Life on two wheels has many benefits: adrenaline, joy, peace, pleasure, smiles, laughter, camaraderie and many, many more.
There are, admittedly, a few drawbacks. Other than injury, the worst is theft. Theft hurts. (In fact, theft hurts a lot.)
While winding our way through the backroads of France, en route to a little place we love along the sea in Catalonia, we stopped overnight north of Toulouse. We thought (perhaps, hoped) our bike would be safe on the well-lit street just out front of where we stayed. We were wrong. With our bags packed and ready to ride the next morning, we went outside to discover our beloved friend was gone. The Gendarmes explained she had most likely been stolen to be bartered-off abroad or, even worse, stripped for parts. “It happens all the time all over Europe,” they casually said. “You should have parked somewhere secure.”
The “peace, pleasure and smiles” of riding were instantly replaced by fear, anger and anxiety. (I literally vomited.) Stranded in a foreign country, we began the messy work of police reports and fighting with our insurance company back home. It was an extremely unpleasant experience. We resolved to never let it happen again. Not to us. Not to anybody.
Bicycle and Motorcycle theft is on the increase worldwide but more so within Europe. Though the problem has always existed, there has been a noticeable spike over the last decade—and not just in cities and suburbs. The problem has radiated out to the rural communities, as well.
The problem is clear. Thankfully, so is the solution: Ride and Rest.
Ride and Rest is an ever-growing, security-conscious accommodation directory listing safe places to park and store your bike & motorbike. It’s also FREE. Rather than experiencing the nightmare we and so many others have lived through, Ride and Rest allows you to see the sights and sleep peacefully knowing your beloved bike is secure.
Before your next ride, consult the Ride and Rest platform for a safe place to park or store your machine. If you happen to discover such a place along the road that is not listed in the Ride and Rest directory, please encourage them to contact us so we can include their safe haven for all those who love to ride… and rest peacefully.
Be Secure on Tour —Ride and Rest
