Norway is the most beautiful country I have ever ridden a bike in

Norway is the most beautiful country I have ever ridden a bike in. It is a combination of Chile and Argentina, New Zealand, Ireland, but scenery wise better than the four of them combined.

It is one scenic beauty after another. You never knew what the scenery was gonna look like around the next corner or when you came out the next tunnel. And the North Cape is pretty spectacular when you consider where you are at that moment.

I will do this tour again, with better raingear.

The group of fellow riders on this tour were the nicest people I've ever been on a trip with. Nice, caring, funny, intelligent, accomplished riders and they were extremely nice to invite me to do things with them.

John's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
Munich to Istanbul
Mystical Ireland
Barcelona to Lisbon
Norwegian Midnight Sun
Spain and Morocco

John Dinges
Lebanon, OR

What a wonderful experience

Ayres Adventures has taken us to seven continents through their exciting adventure programs combined with comfort and led by professional tour guides. What a wonderful experience.

Alex and Ida's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
Epic Journey: Riga to Hong Kong
Munich to Istanbul
Ushuaia and Antarctica
Escape to Machu Picchu (Private)
Best of Alaska/ Canada (Private)
Discover Africa (Private)
Scotland Adventure (Private)

Alex and Ida Lunardi
Jakarta, Indonesia

Our high expectations were substantially exceeded from the moment we arrived in Africa.

After a few days at home Araceli and I are still digesting the many wonders we had the opportunity to enjoy during our tour throughout your amazing country.

Our high expectations were substantially exceeded from the moment we arrived in Africa. Every single detail of the trip was wonderfully organized and the selection of roads, lodges and restaurants was outstanding.

Both Jason and Braam did a terrific job making sure we had a great time, explaining many interesting things about multiple aspects of your country, facilitating superb riding opportunities and always willing to go the extra mile.

A big thank you for all that. We both have been bitten by the African bug and as you know we are already thinking in doing the Heart of Africa tour next year, so we will definitely be in touch.

Araceli and Raul's Adventures include:
Southern Cross

Araceli Barcena and Raul Gonzalez
Madrid, Spain

It was incredible and exceeded our expectations.

We joined the Heart of Africa tour in September, rider with pillion. It was incredible and exceeded our expectations. The tour was led by Jason, supported by Janis, both were great, knowledgable, very capable, fun and flexible. During this trip the highlights were many - number one would be spending time with the gorilla's in Rwanda - a truly remarkable experience. The riding is challenging at times, some long days but nothing impossible - it is an adventure after all...... We would definitely recommend Ayres, Jason, Janis and this trip.

Martin and Carmel's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa

Martin and Carmel Giblin
South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

We're already looking forward to our next Ayres Adventure

Jean & John Woynicki, Call of the Wild Motorcycle Tour in Africa Testimonial, Ayres Adventures

As U.S. diplomats who have traveled the world and lived in sub-Saharan Africa for six years, and as newcomers to organized tours, we might have been among your toughest clients to please - instead, Ayres Adventures won us over from our first email exchange! We can't say enough about the quality and professionalism of our Call of the Wild tour. Africa is not for everyone, but if you experience it with Ayres Adventures, you will not be disappointed. From amazing lodges to beautiful landscapes and wildlife, combined with two absolutely incredible guides (Jason and Claus) we could not have been more impressed. Thank you so much for going above and beyond our expectations - we're already looking forward to our next Ayres Adventure!

Jean and John's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild

Jean and John Woynicki
Kampala, Uganda

This was our third Ayres tour and it clearly is the best motorcycle tour that money can buy

Donald Lapierre, Ayres Adventures

This was our third Ayres tour (Call of the Wild) and it clearly is the best motorcycle tour that money can buy. Claus and Jason were the best guides, very organized and very much understand people. Our accommodations were top notch and all planned extremely well.

Don and Vicki's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Best of Brazil
Escape to Machu Picchu

Donald and Vicki Lapierre
Inverness, FL

I can highly recommend Ayres Adventures for any motorcycle adventure

Dietrich Look, Ayres Adventures

The "Call of the Wild" tour offered tremendous value for the money. It gave access to high end lodges such as Sediba which one would normally not necessarily consider. The wildlife sightings were spectacular. Game drives were offered twice a day when at game reserves. The local guides were outstanding and offered a ton of information. The opportunity to visit Victoria Falls was great and a must when in that area. The tour guides Claus and Jason made the tour enjoyable. They are professionals and know their stuff. Especially to have Jason, a South African on the tour gave us so much good insight into the country's history, current affairs etc. Jason's knowledge of the wildlife was especially helpful. Special thanks to Jason for helping me in refreshing my Afrikaans. I felt in good hands with both Claus and Jason. The good chemistry among the tour participants also helped to make this trip an unreserved success. I can highly recommend Ayres Adventures for any motorcycle adventure. Their organization and attention to detail is second to none. I am looking forward to the next tour.

