Costa Rica: Cruisers in Paradise

The Great Getaway is BMW Motorrad’s organized trip to locations chosen specifically for the R 18 cruiser. With tours in Portugal, Costa Rica, and Oregon, BMW is partnering with local tour companies to lead these trips. These aren’t intense ride-rinse-repeat type tours (which can be great) but rather more leisurely tours including riding, stops at attractions, lunch and coffee breaks, and finally a great dinner. BMW Motorrad invited RoadRUNNER to Costa Rica for a tasting menu of the Great Getaway, led by Elephant Moto.

Day 1—Leaving San José

Our first hotel, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, gives a strong first impression, with arches surrounding a beautiful open courtyard. After the rider briefing, a row of sparkling clean R 18s automagically appears outside. Away we go.

As we leave the bustling metropolis of San José (population two million), we search for our sea legs. Those first miles on an unfamiliar bike, in an unfamiliar group, and in a foreign country with its own rules on the road always requires an adjustment period. But we quickly adapt to the R 18s and climb into the hills. We’re not the only ones climbing—recreational cyclists share the road with small sedans, work vehicles, the occasional tour bus, and other motorcyclists. Here, the R 18 stands out.