Motorcycles Ecuador Bike Rental

Ever wondered how your life could have been if you took that other path in your life? When you felt like just riding your motorcycle towards the sunset without looking back and sure, even better if your love comes along. Well, this is the story of Andy and Alissa. Two accomplished motorcycle journalists who were available for a quick interview, even when at the time of this writing, they were busy flying back home in the UK to remove a metal from Alissa’s leg, due to a “wrong turn” that took place a year ago in Nepal. If you don’t freak out easily, take a look at: https://www.madornomad.com/a-wrong-turn/ Questions Gambito: How was your life before you decided to start your round-the-world trip two years ago? Andy: We have both travelled extensively for the last 16 years. We’ve tried backpacking, hitchhiking, driving, boats and planes. But as soon as we found motorcycles, we knew that was how we were going to continue our travels. We started to take on more bike trips and I got a job as a motorcycle journalist while Alissa worked in finance. We were both happy but wanted something more and were tired of going on trips and always having to return home. G: What was the last push you needed to start this new way of life? A: There wasn’t really a last push. It was something we had always talked and dreamed about doing. One day we just woke up and decided that we could either continue talking about it or just go and do it.  G: Tell us about your trip? A: On January 1st 2018 we sold everything we owned, packed all our bags on a bike and left the UK to travel round-the-world with no end-date. Since then we’ve ridden 45,000 miles through 27 incredible countries, had more breakdowns than we can count, one too many crashes, a broken leg and the best memories of our life! We started in the UK on January 1st 2018 on a Yamaha XT660R.  ADV motorcycle G: Did you know much about Adv motorcycle riding? What were those silly mistakes that now you laugh about? A: We knew a fair bit as we had travelled extensively on bikes before and I had undertaken quite a few long-distance trips before this one. As for silly mistakes, that would have to be packing. It’s always so easy to take too much. What we have today, two years after we left, is half of what we started with. Although to be fair, we were two people on one bike with camping gear and kit suitable for -15C to +40C, so we did have to pack a lot. G: From all countries you’ve been to, what was the one you could go back and make a home? A: Great question! We love so many of the countries we’ve visited and could have stayed in each one for much longer. But as far as living full-time, it has to be either the west coast of Canada or Laos.  G: www.madornomad.com is an awesome job. How do you balance your writing lifewith traveling? A Thanks! I guess the same way as everybody else. We like to travel slow and not pump out hundreds of miles a day. We might ride 100 miles in a day, find somewhere nice and stay there for a week and that gives me plenty of time to work on the site. And there’s always loads of time in the evening to write too. Both motorcycles and writing are my passions, so I’ll always make time for both.  G: What are you riding now? Any special brand you use for luggage and camping gear? Yamaha bike A: We’re still on our Yamaha XT660R, but are thinking of changing to two new bikes. Any guesses what they might be? We were always supposed to be on two bikes, but Alissa had a nasty bike crash and broke her leg in Nepal. As soon as she’s fully healed, we’ll be on two bikes. As for gear, we list everything we carry on our trip on the site. https://www.madornomad.com/reviews/ G: You’re stuck in Thailand due to the pandemic and I’ve read you got engaged. Congratulations for that. What will be your plan forward for you and your fiancée? A: Thanks very much! We were stuck in Thailand, but have decided to fly home to the UK for another operation on Alissa’s leg. There’s a bit of metal screwed into her fibular that’s rubbing on her tendons. We figure that while we can’t ride around southeast Asia anyway, we might as well get on the waiting list for an operation, So I’m actually writing this on our flight back to Heathrow! We hope it won’t take more than three or four months before Alissa is all fixed up again. We’ll then fly back to Thailand, collect our bike and continue the round-the-world journey. Hopefully the rest of the route will be through more of SE Asia, Australasia, the Americas and Africa… or something like that anyway! But as they say, man plans and the universe laughs. We thank you for this interview, and we hope to welcome you when you pass by Ecuador. You’ll be more than welcome   | Visit Us | Mad or nomad, the quick story