Dietrich's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Bariloche to Ushuaia

Dietrich Look
Kitchener, Canada

If you’ve never been to Africa, Ayres Heart of Africa tour is certainly a trip of a lifetime

Paul McClain and Lisa Mahaffey

If you’ve never been to Africa, Ayres Heart of Africa tour is certainly a trip of a lifetime. A word of caution: You will want to return to Africa again and again, once you’ve experienced the wonderful people, riding, wildlife and culture.

The highlight of the trip was spending time with the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. What a privilege to be a few feet from these magnificent animals. To be able to view, interact and take pictures of a gorilla family where the elder Silverback watches over his group is breathtaking. The young ones are very curious and may very well come right up to you for a closer look.

The safaris in the Serengeti region include the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorogoro Conservation Area. From the comfort of your private game vehicle, you’ll view and learn about the abundant wildlife.

The great riding in East Africa contains a smorgasbord of roads that carve through pristine mountain sweepers to rural villages where speed bumps are common to large cities where few road rules exist or enforced, and mix in some unpaved patches to keep things interesting and a lot of fun.

The people you’ll see and interact with are amazing, especially the children who are sweet and beautiful. The gorgeous, colorful clothes locals wear will amaze you. Beware, the motorcycles will attract a LOT of attention from the locals. We all felt like royalty, as huge crowds of locals stare, question you about the bike and snap pictures with their cell phones.

Our tour leaders were outstanding with their attention to details, their wealth of knowledge on the history of the areas and current events, and their willingness to go the extra mile. They worked tirelessly to make the tour an unforgettable experience.

Ayres Adventures will not disappoint with the premium accommodations, food and activities you’ll encounter. They simply are the best.

Paul and Lisa's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Prudhoe Bay Excursion
Best of Alaska/Canada
Heart of Africa

Paul McClain and Lisa Mahaffey
Trussville, AL

Ayres Adventures you have done it again!

Jann Barber O’Hara and Chris O’Hara, Ayres Adventures

Ayres Adventures you have done it again! Our second tour (Southern Cross) was amazing. Another trip with top notch motorcycles, accommodations, guides, scenery and excursions. It is obvious how passionate John and Jason are about Africa as well as accommodating each individual
tour participant. Ayres attention to detail sets them apart from other touring companies. Thanks again for another great adventure.

Chris and Jann's Adventures include:
Triple S Harley-Davidson Southern Cross
Call of the Wild Adventure

Chris and Jann created a video about our Call of the Wild Adventure. Click here to watch the video.

Jann Barber O’Hara and Chris O’Hara
Morgantown, West Virginia

We could not have asked for better leaders!

Mike & Sue McKenrick, Ayres Adventures

We could not have asked for better leaders and can't imagine a tour without them. We loved Jason's enthusiasm for the history and culture of his country and appreciated the way he shared it with us at our morning ride briefings; and we loved how John rounded it out with more contemporary details and highlights. They both went out of their way time and again to do all the little things that made the trip so very special! (Such as the "traditional" shot of heat, the ostrich egg breakfast, Trivia night, Pat's shirt, retrieving Cliff's phone, off-bike rides in the truck when the weather or traffic was not the best for passengers, the list goes on!!)

Mike and Sue's Adventures include: 
Triple S Harley-Davidson Southern Cross

Mike and Sue McKenrick
Fort Ashby, WV

From communication to delivery, Ayres Adventures over delivered!

As a Harley-Davidson dealer, large event, and ride planner, I understand what detail and professionalism is required.  From communication to delivery, Ayres Adventures over delivered!  I always felt comfortable and was very pleased with the destinations and accommodations.  The guides took pride in the experience they were providing and were genuinely interested in you.  I am looking forward to my next ride with Ayres Adventures!

Cliff's Adventures include:
Triple S Harley-Davidson Southern Cross

Cliff Sutherland
Morgantown, WV

You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.

