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About us
Qui sommes-nous ? | l'Agence
FREE RIDER Motorcycle Adventure is an international motorcycle travel agency founded in 2020 by Benoit, alias Ben.
Experts in Off-road and on-road adventure road trips, FREE RIDER was born from a desire to convey an authentic vision of motorcycle road trips.
Today, FREE RIDER is more than just a travel agency, it's a true mindset where adventure, simplicity, freedom, and sharing values come together.
Who are we ? | Ben
Ben is the founder of FREE RIDER Motorcycle Adventure. First and foremost, he's an adventurous spirit driven by a thirst for discovery and freedom. A motorcycle guide since 2017, at 34 years old, and originally from the Alps. This is where his passion for nature and his hunger for adventure were sparked..
Getting to know him: 10 questions
Motorcycle Passion or Travel Passion?
Both, of course!
Traveling is about discovery; it's life.
Motorcycling is a fantastic way to explore. It's the most authentic, budget-friendly, and, naturally, the most enjoyable!
On a motorcycle, you're right there with the people, the reality, the scents, the sounds... Through my numerous journeys, I've come to realize that motorcycling is a true spirit, a real community. Everywhere I've been, I've witnessed universal kindness towards motorcycle travelers.
What inspired your love for traveling?
I've been traveling since I was very young.
By the time I was 6 years old, my parents introduced me to international travel, and I soon developed a keen interest in cultural diversity and the exploration of different lifestyles and languages.
How do you define travel?
For me, it's all about discovery and exploration. It's about pushing beyond your comfort zone. It's simplicity and authenticity, the encounters. And, of course, it means cruising through stunning scenery..
Il y a un mot qui résume le voyage moto pour moi, dont j’aime rappeler la définition : l’aventure.
Which place is your top pick?
People have asked me that a lot, but I've never had a clear answer...
Every location offers something special.. For some, it's the culture; for others, it's the landscapes, the food, or the authenticity of its people. I must admit that I have a soft spot for South Africa, a destination of incomparable richness in terms of both landscapes and culture. I also love Asia, for its people... and the food! New Zealand is a stunning destination as well; I like to say that its landscapes will make your eyes pop. And then, of course, there's Alaska: my first real adventure. In hindsight, I realize I was completely unprepared! I set out alone at the age of 27 with an unprepared city bike, not knowing how to properly load a motorcycle. It was a real folly, but what an experience! I have unforgettable memories from it, and I think this adventure truly solidified my determination to continue on this path of motorcycle travel. From Vancouver to Fairbanks, Anchorage, and back, I rode 10,000 km in 21 days, sometimes in 4-degree weather, through heavy rain or in thick smoke during the massive forest fires in Canada. You learn quickly, I can tell you. But what I saw there is unparalleled: glaciers, bears, bison, wild nature where man adapts, not the other way around. I also met incredibly authentic people there... Every continent is magical, every destination has its charm and its share of surprises, whether it's these far-off lands or neighboring Alpine passes.
Une anecdote que vous aimeriez partager ?
I could share stories for hours!
There are several experiences that have left a lasting impression on me. For example, I recall the time in the Canadian Rockies when I came around a bend and encountered a bear right in the middle of the road, and we both startled each other. I often think about the people I've met during my journeys, those who offered me a place to stay in exchange for some travel stories... There was this one occasion, for instance, when I had simply come to get a tire changed at a small motorcycle garage in California. Ultimately, I spent the evening with the team, enjoying a barbecue and watching the mechanic perform wheelies on a Harley. Unbelievable! I slept on the couch in the workshop, surrounded by motorcycles: the best hotel experience of my life!
COMMENT AVEZ-VOUS COMMENCÉ COMME GUIDE MOTO ?
En 2017, je suis parti m’installer au Canada. Quand je suis arrivé là-bas, j’ai postulé dans de nombreuses agences, et l’une d’entre elles m’a donné ma chance. C’est comme ça que j’ai commencé avec mes premiers groupes, en traversant les 4500km de la Route 66 et les parcs de l’Ouest Américain. Trois ans plus tard, je suis rentré en Europe, où j’ai continué de travailler comme guide avec plusieurs agences, en Europe, en Asie, en Afrique du Sud, et aux Usa. En 2020, j’ai validé mes compétences en passant le diplôme de guide moto verte de la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme.
What motivated you to start your motorcycle travel agency?
My objective is to communicate my enthusiasm for travel while embodying a genuine viewpoint on motorcycle road trips, along with the principles that go hand in hand.
Who are your trips designed for?
To everyone... as long as they have a motorcycle license! More seriously, my trips are for anyone who craves to explore the world by motorcycle in an authentic way. Whether you desire simplicity or luxury, it's possible to tailor a journey to meet all expectations while keeping adventure and discovery as the guiding principles.
What values do you want to SHARE?
Authenticity, discovery, sharing, and kindness. My goal is for each person who travels with me to have a smile on their face when they see their motorcycle every morning, regardless of the time or the weather.
What are the reasons to travel with FREE RIDER?
People call me passionate and professional. In reality, I just want others to experience what I've lived through their own eyes, not just through stories.
Where are we heading?