What truly sets a place apart and gives it the wow factor is the people who inhabit it. Their arrival with stories makes time fly, leaving a memorable feeling about the place just left. Ecuador is filled with an interesting story behind. In the North West area of Pichincha lies the rainforest region known as Choco, home to the town of Mindo. A place with 500 bird species, including 328 hummingbird species, and over 2000 flora species. If you add in the midst of all that natural beauty, an eco-lodge that leans to preserve its environment and bond with its surroundings in harmonic ways, then you have La Bicok a Treasure in Mindo. Sebastian, the owner, a renowned architect in France for his contemporary designs, left his country to pursue a dream: traveling South America in a motorhome with his family. That’s how they started in 2012 until 2014. Three years and many countries later, the family discovered a piece of land in the charming, remote town of Mindo. Its charm resided in the contact with nature that provides to its inhabitants. Now, with a nearby plot of land and the sale of their motorhome, La Bicok started to take shape in 2015. First Impression Our first visit to La Bicok was during a Mindo scouting trip, seeking a place with a story to share. La Bicok was just starting with few cabañas for their customers. The parking was designed with some spots for campers and mobile houses. That night, two families shared humorous tales from Alaska, while Sebastian recounted his family’s travel adventures. With Sebastian’s bonfire, great wine, and food, Mindo became the perfect overnight destination, adding warmth and enjoyment. Since then Ecuador Bike Rental by Sleipner has been using La Bicok as our favourite place to stay in town. Not one single customer has made a claim about the place, and since is close to town, its easy to have a beer in town, have a walk around the waterfalls and enjoy some off-road with the motorcycles around, practice river crossing and sceneries. Since 2017, Ecuador Bike Rental staff has been put lots of effort to polish its knowledge about the country. As a 100% Ecuadorean company, our goal is to promote our country with its real culture core by visiting different areas, trying different flavours and talking to the people that makes this country unique. No other company can say the same. | Visit Us | Treasure in Mindo

When you have to buy tires for your motorcycle, you realize there are several types of Motorcycle tires and you realize that you never asked what type of tires your motorcycle originally brought. It is a problem that happens very often, sometimes it happens that people go for the cheapest tire they can buy to realize that, either it worn out early or, that its been years and its rubber still looks new but offers no adherence whatsoever.   The first thing we must take into account is the type of road where we usually ride. If we ride on highways, dirt roads or a mix between these two, you’re aiming to buy one which offers the proper grip and wear. To find out what types of motorcycle tires exist and what is the ideal for each terrain, we help you a bit with the types of motorcycle tires that exist.       1. Slicks         They are treadless. They are used for competition, generally they last very little. Its compound is soft, they offer an optimal grip at high speeds, precisely for this reason they reach very high temperatures. They are not suitable for use on roads, but it will stick to a circuit corners like mad.       2. Sport Characterized by minimal tread, they come in soft, medium, or hard rubber compounds, providing excellent grip on dry and wet asphalt. They can be used on the circuit but are generally used on the road.   3. Highways and city. They offer good adherence to the ground and have numerous lines that make them safer on wet surfaces. Its compound is variable, with a hard center surface and softer on the sides for grip purposes when leaning, which gives it a longer duration, specially when operating at low temperatures. They are for daily use on urban and paved roads. Their duration is medium and they offer a good grip. Anyone can use them.   4. Touring. These tires are designed for open road use, featuring deeper treads and prominent grooves to efficiently evacuate rainwater. Their tread, although is meant for pavement, it offers some off-road capabilities. Also, they are usually built to withstand heavy and loaded bikes at moderate speeds.   5 . Dual sport. Our favourite! They are for motorcycles capable of riding both on pavement and on dirt roads. Pronounced, wider lines divide into semi-blocks, enhancing grip on soft terrain, dirt, mud, and stones. Its operating temperature is low and its rubber is usually harder than touring tires. They’re suitable for various roads but not extreme conditions, as their compound and design are intermediate between pavement and dirt. 6 . All terrain. These tires are designed for challenging terrain like mud, trails, and dirt tracks. Their soft compound allows slight shape changes based on terrain type, with pronounced blocks for enhanced grip. They use them for Enduro and Motocross competitions. Soft-material helmets are not advisable for road or city traffic due to wear and low adherence in such conditions. Once you’ve chosen the tire type, refer to the motorcycle owner’s manual for the correct air pressure, which may vary with time. This measure change results in increased fuel consumption, decreased motorcycle performance, and potentially unsafe driving conditions. It’s crucial to regularly check tire pressure, condition, and remaining tread life for optimal performance on tracks. For more maintenance tips, visit our blog. Choosing well-known and globally proven brands ensures road safety, reflecting extensive manufacturer research and testing. | Visit Us | Motorcycle tires

