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Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 2016

By August 31, 2016No Comments

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour  23 – 29 August 2016

The Group at the end of the B500 - a great bunch of people made for a brilliant tour

The Group at the end of the B500 – a great bunch of people & fab weather made for a really brilliant tour

We start with a pre-tour briefing at Calais

We start with a pre-tour briefing at Calais

Ready for the off

Ready for the off

“John and Jen, I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the Black Forest Tour. It was the second time of doing this one and it was even better than the first. Fantastic roads and scenery. The hotels and food were faultless, all of the people on the tour were so friendly and we all had a great laugh. Everyone appreciates all of the hard work you both put in to make these tours so successful. Regards”
John Heaney, 5th visit, BMW 1200GS
Our first coffee stop

Our first coffee stop

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“Hi all,  well I will start with the two people, Jen and John, who have changed my view of touring on a motorcycle. It was the most organised trip I’ve ever been on.  All aspects of the trip, Hotels, Food, Roads, Fuel stops, inc Duel fueling, best marker system, things that really help when you are a newby!  I’ve learned some new lines around the corners. So overall I would like to thank everyone on the trip, a nice bunch of individuals, and a little extra thank you for the rear gunners who acted faultlessly. So what next…Book another ride is very likely as I thoroughly enjoyed it. So all the best Guys and Dolls and ride safe. Thank you”
Trevor Swindells, 1st tour, MV Augusta F4RR.  (The only Northern MV owners club member)

We always regroup before & after any motorway

We always regroup before & after any motorway

“Hi All,  firstly thanks to John and Jen for putting on such a great tour. I’m missing it already. Secondly thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome and part of the group…which isn’t always easy. I thoroughly enjoyed riding, dining and chatting with you all. Such great fun with great people. Cheers”
Phil Ashworth, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger Sport
Afternoon coffee break

Afternoon coffee break

John S discovers his faring is loose

John S discovers his faring is loose

“Hi John and Jen, I know the four of us [Chris, Paul “Parker”, Pete & Trevor] enjoyed ourselves and I know Trevor really enjoyed the great roads – it was good of you to put in some motorways especially for “Parker”! Speaking personally, I had a great time, good food, good beer & a great group of people. I am amazed at the quality of the routes you find…and the hotels and locations really are second to none. You can rest assured we will keep the pressure on Pete to do the Rhine in Flames next year and Paul and I will be there even if Mr Grumpy doesn’t make it! Regards”
Chris Martin, 8th visit, Suzuki V-Strom 650
Beautiful scenery en-route

Beautiful scenery en-route

River Semois in the Ardennes

River Semois in the Ardennes

“This was the best thing I’ve ever done on two wheels. If you’re looking for a European tour look no further – you won’t find better. Many thanks Bike Normandy.”
 Jamie Plaister, 1st tour, Triumph Speed Triple R
Our 4* Hotel in Belgium

Our 4* Hotel in Belgium

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

“Thank you all for a fantastic trip, 6 days of wall to wall sunshine, 1 day of showers, can’t be bad. Good food, good hotels, good roads, and very good company, we shall remember this trip for sometime, and hope to see some of you in the future. Thanks  to John & Jen for another great trip.”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 6th visit, Honda Deauville
Dinner is included our first night

Dinner is included our first night, John welcomes everyone to the Tour

Vine & Terry are presented with their "Been there done it 10 times" T-shirts

Vince & Terry are presented with their “Been there done it 10 times” T-shirts

Jen was awake early - sunrise seen from our hotel

Jen was awake early – sunrise seen from our hotel

“Hi John and Jen, I had to write and say a big thank you for organising yet another fantastic tour. Even though this is the second time we have done this one we still found new things to see and enjoy the great routes that you choose. As always there was a great bunch of people on the tour and everyone was able to enjoy the routes at their own pace with the excellent marker system you use. Looking forward to see you again in the future, many thanks”
Rob Jones, 5th trip, Honda Crossrunner
Breakfast is in the conservatory

Breakfast is in the conservatory

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Our wise monkeys at lunch stop!

Our wise monkeys at lunch stop!

The bikes have to move for an ice-cream van!

The bikes have to move for an ice-cream van!

Ice creams at afternoon stop

Ice creams at afternoon stop (sorry, Terry missing)

Just like cattle - any bit of shade will do!

Just like cattle – any bit of shade will do!

Our hotel in Baden Baden

Our hotel in Baden Baden

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Beers on arrival - Chris & Jamie

Beers on arrival – Chris M & Jamie

Phil, Kieron, Parker & Sharron

Phil, Kieron, Parker & Sharron

Pete, Chris, Terry & Fran

Pete, Chris M, Terry & Fran

Pete, Chris M, Parker & Trevor

Pete, Chris M, Parker & Trevor

Kieron (or was it the bikes?) has a Russian admirer!

Kieron (or was it the bikes?) has a Russian admirer!

