Motorcycle Guides: A Major Evolution

In a world where two-wheeled tourism is exploding, the French Federation of Motorcycle Guides is taking a major step: its transformation into a company called "Les Guides Motocyclistes".

This transition from an association structure to a professional entity marks an important strategic turning point aimed at boosting the professionalization of the sector.

In this article, we break down together the advantages of this development, our new offers and solutions as well as the concrete impacts for already trained motorcycle guides.

From the non-profit sector to the corporate world

Moving from a non-profit association (under the 1901 law) to an entrepreneurial form offers increased flexibility and the ability to innovate.

Unlike an association which is limited by donations or membership fees, a company can raise funds through investors, bank loans or even European subsidies related to motorcycle tourism.

This will allow us to invest in new tools, new services, or even to extend our training programs to Europe, and why not internationally.

This will accelerate growth, as will our partnerships and our visibility in the motorcycle touring market, estimated at billions of euros in Europe.

By becoming a company, the image of the Motorcycle Guides is also enhanced. Indeed, this strengthens our credibility with our clients and the professional organizations that now place their trust in us.

Freed from association constraints such as volunteering and financial constraints, we can diversify our offerings, both for motorcycle guides already in operation and for future guides.

In summary, this evolution transforms a solidarity federation into a dynamic player in the sector, promoting employment and innovation while maintaining the biker spirit.

New services

Since the beginning of the year, we have been working full-time to create new offerings and thus boost recognition for the profession. We want the motorcycle guide activity to gain real recognition and thus make motorcycle touring a fully-fledged, respected, and promising professional sector.

Initial training is evolving

The initial training for motorcycle guides now has a new title: Motorcycle Guide, Organizer of Tourist Circuits ( GMOCT ).

This evolution brings significant changes, notably the creation and organization of road-trip tourism events, which is now a major training module. We want the Motorcycle Guide to have more advanced design tools and a simpler method for creating and organizing events, while also allowing for greater creativity.

Another module has been introduced, focusing on tourist preparation and presentation. We now teach motorcycle guides how to prepare and deliver a tour presentation orally. This addition brings significant momentum to the profession and strengthens the motorcycle guide's role as a key player in the tourism sector.

The pace of the training has also changed. For three weeks, trainee guides complete the theoretical modules directly online, on our new website. These modules have evolved and are now more substantial. They are now presented as short, engaging videos.

The fourth week of training, which still takes place in Cognac, now focuses more on practical application. While we regularly review the knowledge acquired during the first three weeks, the student guide can more easily take the time to discover and apply the fundamental concepts of the profession.

Finally, a new trajectory is taught, derived from the safety trajectory we previously taught: the guidance trajectory. Composed of three segments, it allows the motorcycle guide to provide even greater safety, even with participants who are not yet proficient in the safety trajectory.

An online training center

It is now possible to take online training modules. These modules are open to everyone, whether or not they hold a motorcycle guide qualification, and whether or not they are motorcyclists.

Currently, only two training modules are available: one on motorcycle mechanics and the other on the fundamentals of motorcycle riding. These online courses allow you to refine your knowledge and improve your riding skills.

We work every day to bring you more online training courses, always in an engaging and easy-to-use format.

Development opportunities for motorcycle guides

Once trained, motorcycle guides often find themselves unsure of the communication strategy they need to implement for their new business. We now offer them invaluable assistance in this area by creating websites specializing in motorcycle touring.

From design and creation to SEO, we support our clients throughout the entire website development process. We advise them on the best strategy and provide analytical reports to help them improve and optimize their digital communication. Furthermore, we offer SEO services on our website to increase their online visibility.

We have also implemented online training to enable them to understand and effectively use social media and the many digital tools useful for their communication strategy. Our goal is for the motorcycle guides to be able to develop their projects and showcase their professionalism.

We also offer them the creation of business cards, flyers, or any other printed materials. These materials are essential for trade shows and other forums.

Finally, we acquired the equipment and skills necessary to produce promotional videos. These videos are essential for a reliable and effective communication strategy.

Solutions for motorcycle touring professionals

Just because we are leaving the association system doesn't mean we are abandoning associations and federations. We remain committed to providing them with support and expertise in the areas of prevention and road safety.

However, opening ourselves up to the world of entrepreneurship now allows us to offer our services to all motorcycle professionals. Whether for dealerships, motorcycle schools, or tourism companies, our offerings include targeted services such as the creation and organization of road trips, the guiding of motorcycle road convoys, and the implementation of road safety and prevention workshops.

What this changes for already trained motorcycle guides

No need to worry, the training of motorcycle guides already in practice remains valid. Only the license is no longer required. Therefore, there is no longer any need to join or participate in the French Federation of Motorcycle Guides.

Regarding refresher training, we strongly advise you to keep your first aid skills up to date by completing a refresher course at an approved training center.

As initial training has evolved, new modules have been introduced. Already trained motorcycle guides will have free access to these modules. They simply need to create an account on our website to access these online training courses.

We remain available to advise and exchange ideas with those we have trained, and we will always be by their side to work towards the recognition of our profession.

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The French Federation of Motorcycle Guides is therefore giving way to the company Motorcycle Guides. By professionalizing ourselves, we are expanding our services and solutions, always with the same objective: to develop, professionalize, and gain recognition for the profession of motorcycle guide.

See you very soon, and above all, ride safe! ✌️