Motorcycle gear, a quick guideline for newbies: Becoming a motorcyclist can be a bit intimidating, motorcycles are a completely versatile vehicle as they can be used both to move around in the urban environment and to get away to a different city. In both cases, it’s vital to consider motorcycle equipment. Beyond protection, certain accessories enhance comfort and ease during the trip. After the COVID-19 pandemic, predictions suggest a shift towards a more suitable motorcycle lifestyle, particularly for commuting and daily travel. Commonly, adventure motorcyclists are seen as strange characters, always with all their protective equipment, and the truth is not very far away, but with big differences to what you think, if you are new to this world, all the information you may receive from friends, the internet and many other sources, may make you go a little crazy, confused and in the end it ends up stressing you, but hey, don’t worry, here’s a basic guide to solve this dilemma a little. Below, you will find a list with the basic elements you need to start your motorcycle life as safe as possible. It should be noted that all these items are necessary for proper protection, both for the pilot and passenger, but we will number them according to its importance since over time you can acquire the others.So lets see a quick guideline for newbies for Motorcycle gear: 1.-  Helmet  In short, the first essential item to be able to drive a motorcycle. Choosing the most suitable helmet is crucial as it’s responsible for protecting our head, ensuring safety while riding. When choosing an adventure helmet, the big difference you will find is the price, usually the difference lies in its weight, aerodynamics and noise reduction properties, in addition to the materials and details. As for the weight, at first it does not seem to be a great determining factor since when trying them for a few moments we do not notice this difference, but if you plan to make long trips, both your back and neck will notice and appreciate it, not to mention that they are safer and they have a greater number of certifications that guarantee their resistance and duration. When purchasing an adventure helmet, consider homologation, with three widely accepted standards: DOT, SNELL (common in the US), and ECE (predominant in Europe). Having a different riding position than a sports or city motorcycle, it is important to have a visor that blocks the sun light that may interfere with our vision, in addition to providing better air conduction towards the ventilation channels located in the upper part of the helmet. Full-face helmets offer greater security in impacts, while modular ones provide comfort for activities like taking photos. In hot climates we can open them and get more ventilation when driving at low speeds. 2.-   Motorcycle protective suit  Its a must be in the Motorcycle gear. To protect our body is also a must. Once again, there are two main types, the mono piece and two-piece riding suit (jacket and pants) Depending where mainly your riding will take place, even as a weekend street warrior or a long term adventurer, it could from a leather mono piece suit or a full adventure riding suit to  ride in a motorcycle tour with you friends. A middle term is something more casual to commute in the city. Other point to consider is the type of climate in which we are going to use them, hot, cold, rainy, The key consideration is ensuring our suit is resistant to abrasions, impacts, and, if needed, waterproof for rainy conditions. Our gear typically consists of two layers: an outer layer for abrasion and weather protection, and an inner thermal layer for warmth. These layers are often separable, so it’s advisable to review this detail for enhanced comfort and garment versatility. If garments lack waterproofing due to cost, it’s wise to carry a packable waterproof suit for affordable and effective protection. 3.-   Boots Protecting our feet is also a main factor. Choosing boots is crucial due to the motorcycle’s weight and potential impact on ankles or legs if it falls. Trekking boots aren’t advisable initially as they lack ankle support. Starting with them may lead to discomfort or instability. Adventure boots offer a wide variety of options. Key specifications to check include ankle protection, calf height, comfort, and water resistance. For optimal protection against falls, consider enduro-designed boots, though they may lack strong water resistance compared to other options. To help the problem of getting wet, you could use Gore-Tex socks if your boots are not fully waterproof. 4.-   Gloves Gloves are paramount when riding our motorcycles, for protection and comfort. IWhen selecting gloves, consider comfort, abrasion resistance, knuckle protection, and water resistance/proofing for suitability and effectiveness. Finding gloves with all desired characteristics is challenging. Start with a pair offering abrasion and water resistance, plus good ventilation. It’s advisable to have varied gloves for different situations. For instance, a pair for adventure, cold and rainy climates, and a lighter pair for hotter temperatures. 5.-  Hydration Often the idea of adventure motorcycle is related to long riding periods in all weathers. This is true and been hydrated is a must if we want to continue enjoying our trip. We recommend bringing a CamelBak with a 2-liter bladder and a half-liter Thermos with a hot beverage for emergencies. As convenient as it sounds, a CamelBak not only keeps you hydrated but also keeps your valuables easily accessible. We hope this recommendation has helped you to clear any doubt. This is the basic gear we use in our motorcycle rental shop and it has worked out wonders for us. | Visit Us | Motorcycle gear

