4×4 (Four Nights in Four Countries) 17 – 21 May 2017
The Group mostly from Oakley Motorcycle Club with Viandan Castle in the background.
| “Hi John and Jen, we returned safely yesterday from our 8th tour with B&N Tours and have to say once again had a fantastic time. On this trip we had one day where the rain fell heavily all day, but soaked through and with the ink running on her notes, Jen managed without a hitch to lead her drowning rats safely to the hotel! As always you can count on John and Jen providing a great, well run experience whatever the weather! Great to see John back in the groove again, leading the pack three out of the five days. We are already counting the days to our next tour in September this year… A big thanks once again to you both” |
| Steve and Kirsty Eaton, 8th visit, BMW XR1000 |
 We always start with a pre-tour briefing |
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 And always regroup before & after any motorway |
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 So just how did Nick – as back-marker!! – not see which way 17 bikes & the van went?!! |
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| “Another great tour……my 3rd one now….superb roads, great company, and very well organised. Thanks again John and Jen” | |
| Paul Gore, 3rd trip, Honda Fireblade | |
 Everyone lined up at lunch stop – Jen leads on our Street Triple R |
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 Mike’s turn as “TEC” |
 Pretty scenery |
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“I have just returned from my first bike trip in Europe with a tired body but the biggest grin in the world. Thanks to OMC and BN for a craicing time both on the bike and off. Someone said we had rain one day. Being Irish can’t say I noticed. Looking forward to next year already”
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| Michael Grogan, Honda VFR 1200 |
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| “Just back from the 4×4 trip, it’s the planning and execution that makes it a joy. The only thing a rider has to do on the trip is ride a motorcycle – the coffee, fuel stops & hotels are all sorted for you” | |
| Clive Homan, 3rd trip, Suzuki Hayabusa | |
 Bikes at afternoon coffee stop |
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 Rachel enjoys a colour-co-ordinated ice-cream |
 Graham , Tom & Nick |
| “Home safe, sound and tired!! What a fantastic trip. Loved every minute of it. Thank you to all of you for making it so enjoyable.” | |
| Rachel & Mark Aldridge, 1st tour, Kawasaki Z1000SX | |
 More of the lads |
 Our first night is in Belgium |
| “Hi John & Jen, thanks for a great trip!” | |
| Ken Cherry, 2nd trip, BMW GS1200 | |
 We all enjoy a drink in the hotel gardens |
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| “Wow Guys n Girls! Thanks very much for a fantastic break! Great company, fantastic riding, mega roads and scenery…(not that I saw much on the move lol).” | |
| Tom Oliver, 1st tour, BMW R1200GSA | |
 Dinner is included tonight |
 John welcomes the group with a (bad) joke! |
 Breakfast area in the hotel |
 It’s raining !! |
| “Thanks all for your company on this tour. Great rides, great locations, great food and a lot lot more.” | |
| Russell Gregory, 3rd trip, Honda Crosstourer | |
 Ready for the off |
 Monschau for morning coffee & cakes |
 John’s in the lead today |
 Here come the boys… |
| “Dear John & Jen, thank you for another great tour. Faultless planning, charming hotels, twisty roads, great food and pleasant company. Looking forward already to 2018 and my next tour- already booked! | |
| David Roberts, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS | |
 No shortage of parking spaces in the wet! |
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 Graham on his BMW R1200GS |
 Clive on his Suzuki Hayabusa |
 Paul B on his Suzuki Hayabusa |
 Russell on his Honda Crosstourer |
 Mark Y-D on his Honda VFR800 |
 Mark & Rachel “TEC” on their Kawasaki Z1000SX |
 Bikes at lunch stop |
 Coffee at the Nurburgring – & a blue sky! |
 Bikes lined up at the ‘Ring |
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 So who tipped water into Tom’s boots?!!! |
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 Paul B enters the ‘Ring |
 Clive goes as well |
 Nick on his Suzuki GSXR750 |
 Mark & Rachel too |
 And they’re off! |
 Clive in the lead |
 Mark & Rachel |
 Meanwhile the van lines up… |
 With Jen at the wheel the van is in the lead !!! |
 David & Joe want to be let out !!! |
 The sports cars still trying to pass !! |
 Safely back ! |
 A second lap… |
 Tom & Graham venture on as well |
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 Russell & Paul L after the ride !! |
 Tom & Graham arrive back… |
 Paul G as “TEC” on his Fireblade |
 Our next night is in Cochem |
 Secure parking in the hotel garage |
 Drinks in the hotel bar |
 Some of us dine in the hotel |
 Breakfast area |
 Coffee stop at Boppard |
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 Bikes at lunch stop |
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 It’s STILL RAINING !! |
 Mark K takes a turn as “TEC” |
 “But Jen said two hours for lunch” !! |
 Ken & Russell have to follow the van !! |
 The fab pool at our hotel in Luxembourg |
 Tom & Nick – double trouble !! |
 More of us take to the water – as if we hadn’t had enough today!! |
 How cute! Ken, Tom & Graham all wearing BMW Motorrad kit ! |
 Kirsty takes the same pic |
 We enjoy enormous pizzas! |
 Secure parking in the hotel garage |
 Always a morning briefing |
 Ready for the off |
 Mark K on his Kawasaki Z1000SX |
 Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR1400 |
 Clive on his Hayabusa |
 Joe on his Honda CBR 600 |
 Paul B on his Hayabusa |
 Tom on his BMW R1200GSA |
 Paul G on his Fireblade |
 David on his BMW R1200GS |
 Mark & Rachel followed by Mark Y-D as TEC |
 We stop to see the Castle |
 Morning coffee stop |
 Lunch stop – blue sky again ! |
 Running courses taking place around the town |
 Fab views in the Ardennes |
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 The Group (minus Mike already at coffee!) |
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 Ken has his own supplies! |
 Steve & Kirsty on their BMW XR1000 |
 Russell on his Honda Crosstourer |
 John in the lead again |
 Drinks – outside – before dinner! |
 Dinner is included our last night |
 Better jokes this time! |
 Mike thanks Steve & Kirsty on behalf of Oakley MC |
 Kirsty presents us with a lovely garden feature |
 Secure parking in the hotel garage |
 A Medieval Festival at the Fort |
 We sing “Happy Birthday” to Ken |
 Tom gives the morning talk |
 We pass a local ride-out |
 Morning coffee stop |
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 Leaving fuel stop |
 The t-shirt shop is open ! |
 Paul models his ! |
 Kirsty “Does my bum look big in this van?” !! |
 Steve & Kirsty – Bye ! |
 John leads everyone to the motorway |
 Back home – the flowers in the rockery |
We had a great tour – despite the weather at times – a really fun group with good riding. Thanks to Steve & Kirsty at Oakley Motorcycle Club for organising the group’s trip and thanks to all for the lovely gift. Looking forward to seeing many of you again. Ride safe, John & Jen.