How to Use it Respectfully and Safely.
Getting Started
It is important that as a guest on TheBikerStories, you understand that it is your duty to look for a host. It may be frustrating and may take some time and effort on your part to come across a person willing to offer you free accommodation. That is the exchange; your effort in return for a free place to stay.
It is important to note that TheBikerStories is more ideal for stop over during a journey and not for the destination; you may, therefore, must make some slight changes to your route to meet a host. If that is not possible for you, we recommend you book a hotel or motel in the vicinity.
Respecting Commitments
The following is the most common issue that we have encountered: a guest would state that he/she would arrive and fail to do so and not even communicate any changes to the host.
If your plans are changing, then inform the host. If you cause a stir, fail to respect the other person or if you cause annoyance, you will be placed on the Banned User List, which will mean that you will not be able to be hosted in the future.
If a host declines your request, don’t argue, push, or take it personally. Express your gratitude to them and move on. Bad manners are considered as one of the reasons for which one can be banned.
Friendly Reminder: It is important to note that it is polite to arrive clean and neat, this is a way of showing gratitude to the host.
Finding a Host
You can find the map here → TheBikerStories Map
Use your fingers on your mobile device or + and – buttons on your computer to zoom in on the area you are interested in
On tapping on a pin, you can see what is offered by the host and how to reach them.
Pin Color Key:
- YELLOW – Only information (not for accommodation).
- BLUE – There is an outdoor area that can be used.
- BROWN – It is a private house only.
- GREEN – Both the house and the yard is available for use.
- BLACK – The description is not enough.
- RED – The host is not available (do not contact them).
- WHITE – Admin use only.
Whenever you are contacting a host, ensure that you use the preferred contact of the host (email, WhatsApp or text).
In the U.S. and Canada: Text is preferred.
In the rest of the world: Use Email or WhatsApp
What to Include When Reaching Out:
- Mention TheBikerStories, your name, and dates of your request
- Provide the number of people you are traveling with you.
- Give as much detail about your motorcycle as possible.
- If you can, provide social media link or be ready to be friends with them so that they can check out your profile.
- Gather references from past hosts if possible
Do not use the map to plan your riding route as it is not intended for that purpose. Copy the addresses into the preferred navigation application.
Safety Tips
While you may know that you are safe, the host does not know, and the host does not know that you are safe. Treat their privacy and personal space as you would want them to treat yours.
Let a trusted person know:
- Where you’re staying
- Who the host is
- How you found them
Stay in touch with your emergency contact throughout your visit
Meet your host in a public place first, like a coffee shop or diner
Take photos of the space before and after your stay
Keep valuables secure and private
Never hand over important documents.
If something feels off, trust your gut and leave — your safety comes first.
During Initial Contact
It is important to express yourself to your host by asking about:
- House Rules: Rules on alcohol, marijuana, drugs, weapons, silence, etc.
- Length of Stay: The number of nights and space setup (indoor, outdoor, gear needed or not).
- Availability: Are they home during your stay?
- Parking: Where is your bike supposed to be placed? Covered, garage, driveway, or yard?
- Pets: Are there any pets on site? Allergies?
- Meals: Meals are provided or not? Do you have to eat before coming or should you bring your own food?
Being a Gracious Guest
To show appreciation, do the little things:
- You can bring a gift from your area (key chains, candies, stickers etc.) Leave your space tidy or offer to wash linens
- Clean up after yourself
- Respectful housemates should offer to help with either washing dishes or cooking meals.
- Respect household policies on substances and behavior
- Your host will likely desire both hearing your stories and showing you around the place.
- People who need rest deserve quiet surroundings.
- Avoid heated topics (politics, religion, COVID, etc.)
- Maintain order in your space by organizing everything and keeping it hidden from view.
- Be truthful and claim responsibility for any damage that occurs.
Behavior That Will Result in Banning
Leaving trash or messes
Property destruction (riding on lawns, breaking things).
Theft
Getting drunk or high and causing conflict
The guest must refrain from treating their host like someone who works at a hotel.
Staying in your room without interacting with the group or showing social interest to others.
Any form of sexual misconduct or harassment is strictly forbidden.
Disrespecting a host’s “no” constitutes an unacceptable behavior.
Maintain contact with your host whenever your bike experiences mechanical issues. Clearly explain the duration of repair services while determining if additional stay arrangements will be needed.
After Your Stay
Please write your experience on TheBikerStories website. Your review benefits both hosts and guests by creating trust while enhancing our community.
The host needs a mention by tag or full name for others to locate your post.
If Something Goes Wrong
In cases of danger always depart immediately before reaching out to authorities.
For all non-emergency cases and disputes the first step should be to address the problem directly. Use the admin form to submit reports about unresolved problems when direct resolution fails.
Notify us immediately if you feel a host deserves a strike or removal because we will investigate the situation and take necessary actions.