MotoQuest

08/13/2024

Are you receiving our newsletter? This week in MotoQuest:

Last Call: Japan Three Island Fall Colors Adventure.

What are you doing from October 27th to November 7th? Our Japan Three Island Fall Colors Adventure features the best motorcycle-friendly back roads of southern Honshu Island, Kyushu Island and Shikoku Island. Get ready to be off the normal tourist track. Riders will get to enjoy world-class dinners....

08/12/2024

We are already sold out on our Japan Three Island Cherry Blossom Adventure, but fear not! We still have several spots available on our Hokkaido explorer June 1st - June 13th. Register today to save your place and explore the Island of Hokkaido.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/hokkaido-japan-motorcycle-tour/

08/11/2024

Our Fall American Southwest trip is sold out, but fear not! Our spring running still has some availability left. Sign up today to reserve your spot.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/american-southwest-motorcycle-tour/

08/09/2024

The MX-5 route, or Federal Highway 5 (Carretera Federal 5), is another significant highway in Baja California, Mexico. Here are the key details:

Geography: MX-5 runs along the eastern side of the Baja California Peninsula, primarily in the state of Baja California. It connects with the MX-1 (Transpeninsular Highway) and provides an alternate route for travelers heading to the southern parts of the peninsula.

Route: The highway begins in the city of Mexicali, near the U.S. border, and travels southward through the desert region. It passes through areas like San Felipe and continues toward the junction with MX-1 near the town of Chapala, located in the central part of the peninsula.

Length: The total length of MX-5 is approximately 400 kilometers (about 250 miles), making it shorter than MX-1 but still important for accessing the eastern coast of Baja California.

Scenery: MX-5 offers a different scenic experience compared to MX-1, with vast desert landscapes, views of the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), and a relatively less-traveled route. It's known for its remote, rugged beauty.

Key Stops: Important towns and landmarks along MX-5 include San Felipe, a popular destination for beaches and fishing, and the Valley of the Giants, known for its towering cardón cacti.

08/08/2024

Book our Japan Fall Colors Adventure today to take advantage of this amazing deal!

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/japan-three-island-fall-colors-adventure/

08/08/2024

08/06/2024

Are you receiving our newsletter? This week in MotoQuest:

Fall Transporter Specials are now live!

Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Our faithful herd of BMW GS motorcycles must migrate south to greener pastures for the winter. Some of them will even be speaking Spanish by the end of the Baja season.

08/05/2024

The MX-1 route, also known as Federal Highway 1 (Carretera Federal 1 or Carretera Transpeninsular), is a major highway in Baja California, Mexico. Here are some key points about it:

Geography: MX-1 runs along the entire length of the Baja California Peninsula, from Tijuana in the north near the US-Mexico border to Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of the peninsula.

Length: The highway spans approximately 1,711 kilometers (1,063 miles), making it a vital transportation corridor for the region.

Scenery: The route offers a variety of stunning landscapes, including coastal views along the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, deserts, mountains, and small towns. It's popular among travelers for its scenic beauty.

Key Cities and Towns: Major cities and towns along the MX-1 route include Tijuana, Ensenada, San Quintín, Guerrero Negro, Santa Rosalía, Loreto, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/baja-southbound-motorcycle-tour/

08/04/2024

Milford Sound is a renowned fjord located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Here are some key points about Milford Sound:

Geography: Milford Sound is a fjord, which is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. It stretches about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Tasman Sea into the interior of the South Island.

Scenery: The fjord is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Notable features include Mitre Peak, which rises 1,692 meters (5,551 feet) above the fjord, and waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls.

Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins. The waters of the fjord are also home to a variety of marine life, including black coral, which can be seen during diving expeditions.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/new-zealand-adventure/

08/03/2024

Atigun Pass: One of those far away wild places that keeps you dreaming of motorcycle Adventure. This was taken during our Prudhoe Bay Adventure.

08/03/2024

Now here are some happy riders all the way from the Philippines. We are hosting them as a private group so they can discover all that Alaska has to offer.

08/02/2024

MotoQuest Guide Dan Patino talks about what is on the menu.

08/02/2024

Évora is a historic city located in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Here are some key points about Évora:

History: Évora has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It was an important city in the Roman province of Lusitania and later became a significant center during the Moorish occupation and the Portuguese monarchy.

Architecture: The city is known for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Key landmarks include the Roman Temple of Évora (often referred to as the Temple of Diana), the Gothic Cathedral of Évora, and the Church of São Francisco with its famous Chapel of Bones.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Évora's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance and well-preserved buildings that reflect the city's long history.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/portugal-explorer/

08/01/2024

We like to think that our reviews speak for themselves.

