BN European Tours, Author at BN European Tours Ltd

Oct 05

Testimonial Autumn Glory 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

The group in Luxembourg – a pretty wet tour but a great bunch of guests still made for a fun trip.
We start with a briefing at Calais	Bye bye Russ – his Ducati has broken down!
“Hi both, as a newbie and on my first tour I was a little apprehensive as to what expect, but I needn’t have worried. Every single thing about the tour was excellent…winding roads, fun company, yummy food and amazing hotels. At a group dinner one evening, we were all rolling around in absolute hysterics … and this was a group of people who had only known each other a few days! (Some people have a very naughty sense of humour I have found out – you know who you are!! J)
The trip was a massive amount of fun and yes it rained, but overall, it only added to the experience. John and Jen have thought through every detail which is incredibly reassuring and they are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everyone has a great time.
I want to say a massive thank you to them both xx Here’s to the next trip (although we have a little way to go before we get to the heady heights of the top of the leaderboard!)
Rachel Collins, 1st tour, pillion with Greg on Kawasaki Z1000SX, Surrey
Bill’s taking no chances…	We have NEVER before held a briefing indoors!
It’s raining !
“Hi folks, – from Clare – “I didn’t think I’d love touring on the back of a bike – in fact, was worried – but I absolutely did.” We had a really great time! Reminded me a little of ducks on the water, we all blithely go from place to place smiling, eating and having fun, while the pair of you put in all of the effort behind the scenes. Great choices of hotels, lovely roads and brilliant hosts. As soon as we can find the money and the time we’ll be along again!”
Adam Roylance & Clare Lusher, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS, Derbyshire
Morning coffee stop	John’s leading the tour
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any motorway
“Our kit may have been dampened but our spirits were not! We had a great time. See you next year”
Greg (2nd tour) & Rachel (1st tour) Collins, Kawasaki Z1000SX, Surrey
Lunch stop – it’s stopped raining	A fete is taking place
Street artists	.
“Great pics, thanks Jen. It was all so lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves – as always.
You two are THE BEST!” [scroll to the end to read Fran’s “Autumn Glory Diary”]
Terry (12th trip) & Fran (8th trip) Stanfield, Triumph Sprint GT, Hampshire
Leaving lunch	Dry roads…
there were some…	.

So how many DIDN’T see the huge wild boar???
“It was another splendid tour and a lovely group of people to share it with. The weather helped add to the fun of it and memories helped by the hotel letting us use his boiler room to dry off the kit worked a treat. The pools and hotels as always did not disappoint and the monestry was a real added treat at the end of the trip. Look forward to meeting up with you again. Thanks again.”
Lynne Wareing, 7th trip, Triumph Street Twin, Greater Manchester
Bill, Ron & Gary…	FINALLY they get it!!
Drinks before dinner	Dinner is included tonight
So who can guess the vegetable ?	Gary’s played before !!
Van carries all your luggage	Always a morning brieifing
“Hi John and Jen, I know the review is now live on the web-site, but I just wanted to add my comments on what was a great tour.As a ’newbie’ I was somewhat aprehensive as to what I was getting into…especially as I was travelling alone!! Meeting a few of the group at the Ibis in Calais and going out to dinner with them was lovely as they all made me very welcome and we had a nice dinner and a chance to get to know a few of the group. Terry and Fran were especially friendly, and I had a similar sense of humour to Greg and Rachael, so I relaxed immediately!!
The hotels were all very different and all really good. The food at all was excellent. The [secret] museum hotel was of course the ‘piece de resistance’…I had the pool and the spa to myself on Thursday morning, the super friendly receptionist let me check out at 12:00 if I wanted…As I mentioned, I will definitely do another tour…but such choice, what a problem! Once again, many thanks for a superb trip.”
Keith Warrington, 1st tour, BMW R1250RT, Hertfordshire
The view at coffee stop
.
Not much business today…	Smells so good !!
Wet roads again…	.
Shame as these are great roads	.
.	.

Afternoon coffee stop	.
The hardy ones! Four missing who gave up at lunchtime & went direct to the hotel !
At our hotel it’s straight in the pool	The best way to warm up!
Lynne takes a pummelling!	.
.	.
Drinks in the hotel bar	Many choose to dine here
Next day – blue skies !	.
.	.
Lovely scenery
More great roads	.

