Are you a motorcycle enthusiast planning your next road trip? Or perhaps a welcoming biker willing to open your home to fellow riders? Welcome to Bunk-a-Biker, a community connecting traveling motorcyclists with generous hosts around the world. This platform is designed to foster camaraderie within the biking community, offering a unique and hospitable way to travel and connect. Before you dive in, it’s essential to understand how Bunk-a-Biker works to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone.
For Biker Guests: Finding Hospitality on the Road
Bunk-a-Biker opens doors to incredible hospitality, but it’s crucial to approach hosts correctly. Remember, hosts are doing you a favor, so kindness and respect are paramount. Before reaching out, always check the guest guidelines at www.bunkabiker.com/guest to ensure you’re following the proper etiquette. Contacting hosts marked with BLACK pins is strictly prohibited as they are currently unavailable and will result in a ban from the platform.
When you’re ready to contact a potential host, keep these points in mind for a successful request:
- Timing is Key: Unless a host specifies otherwise, reach out no more than two weeks in advance of your arrival.
- Introduce Yourself Properly: In your message (text or email), clearly state:
- Your Full Name
- “Bunk-a-Biker” to identify how you found them
- Your Arrival Date and Location
- Number of Nights (requests are typically for 1-3 nights maximum)
- A link to your social media profile or a photo of yourself and your bike to help hosts get to know you.
For Biker Hosts: Sharing the Spirit of the Ride
Opening your space to fellow bikers is a rewarding experience. To become a Bunk-a-Biker host and get your pin approved, ensure you provide the following essential information:
- Complete Identification: Provide your first name and at least the initial of your last name (full last name preferred for clarity).
- Valid Contact Information: A working mobile phone number with the correct country code is mandatory for text or WhatsApp communication. By submitting your pin, you consent to receiving texts from potential guests. A valid email address is also required.
- Detailed Hosting Description: This is crucial for guests to understand what you offer. Your description should clearly outline:
- Accommodation Type: Specify what you’re offering (bed, couch, yard space for camping, garage space, camper, etc.).
- Amenities: List any amenities you provide, such as local information, tools, or food.
- Preferred Contact Method: Indicate if you prefer to be contacted by text, call, or email.
- Contact Window: Set clear guidelines on when guests should contact you (e.g., “at least 24 hours in advance, no more than a week prior, between 8 am and 9 pm”).
- Pet Information: Mention any pets for guests with allergies.
- Food Policy: State if you are willing to provide food.
- Lifestyle Preferences: Indicate if you are alcohol-friendly, 420-friendly, or 2A-friendly if you are comfortable sharing this information.
- Hosting Capacity: Specify the number of guests you can host at one time.
- Verification Requirements (Optional): If you require guests to provide pictures of ID, COVID vaccination status, social media links, etc., mention this clearly.
- Any Other Relevant Information: Include anything else a biker guest should know before contacting you to ensure a good fit and comfortable stay.
Host pin approvals occur at least twice a month. Once approved, you will receive an email with your personal edit link from [email protected]. Be sure to check your spam folder for this email.
Understanding Bunk-a-Biker Pin Colors
The color of a pin on the Bunk-a-Biker map provides quick information about what a host offers. Here’s a guide to pin colors:
- BLUE: Local Information Only. Contact for local tips, routes, and biker-friendly spots – DO NOT CONTACT FOR HOSTING.
- GREEN: Outside Space Only. Host offers yard or outdoor space.
- RED: Inside Space Only. Host offers indoor accommodation.
- PURPLE: Inside and Outside Space Available. Host offers both indoor and outdoor options.
- YELLOW: Description Needed. Pin is awaiting a host description for clarity.
- BLACK: Currently Unavailable. DO NOT CONTACT this host.
- WHITE: Remove Pin. ADMIN USE ONLY.
Bunk-a-Biker is more than just a place to find accommodation; it’s a community built on the spirit of motorcycle travel and generosity. By understanding and respecting these guidelines, both guests and hosts contribute to a positive and thriving network of biker hospitality. Remember to visit the main website at www.bunkabiker.com for additional information and resources, including a list of banned individuals at www.bunkabiker.com/strikelist. Safe travels and happy hosting!
