Mark Henderson
Harley-Davidson Deuce

I roll into South Lake Tahoe unsure of my immediate future. I stop at a small local store, buy a drink, a map. Slowly rolling along, Lake Tahoe comes into view. Wow!  I stop at a beach on the shore of the lake pouring over the map wondering what to do next. I begin to wax nostalgic about the previous 58 hours.  Wait, is that all it was? 58 hours? That can’t be right. Let’s see, 7:30AM Friday it all started.

All these strangers. All these different bikes. Big touring bikes, sportbikes, my Harley. Three dual sports? The thought of what have I gotten myself into? Saturday morning is 24, Sunday makes 48. It’s 5:00 PM Sunday now, wow 58 is right. How could so much happen in just 58 hrs? How could so much change in just 58 hrs?

For a few years, I had been lurking around the Pashnit.com site and was drawn to the group pictures from the tours.  Now, understand I generally don't like being alone in a group of strangers, it is way outside my comfort zone, but the atmosphere around the Pashnit website and the group photos made me comfortable enough to sign up alone. I ride for the adventure, I am compelled to go places I have never been, see things I have never seen, do things I have never done, that is what drives me to ride.

The photos of the tours told the story, particularily the group shots. In fact, it was the group picture in front of the Sonora Pass sign in the snow that did more to convince me to join a Pashnit Tour than any other single thing. I'll admit I was more than a little anxious. Three days with "a bunch of strangers" was (and still is) as mentioned, way out of my comfort zone. I must have rode past the meeting point 4 or 5 times Thursday just to get comfortable. I rode around town that same evening looking into the face of every other biker I saw wondering "is he here for the same reason I am?" I was worried how I would fit in. I even went out and purchased a full face helmet 2 days before the tour because I didn't want to show up wearing my skid lid.

But once we were on the road, there was a natural affinity between groups of riders, and the groups didn't separate according to brand, they separated according to a comfortable pace for those riders, in fact I usually had a Honda ST in front of me or behind me. The interesting aspect of this subject is that when we hit the dinner table no outside observer could tell what type of bike anyone rode. To try and say it better, any riding groups of 2 or 3 bikes that naturally formed on the road evaporated at dinner time. There was only one group at the dinner table, in fact I sat by (and talked to) someone different at each meal.

58 hours straight and not one negative word or gesture or thought. Wait, is that right? It was. How could that be? 14 adults from all backgrounds- from places like Georgia, Louisiana, Las Vegas, England, Japan spend 58 hrs together with no BS. No attitude. No drama.  Then it dawned on me….why I was sad. It was over.

I knew I would see some of these folks again, that I would make sure of. I will see both Tim’s again, this will certainly not be my last tour with them. I realized that even though I will likely see these people again, We will never be together, all together, like this again. It’s over…forever. I’ll never have that 58 hrs again.

As my reminiscing began to catch up with real time, that wave of sadness washed over my entire soul. It was over. The adventure was over. It became clear in that relaxed moment along the lake, that it was the people that made the tour what it was, simple enough. The roads are great, the scenery is spectacular but the people made this trip.

For about an hour, I relaxed, decompressing, blissfully reliving the last 58 hrs while overlooking the beautiful  Lake Tahoe. Then a switch flipped in my brain, time to go home.

Neil & Ron Cervanka
Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

To everyone reading these- the enthusiasts, the inquisitive, the lurkers (I was one too ) - if you are wondering if the trip was worth it, it was entirely. The roads, the people, the overwhelming organization that appeared as if everything was spontaneous. The entire trip was great. My dad welcomed his 60th year in a fashion few other Wisconsinites have even dreamed of. This was the trip of a lifetime for him.

The moments of adrenaline - coming down the ridgelines . The views of unexplainable grandeur - Yosemite National Park. Meeting up with new friends along the way . The trip mishaps that weren't mentioned in the photo thread about our ride- as in the rental Harley with the alarm that wouldn't turn off. Every moment was memorable. This trip was worth every penny and more. I can't wait to go on another Pashnit Tour. I have since changed my bike to a more capable Hayabusa, but the tour moves at everyone's one pace. The Tims run a great program and no one is left behind.

Well it's Day 3 after the tour and I'm finally getting my brain to work at 55MPH instead of the “spirited” pace that we kept for 3 days.

As I reflected over the weekend ride I naturally started to compare the Sierra Pashnit Tour with the Central Coast Pashnit Tour (I've been on two so far) and realized that the only difference between them were the roads. It is so remarkable to think that with two different groups of people in different places at different times that there could have been so much in common between us.

As on the tour before, everyone just meshed right off the bat, everyone had a story to tell and everyone wanted to hear it. The experiences each rider had was as diverse as the ride, yet while one rider liked one road another liked a different road but everyone loved the whole ride. How remarkable is that! We all spoke the same language- motorcycles, yet we all had vastly different machines to speak with. We each love the motorcycle we had, yet we all admired and were interested in each other's ride as if we were going to go out and get one for ourselves. I can't think of many other places or times that one can see such a group dynamic like that.