.	.
Fab open sweepers	.
.
We ride through vineyards	On dry roads !!
.	.
Gorgeous scenery
.	Ride alongside the Mosel
Seen at fuel stop	.
.	.
Through pretty villages	Lunch stop

Super architecture	.
Pavement parking	Demolition works
John leads on our Street Triple R	Greg & Rachel – Kawasaki Z1000SX
Tony on his BMW R1200RT	Gordon & Alison – BMW R1250GS
Adam & Clare – BMW R1200GS	Bill – Yamaha FJR 1300
Lynne – Triumph Street Twin	Keith – BMW R1250RT
Stuart – Triumph Tiger 800	David – Yamaha Tracer 900
John – Yamaha Thunderace	Gary – Triumph Explorer
Bryn – KTM 1290 Adventure	Ron – BMW R1200 GSA
Terry & Fran – Triumph Sprint GT	Fab DRY roads !!

Bryn	Lynne
.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	Coffee stop
.	We pass a deer farm
.	Approaching our hotel
Jen with Adam & Clare	Dinner is included tonight

.	.
The next day is a day off	Explore the old town
Take a boat trip	Visit the castle
.	The van is clamped! (10 euros)
We’re given a peach tree	.
Ready for the off – unfortunately Adam & Clare’s BMW broke down later & they had to call breakdown
.
Pretty coffee stop	.
Lovely autumn colours
.	.
Lunch stop	.

Leaving lunch	.
.	.
Approaching our final hotel	.
.
Our final hotel	A surprise in store
Another lovely pool	A real pummelling !!
Lynne	Stuart
Drinks before dinner	Keith with Greg & Rachel
John, Tony & David	Rachel, Ron & Gary
.	.

Dinner is included our last night
John says a few words of thanks…	to Terry & Fran our fab “back-markers”
Fran has a poem for us all	.
We’re presented with ducks!!	Gordon takes a turn
.	Then John shows Gordon…
how to waft a towel !!	Alison’s impressed !!
The van has two passengers!	Our final morning briefing
.	All back to Calais
Fran’s “Autumn Glory Diary”
S is for Saturday`s start of the tour. Soaked well before the wind swept sixty! St Quentin lunch and afternoon sweepers to arrive in sunny Sedan.
Sunday – no rest – sweepers in the sodding rain – some gloves binned – sodden and sick of it, but saved by the boiler room.
M is for Monday and memories made: magic road surfaces, meandering views, Mosel vineyards, meal at hotel – well masticated and lubricated – and much joy at staying dry. Marvellous!
Tuesday lie ins and lazy breakfasting – travel and treats, trains, castle and cable cars, curry wurst or cake – too much choice!
W is for Wednesday – winding roads wet on and off, chilly wind, wayside stops – sad goodbyes – cake and a wet, wet, wet surprise!
Thursday brings thank yous and thoughts of new tours, things to remember – and things to forget – thrills – no spills – but thorough satisfaction at such a pleasing tour.
P S We loved every minute – great roads, good company, lovely hotel experiences and brilliant organisation as always. Thanks John and Jen. Love from Terry and Fran.
Thank you Fran for your great contribution!
Thanks to everyone for making the best of some poor weather and still having a great time. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Sep 21

Love0

Testimonial Portugal & Spain 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour 9 – 18 September 2019

