A freind of mine and I are seriously considering starting a tour company in Oregon. Obviously most people who live in Oregon wouldn't need a guide, but we've been kicking this around for years. We have all but pulled the trigger on three WR 250's for rental bikes. That may not be the sexiest choice, but they are the most reliable dirt bike on earth, and they are super easy to maintain. Obviously not everyone will need or even want a rental bike, but we figrue that some will, so the WR seemed like the safest choice, given the low purchase price, and comparably low maintenance cost. Any thoughts on this idea? Criticism? Let it fly, I'm all for taking off the rose colored lenses. I'm sure someone will mention the cost of insurance. I'd like to hear your comments on that too.
Yeah, Both of you should take some in depth first aid/ medical treatment classes that certify you in some fashion. It's something in the future I will ask about when hiring a tour outfit. IF you wish not to get training or give treatment, I feel it's your obligation to clearly explain this to your prospective customers up front before they plunk down their deposit money. Signing an injury waiver form is required before the ride starts and customers should be aware of this beforehand too. I liked the ride I took, the guide was knowledgable about the area, offered interesting historical disussions pertenent to the area, some area folklore, ... you get theidea. Made for a more intersting ride. Know how to fix stuff with limited resources. ... sorta like Mcgiever. The ability to improvise is golden. BUT....be well equipped anyway. No group wants their day to end because of one stupid breakdown. Dave dave
I'd at least consider contacting other tour companies not in Oregon and pick their brains. While there are many specific to Baja, there are some in the south west united states, which may be more applicable with regards to insurance, etc. Another issues is, how 'tough' do you want to make the ride. I know 1 company that prides itself on 'real' dirt rides, while another company is for the less technical people.
Three rentals seem a little light. Our group rented eight bikes for three days. No one had their own bike. It was obvious the tour guys scrambled to get eight bikes together for us even they knew 6 months in advance. Here's an issue on the bikes that caused some irritation.... what was and was not considered damage to the bikes that required restitution at the end of the ride. IMO, if your gonna offer rental bikes, make 'em durable. Can the junky T/S ... go with small ones rubber mounted. Shield the headlight bulb from rock damage, midget mirrors, or get rid of they all together. If your customer rips the seat cover in a get-off well he should understand that's an expense that coming out of his pocket, (be fair about what you charge). But if he dumps it and busts off the stock T/S... that to me is... well ... the damn bike should'nt really have them on it to start with. Tipping the guide at the end of the ride .... here's my view. If you want a tip .... factor it into your fee up front .... no problem. AND THEN, unform your prospective customers .." Guides will NOT accept tips! They get paid more than adequately to do a outstanding job." Just trying to take money and costs out of the whole experience.... makes it all the more enjoyable. If you all become buddies... fine. Some one wants to take then out for dinner on the last day, or buy rounds at a bar.... fine. Tips just feel like an obligation, not a freindly gesture. Get any monies needed in your up-front fees. dave
Good stuff. One thing to remember is you will be running a biz dealing with the public and unknowns. Bitchy people who payed for something and expect everything to be epic. Like being a a fishing guide boat operator your ride time might not be much fun. You WILL get a few bad apples or people that overstated their abilities etc. Prepare for this to be work and not always fun. You are catering to someone else's needs who paid you to do so. Just want to make sure you understand what you are getting into. I know many a guide boat operator who now do not fish at all. I have had thoughts like this as well but the reality is it is hard to get customers, they will want the sky, you are dealing with mother nature, you are dealing with people, some you will like some you will hate (but must treat them like you love them). Obviously insurance is one thing. You also need to check if there is regulations for making money on State land etc. Good luck.
Altough trying to figure in tips to compensate a worker is a big no-no in my opinion, so is forbidding the tipping if a customer wants to. It's their money. If they are so jacked up on the experience and are so in love with the customer service that they really want to, both the tipper and tippe should be OK with it. Just as long as it's not solicited, which in a professional enviroment where the 'workers" are already compensated like "professionals" that should not be a problem. So, don't talk about tipping around the client, don't solicite for it, and if it's thrown your way no issues. That's just my opinion. I come from a background where this has been revelant too, working as as instuctor in racing. Auto's not bikes. My daily rate has always been what it is worth to me for that specific client... period. If someone wants to tip, anything that may cover just a six pack, or even up to doubling my daily rate, or just take me out for dinner after, no problem. But I don't expect it or slight anyone for not doing it. Again...just my opinion
Just a little worried about the bikes, I think most punters that hire bikes will want electric legs. I really think the TE 310 is the bike for you, its the old robust bottom end, has a bit more torque than the 250 and has a nice ride/frame. I think the predominant hire bike over here in Oz is a 4 banger as they are more tractable for the less skilled. Unfortunately they are typically Suzuki Drz 400's, which are a very reliable but heavy piece of antiquity. I also think that 3 bikes is a little light on as the economics would be hard to achieve anything approaching a reasonable return. Remember that bikes break down and can be in the shop for several days/weeks witing for parts etc. I think the de minimus would be 5 bikes, ie 4 on the road and one spare. On a proper tour you need a leader and a rider in the rear so it is 2 pros taking out only 3 tourists. I know you want to start small and hopefully build the business but I feel your starting point is a wee bit tight. Remeber it is a business so you need to make critical judgements that perhaps you would not make now as bikes are your hobby. Whatever happens, if you do go ahead with it, then all the very best of luck to you.