"Adventures" is an essential part of the Ayres company name. The professionalism of the tour guides is a strong point for this company. You can't go wrong by booking a tour with them.

Gary's Adventures include:
Heart of Africa
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)

Gary Prickett
Mission Viejo, California

We had an amazing Adventure and are looking forward to more trips with Ayres!

Jann Barber Ohara and Chris Ohara

This trip exceeded our expectations time and again. From the moment we arrived in Africa, everything was well-planned and easy. The accommodations were top notch and our tour guides, John and Jason, were the icing on the cake. They were fun, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. We had an amazing Adventure and are looking forward to more trips with Ayres.

Chris and Jann's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild Adventure
Triple S Harley-Davidson Southern Cross

Jann Barber O’Hara and Chris O’Hara
Morgantown, West Virginia

An absolutely fabulous adventure!

This was an absolutely fabulous adventure – the location, the lodging, the meals (!), the riding, the scenery and all the details made it perfect!

Starting from the pre-trip communication all the way through the departure back home, the team at Ayres handled everything perfectly. The guides (Claus and Axel) were wonderful, providing daily information and handled all the details seamlessly. The small group size (10 bikes) allowed the riders to interact and get to know each other. I’ve had lots of good days in my life but the day that started in Ingeli Forest lodge and finished in Kruger Park with an evening safari and sundowner cocktails in a dried riverbed was one of the best ever!

South Africa is a great place to visit and this is a fabulous way to visit. Thanks, Ayres Adventures !!

Peter's Adventures include:
Africa Southern Cross Adventure

Peter Oxenbol
Clayton, California

The Southern Cross Tour was everything it claimed to be and much more

I just returned from South Africa and my first Ayres Adventure with a dozen customers. I've nothing but praise for the entire team. The Southern Cross Tour was everything it claimed to be and much more. From the bikes to the lodging to the dining it was all fabulous. Our two guides insured it was an incredible two weeks and represented what I feel is a fantastic value for the money. I will be selecting our next tour very soon!

Bob and Suzanne's Adventures include:
African Southern Cross Adventure

Bob Henig of Bob's BMW
Bob's BMW

This trip was set up to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I hope it was not the only time I will visit.

"My lasting impressions of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are overwhelmingly positive. This trip was set up to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I hope it was not the only time I will visit." - Corey Hinderstein

"To encapsulate the experience of traveling by Ayres, I compare it to traveling with a wealthy and experienced older brother, one committed to showing you a great time. Once you’ve joined them, you don’t have to worry about a thing beyond paying for a bit of beer or wine on occasion." - Chase Hinderstein

Corey submitted an article about her trip with us. The article was published in Between the Spokes - the magazine of the BMW Club. Click here to see Corey's article.

Chase and Corey's Adventures include:
African Call of the Wild Adventure

Chase and Corey Hinderstein
Burke, Virginia

We have been bitten by the "Ayres Bug", so we will certainly be on another trip very soon!

I have wanted to write and thank you and Barbara for a truly wonderful vacation.

What makes a great vacation? Superb food, outstanding accommodations, well planned itineraries, new friends who share the same values, new challenges every day all with a sense of security knowing that there is great team (Ayres) behind you. The net result is a truly fun time and a remarkable memory and to Lori and I who went on the Southern Cross trip all this came to pass and more. We have been bitten by the "Ayres Bug "so we will certainly be on another trip very soon.

Thanks to all your wonderful team: John constantly keeping the group's fun in mind and taking care of every little detail and with a great sense of humour, ED who was such a gentleman and pleasure to travel with. Lori especially spent a lot of time with him and talks highly about his thoughtfulness and kind spirit.

I can also say that to anyone who is thinking of taking an Ayres trip but whose companion is not a lover of the "Two Wheels" mode of transport, the companion vehicle is a great way for couples to share some truly memorable trips to some very unique and interesting places. These trips allow a multitude of dinner stories recounting the fun.

Thanks again.

Michael and Lori's Adventures include:
African Southern Cross Adventure

Michael Collinson
Caledon, Ontario, Canada

I can't say enough good things about this experience!

This was my second Ayres Adventures tour, but definitely not my last. It will not be my last trip to Africa, either. The tour guides, John and Rob were as much a part of the group and the experience as everything and everyone else. The accommodations were first class and the food was incredible--they always pick the best of both. I think we were all surprised by South Africa and its peoples. The country is clean and the people are friendly. I can't say enough good things about this experience!