Before Pashnit Tours I thought riding was fun and that I knew what riding was all about. But after these trips I have come to know the true freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle on roads that can only be ridden to really understand them and to have had the Honor and Privilege to share the experience with people that were able to understand what we all were feeling which was the sheer joy of being free on a motorcycle if even for a short time.

Note: Max returned from England to ride with us once more on his 2nd Pashnit Tour in 2007!
See pics from Max's ride here...!!

In the early part of July 2006, I decided to take a motorcycle based holiday, somewhere in the world, as part of a special celebration. The only real restriction was that I needed to make arrangements quickly, due to personal commitments. I made my research on-line and was seriously considering options in Thailand, South Africa and South America when I came across a site I had not seen before. Pashnit Motorcycle Tours!

Anticipation for such an adventure had been building for a couple of years and as a motorcycle race fan, the Moto GP Tour had a lot of appeal for me but it was important that my final choice provided value for money since I would inevitably be travelling a long way for the experience- all the way from England. That meant the ability to ride quickly on a quality road surface, against a backdrop of eye catching scenery, in a relaxed atmosphere, whilst meeting new people.

With only days to go before the tour began, I called Tim Mayhew who quickly reassured me that this tour could fulfil my expectations and even at that late stage, he presented a very positive 'can do' attitude, which I liked.

The 'Clincher' was a short video presentation which I found on the PMT website and I recommend all new visitors to take a few moments to view that short piece of film. I was convinced this tour was exactly the thing I was looking for. (Click to watch the video) The impending Moto GP meant that the vast majority of rental bikes in the San Francisco Bay Area had already been snapped up. Tim kindly resolved the situation by offering his own 'spare' bike to ensure I had the type of machine which I preferred, on such a trip. I was grateful to him for that offer since he knew very little about me at that time.

I went ahead and booked with just 6 days to go before the tour date and quickly made arrangements to fly to the United States. What followed was quite simply the most enjoyable motorcycling experience I have ever had. Everyone of the things which I was looking for from this tour, was taken care of. I had the freedom to ride at my own pace, the routes were chosen with care to provide variety and interest, Northern California's landscape was beautiful and, at times, breathtaking. In addition, there was a laid back feel throughout each day which was infectious and had the effect of putting me at complete ease, yet, there was no lack of organisation.

Kevin Kone
BMW R1150R Rockster

Having just bought my first motorcycle in November 2005, riding the new motorcycle felt like second nature to me having been an avid cyclist my whole life riding my bicycle every free chance I had. When I found Tim's site, I knew I had to go on the first trip of the year to Central California. I signed up for the trip several months in advance with the excitement and anticipation growing each day we got closer to the departure date.

Each road we went on kept getting better and better and better. It was hard for me to believe this was possible. I felt like a kid who was on their first trip to Disneyland, except this was Disneyland for grown ups! Midday, I asked Tim, "Is it always like this?" He just smiled.

The company, the two Tim's and the roads is an experience of a lifetime. You will not regret singing up for any of the trips. I am signed up for two more trips this summer- the Sierra Nevada ride & the 4-Day NorCal Ride. Looking forward to more time on the road with Pashnit !!

Kevin has since attended six Pashnit Tours and recently married another tour particpant he met via PMT! Congrats Kevin!.

Just finished reading the Photo Thread of our ride together. Great journal of our trip! As you said, I could hardly stop smiling the whole time. I took my FJR into the dealer the other day for an oil change and a new set of tires. The technician asked “how did you do that (referring to my bald tire)....a track day?” I just laughed and told him about your Pashnit website!

Vince Toy
Yamaha R1

"Let's Ride!!"  Those two words you'd say as we were about to start riding were always music to my ears.  As you know, my friend Kevin was how I came upon hearing of your services, before that I had heard of your website through other "biker" friends.  Why did I go?  To shut Kevin up who kept raving about your tours.  Well...   that and it was a natural progression for me.  I went from just commuting to the weekend day rides with some local buddies and had always fantasized about a multiday trip. 

On your tour, the company of a great group of riders was what kept me going and staying fresh.  I was amazed to find out we did approx. 330miles the first day and I was still ready to do more!  In the 3 days I personally coverd 975 miles and I still rode into work the day after the ride. I love my R1,  but I was very envious of all those FJR's and the ST1300 on the tour.  I'm not quite ready to trade mine in, but I'm no longer excluding these sport tourers as a "potential" next bike! Thanks again Tim for everything.

"Let's Ride!!"

Haroldo & Megan Filho
Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

All you new (slow, inexperienced) riders out there: don't be discouraged by the testimonials of the sport bike pros! I started riding 6 months ago, and was so excited about the new bike thing that I searched for "bike tours" on Google.com, and this Pashnit guy came up as the only one who did weekend tours. Heck! Let's go! I didn't know who he was, let alone what kind of riders would come along. My wife, who is the girliest of all girly girls, came along for the fun.

(2007 Pashnit Edit: Ayumi has been on Five Pashnit Tours!!)