If I'm belaboring the point,, don't read on.... Yeah, thats the main thing.... don't solicite it. And if prohibiting tipping is real...then have the guides just say the morning of first day, ' Hey guys we want this to be the BEST experience you've ever had. We WANT your return business ! Please do no not tip us for our efforts, just come back! If the guy is just so exuberant that he can't resist...then ok. Some guys will not have loose cash in their wallet for whatever reason...he did'nt have enough after lunch...did'nt start with enough htat day.. whatever. In my mind, he's there to enjoy a dirtbike ride...ones he's probably been waiting a long time to do... is focused on the experience. Don't drag his day down with stuff like, " Do I owe some more? Who is and who is'nt tipping? This is stuff that aught not even enter his mind. Let him enjoy the whole experience. Tippings for incidental courtesy acts...like bagboys, waiters, short term actions form the working force. Said enough. Dave
Update. We have three brand new Husky WR's in the garage right now. Even if the whole tour guide/bike rental thing flops, it was too good of a deal to pass up. Two WR 250's and a WR 300. All 2009 models. Anyone want to go for a guided tour in Oregon? Need a bike for the day? We have you covered! From basic, to all inclusive. Note, we are not affiliated with the former fishing tour company "All you can fish and &^%$ for 5 days for $1500." Out of Costa Rica.
Damn.. until I read your last line I was all up for it... But seriously, Congrats on the sweet deal on some sweet bikes and hopefully the start of a fun and fulfilling business. Any interest in the market out there and/or with you guys to maybe also do some training type stuff with them? I worked with a really young guy from Phoenix awhile back who did pretty good doing a small MX school a few times a month. Mostly bring your own bike bike, but he a had a few rentals as well. Probally totally out of left field, and not applicable here, but just thinking out loud and trying to help out with all options. \ Have fun!! If I was gonna be around there I'd hit ya up. I'll recommed anyone I know that might be out that way looking for something like that though.
YES!! (and I just happen to have frequent flyer miles that expire next year)....it is a possibility that I could do it Have you figured out rates yet? I'm assuming a credit card deposit is required. Two guys in my neck of the woods that may be of interest for you to talk to are 1) KTM World/Highland Park. It's a riding resort and dealership. They have a rental fleet. Paul Wright is the owner. I've ridden with him many many times. Good dude, good rider. http://www.highlandparkresort.com/ 2) Appalachian Action http://www.appalachianaction.com/info.htm ^this guy doesn't rent bikes (that I know of) but he does some great dualsport rides (not the gay dualsport rides with big bikes....he's all dirtbike). He does his rides on public land which amazes me that he gets people to pay to ride public land. But he does and he brings 'em in regularly.
I don't have any suggestions, but I would be interested as a customer. I'm constantly jealous of y'all's cool ride reports from the Pac. NW.
To answer a few of the above questions: We have talked to Paul W. @ Highland. We have discussed rates, and are pretty certain that $100 per day for the bike is right about where we can price the rental and make it affordable enough, and start to make money after enough clients sign up without having a worn out steed. We talked about doing training as well. We were thinking an effective trail riding techniques course including some drills, demonstration and hands on, including ergonomic setup for the individual. Our hope is that some people who want to enjoy some good trail without worry of finding their way around will want us to just lead them on some good trail rides without the worry of getting lost or running out of gas. We were even talking about providing hot lunch depending on the party size and area ridden. There are restrictions on that depending on where we go, and we want to follow all the rules. The name is not official yet, but I think we have decided to call ourselves "Chuckwagon Tours."
If you are even thinking about taking this guy up on his offer....you better jump on it. If you have ever wished you could ride in the PNW here is your chance. I rode with this guy last weekend, in fact he hosted a ride for 8 riders, most from the PNW area and one outsider....Nor.Cal. He is a first class guy, and is very talented rider in his own right. You will not be dissapointed