Beverly's Adventures include:
Iron Butt Escape to Ushuaia Adventure
African Panorama Adventure

Beverly Ruffin
Houston, Texas

I can't say enough about it...

Hi Ron, Shirley, John, Rob, Thank you for everything. I did not have time to send an email before to thank all of you. The trip was great. I can't say enough about it. THANKS!!!

Steven's Adventures include:
African Panorama Adventure

Steven Mishaan
Bar Harbor, Florida

Congratulations on putting together such a memorable event

Still full of great food and fantastic memories, we are home from Brazil. I will be wearing my new Ayres' Adventures Best of Brazil shirt on the Thursday night ride with the locals tonight.

Brazil was beyond our wildest expectations.
Congratulations on putting together such a memorable event.

Bert and Val's Adventures include:
Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
African Southern Cross
Best of Brazil

Bert and Val Reynolds
Fairview, Alberta, Canada

The tour was much more than I expected

I left for the African Panorama anticipating a great time. I'd say the tour was much more than I expected.

John and Rob did a super job of organization. They were obviously in control at all times, which gave all of us riders a sense of security. They're also a couple of great guys who made everyone feel comfortable in strange surroundings.

The over-night stops were excellent, and the food was outstanding.

I think all of us agreed the trip to Kruger NP was the high-light of the trip.

This ride was truly an "adventure".

Mike's Adventures include:
African Panorama Adventure

Mike Murphy
Pearland, Texas

We have NO complaints

Thanks for a great trip. We really enjoyed ourselves and we have NO complaints.

There is not much we could suggest that would have improved the experience for us.

Nick and Jool's Adventures include:
Africa Iron Butt Tour
Prudhoe Bay Excursion (Alaska)
Heart of Africa

Nick Robbins and Jools Hamilton
Cheltenham, United Kingdom

It was my first group motorcycle tour, but it will not be my last

It was an exciting, quick paced ride with an entertaining group. The leaders were always available offering encouragement, riding tips or just reliving the day over dinner.

And then of course there are the bragging rights of riding the world with Mike Kneebone and Ron Ayres.

It was my first group motorcycle tour but will not be my last!

Beverly's Adventures include:
IBA (Iron Butt Association) Ushuaia Tour
Africa Panorama Tour

Beverly Ruffin
Houston, Texas

I can’t imagine how the tour route or hotels could have been improved.

Every moment associated with the tour was enjoyable, from planning and preparation to my return home and sharing photos and stories with friends and family. I was very happy when I received the materials a month before the start of the tour; they really created a great impression.

I expected pretty vistas, but there is no way to prepare you for post card views around every corner. I can’t imagine how the tour route or hotels could have been improved.

I look forward to my next Ayres Adventure."

Bill enjoyed the Portugal, Spain and Morocco Adventure

Bill Walker
Redwood City, California

Overall, it was a wonderful experience!

Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

I expect to tour with Ayres again, and would highly recommend Ayres Adventures to anyone interested in motorcycle touring.

Burt's Adventures include:
South American Splendors
Call of the Wild
Machu Picchu Excursion

Burt Lowe
Richmond, Virginia

Now I'm dreaming of an Ayres Adventure in South America

The planning and organization that went into the African Southern Cross made this trip very special for me. I recommend this excursion to anyone who would like a very special holiday on a motorcycle. Now I'm dreaming of an Ayres Adventure in South America!.

Andre's Adventures include:
Escape to Ushuaia
Southern Cross
Viking Run

Andre Gareau
Ottawa, Canada

All of the tours that I have taken with Ayres Adventures have been excellent from start to finish

All of the tours that I have taken with Ayres Adventures have been excellent from start to finish. The itineraries, accommodations, and activities during the tours have provided many incredible experiences. Ron and his tour leaders have a way of finding the very best in each geographic area in which they travel.

John's Adventures include:
Escape to Ushuaia
Southern Cross
Call of the Wild
Namibian Splendors
Machu Picchu Excursion
Into Africa (Cape Town to Nairobi)

John Cheney
White Salmon, Washington

We’re already signed up for the Alps and Morocco

I’ve ridden eight Ayres Adventures tours, three of them IBA (Iron Butt Association) specific rides and haven’t been disappointed. All have been first class, unique, and full of very pleasant surprises. Ron and his staff have always been courteous, helpful, and patient. In fact, he has found some special tour leaders and guides. By the end of the tour, they become friends that we look forward to seeing again.