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Our hotel lit up at night

Our hotel lit up at night

Breakfast is in the cafe opposite

Breakfast is in the cafe opposite

We fill-up before riding the B500

We fill-up before riding the B500

Dave & Traci - BMW R1200RS

Dave & Traci – BMW R1200RS

John & Sandra - Honda Deauville

John & Sandra – Honda Deauville

Chris N - BW R1200 GS

Chris N (“Nasher”) – BMW R1200 GS

Vince BMW R1200 GS with Rich & Jamie

Vince BMW R1200 GS with Rich & Jamie

John H - BMW 1200GS with Jen

John H – BMW 1200GS with Jen on Street Triple

Kieron & Sharron - BMW K1600 GTL with Rob

Kieron & Sharron – BMW K1600 GTL with Rob – Honda Crossrunner

Pete - Suzuki 1250 GSX-FA & Trevor - MV Augusta F4RR

Pete – Suzuki 1250 GSX-FA with Trevor – MV Augusta F4RR

Paul "Parker" - Triumph Tiger 800

Paul “Parker” – Triumph Tiger 800

Phil - Triumph Tiger Sport

Chris M – Suzuki V-Strom 650

"Backmarkers" Terry & Fran - Triumph Sprint GT

“Backmarkers” Terry & Fran – Triumph Sprint GT

We re-group at the end - "Parker" & Pete

We re-group at the end – “Parker” & Pete

Jamie - Triumph Speed Triple R

Jamie – Triumph Speed Triple R

Dave & Traci

Dave & Traci

Rob

Rob

Phil - Triumph Tiger Sport

Phil – Triumph Tiger Sport

Richard - Triumph Tiger 1050

Richard – Triumph Tiger 1050

John H

John H

Kieron & Sharron

Kieron & Sharron

Trevor - not the only one who missed seeing Jen!!!

Trevor – not the only one who missed seeing Jen!!!

Chris M

Chris M

John & Sandra

John & Sandra

Terry & Fran

Terry & Fran

Vince

Vince

And finally John in the Van !!

And finally John in the Van !!

A wild animal in the bushes??

A wild animal in the bushes??

No, just Rich !!

No, just Rich !!

We re-group before going for a coffee break

We re-group before going for a coffee break

The prettiest coffee stop

The prettiest coffee stop

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John & Rob with cakes !!

John & Rob with cakes !!

Cakes all round !

Cakes all round !

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Cool off in the fountains

Cool off in the fountains

John & Sandra enjoy ice-creams

John & Sandra enjoy ice-creams

Lovely scenery in the Black Forest

Lovely scenery in the Black Forest

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After nearly all the bikes go AWOL...

After nearly all the bikes go AWOL…

We're later than usual at the cuckoo clock!!

We’re later than usual at the cuckoo clock !!

The Group at the World's largest cuckoo clock

The Group at the World’s largest cuckoo clock

More ice-creams - Jamie & Rich

More ice-creams – Jamie & Rich

Sharron & Kieron

Sharron & Kieron

The pretty town - for those that didn't leave the ice-cream parlour !!

The quaint town – for those that didn’t leave the ice-cream parlour !!

Cuckoo clocks, cuckoo clocks & more cuckoo clocks !!

There are cuckoo clocks, cuckoo clocks & more cuckoo clocks !!

Our hotel for two nights in the Black Forest

Our hotel for two nights in the Black Forest

Dinner is included again tonight

Dinner is included again tonight

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Fab Black Forest gateau !

Fab Black Forest gateau !

Perfect - gateau & wine !!

Perfect – gateau & wine !!

Vince knows a "Baby Balloon" !!

Vince knows a “Baby Balloon” !!

John has a "senior moment"...

John has a “senior moment”…

So how did Phil know it was a marrow?!!

So how did Phil know it was a marrow?!!

Gorgeous weather again

Gorgeous weather again

Flower displays everywhere in the town

Flower displays everywhere in the town

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The next day some of us go for a ride-out

The next day some of us go for a ride-out

Jen's view as pillion...

Jen’s view as pillion…

Phil on his Tiger Sport

Phil on his Tiger Sport

Trevor & Vince

Trevor & Vince

Trevor & Vince

Trevor & Vince

Rob

Rob

Dave & Traci

Dave & Traci

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Terry

Terry

Jamie & Rich

Jamie & Rich

Fab bends...

Fab bends…

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Chris N with Andy, Rob & Terry

Chris N with Andy, Rob & Terry

John H rides as "back-marker"

John H rides as “back-marker”

We re-group before going into Switzerland

We re-group before going into Switzerland

We ride through vineyards

We ride through vineyards

Catch that train !!

Catch that train !!

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Those who rode to the High-Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland

Those who rode to the High-Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland

The stunning waterfalls

The stunning waterfalls

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Beers all round when we get back

Beers for most of us when we get back

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The lovely lake

The lovely lake

John decided to go for a swim...

