is ten. Ten is a good number for everyone to have a chance to get to know each other. Isn't that a part of the reason we tour together?

A $500 deposit is required when you book your motorcycle tour and full payment is due 30 days prior to the start date of the tour. A slot will be reserved for you when your deposit is received. If you would like to make a full payment 60 days in advance, that is fine with us as well. See the registration form for complete information.

Cancellation 60 days in advance of the tour start date-the total amount of the money submitted will be refunded less a $25 administrative fee.

Cancellations between 59 to 31 days of the tour start date- receive 50% refund of the money submitted less a $25 administrative fee.

Cancellation within 30 days of the tour start date - no refund.

We urge you to obtain Travel Insurance.

Part of a great motorcycle touring experience is safety, for both you and the group. All riders are expected to comply with all applicable laws relating to the operation of their motorcycle. You are responsible for determining your limitations as a rider and for the the safe operation of your motorcycle. You are expected to be respectful of others on the tour, including staff at restaurants, lodging and the general public. The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited during the scheduled riding day. The possession of illegal drugs is prohibited at any time during the tour. Those who violate these company policies will see the remainder of their tour canceled without a refund and will be responsible for making arrangements to get themselves and their motorcycle home.

Contact us at info@turkeycreektours.com or call Toll Free (888)763-6185 for additional questions or to arrange your motorcycle tour.