The group alongside the Douro River in Portugal. Our inaugural tour provided brilliant roads, lovely scenery, top hotels and great weather – said to be our new “best” tour!!
We start with a briefing on the ferry	Lots of posh cars on board – Maseratis
We offload our bike & all luggage goes in the van
“Hi John & Jen, we decided the Portugal & Spain Tour would be the perfect way to spend our honeymoon as we wanted to go somewhere on our bikes but we didn’t want the hassle and stress of organising everything. The quality of the roads were unbelievable, from tight twisties to the fastest of open roads. Superb hotels in fantastic locations and we had a fabulous time with some lovely like minded people.”
[since booked 2nd tour to Black Forest in 2020]
Wendy Wakenshaw (now Tyzack) 1st tour, CBR600F & Phil Tyzack, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint, Somerset
Lambourghinis & ferraris	Andy B goes “back-marker” for motorway
“Hi John & Jen, we both thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural (that’s for you John!) Portugal & Spain Tour with a great bunch of like minded people. Thank you all for your company. The roads and scenery were stunning with a good mix of twisty and long sweeping roads, traffic free in places making for enjoyable riding. The hotels we stayed in were excellent, no changes required and we sampled some lovely local tapas and regional food along the way. We do appreciate how much effort you both put into researching all the roads, hotels, petrol & coffee stops and sorting out any problems along the way. It takes all the stress and worry away from us so that we can just enjoy riding our bike. The luggage van is an added bonus, taking a load of weight off the bikes. Some nice planned surprises along the way too. All in all a great tour, a great addition to your portfolio. Thanks for another memorable holiday. Best regards”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 7th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
We have to ride some motorway	New van – new graphics
Drinks in the hotel bar	Jackie, Rod, Phil & Wendy
“Hi John & Jen, I have to say that the Portugal and Spain tour was the best tour I have been on with you. The hotels were wonderfully varied, all of an exceptional standard and in a variety of very different locations. My personal favourite was the Quinta. The roads were some of the best I have ridden on with very grippy surfaces – the only limitation being my ability as a rider. I could honestly not find anything that I could fault, it was fantastic trip with great bunch of people. Now looking forward to planning next year.”
Iain House, 3rd tour, Triumph Street Triple R, Hampshire
Andy W, Gary & Roger	Roy, Andy B, Ian H, Alan & Julie
Eliza, Heather, Jan & Ian	Saddos !
“Hi John & Jen, many thanks to both of you for a fantastic tour to see some amazing scenery and roads in Spain and Portugal, and stay in a great selection of lovely hotels combined with a great bunch of people. Perhaps not obvious to everyone is the amount of research you did before this tour to make it what it was. A first class tour and at a great price as well, I personally hope to return and hope to do this tour again in the future. Keep up the good work, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Fantastic. Kind regards” [since booked to do the same tour again in 2020!]
Gary Moult, 1st tour, Suzuki GSXS1000F, Cornwall
Dinner is included in a local restaurant
Loads of Tapas…	with Sangria…
“Hi Jen & John, Ian and I just wanted to say thank you so much for another enjoyable tour, it was great & we had a brilliant time. All the hotels were lovely, so difficult to choose a favourite! The roads / fab scenary were amazing. Roll on the next trip…”
Ian & Heather Phillips, 5th tour, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Devon
And cider poured in the traditional way	.
John starts the joke telling	Breakfast area
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for a great holiday, I absolutely loved it!” [since booked to do the same tour again in 2020!]
Roger Gale, 1st tour, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Bedfordshire

Secure garage parking	Roy struggles with waterproofs!
Horses on the Camino de Santiago	UNESCO town walls
Lunch is tapas	.
By afternoon coffee stop the sun is shining
Their Harley had a puncture so Malcolm & Kari arrive by car	Our next 4* hotel at the end of the Camino de Santiago
A fabulous swimming pool	A free night in Santiago de Compostella
The stunning Cathedral	Lit up by night
Our hotel by night	We need a volunteer back-marker
Morning coffee stop	.
David rides as “back-marker” (thanks Heather)	but has to have a new sticker first!
Picturesque lunch stop	.
Newlyweds Wendy & Phil	Just what is Phil doing?

Jen’s in the lead today	Iain’s also on a Street Triple R
Roger on his Suzuki V-Strom 650	Phil on his Triumph Sprint 1050
Rod & Jackie on their BMW R1200 GSA	Lovely scenery
Gorgeous views in Portugal
6 nights in Portugal	The huge pool at our next hotel
Jen with Ian & Heather	Malcolm enjoying a beer!
Drinks before dinner	Iain loves this Quinta!
.	We’ve arranged a surprise…
The group in Portugal with a glass of Mateus Rose!
Dinner is included tonight	.
John’s up again…	Rod has something to show us..!
The next morning we stop at a huge dam
.	.

