Make 2009 the year of your biggest motorcycle adventure

In the second of our features on motorcycle tour operators, we profile GlobeRiders, one of the world's premier adventure touring companies, which has just announced details of its tour itineraries for 2009.  If the spirit of adventure is in your blood, why not set that spirit free next year and join GlobeRiders in making tracks around the world.

The best way to cross the Mekong River is on one of these special rafts – just hold on to your bike though

Founded by renowned Norwegian photographer and adventurer Helge Pedersen (author of the legendary 10 Years on 2 Wheels book) GlobeRiders focuses on long-haul journeys, and includes shipment of your own personal motorcycle for every one.

Included in all tour packages are the services of staff guides and local guides; a support or recovery vehicle with local drivers; GPS waypoints and tracks from pre-runs or previous tours; all accommodations; most morning and evening meals; selected en route activities and side trips; seminars on tire-changing, in-the-field maintenance and repair, and GPS mastery. Passengers are welcome riding two-up, or even in the comfort of an upgraded support vehicle.

GlobeRiders is one of the few (if not only) motorcycle tour operators that has successfully taken riders into The People's Republic of China and Socialist Republic of Vietnam. From Azerbaijan to Zambia, their 2009 departures include:

The Silk Road Adventure – 53 days, 12,800 kilometers.
The tour embarks May 2009 in Istanbul, Turkey, and finishes in June in Xian, China. Included are: Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, overnight ferry across the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China.

The IndoChina Adventure – 56 days, 11,000 kilometers.
The tour embarks September 2009 in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and finishes in November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Included are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia.

The Africa Adventure – 37 days, 10,800 kilometers.
The tour embarks October 2009 from Cape Town, and makes a loop through six countries in southern Africa, terminating in November in Cape Town. Included are South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, a fly-in, drive out 4-day/3-night safari into the Okavango Delta, Zambia, layover in Victoria Falls/Livingston, Namibia, and return to South Africa.

The group of intrepid riders on last year's Silk Road Adventure

For more information about this comprehensive touring program, why not visit the website at www.globeriders.com or email info@globeriders.com for additional details.