Ecuador boasts a unique natural wonder beyond its mainland—a volcanic region forming small islands known globally as the Galapagos or Enchanted Islands. The Pacific archipelago, 1000 km from Ecuador’s coast, comprises 19 islands, boasting incomparable endemic flora and fauna treasures. Finish your ride in Ecuador with Galápagos Islands. History Discovered in 1535 by Fray Tomas de Berlanga, the islands have captivated pirates, whalers, scientists, and naturalists with their enchanting allure. Proximate to the continent, the islands were a strategic hideout for 18th-century pirates, plotting attacks on America’s coast. Due to its location and currents, the Galapagos teem with marine life, including diverse whale species, attracting 19th-century whalers worldwide. For centuries, Galapagos endured abuse by pirates, whalers, and settlers despite their natural significance, striving to inhabit them. Recognition and significance dawned on the islands in 1835 with English naturalist Charles Darwin’s arrival, altering their trajectory forever. Charles Darwin, scientist and naturalist, sailed globally on HMS Beagle, collecting evidence and species for his theory of evolution. His findings culminated in the publication of “The Origin of Species through Natural Selection.” These islands gained fame among scientists worldwide, earning the nickname “the laboratory of evolution.” Isolated from human populations for centuries, their animals evolved in various ways to survive diverse island conditions. For instance, giant turtles developed shells of different shapes and leg lengths depending on their habitat, showcasing diverse evolutionary adaptations. World Heritage Site In 1959, the Republic of Ecuador took the advice of naturalists, biologists and scientists and after closing the penal colony that existed on these islands, declared it a national park. Since 1960, the Galapagos began thriving as a tourist destination. In 1978, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site for its diverse underwater wildlife, geological interest, and rich animal wealth, alongside its significance in evolutionary biology. Six years later, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1985. In 2007, UNESCO declared the Galapagos Islands a World Heritage Site at environmental risk, placing them on the List of World Heritage in Danger. However, due to conservation efforts and raised environmental awareness, they were removed from this list in 2010. Today, the Galapagos Islands attract the highest number of tourists in Ecuador and are renowned worldwide, particularly among divers. They offer unparalleled opportunities to witness a vast array of fauna in their natural habitat. There are approximately 70,000 visitors in the Galapagos islands every year. The ecosystem of the islands is extraordinary, and make the tourist feel as if they were in a living museum. However, it is very fragile because even small changes can cause a great alteration in the ecosystem. For that reason, tourists have to pay an entrance fee when they arrive on the islands. Wildlife One of the island’s wonders is the fearlessness of its animals toward humans, attributed to their protected status. Remarkable wildlife encounters include sharing the beach with sea lions, playing and swimming with them, and observing sharks. Visitors can closely observe tropical fish, penguins, stingrays, sea turtles, and unique species that breed on these islands. Due to their equatorial location, the islands boast excellent temperatures year-round, making them accessible for visits in any month. However, certain special species may be more abundant in specific months. From January to May, expect hotter and drier weather with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. From June to September, the climate becomes hazier, occasionally dropping temperatures to an average of 22 degrees. Knowing the islands varies with budget, from luxury cruises exploring remote areas to daily tours from inhabited islands like Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance since having a limit of people who can visit them, spaces on cruises, hotels and other activities tend to run out soon. A suggestion: March to May typically offer the best conditions, being outside the peak summer season, with easier access and better prices. Finish your ride in Ecuador with Galápagos Islands. Scuba diving A 100% recommended activity to do on these islands is scuba diving, and if not possible, snorkeling. Situated amidst three marine currents, these islands boast abundant marine life. Dolphins, whales, sharks, marine iguanas, manta rays, and fish of all colors and sizes inhabit these waters. Swimming with hammerhead sharks, turtles, and the rare but beautiful sunfish, or mola-mola, is not uncommon. Being on land we can marvel at reptiles, birds, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, albatrosses, frigates with red chests, land iguanas of different colors, giant tortoises and more animals to leave us incredible postcards. Don’t wait any longer to discover this laboratory of evolution and life with unique animals and plants on the planet. After a good time riding in Ecuador, the perfect dessert is at least four days in the islands. Thanks to our chain of hotels and tour operators we work with, you can include you this package as part of your whole visit in Ecuador. Please take a look at one of our tours for more information, choose your motorcycle brand, and ride on!   | Visit Us | Finish your ride in Ecuador with Galápagos Islands