Sea planes arrive collecting water	.
Morning coffee stop	.
Brilliant twisty pass	You will ride this
Just voted one of the top 10 roads in Europe by Ford Motor Co.
Lunch stop	.
Our next hotel for two nights	In the old capital Guimaraes
.
The UNESCO old town	Lots of restaurants to choose from
Warm enough to dine outside	.
Next day is a day off…	Many of us take the train to Porto
The “fat controller” collects cash	David catches a few zzz’s (& he wasn’t alone!)
Andy	and Phil (thanks Heather!)
The station at Porto	.
Great architecture	.

Local transport	We didn’t go in here !!
We head down to the River Douro	Such pretty buildings
Lots of tourist boats	So colourful
.	We stop for a drink
Lots of buskars	Extreme sports
Interesting market stalls	Take a cable car up
.	The Cathedral
.	.
View from the top	.
.	Walk across the bridge

For fabulous views of the city
Take the cable car down – Phil & Wendy	Lunch by the river
More market stalls	Super Bock bar
All the Porto Houses	.
.	.
Young lads jumping off the bridge!	.
.	.
.	A selection of Porto!
She was really good	Back in Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal
Alan & Julie stay in Guimareas	.
They visit the Palace	Thanks Julie
Live music tonight	Lovely backstreet restaurants

Delicious sardines	After dinner drinks
.	.
Coffee stop next day	View from the cafe
Other bikes there	Julie & Alan
We stop for a photo opportunity overlooking the Douro River
Plenty of space for us to stop
Hundreds of bikes pass by	.
We stop for a surprise lunch…
A tapas lunch…	.
.	With fab views
Then a visit to a Porto producer

We have a guided tour	See the bottling
and labelling	Huge barrels
Roy suggests “It really should be positioned here…”	Storage
Steam train passes by	A lovely setting
Chilled out pooches	Heather has a new friend
We bought some Porto	For all to have a taste
Cheers!	Drinks in the hotel bar
.	Beautiful biker-babes (but where’s Kari?)
David samples the Porto	.
David’s ticket from Guimareas turns up!	Dinner is included again
Our hotel in a remote medieval town	.

Always a morning briefing	John’s in the lead today
Impromptu morning coffee stop
You MUST be happy riding hairpins	There are high concentration twisties
Lunch stop	We stop at a reservoir
.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.
.	.
Then we stop at the highest point in Portugal – over there!
.
Our next hotel for two nights	.
The next day many go for a ride-out	Fab roads
.	Ian & Heather, then Andy & Gary
Up in the clouds
Great sweepers	.
.	Andy, Gary then Alan & Julie

.	.
.	Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada
Alan & Julie	In a remote mountain village!
.	Gary on his Suzuki GSXS1000F
Great roads	Gary then Jan & Eliza
Villages tucked away	Twisties & hairpins
.	Andy B on his BMW S1000XR
The prettiest village for a stop	.
.	.
Jan & Eliza came from Hong Kong!	.

Fuel stop – cash in the bag!	.
.	.
.	Alan & Julie
Ian & Heather – Kawasaki ZZR 1400	Andy B
Back at the hotel	Andy W & Jen brave the pool
Kari enjoying a G&T	Drinks in the hotel bar
Four BN off-road guys arrive!	John with Eliza
Dinner is included both nights here	.
Another lovely morning
Fuel & coffee stop	.

Lunch stop	.
Ian riding solo without Heather	Phil
Iain	Roger
Afternoon coffee…back in Spain	Wolf country
The setting for our final hotel	It’s frothy man !!!
Characters strike the bell	Andy has chips !!
Dinner is included our last night	More jokes from John
Andy shows Rod…	how to waft a towel for Jackie !!
Rod takes a turn	.
Phil’s up next	.
Then Malcolm	.
Kari’s up next	.

