MotoStays is like a membership driven AirBnB for motorcycle riders
Seattle, Washington, United States
MotoStays is a motorcycle community that promotes and provides home-sharing for motorcycle riders around the world
We are Tad Haas and Gaila Gutierrez from Seattle, Washington. Tad is a 30 year veteran motorcyclist and Gaila has been riding just under 5 years. We ride motorcycles because of not only for the fun factor, but it engages our senses and gives us a feeling of freedom. We like to use the example of driving a car vs. a motorcycle. The car is like watching the movie; the motorcycle is like being IN the movie!
Tad and Gaila at the Atlantic Ocean
Riding motorcycles and working in the software business are two of Tad’s favorite things – starting at the age of 19 for the bikes and 1984 in the tech world. Stints with large corporations and start-ups alike have given him understanding and success in both. Product and partner management roles at Microsoft helped Tad gain a very global perspective and understanding of scale. He likes to help others learn to ride/guide and does so through Puget Sound Safety Off-Road (PSSOR) when not out on his own adventures.
Gaila has spent her entire life in the Seattle area. Having a long and solid career in City government was rewarding but she tired of the daily corporate grind and predictable life. With no children and anything holding her back, at 48 years old, she embarked on a new chapter in life by quitting the job, renting the house and launching into a 14 month journey across North and Central America on motorcycle with Tad.
Building MotoStays
This journey changed us both (in a good way!) and upon returning, MotoStays went from an idea to reality when it was launched in June of this year.
We traveled for 14 months through North and Central America and met so many interesting motorcyclists along the way. The chat factor is super high when you’re traveling on motorcycles and we were often invited into people’s homes for a night or two. We were amazed how gracious and kind people are to share what they have and we do the same. The MotoStays idea sprouted along the way and it became clear we needed to create a consolidated site where others can take advantage of the sharing economy, save money and make connections/friendships with other motorcyclists.
Our goal is grow this community globally; our biggest challenge at this time is getting the word out and educating people that is not ‘weird’ to share space with strangers.Because motorcyclists aren’t strangers really; we have so many things in common and home sharing happens relatively often now through word of mouth or other casual connections. What we’ve done with MotoStays is created a go-to site and want to do a better job of creating more opportunities and improving the experience.
Tad and Gaila at the Salt Flats
The Difference
There are certainly a lot of options out there with online communities like Airbnb, Couch Surfing, VRBO and such.MotoStays is different because it is exclusively for motorcyclists and there are no fee’s for overnight stays. This is more of a pay it forward kind of community. One time you might host the traveler(s), another time you will be the traveler.It’s an alternative to camping and boring hotels with a human element and connection as well. Motorcyclists understand the needs of a motorcyclists, plus we all have great stories to share. Spend less, experience more!
A Typical Experience
The traveler would contact a possible host via the website (and/or phone,email or txt) and expect to have a few conversations to work out details prior to the stay (availability, dates, arrival times, etc). Maybe you want to rest and relax or go out sightseeing; both parties would be very clear so there are no surprises. It just falls into place naturally from there. Riders are encouraged to MotoStay anytime along their journey when there is hosting opportunity and desire the comfort of a home and making a connection with cool people. We are even getting MotoStay-er’s building their routes around host locations now too.
How It MotoStays Works
Once you become a member you pay nothing to stay with another hosting member host. Simply create a profile listing and introduce yourself and connect with others. Browse locations and make a request. A standard membership is $49 per year or $14 per month. Take a look at the frequently asked questionsfor more, or leave a question in the comments.
MotoStays founders Tad and Gaila in Belise
The Best Motorcycle Roads
How do you narrow down years of riding to a favorite route or ride report? On a recent current journey (4000 miles across the North & Western sections of US) the ride up to Logan Pass in Glacier National Park from Hungry Horse Road, was a big hit. During our visit traffic was not too bad and we rode two-up for a change. A very pleasant day of most excellent riding on 'Going To The Sun' Road.
This little ride between Missoula MT and Great Falls MT was a pleasant surprise. Just don’t take 200 East of Great Falls as it becomes quite straight and super boring!
The back roads and trails of the Gandy Dancer out of Bruno, Minnesota and through Danbury, Wisconsin were sweet simple fun.
Editor's Note: See more at MotoStays.com. Back in April 2012, Tad and Gaila set off on a life altering motorcycle trip chronicled on their blog, OverlandNow.com