Thank you for another great tour!! I really enjoyed riding with you and experiencing the great views in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I have now attended FOUR(!) Pashnit Tours and truly enjoyed each of them. Great and safe riding, beautiful roads, breathless scenery, great people, great foods, and etc. (Ahh, I wish I can ride every weekend! LOL!)

I gave up motorcycles once after ten-years of riding in Japan. Although I loved riding motorcycles, it was my choice to leave motorcycls at that time. But I felt I was missing something in my life since then and I could not recognize what it was until I began ridng on your Pashnit Motorcycle Tours.

For me, the last four Pashnit Tours were not just tours to have fun, but rather they've been a precious experience to regain that pleasure and joy to live my life. Through your tours, I've been able to recognize how much I love motorcycles, enjoy riding, and how wonderful it is to share this passion for riding and experience it with others who feel the same. Thank you again for the wonderful tours. I definitely will attend another ride!! See you soon!

Note: Richard returned from Australia to ride with us once more on his 2nd Pashnit Tour in 2007!
See pics from Richard's ride here...!!

It all started about two or three years ago; sitting in my office in Sydney, Australia wasting my time on the Net I tripped over the Pashnit.com website and cruised over the California Motorcycle Roads pages. Thought to myself “gee that would be a nice thing to do before I die”. I thought no more of it until I found myself sitting in my accommodation in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada, for the geographically challenged) bored with driving the Albertan roads; all straight and flat! I started researching motorcycle rentals and places to ride.

With limited time to take I begged off work (it takes a day to get to San Francisco from Edmonton), booked: flights; the 3 day Northern California Tour; a BMW 1200 GS from Dubbleju and a hotel near the start point which Tim helped me with.

Then counted the days. Almost as excited as a kid about Christmas, expectations were set to high. Finally found myself at the airport heading to San Fran. Picked the bike up from Dubblju and had the pleasure (!!??) of riding from downtown to Sauasalito in the evening rush hour. Met up with everyone on Day One at the appointed meeting place. A small group of passionate riders prepared to go a decent distance at a decent pace. In total seven riders, including the two Tims (they come in pairs).

I won’t bore you with all the details of the ride. Let’s just say expectations were exceeded by a long way and it has taken me three days to come down from the high. The time just flashed by and all of sudden I’m returning the cycle and heading back to work in Canada.

A Pashnit Tour has got to be the best value for money tour you’ll ever get. The Tim’s are knowledgeable and friendly and will take you on roads that would otherwise take a long time to find. There’s a bit of something for everyone; you go at your own pace, they won’t leave you behind. Would I go with them again? You bet, how about tomorrow!"

What can I say... you are a Class Act and this was a magical experience. The whole trip was full of pleasant surprises. I have ridden the Pacific Coast Highway before but never stopped to take in the scenery. I did this time and really enjoyed myself. The members of the group were all great people and I hope to meet and ride with them again.

The second day for me was like track day in God's country. This tour will last me until the next one- which I'm going to ride that one too!! Count me in! Please tell the other Tim that I look forward to riding with him again. Man what a sight... two up, sparks in every corner... brave lady. Thanks again.

(2007 Pashnit Edit: Jeff has become a familiar face around Pashnit Tours having hooked up with the tours FIVE diffferent times. He can also be heard in this interview with tour guide Tim Mayhew.)

This was my very first experience riding with a group, let alone an organized tour. I was a bit hesitant about the experience going in, worrying about issues such as the pace (I don't like going slow) and daily mileage.

Coming away from riding with these guys, all I can say is that I had an absolute blast!! Right out of the gate, I had a great time hanging out with the Tims, and the other riders. The comradarie, laughter, and road tales that filled all the stops left never a dull moment. Both Tims did a great job at both allowing for us faster riders to unleash our beasts when we felt the need, but at the same time keeping the slower riders a part of the group. (Never thought I'd be hanging out with a rider on a cruiser and still be having fun!)

The daily mileage was just right. I love being in the saddle, and packing in every twisty I can get while the sun holds out. While not as marathon as I'm accomustomed to, our ride was filled with incredible roads that filled the day just right. Relaxed, fun, and enough to quench my thirst for miles. And we always seemed to get back to the hotel, hot tub, and neighboring pub just as the body was starting to tire!

I can say without hesitation that I'd whole heartedly recommend touring with Pashnit Motorcycle Tours to just about any rider out there. I had an incredible, memorable time, and look forward to hooking up with Tim and Tim for another of their Pashnit Tours the first chance I get! Had so much fun, I've ridden 2 tours so far! and will be there again in 2006 for the Sierra Nevada Tour!

I'm telling all my riding friends that they're really missing out if they don't go on one of  your Pashnit Tours.  And the pictures prove it, they all like checking out the back roads we've ridden.

The beauty of the Pacific Coastline, the mountain vistas and especially the roads like the big perfect sweepers of Skaggs Spring Rd to the twisty goat trails of Titlow Hill. 

One of the more unique experiences while riding with the author of Pashnit.com was when we ran into other random groups of riders, stopping to talk with them and watch as they realize, 'hmmm, blue and silver Hayabusa, hey, aren't you that Pashnit Guy?!'