Andy again…	Jan tells a story
Then we’re treated to the Penguin joke	!!!
Andy again…	.
Guess the vegetable…	So Wendy’s played before !!!
Hotel has garage parking	Gary’s stopped by the police
At coffee stop we have a whip-round	to pay Gary’s fine
We head into the Picos Mountains	.
.	.
We stop for a photo opportunity
Wendy on her Honda CBR 600F	Roy on his Kawasaki Z1000SX
David on his Honda Deauville	Andy W on his Piaggio MP3
Fabulous views
.
Andy B	.
.	.
Cute locals	Hello !
Pretty lunch stop	The t-shirt shop is open!

All back to the ferry

And that’s all folks! An eventful inaugural tour thanks to the contributions of many of the participants!!! Our planning paid off as we thought the routes with fantastic roads to ride, great hotels, breaks, days off & timings all worked a treat. We hope that a marker moving off, accidents due to rider error, dropped bikes, police fine, Merc shunted up the rear etc…didn’t detract from what was otherwise a great tour!!! Thanks to everyone who took a turn riding as “back-marker” after our designated person had to cancel at the last minute. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Sep 03

Love0

Testimonial Italy & Switzerland 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 17 – 28 August 2019

“Probably” the best Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour to date! Another great group, fantastic weather & amazing sights – no apologies for the number of photos which follow…
Before the tour starts Ros & Andy’s bike has a puncture!	We start with a briefing
Then get Andy to a garage for a new tyre!	Ros & Andy rejoin us at coffee stop
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great trip, great riding, some fabulous views, hotels were clean, unique and well located and of course your support with the punctured front tyre was very much appreciated, thank you.”
Ros (5th trip) & Andy (6th trip) Moseley, Honda Blackbird, Warwickshire
Afternoon coffee stop	Dry roads now
Come on Jackie – jump !!	This morning we didn’t think we’d be in the pool!
“Hi John & Jen, I would like to say it was an absolute pleasure to meet you both and I had one of the best holidays I’ve ever had – the organisation, the hotels and the routes chosen by yourselves were second to none. What a fantastic mix of excellent and exhilarating riding roads, the sort of thing every motorcyclist strives to find and ride. I also have to say what a fantastic group we had, loads of fun banter and tales tol. It was also a fantastic opportunity to spend an extended period to bond and ride with my father (“Stoner”), although I must admit there were times that I wish I had a leash on him to stop him racing off chasing the locals on their bikes through the countryside and a tracker to find him when he wonders off on one of his “little adventures”!
Rest assured when the opportunity arises I will be booking another trip with yourselves, as I feel the attention to detail and inclusion of everyone on the tour forms a real family atmosphere which I hope has gained me friends that I will see again over the coming months and years. Once again thanks for all you did for dad and myself, it definitely made it a holiday to remember.”
Adrian Stone, 1st tour, KTM 990 Adventure, Cornwall
John & Daryl comparing scars!	Jon W joins in
“We’ve just returned from the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps tour. It was amazing in every way (weather, roads, scenery, hotels, food and the others on tour). John and Jen put so much effort into researching the roads, places to stop for drinks/lunch and hotels and it really shows! Our only concern was how we’d pack all our clothes and shoes into the panniers 😉 the rest is all under the skilful control of John and Jen. Thanks to you both for another fantastic tour!!!
Audrey and Rees Hewson, 4th tour, BMW R1200RS, Cambridgeshire
Andy D’s in the pool	And so is John
Drinks before dinner	.
“Hi John & Jen, I just do not have a clue on how to describe the holiday with enough superlatives and not sound condescending. Perhaps the best description for me is that I could not have found any other event that could have served to bond my son & I so well.
Hotels: no complaints. The three selected for extra days were just perfect. I now know what the perfect Lasagna should taste like. And learnt how to hang washing with no peg marks! In such a scenic area with beautiful weather wherever you took us would have been Ace. The routes chosen gave us the winning Royal Flush. You know I have been with many companies and frankly enjoyed them all. BN’s Ace up the sleeve is having a luggage van. Not only carried but available throughout the day.
Thank you both for all the effort you put into your events they shine because of it. I am just pig sick to think I could have gone to Portugal with you. Great stuff you two, I will keep coming while I can” [Please read “Stoner’s” further tribute to the Gang at the end of the review]
John “Stoner” Stone, 4th tour, KTM 790 Adventure S, Cornwall
.	Dinner is included tonight