Each tour had it’s own highlights. The IBA tours fit our style of riding since we are interested in seeing as much as we can and not spending a lot of time at the destination hotels. If you ride one, be prepared to cover some distance in all kinds of road and weather conditions.

Ushuaia had been one of those must see places for us and the South America IBA ride was the perfect way to do it, we ended up with more than we expected. The scenery was spectacular, the food was excellent, and this group of riders made it a ride to remember.

We enjoyed this one so much, we’re already signed up for the Alps IBA ride this September and the Portugal, Spain, and Morocco tour next year.

Tom and Mona's Adventures include:
IBA Ushuaia Tour
IBA Africa Tour
IBA Extreme Alps Tour
Machu Picchu Excursion (Empire of the Incas)
Spain and Morocco
New Zealand Top Down Adventure
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Russia - Beyond the Golden Ring
Munich to Istanbul
Japan Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji
The Epic Journey - Moscow to Hong Kong

Tom and Mona Loftus
Vista, California

The professionalism of your organization is outstanding!

What a time we had in Africa, and the professionalism of your operation is outstanding. The routes, people, sights, hotels, food and animals all exceeded our expectations.

When you come back from any holiday there are usually a few things that stand out as being special. However regarding our tour it all blended into what can only be described as "Boys Own Stuff". It was truly the adventure we all dream about growing up as children. However to experience it later on in your life, is a dream come true.

We really want to participate in the South American Adventure next October!

Bill and Carolina's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Namibian Splendors

Bill Nixon and Carolina Campo
Bogota, Columbia

You win the oscar!

You win the Oscar for the category of "The Company that Works the Hardest to Please a Client!"

George and Sherri's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
New Zealand Top Down Adventure

George and Sherri DeMier
Tulsa, Oklahoma

The sixteen tours we were on with Ayres Adventures are the best we have ever been on!

“We have taken more than 20 motorcycle tours; sixteen of the last seventeen were with Ayres Adventures.

The sixteen tours that we have taken with Ayres Adventures were the best trips we have ever been on.”

Denny and Alice's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild
Best of Brazil
Southern Cross
Diamonds, Desert and Dunes (Africa)
South American Five Flags
South American Four Flags
Mediterranean Odyssey
Escape to Ushuaia
Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites
Swiss, French and Italian Alps
Adventure Center Holiday (USA)
Escape to Colorado (USA)
Rocky Mountain Holiday (USA)
National Parks Tour (USA)
Prudhoe Bay Excursion
Best of Alaska and Canada
Portugal, Spain and Morocco

Denny and Alice Sanford
Anchorage, Alaska

Once again, we came away thrilled...

"The Antarctica trip was our fifth tour (or 6th if you count Hyder) with Ayres Adventures and once again we came away thrilled with the experience.

The Antarctica portion was a life changing event, much the same as our three trips in Africa with Ayres forever changed our view of the world. Having now toured on all 7 continents, we can say that while the trip to Antarctica is costly and can be difficult at times, it is worth every cent if you enjoy adventure travel to new places. It will change your perspective of our planet and all it entails in a way that is impossible to explain unless you have made the voyage!

Mike and Cara's Adventures include:
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Call of the Wild (Africa)
Southern Cross (Africa)
Namibian Splendors (Africa)
Into Africa
New Zealand Top Down Tour
Greece and Italy - Golden Odyssey
Machu Picchu Excursion
Portugal and Spain Adventure
Portugal, Spain and Morocco Adventure

Mike and Cara Hardinger
Southern Pines, North Carolina

Consider your company whole-heartedly endorsed!

"When the memories of a trip stay with me every night while trying to sleep, I know that I have experienced something very memorable. I had such a good time that I signed up for your next 'Rendezvous in Rio' Adventure".

Consider your company whole-heartedly endorsed!

John's Adventures include:
Taste of Chile (and Dash of Argentina)
South American Splendors
Rendezvous in Rio
New Zealand Grand Tour
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Africa Off-Road
Southern Cross (Africa)
Portugal, Spain and Morocco

John Dinges
Lebanon, Oregon

How does Ayres Adventures keep coming up with these ideas?!

Recipe for an awesome motorcycle adventure: start with a destination that's on every motorcyclist's bucket list (Ushuaia, "The End of The World"), toss in a trip to Antarctica on a world-class cruise ship, and then finish it off with drop-dead gorgeous scenery in the southern Andes.