John decides to go for a swim…

Daniel Craig eat your heart out !!!!!!

Daniel Craig eat your heart out !!!!!!

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For those that wanted to see the lake completely frozen when we did our research in January 2011

For those who wanted to see the lake completely frozen when we did our research in January 2011

Always a morning briefing

Always a morning briefing

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We ride under a ski run

We ride under a ski run

Jen tries to organise a group photo

Jen tries to organise a group photo

The group as we leave the Black Forest

The group as we leave the Black Forest

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kloster St Trudpert

kloster St Trudpert

Chris N chooses his cake

Chris N chooses his cake

What a resemblance !!!

What a resemblance !!!

Fran with a massive slice of cake

Fran with a massive slice of cake

Fran & Terry

Fran & Terry

John & Rob

John & Rob

Traci & Dave

Traci & Dave

Sandra & John

Sandra & John

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A new recruit !!

A new recruit !!

It's getting warmer...

It’s getting warmer…

Heading into the Vosges Mountains

Heading into the Vosges Mountains

Not what we want - stuck behind a coach

Not what we want – stuck behind a coach

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At the top we take the ski lift up...

At the top we take the ski lift up…

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then the luge down...Phil vs John

then the luge down…Phil vs John

John S vs Rob

John S vs Rob

Sandra vs John H

Sandra vs John H

Rich vs Jamie

Rich vs Jamie

Terry vs Jen

Terry vs Jen

John S arrives safely

John S arrives safely

Rob

Rob

John H with Jamie on his tail...

John H with Jamie on his tail…

Rich has taken a tumble !!

Rich has taken a tumble !!

Terry

Terry

Jen

Jen

The brave ones !

The brave ones !

Rich is badly grazed

Rich is badly grazed

Kieron suggests he's just like Cal Crutchlow - gets in the lead then falls off !! (Though not last weekend!)

Kieron suggests he’s just like Cal Crutchlow – gets in the lead then falls off !! (Though not last weekend!)

All ready to leave

All ready to leave

In the Vosges we want a Triumph photo...

In the Vosges we want a Triumph photo…

Clear off Kieron !!!   (We forgive you !!)

Clear off Kieron !!! (We forgive you !!)

A Triumphant Tour !  Triumph Sprint, Tigers, Speed & Triple

A Triumphant Tour ! Triumph Sprint, Tiger 800, Tiger 1050, Speed Triple R, Tiger Sport & Street Triple R

View from the Vosges

View from the Vosges

At our hotel it's even hotter...

At our hotel it’s even hotter…

Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

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We walk into town

A free night so we walk into town

John gives directions in the town centre

John gives directions in the town centre

Sharron & Kieron choose a Tajine

Sharron & Kieron choose a Tajine

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Us !

Us !

Epinal by night

Epinal by night

Bikes at coffee stop the next day

Bikes at coffee stop the next day

They bring out tables & chairs

They bring out tables & chairs

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Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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At our final hotel Sharron is pleased with the view

At our final hotel Sharron is pleased with the view

As are Chris N & Vince

As are Chris N & Vince

Super view of "Merlin's Castle"

Super view of “Merlin’s Castle”

Dinner is included - we dine outside

Dinner is included – we dine outside

John thanks everyone for a great tour

John thanks everyone for a great tour

Thanks to Terry & Fran for riding as "Back-markers"

Thanks to Terry & Fran for riding as “Back-markers”

Fran recites a poem (full text below)

Fran recites a poem (full text below)

Vince tells a few jokes

Vince tells a joke

Jen takes a turn

Jen takes a turn

If you've heard this before you know what comes next...

Heard this before – you know what comes next…

John drops his pants...

John drops his pants…

And shows us the "Penguin" !!

And shows us the “Penguin” !!

Vince also knew a penguin !!

Vince also knew a penguin !!

Kieron's up next

Kieron’s up next

Then Parker

Then Parker

Lunch stop at Albert

Lunch stop at Albert

Final coffee stop where some leave for Calais

Final coffee stop where some leave for Calais

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We finish with motorway...

We finish with motorway…

So Parker's happy !!

So Parker’s happy !!

Au Revoir !!

Au Revoir !!

The official BN Poet Laureate!! Here is Fran’s poem:

This Poem has been inspired by the presentation of the Ten Trips with BN  T-shirt to Terry (written in his voice!)

Ten years of doing it, I so enjoy the ride,

Ten years of doing it, feeling the warmth inside.

Ten years of doing it, getting better and better,

Ten years of doing it, getting wetter and wetter.

Ten years of doing it, it has been so much fun,

Ten years of doing it, Fran`s got me on the run!

Ten years of doing it, she says that I must pace it,

Ten years of doing it, there`s no need to race it.

Ten years of doing it, never mind the weather,

Ten years of doing it, we love to `come` together!!

 

And from Vince & Chris “Nasher” – great card guys!

P1060218 web

Thanks to everyone for making this a really fun tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.