“What a cracking tour it was too, fantastic weather, plenty to see, great off bike socialising with a great bunch of fellow riders and pillions👍🏍 Now done this trip 3 times and it has never failed to deliver. I may be back!! Well done John & Jen on another great tour 🏍👍😊”
Andy Dunmore, 7th tour, Honda VFR800, West Sussex
John welcomes everyone to the tour	.
Always a morning briefing	Coffeee stop after some great roads
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for a wonderful holiday!! I absolutely loved it all. Breathtaking scenery, incredible roads, wonderful hotels and great company along the trip. I was a little nervous that my Suzuki Bandit wouldn’t make it but she did and I’m so proud of her!! I, myself, as a bit of a non-biker, really grew in confidence along the way and now consider myself a better biker for the experience. You and Jen were incredible from start to finish and I look forward to another wonderful trip in the future so thanks again for some amazing memories. All the best”
Brian Keeler, 1st tour, Suzuki Bandit 650, London
En-route to lunch (thanks Jackie)	Jen’s in the lead again
Back-markers Wayne & Carole	Pretty lunch stop
“Hi both, we would like to thank you for a fantastic tour, we really enjoyed it. Seeing such fantastic scenery blew our minds away. A tour of a lifetime would sum it up. We are keeping an eye out for next years tours so you will have to put up with us again and if you think our back marking skills are up to it we would be happy to do it again. See you both soon.”
Wayne & Carole Williams, 5th tour, BMW K1600GT, RCT – Wales
Pavement parking at lunch stop
.	.
.	Mike & Tracey – Kawasaki Z1000SX
“Hi John & Jen, many thanks for another wonderful trip – fantastic group of people that made the tour really enjoyable. Switzerland and the Italian Lakes was stunning and we had great weather. (Cannot believe Tracey did the toboggan – she did scream the whole way down!) Thank you John and Jen for a truly excellent tour.”
Mike Sanders (7th trip) & Tracey Reading (6th trip), Kawasaki Z1000SX, Somerset
More great roads	Afternoon stop by the lake

Ice creams for Daryl, Steve & David	Son Adrian & Dad “Stoner”
A beautiful setting
Us !	Ros & Andy
Jackie & Jon	Who needs a helping hand!
“Great tour, good fun company. Switzerland was amazing, hotels great, best one yet and run faultlessly by John and Jen despite some challenges – marker pointing in the wrong direction!!!! (Won’t mention your name Adrian!!) and a tricky puncture to sort out. Put your feet up you two and have a beer xxxx Oh there is one complaint – please please please don’t tell the “International Expert on Wasp Noises” joke again !!!!! 😆😆” [Is that because you laugh too much ???? – John]
Jon & Jackie Watson, 3rd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Anyone would think you were on holiday!	Relax in the shade
View from our next hotel	Drinks in the hotel bar
“Hi both, thanks again for another fantastic tour and dont forget if you have rider & pillion space for Portugal tour next year count us in”
Vince & Tracey Farmer, 7th tour, Honda Goldwing, Gloucestershire
Explore the back streets	Carole always with her camera
.	.

.	Hall of mirrors or a true reflection?!
Ready for the off
An atmospheric start	Pretty coffee stop
Tracey found the cake shop	Rees & Audrey with huge cakes
They’ve nearly finished theirs	Don’t try & hide it David!
Fab scenery	Wayne & Carole
We’re heading up there…	Andy & Ros – Honda Blackbird (thanks Jackie)
More hairpins than a 40’s hairdo!! You must be able to cope with these!
Super scenery	Lunch at the top
.	Guess who!

The group on top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – note Andy D’s new friend!
Jackie & Jon	John’s in the lead today
More hairpins on the way down	.
.	.
Fuel & motorway instructions	En-route
.	.
Fuel & re-group at services
Well that’s what the van said!	The pool at our next hotel for two nights
Jon, Jacke & Jen are straight in	Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included tonight	.
The next day is a day off the bikes, with lots to do – either take a boat trip to visit the Borromeo Islands, visit the Palace, take a cable car for fab views of the lakes (if not cloudy!), explore the old town of Stresa or just relax around the pool.