How does Ayres Adventures keep coming up with these ideas?!

I've been looking forward to this trip for 2 years, and yet, despite having been on other Ayres Adventures and knowing what an outstanding outfit they have, Ron, Barb, Mauricio, John, and Nuno again managed to exceed my expectations. So, for that matter, did Antarctica.

Well done, Ron and Ayres Adventures!

Don's Adventures include:
Escape to Antarctica (and Ushuaia)
Call of the Wild (Africa)
Brazil - Rendezvous in Rio
Heart of Africa

Don created a blog post about his Heart of Africa Adventure. Click here to read Don’s blog.

Don Toothman
Cornelius, North Carolina

Bikers Delight

Biker's delight. These are the words that come to my mind when I think of my Ayres Adventures tours. Great rides, sensational places, good food and great fun. A big "Thank you!" to the whole Ayres team for creating such an experience, you're doing an awesome job. I am looking forward to riding with you again.

Michael's Adventures include:
Machu Picchu Excursion
Southern Cross
Namibian Splendors
Spain and Morocco
Norwegian Midnight Sun
New Zealand Top Down Adventure

Michael B
Cologne, Germany

I'm looking forward to Portugal and Spain next Spring

Thanks to everyone involved at Ayres Adventures. Shirley was great and both Malcolm and John did a great job. I'm looking forward to Portugal and Spain next Spring.

Mike's Adventures include:
Call of the Wild (Africa)
Spain and Morocco
Machu Picchu Excursion

Mike Egan
Wellington, Florida

Namibia was unlike anything we have ever experienced

The Namibian Splendors trip was fabulous. Jan and I both had a wonderful time. We can't say enough about our guides, the hotels, the food, the route, the off-bike/excursion days, or the quality of the overall experience. The hotels and food were exceptional, and were a real treat all by themselves. Namibia was unlike anything we have ever experienced - hauntingly beautiful, beyond anything we had imagined.

The best testament we can make is that we were only home 3 days before we signed up for another Ayres trip!

Alan and Jan's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
Namibian Splendors
Machu Picchu Excursion
Portugal, Spain and Morocco

Alan Stephenson and Jan Saunders
Sedona, Arizona

What an Experience!

I am now back in the land of reality, but what an experience I have had. I think the preparation and planning of the tour was of such a high standard, the people great company and that resulted in the whole trip being so enjoyable.

The other really great thing was the feeling that I could ride forever, unfortunately appointments mean that you have to turn back.

John many thanks for your excellent leadership and professionalism throughout.

Pete's Adventures include:
Namibian Splendors

Pete Wall
Tamworth, United Kingdom

This trip had a little of everything and it makes me want to go back to Africa

My son and I rode the Ayres Adventures Machu Picchu trip over a year ago and we had so much fun I decided to go on my own trip to South Africa, at Ron Ayres suggestion.  I'm a fair weather, slower rider, the type that likes to look at scenery, stop often, and avoid highways, so after Machu Picchu which really challenged me, I asked Ron for something more suitable to my style, and the Southern Cross trip fit my needs perfectly.

It had everything: beautiful scenery that included seascapes and inland hills and valleys, cultural offerings by the Zulus in S. Africa and the Bsuto in Swaziland, game reserves and Kruger National Park where the big animals walked in their natural habitat, and most touching to me, visiting an orphanage and school where we met some children and which offered us the opportunity to give back a little by connecting them with possible resources in the USA.

The accommodations and the food were always the best, especially Otter's Den, where we were treated like family by the hosts and where I felt like I might hear Tarzan yelling as he swung from branch to branch.

John Jesson and Chris Carey offered wonderful support as group leaders, and they made my experience work, especially since I ride slower than most and I was traveling alone. It's not easy to satisfy everyone with different needs, but they did. The planned visits included a snake reserve, elephant farm, balloon ride, and could have included the highest bungee jump in the world. This trip had a little of everything and it makes me want to go back to Africa.

Deborah's Adventures include:
Southern Cross
Machu Picchu Excursion

Deborah Pigeon
W. Tilsbury, Massachussets

We can't wait for the next one!

It’s been less than two weeks since we completed the African trilogy and I’ve wondered how I’d ever find the words to describe our feelings about this extraordinary adventure. When the October 2008 Waypoints Bulletin arrived, it gave me the perfect start. As one who had to “overcome initial apprehension about travel to the ‘Dark Continent’,” I can honestly say that none of my fears materialized. Nick and I fell in love with Africa. From day one and throughout nearly seven weeks of travel, Africa grabbed us with the warmth of the people, the cultural diversity, the mind-blowing wildlife, and the spectacular scenery. Ayres Adventures delivered in its usual superb fashion on each and every day of the three distinctly unique tours.

