We’ve all had the thought. You’re halfway through a Sunday blast, sun on your back, perfect bend ahead, and you wonder—“Could I do this for a living?”

I had that same thought a decade ago, and now I run European motorcycle tours for a living. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well… yes. And no. Depends on the day, the weather, and whether anyone’s panniers are falling off.

The Fantasy vs. the Facts

When people hear I guide motorcycle tours through the Alps, Black Forest and Vosges, they picture me leading a perfect convoy across mirror-smooth mountain roads, rolling into pre-booked inns with beer on tap and bikes lined up like an advert.

And don’t get me wrong—those days exist. Like the time we hit the Route des Crêtes in golden evening light, hardly a car in sight, tyres warm and the whole group in perfect formation. That was a “this is the job” kind of day.

But let me balance that with the day I had to:

• Rewire a brake light in a hotel car park using electrical tape and hope

• Calm down a rider who nearly ran out of fuel on the Autobahn (with 6 others following him)

• Convince a Dutch hotel manager that, yes, 10 dripping-wet Brits deserved a second helping of schnitzel

All while smiling and saying, “It’s going great!”

Herding Bikers: Like Herding Cats, but Louder

I guide small-group tours—just 10-12 riders max. Sounds manageable, right? Until you remember that every one of those riders has their own pace, preferences, comfort zones, and opinions about which pub has the best chips.

Add in rain, border crossings, ferry schedules, fuel stops, hotel check-ins, language barriers, and you’ve got the makings of a minor breakdown. Not the bike—me.

There’s no support van. No mechanic on standby. Just me, a loaded bike, and a prayer that everyone read the pre-trip checklist (they didn’t).

The Bad Bits I’ve Learned to Laugh At

• Watching a bloke realise he packed 4 t-shirts and no trousers.

• One guy brought two pairs of gloves, both left hands.

• Getting chewed out by a hotel owner because someone dried wet socks on the room radiator and left a smell like boiled badger.

At the time, you grit your teeth. Later, it’s pure comedy gold.

The Moments That Keep You Coming Back

For all the faff, there’s this magic that happens somewhere around day 3 of every trip. People relax. The bikes settle in. The roads get under your skin. And suddenly you’ve got a crew of strangers riding like they’ve known each other for years.

I’ve had grown men get choked up at the top of mountain passes. I’ve had riders message me months later saying, “That trip changed the way I see biking.”

That’s when it’s all worth it.

Should You Do It?

If you’re thinking of leading tours—my advice? Try organising one for your mates first. Plan a three-day trip. Book the digs. Sort the routes. Manage the breakdowns, the lost keys, the missed turns.

Still smiling at the end of it?

Then yeah, maybe you’ve got the wiring for it.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not always smooth. But it’s real. And when it clicks, it’s the best job in the world.

Motorcycles, with their sleek designs and powerful engines, are not just a mode of transportation but a lifestyle choice for many. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice enthusiast, maintaining your motorcycle is crucial to ensure it not only looks good but also runs smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of keeping your motorcycle clean, especially during the winter months, and discuss essential practices like protecting your bike from salt and maintaining the battery with a trickle charger.

1. Preserving Aesthetics:
Riding a clean motorcycle not only boosts your pride but also preserves the aesthetics of your beloved two-wheeler. Regular washing helps prevent dirt, grime, and road salt from accumulating on the exterior, maintaining the paint job and preventing corrosion.

2. Winter Woes:
Winter can be harsh on motorcycles, particularly with the liberal use of salt on icy roads. Salt is corrosive and can lead to rust, potentially causing long-term damage to your bike’s components. To combat this, it’s essential to wash your motorcycle regularly during the winter months, paying extra attention to the undercarriage and hidden areas where salt may accumulate.

3. Protecting the Finish:
The paint and chrome finishes on a motorcycle are more than just for show—they serve as a protective layer against the elements. Regular cleaning and waxing not only keep your bike looking shiny but also create a barrier that shields it from the effects of sun, rain, and snow.

4. Battery Health:
Your motorcycle’s battery is a critical component that requires attention, especially during periods of inactivity. In winter, when bikes may spend more time in storage, using a trickle charger can prevent the battery from losing its charge. This small investment can extend the lifespan of your battery and ensure your motorcycle starts up effortlessly when you’re ready to hit the road.

5. The Trickle Charger Advantage:
Trickle chargers, also known as battery maintainers, provide a low, steady charge to the battery, preventing it from discharging completely during extended periods of inactivity. This is particularly beneficial in winter when cold temperatures can contribute to battery drain. Connecting a trickle charger is a simple and effective way to keep your motorcycle’s battery in peak condition.

To Summarise:

In the world of motorcycle enthusiasts, a clean bike is not just a matter of vanity—it’s a testament to your commitment to the longevity and performance of your machine. Regular cleaning, especially during winter, and the use of a trickle charger for the battery are practical steps that every rider can take to ensure their motorcycle remains in top-notch condition. So, invest a little time and effort in the upkeep of your ride, and you’ll be rewarded with a motorcycle that not only looks great but performs at its best when you’re out on the open road.

Mar-Train Yamaha has initiated its preparations for the upcoming 2024 British Superbike Championship season by unveiling its new livery and announcing McAMS as the team’s latest title sponsor.

In the forthcoming 2024 season, Mar-Train Yamaha is set to embark on a fresh chapter, with 2015 Moto3 World Champion Danny Kent taking on the role of the rider. This new venture is accompanied by full title sponsorship from McAMS, a prominent brand in the BSB arena. McAMS has a history of sustained success, notably backing the Raceways Yamaha team and contributing to their 2021 BSB title with Tarran Mackenzie.

Following Raceways’ departure from BSB, McAMS is set to throw its support behind Mar-Train Yamaha for the 2024 season.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, the spokesperson for McAMS Racing stated, “I am really excited to be launching the new-look McAMS Racing team. We were keen to continue in BSB for 2024, but it had to be with the right people as we’ve had such an incredible journey over the last seven years with McAMS Yamaha.”

Highlighting the importance of finding the right partners, the spokesperson added, “From the moment we first started discussions, it became clear that Tim and Sonya could provide us with that opportunity in another close-knit, family-run team.”

Acknowledging the capabilities of the Yamaha bike and the valuable addition of Chris Anderson from McAMS Yamaha to the team, the spokesperson expressed confidence in the partnership. “We know what the bike is capable of, and it’s great to have Chris Anderson from McAMS Yamaha in the team too.”

The spokesperson concluded with optimism, stating, “Not only is Danny a World Champion, but he also really impressed us last year with his own team, so we are hopeful of this being a very successful partnership.”