A typical day on an NMT
tour begins with packing your luggage and simply leaving it in your room, or in
the hotel lobby. It will be picked up by the NMT staff. Then, as you enjoy a
fabulous breakfast, you will be provided with maps and explanations of the day’s
various routes. You can choose to ride with a tour leader on whatever route he
is taking, follow one of the other routes by yourself or with friends, or simply
make up a route of your own to the day’s destination. You will be provided with
a list of suggested lunch stops, though, naturally, you are free to search out
your own among the picturesque villages you’ll be passing through.
 Sometime
that afternoon, you will arrive at yet another remarkable lodging encounter,
where you simply park your bike, give your name to the desk, and pick up your
key. Your luggage will be waiting in your room, and you’ll have time for a
shower and, perhaps, a short walk around the grounds before dinner.
Alternatively, you might choose to unwind your muscles in a giant hot tub for an
hour or two. Whatever options you choose, they are simply a precursor to yet
another night of unforgettable gourmet dining, further augmented by lively
conversation about the day’s ride with your comrades. Then, finally, you may
choose to close out your evening with wine and cigars, alongside a pool or a
lake, or overlooking a notable mountain view from a comfortable patio. At this
point, you’ll be totally relaxed and sated, ready for a satisfying night’s sleep
before doing it all again the following day. (Click image to enlarge)
All makes and models of
motorcycles are welcome on the tours. Most riders prefer to bring along their
personal bikes, though Reid can arrange shipping of your own bike. Rentals of
BMWs, Hondas and Harley-Davidsons can be arranged as fly-and-ride options.
Although sport bikes are welcome and present on some of the tours, in general,
the less-hurried pace of NMT’s tours appeals more to riders of touring,
sport-touring and cruising machines, many with couples riding two-up. But if the
weather turns sour or your co-rider simply prefers a break, there is also a
full-amenities tour van that follows along enjoying the same scenery and stops
along the way. Also, every tour includes at least one two-day layover at one
appealing locale or another. This gives tour participants a day off the
bikes, to sightsee and shop, or to just lie around the hotel and relax. Of
course, there’s nothing stopping you from riding that day either.
BMWs are a popular choice of tour mounts, though other makes are available.
Tour
groups are intentionally kept small, with no more than ten bikes or fifteen
participants, total. Reid says that the camaraderie around the dinner table, or
on the walking tours of attractions and such, seems to suffer with larger
groups, so he insists on keeping the groups small and cordial. Having ridden on
three of NMT’s tours, I can assure you that, unless you are a total recluse, you
will come away from the tour with several newfound friends.
www.motorcycletours.com
| 802.463.9853
APPETIZERS
Pan seared scallops, polenta and basil sauce
Country paté
maison with toast points
Sauteed lobster with vanilla beurre
blanc
Portobello mushroom Napoleon
Sauteed crabcakes with
capers
Mesclun greens with Maine crabmeat and Thai basil
dressing
Udon noodles and Maine shrimp, lobster broth
Maki sushi with
grilled tuna and cucumber
ENTREES
Sauteed Shrimp with Pernod Sauce
Grilled Vegetables Fra
Diavlo
Broiled Lobster
Angus Beef Tenderloin with Morrell Mushrooms
and Green Peppercorn Demi
Braised Cavendish Game Hen, Fresh
Herb Aujus
Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon with Braised Leeks
and Lemon Beurre Blanc
Mustard and Rosemary Crusted Rack of
Lamb with Bordelaise Sauce
Pan Seared Duck Breast, Dried
Apricot Demi
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Lamb Rack Scented with
Thyme & Garlic
Pan Seared Duck Breast with Bourbon Molasses
Glaze
Steak Au Poivre with Merlot Basil Sauce
Rainbow Trout Fillets,
Sauteed & Ripe Plum Tomatoes
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