The “Southern Cross” could be described as “Africa 101”, offering a taste of everything—from the busy, upscale Capetown waterfront to the luxury of L’Agulhas Country Lodge, from the cultural experiences in Eshowe and Shakaland to the overall African immersion at Otter’s Den. Leaving Johannesburg at the start of the second tour, we mistakenly thought ourselves steeped in a sense of place. Then came Shibula Lodge and we realized that a very different African adventure was just beginning. The “Call of the Wild” is truly all about the wildlife—watching the elephants crossing the river in Chobe can only be termed a life-altering event. As for Namibia, we’ll never forget the sands—towering over us on the dunes and shifting under our tires as we crossed the Kalahari! But the challenge was thrilling and the landscapes incomparable.

We’ll always be grateful to the Ayres “family” with whom we shared this amazing experience. So while "doing 'Africa Ayres Adventures Style'" may be addictive, I think it’s more accurate to say that we’ve simply become addicted to Ayres Adventures. We can’t wait for the next one!

Nick and Susan's Adventures include:
New Zealand Grand Tour
Southern Cross - TWICE!
Call of the Wild - TWICE!
Namibian Splendors
Escape to Ushuaia
South American Splendors
Best of the Mediterranean

Susan wrote an article about her African trips which was published in BMW Owners News. Click here to read her article.

Nick and Susan Vallario
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey

Our trip was beautifully planned.

Our first Ayres Adventure was everything we'd hoped and more. John is extraordinary at what he does. We really appreciated his sincere caring, competency and sense of fun. When asked where we were headed that day by a waitress at a coffee stop, a fellow rider said, "I'm not sure. It's like going on vacation with Dad. We just follow him and everything's taken care of, everything's wonderful."

Our trip was beautifully planned. Greg and I enjoyed the variety of accommodations, from a luxury waterfront hotel, to a country lodge, to a 100 yr. old farmstead, to a tented tree house, and especially the opportunity to visit the Zulu school and AIDS orphanage. We felt that we learned a lot about the country, rather than just passing through it. We're looking forward to future Ayres Adventures. South Africa definitely captured our hearts.

Roseann

Greg and Roseann's Adventures include:
Southern Cross

Greg Hague and Roseann Dunteman
Phoenix, Arizona

First Class Adventures

Recently my wife Chris and I took an Ayres Adventure trip through South Africa (from Cape Town to Johannesburg). We have nothing but good things to say about the Ayres people, having done several "adventures" with them, in various parts of the world. They are first class, and go the extra mile to take good care of their customers. The Africa trip was exceptional in every respect. Ayres has a knack for picking exotic places to visit and stay. Kruger is breathtaking and Swaziland is really cool. We totally recommend anyone that wants to do an overseas adventure to strongly consider this opportunity.

Rob and Chris's Adventures include:
Machu Picchu Excursion (Twice for Chris!)
Best of Alaska and Canada
Southern Cross
Viking Run
Spain and Morocco
Dutch Treat (now named Normandy and the North Sea)

Rob and Chris Hiday
Jacksonville, FL

Exceptional Road Support and Tour Leadership

While searching on-line for motorcycle travel I came across the Ayres Adventures website. The site was far and away better than any other so I called Ron, took a chance, signed up for the South America 5 Flags Tour and never looked back. The trip was well run and well planned, offered reliable road support, experienced tour leaders and attracted fun, adventurous people.

The next trip I took was an Ayres Adventure to Africa and this past summer I rode with Ayres in Alaska and Yukon Territory. By now I knew I could count on Ayres for exceptional road support and tour leadership and I was not disappointed. The Alaska challenge for me was riding the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay and our leaders, John and Ed, aside from the expected road support, offered moral support and encouragement. I couldn't have done that ride without them.

My challenge now will be deciding which Ayres Adventure to sign up for next.

Marilyn's Adventures include:
Prudhoe Bay Excursion
Alaska/Yukon Adventure
Southern Cross
Call of the Wild
South America 5 Flags
The Epic Journey - Moscow to Hong Kong
Antarctica Adventure

Marilyn Makepiece
Santa Barbara, California