07/31/2024

Have you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle to the end of the Earth? Now is your chance:

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/patagonia-motorcycle-tour/

07/29/2024

Our Prudhoe Bay Adventure just wrapped up yesterday. Mosquitoes, mud, and the Arctic Ocean. It's definitely not for those faint of heart. A true adventure indeed. Welcome back to the grid, riders!

07/29/2024

Ilhabela, also spelled Ilha Bela, is a beautiful archipelago and municipality located off the coast of São Paulo state in Brazil. Here are some key points about Ilhabela:

Geography: It consists of around 14 islands and islets, with the largest being Ilha de São Sebastião, which is commonly referred to as Ilhabela.

Tourism: Known for its stunning beaches, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, Ilhabela is a popular destination for tourists. It offers various activities such as hiking, sailing, diving, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Atlantic Forest.

History: The name Ilhabela means "Beautiful Island" in Portuguese. The area has a rich history, including pirate legends and colonial-era settlements.

Climate: Ilhabela has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season typically from October to March.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/brazil-surf-and-turf-explorer/

07/28/2024

I'm happy to announce that our 2025 dates for our North to Alaska tour are already live on our website. This tour sells out every year months in advance. Book today to reserve your spot

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/north-to-alaska-motorcycle-tour/

07/27/2024

Chiloé Island, located in southern Chile, is the largest island in the Chiloé Archipelago and the fifth largest island in South America. It is unique and notable for several reasons:

Distinct Culture and Traditions: Chiloé has a rich cultural heritage, heavily influenced by its indigenous Mapuche and Huilliche peoples, as well as Spanish settlers. This blend of cultures is evident in its folklore, mythology, music, and dance. The island is known for its legends and myths, including tales of ghost ships, forest spirits, and other supernatural beings.

Unique Architecture: The island is famous for its distinctive wooden churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These churches, built by Jesuit missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries, are known for their unique construction methods and use of local materials. The traditional stilt houses, known as "palafitos," found in cities like Castro, are another architectural highlight.

Natural Beauty: Chiloé's landscape is characterized by rolling green hills, dense forests, and rugged coastlines. The island's natural beauty is preserved in Chiloé National Park and Tantauco Park, which offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and exploring diverse ecosystems. The coastline is dotted with picturesque fishing villages and sheltered bays.

Biodiversity: The island and its surrounding waters are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including endemic species. Marine life includes dolphins, sea lions, and several species of whales. The island's forests and wetlands support a range of bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watchers.

07/26/2024

Discover what makes the American Southwest unique from the rest of the world for with MotoQuest this spring:

Distinctive Landscapes: The region is renowned for its diverse and dramatic landscapes, including vast deserts, rugged canyons, towering rock formations, and sprawling plateaus. Iconic natural features such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the sandstone arches of Arches National Park are emblematic of the Southwest.

Rich Cultural Heritage: The American Southwest has a deep cultural history, influenced by Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American traditions. Indigenous tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo have lived in the region for thousands of years, and their cultural heritage is evident in the region's art, architecture, and traditions.

Unique Geological Formations: The region boasts a plethora of unique geological formations, including slot canyons, hoodoos, and mesas. The intricate patterns of erosion and sedimentation create visually stunning and scientifically significant features.

Climate and Ecology: The Southwest's arid and semi-arid climate results in distinctive ecosystems, including deserts like the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan. These ecosystems are home to unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions, such as saguaro cacti, Joshua trees, roadrunners, and desert bighorn sheep.

Historical Sites and Ruins: The region is rich in archaeological sites and ancient ruins, such as the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, and the petroglyphs of the Petrified Forest. These sites offer insight into the lives of the ancient peoples who once inhabited the area.

Art and Architecture: The Southwest is known for its distinctive art and architecture, including Pueblo-style buildings, adobe structures, and vibrant Native American pottery and jewelry. The Santa Fe style, characterized by its adobe construction and earth tones, is particularly notable.

07/25/2024

Atigun Pass, located in the Brooks Range of northern Alaska, is special and unique for several reasons:

Scenic Beauty: Atigun Pass offers breathtaking views of the rugged Brooks Range. The pass, situated at an elevation of about 4,739 feet (1,444 meters), is the highest pass in Alaska that is maintained year-round, providing stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and vast wilderness.

Arctic Location: Atigun Pass is one of the few road-accessible passes located above the Arctic Circle. This makes it a unique spot for travelers wanting to experience the Arctic environment and its dramatic landscapes.

Dalton Highway: The pass is a critical part of the Dalton Highway (also known as the Haul Road), which stretches from Fairbanks to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. The highway, often considered one of the most remote and challenging roads in North America, traverses Atigun Pass, making it a key point for adventurous road travelers.