Ecuador, more than being a country with a great diversity of flora and fauna, has a great tradition of food, some of which come from before the arrival of the Spanish, typical dishes of the Inca culture. That is why in addition to being able to travel by motorcycle one of the countries with the greatest visual appeal, we can proudly offer you a gastronomic route worthy of any King. So lets get this Ecuador food motorcycle tour! Regional delights vary across Ecuador; here’s a glimpse of iconic dishes from different areas for your culinary exploration. Loco de papa / potatoe soup Mountain rangeLocro / potatoe soup One of the most delicious dishes of Ecuadorian gastronomy is, without a doubt, El locro de papas. This dish is ubiquitous across Ecuador’s highlands, with slight variations in combinations from Ibarra to Loja. Delectable potato soup, optionally with cheese or fried pork skin, served with avocado and toasted corn for extra flavor. Ecuador’s creamy, flavorful soup is a delicacy worth savoring during your visit, offering an unparalleled culinary experience. Without cheese and pork skin, it transforms into a superb vegetarian dish or a healthy vegan alternative. Llapingachos Tasty tortillas stuffed with cheese, potatoes, served with peanut sauce, chorizo, egg, salad, and avocado. Highly recommended for tourists: try this Ambato specialty, especially during your visit to the city. A must-try! Coast Ceviche Ceviche or shrimp ceviche is a paramount tradition in Ecuador, especially in the country’s coast. Of course is one of the most important food in this Ecuador food motorcycle tour. A great option for a snack on the beach. While shrimp ceviche reigns supreme for its quality, Ecuador offers famous variations including shellfish, fish, and diverse seafood ceviches. While seafood ceviche remains highly sought-after, in the mountains, vegetarian options like chochos, hearts of palm, and mushrooms satisfy non-meat eaters. In the mountains and along the coast, shrimp ceviche varies, with each region infusing unique spices into the lemon-cooked shrimp. Be sure to try this delicious and light dish, which is very well accompanied with chili and a very cold national beer, as well as a garnish of chifles (thin slices of fried green plantains), patacones (flattened fried pieces of green plantains), kangaroo (popcorn) or roasted (roasted corn).  Bolones de verde Indulge in the experience of savoring a delicious bolón de verde, whether filled with cheese, pork rind, or both in a mixed bolón. The most recommended place to try them is in the province of Manabi. Prepare bolón de verde by cooking and mashing green plantains into dough, which you can then fill with your preferred ingredients. Then, fry, bake, or roast the dough to complete the preparation. Bolones, typically a breakfast staple, are so delicious they often grace dinner tables or complement other dishes. Bolones are usually accompanied by dried meat, fried or scrambled egg, and, of course, a cup of black coffee. It also offers the energy and stamina for your riding day.  Amazon Chontacuro / Pincho de Mayones This is a snack not suitable for the heart-fainted, a delicious native delicacy of the jungle. It is nothing more and nothing less than a worm that grows and lives in the chonta (coconut) tree. The adventurous can enjoy them live by the grill, cooking them simply with salt, or daringly, in pure jungle style. In addition to having a very good flavor, it has healing properties for respiratory problems.  Maito de pescado Embrace the authentic Aboriginal tradition with this exquisite dish: local river fish wrapped in bijao leaf, slow-cooked over coals. Dish includes Ecuadorian chili, cassava, and fried plantains, representing the area’s culinary essence. Chicha de Yuca / Cassava juice This drink is characteristic of the area, a refreshing drink and full of traditions.  It is used as a seal of friendship, an ancient drink that is consumed on special occasions of the towns, this you see the process firsthand carried out by the aborigines, try it and be part of this ancient tradition. It is made based on cooked cassava and then scratched, to then combine it with water and at the end a little sweet potato is added to let it ferment for a few days. Every town has their own flavor and thanks to the locals that knows their ways, we can assure you that you will be treated with the best Ecuador has to offer you while riding your motorcycle from one delicacy to the next.   | Visit Us | Ecuador food motorcycle tour