Picture this: you're tearing through dusty mountain paths, the wind whipping past as your bike handles every bump and twist like it's nothing. That's the promise of Honda's latest move into adventure riding, set to kick off in 2026 with a series of guided off-road tours in the wilds of northern Spain. This isn't your average vacation—it's a chance to ditch the daily routine for some real grit and freedom on two wheels. Honda is rolling out these experiences to draw in folks who crave the raw side of riding, far from the crowded spots where tourists snap selfies. Instead, it's all about tackling tough terrain in a place that feels like it's straight out of an old Western, but with European charm.
At the heart of it all is the Santo Domingo de Silos area, a hidden gem in northern Spain that's packed with jagged hills, wide-open spaces, and trails that wind through untouched countryside. Honda picked this spot because it's perfect for off-road fans—think steep climbs, rocky paths that goats might call home, and views that stretch out forever without a billboard in sight. No jammed highways or stoplights here; just you, your bike, and nature throwing challenges your way. It's the kind of place where you can push your limits and come back feeling like you've conquered something real.
Honda's teaming up with their Adventure Centre to offer these five-day Trail and Off-Road Tours, keeping things straightforward and focused. Forget bouncing from one hotel to another—the whole thing is based out of one spot, so you can zero in on the riding without all the extra hassle. It's built for guys who want to get dirty on the trails, whether you're just dipping your toes into off-road stuff or you've been at it for years. The setup makes sure everyone gets a solid mix of excitement and safety, with groups kept small so no one gets lost in the shuffle.
Leading the charge are seasoned pros who know the ins and outs of this game. Take Dave Thorpe, the motocross legend who's running the Honda Adventure Centre in the UK—he's the type of guy bringing his expertise to make sure these tours hit the mark. These guides aren't just there to point the way; they're all about teaching skills, spotting potential hazards, and ramping up the challenge based on what you can handle. For beginners, it's a gentle intro to handling rough ground, building confidence step by step. For the veterans, it's about dialing in those advanced moves on terrain that really tests your mettle. Safety's a big deal too—Honda's got it covered with careful planning, so you can focus on the thrill without sweating the small stuff.
What really sets this apart is that Honda supplies the bikes, so you don't have to deal with shipping your own or renting some sketchy ride at the airport. We're talking top-notch machines like the CRF300L and the CRF1100L Africa Twin, built tough for exactly this kind of adventure. The CRF300L is a great pick if you've got an A2 license or a full one—it's nimble, reliable, and ready to take on those narrow paths without breaking a sweat. Step up to the Africa Twin if you're fully licensed and want that extra power for steeper stuff; it's a beast on the trails, with the kind of suspension and torque that makes rough riding feel smooth. Either way, these bikes are dialed in for the Spanish landscape, letting you dive right into the action from day one.
The whole package is designed to keep things simple and stress-free, which is a godsend when you're planning a trip like this. It covers airport transfers to get you from the plane straight to the base, plus full-board stays at a cozy boutique hotel where you can kick back after a long day in the saddle. That means all your meals are sorted—breakfast to fuel up, lunches on the go, and dinners to swap stories with the group. And the core of it? Five full days of guided off-road riding, exploring those epic trails around Santo Domingo de Silos. The only thing you handle yourself is booking the flight to Spain; everything else is wrapped up neat and tidy. It's the kind of setup that lets you unplug from work emails and family obligations, just you and the open road.
Mark your calendars because these tours are slotted for October 2026, when the weather's just right—not too hot, not too cold, with that crisp autumn air making every ride feel invigorating. There are four slots running from the 4th through the 22nd, giving you options to fit it into your schedule. October's prime time in this part of Spain, with the leaves turning and the trails in top shape, minus the summer crowds. It's a window to experience the region's natural beauty at its best, from sunrises over the peaks to sunsets that cap off a day of solid adventuring.
Price-wise, Honda's keeping it reasonable for what you get. Starting at £1,899 if you go with the CRF300L, or £1,999 for the Africa Twin, it's a solid deal considering the bikes, the guides, the hotel, and all the logistics. You're not paying for fluff; it's straight value for a no-frills, high-adrenaline escape. Compare that to piecing together your own trip—rentals, guides, hotels—and this comes out ahead, especially when you factor in the expertise and the peace of mind.
In the end, Honda's pushing the envelope with these northern Spain tours, giving motorcycle guys a shot at something truly memorable. It's about more than just riding; it's reclaiming that sense of freedom, sharpening your skills on demanding terrain, and coming home with stories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're easing into off-road life or chasing that next big challenge, this setup delivers with its focus on small groups, pro guidance, and killer bikes. If you're tired of the same old weekends and ready for a real reset, these 2026 tours could be the ticket to shaking things up in the best way possible.