Wildlife Viewing: The area around Atigun Pass is rich in wildlife. Visitors might see caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, and various bird species. The pass provides a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural, remote habitat.

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/prudhoe-bay-motorcycle-tour/

07/25/2024

John came up to Alaska to ride his 50th state. Nice move John!

07/24/2024

We have a group of riders headed to Prudhoe Bay right now. Here, they are crossing the Denali Highway before they strike north towards the Arctic Ocean.

07/23/2024

Are you receiving our newsletter? This week in MotoQuest we have some exciting news! We are releasing a new style of tour. Read about our new Baja select tour below:

Our riders have been telling us that our tours are great, but for some they are too long in length, or don't offer enough flexibility for their unique circumstances. The feedback from our riders is that it would be nice to start a tour on a Saturday, and end on the following Sunday so that they can....

07/22/2024

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/cassiar-scout-adventure/

Ride the Cassiar Adventure with MotoQuest and get a chance to ride through the Olympic peninsula. For the uninitiated, The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is unique and interesting for several reasons:

Diverse Ecosystems: The Olympic Peninsula is home to a remarkable variety of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests and rugged coastline to alpine peaks and serene lakes. This diversity is largely contained within Olympic National Park, which spans nearly one million acres.

Temperate Rainforests: The peninsula hosts some of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, including the Hoh Rain Forest and the Quinault Rain Forest. These lush, green forests are characterized by heavy rainfall, moss-draped trees, and diverse plant life.

Stunning Coastline: The peninsula features a dramatic coastline with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and sea stacks. Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are popular spots for their striking rock formations and tide pools.

Glacial Peaks: The Olympic Mountains, with their glaciated peaks, provide breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities. Mount Olympus, the highest peak, rises to 7,980 feet and is a popular destination for climbers and adventurers.

07/21/2024

https://www.motoquest.com/motorcycle-tours/portugal-explorer/

Ride Portugal with MotoQuest and discover all the beauty that Lisbon has to offer. Lisbon, is a popular travel destination for a variety of reasons:

Rich History and Culture: Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, with a history that dates back to ancient times. Visitors can explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém, visit iconic landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and learn about the city's maritime history at the Maritime Museum.

Stunning Architecture: The city boasts beautiful and diverse architecture, from Gothic cathedrals and Manueline buildings to modern structures like the MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology). The colorful tiled facades and narrow, winding streets add to Lisbon's charm.

Delicious Cuisine: Lisbon offers a delectable culinary experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and fresh seafood. The city's numerous markets, such as the Mercado da Ribeira, offer a taste of local flavors.

Vibrant Nightlife: The nightlife in Lisbon is lively and varied, with numerous bars, clubs, and Fado houses. Bairro Alto is particularly famous for its bustling nightlife scene.

Scenic Views and Natural Beauty: The city's hilly landscape provides stunning views from various lookout points, such as Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Additionally, the nearby Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers beautiful landscapes and coastal scenery.

07/20/2024

We are getting closer and closer to our Fall Transporter Special announcement. We are expecting to announce Fall transporters here in the next month or so, signing up for our newsletter is the best way to be alerted when Transporter Specials go live.

MotoQuest Email Forms

07/19/2024

Employee highlight time!

It is my pleasure to introduce one of our favorite motorcycle mercenaries, Jeff Acton.

Name: Jeffrey Acton
Role: Tour guide
Email: [email protected]
Hometown: Pasadena, Ca
Current Location: Yoakum, Texas
Destinations Traveled by Motorcycle: The entire U.S., except Florida; 17 states in Mexico; British Columbia & Alberta, Canada; Patagonia and Ecuador.
Favorite Motorcycle Experience: Western Canada with my adult daughter for 10 days
Worst Motorcycle Experience: Crashing due to black ice in Ohio during snow storm
Languages Spoken: English & Spanish
Motorcycles owned: over 25 bikes over my lifetime. Currently own a Honda Gold Wing, BMW R1200 GSA and Harley-Davidson Pan America.
Favorite Motorcycle: BMW R1200 GSA
Tours guided: Alaska Backroads, Northern Lights, Kenai Peninsula, North to Alaska, Prudhoe Bay, Cassiar Adventure: Patagonia EOE tour: Baja Backroads & North/South Baja tours
Expertise: Spanish speaker with intimate knowledge of Mexico as former English teacher in Cuernavaca, Moreles, Mexico- Former Deputy Sheriff with dirt bike enforcement background

Who would you like to see next? Let us know in the comments!

12/04/2023

What would you call this Work Horse?