Interview with Alex Zurcher, Planet Ride Co‑Founder

Motorized roadtrip culture is often explained in gear ratios and route lines. Alex Zurcher talks about it differently: as a way to be fully present—on the road, in a country, with the people you meet. Co‑founder and President of Planet Ride alongside Baptiste Frérot and Clément Desmousseaux, Alex built his first motorcycle travel company in Asia in 2007 and has been running it for years. Between the chaos of New Delhi traffic and the long horizons of Mongolia, he shares what shaped Planet Ride—and what still matters most in a roadtrip: trust, rhythm, and real ground truth.

What do you ride every day?

“To get to work, I ride a Royal Enfield in New Delhi traffic. Recently I switched to a small Scrambler prepared by my garage—perfect for the broken, uneven roads around the city.”

On the ground: if you’ve ever ridden in a major capital, you know the pace is more stop‑and‑go than “open road.” The trick is choosing a bike that forgives low-speed heat, surprise potholes, and constant micro‑maneuvers.

Why did you come up with Planet Ride?

“The idea came from riders traveling with us in Asia. They kept asking us to connect them with other local agents specialized in motorized adventure elsewhere in the world. So I thought: we need a platform that connects travelers and local agents, acting as a trusted third party—not only for travelers, but also between agents, so they can pool networks and know‑how.”

That “trusted third party” is not a slogan. It’s what makes a trip feel fluid when you’re far from home: who answers when plans shift, who knows the local realities, who has the right contacts when a day needs to be reshaped.

Why do you think Planet Ride will resonate?

“Roadtrip travel is in the air. People want to be actors in their journey, to live it fully. Motorized adventure is ideal for truly connecting with the populations of the countries you cross.”

There’s a practical truth behind that: on a motorized roadtrip you stop where a bus doesn’t stop, you take the secondary road when the highway is soulless, and you arrive with just enough effort to make the day feel earned.

How do you see Planet Ride two years from now?

“A strong multilingual platform where the best local agents—specialists in motorized travel and roadtrip—are represented.”

Planet Ride’s current direction stays consistent with that ambition: a curated approach (selected itineraries, not an endless pile) and a human level of support, with a service culture shaped by riders.

Your favorite travel experience?

“To date, my best memory remains crossing the Mongolian steppes on a Royal Enfield.”

What that implies in real life: wide distances, long horizons, and days where the weather can turn quickly. It’s the kind of riding that rewards preparation—offline navigation, conservative fuel planning, and a realistic daily riding window rather than chasing big numbers.

Your last roadtrip—where was it?

“Rajasthan, for a film shoot. It had been a few years since I rode in the Aravalli Hills, those small mountains in the south‑east of Rajasthan. It’s still as enjoyable as ever.”

Rajasthan riding is rarely about “top speed.” It’s about cadence: early starts to avoid peak heat, clean lines on imperfect pavement, and short pauses that reset attention. In the Aravallis, you get that satisfying mix of curves and altitude changes—enough to keep you engaged without turning the day into an endurance test.

What do you wish for Planet Ride?

“To become the web leader in motorized travel.”

Planet Ride’s pro tip (how we pace a day)

If you want a roadtrip to stay safe and enjoyable, don’t build stages around “maximum distance.” Build them around real riding hours. As a rule of thumb, plan your day so you’re parked before late afternoon whenever possible—because fatigue stacks fast on two wheels, and the last hour is when mistakes happen.

À savoir aujourd’hui

Alex’s answers capture something that hasn’t changed: motorized travel works best when local expertise and trust reduce friction on the road. What should be checked before leaving in 2026: current entry requirements, local riding regulations, and practical constraints (connectivity, insurance, and seasonal conditions) for your destination.

Mini‑FAQ

Is a local guide necessary for a motorized roadtrip?

Not always. But if the destination is logistically demanding (remote fuel stops, complex permits, or variable road conditions), local guidance—or at least strong local support—can make the trip dramatically smoother.

How long should a well-paced motorcycle roadtrip be?

For most riders, a strong format is 7–12 days on the ground: enough time to settle into rhythm, without turning it into a fatigue contest.

What’s the one thing riders underestimate most often?

Connectivity and navigation. An eSIM or local SIM can help in cities, but you still want offline maps downloaded ahead of time, plus a simple plan for how the group regathers if someone gets separated.