We take a boat trip	Thanks captain!
We visit Isola Madre first	Coffee or beers?
Explore the back streets	Lots of restaurants to choose from
It has to be pizza!
A cheat photo of the island
Look what the boys found!!	They were so amused!!
Next we visit Isola Bella
.	Time to visit the Palace & gardens
.	.
Vince didn’t want to get in!	.
A lovely morning (thanks V&T)	We all take the local ferry

The group on the ferry
Enjoying the view	Jackie & Jon
Pavement parking at coffee – eventually!!	Lake Lugano
.	Andy D needs a bump start
Others enjoy ice creams	.
Parking for lunch stop	Ros & Andy chillin’
Lunch is by beautiful Lake Como	Quaint back streets
.	.
Loosening our chain at fuel stop	That’s what the sign said
Jon uses the air pump to keep cool!	Approaching St Moritz
.	At our next hotel for two nights

Drinks on the terrace	Another interesting Honda fact!!!
Dinner is included tonight	.
Boys will be boys !!	Some had great rooms (thanks V&T)
The Bernina Express stops at our hotel	.
The next morning most walk to the Glacier – it’s this way !!!
Daryl’s at the 1900 marker	David’s at 1940
Steve’s at 1960	Adrian’s at 1970
Amazing view as we approach the Glacier
David
But we’re brave bikers!!	Mike & Tracey at the 2015 marker
View looking back	We climb over rocks
And reach the Glacier	.

David & Steve	Mike
Tracey	David
Adrian	Taking selfies
Brian’s made it!	So has Rees
Us !	Heading back
.
Rees, Jackie & Jon, Audrey	Andy & Ros with Carole & Wayne
Andy at the 2010 marker	Rees & Audrey at 2005
Rees & David	Andy stops for a drink of iced water
This afternoon many choose to ride to the Stelvio Pass, or do their own ride, others take advantage of the ticket to ride the Bernina Express…
Vince set off to Austria	Sunken church at Graun Im Vinschgau
Back at the hotel many then choose to go for a ride-out
Adrian on his KTM 990 Adv	Take the rack railway to the viewing point

Steve on his Triumph Street Triple R	Andy M with Rees
“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv S	Andy M followed by Rees
Rees is in the lead
Fabulous hairpins	Rees followed by Adrian
More hairpins	We stop for refreshments
Coffee & cakes !	David & Steve
Rees	Andy M & Andy D
.	Jon & Jackie ride as back-markers (thanks Jackie)
Andy D in the lead

.	Daryl
So who didn’t see the speed cameras???	Tunnels
Start of the Stelvio Pass – 48 hairpins !!!	Brian on his Suzuki GSF 650
Orange boxes David – not blue !!!	We passed Stoner taking photos
Then he flies past us !!	Just a few bends !!
Us – thanks Adrain	Us again – thanks Adrain
Andy D heading up on his VFR 800	Andy M on his Blackbird
Jon & Jackie on their BMW K1300S	Stoner gets a lift up to place our sticker !!
Those who made it to the top !
David has a new Bernese – “Stelvie”	Jen has a Marmot for Otto
Rees followed by Steve	The view going down

David on his KTM Superduke 1290 GT	David followed by Daryl
.	Andy D riding in the train lines !!
.	Fab roads
.
Drinks before dinner	Dinner is included again tonight
.	.
.	Not that joke again !!!
.	Morning briefing
Leaving St Moritz	Brilliant roads
Lovely	So pretty

Adrian has a problem	Coffee and a surprise…
Mike has a new toy…	Take the ski-lift up…
The brave ones – then take the toboggan down
.	.
.	.
.	.
The long way down…	John goes first
Daryl goes next	Mike & Tracey – she screamed all the way!
Wayne & Carole	David’s next
Then Adrian	Followed by Stoner his Dad
Steve’s turn	Jon & Jackie

Ros is going down alone	Followed by hubby Andy
It’s Vince next	Then Brian
Andy D followed by Jen	Here’s Mike & Tracey – a fab ride!
Wayne & Carole loved it	David
Adrian	Stoner
Steve	Jon & Jackie
Ros	Andy
Vince	Brian
Andy	And finally, Jen
Lunch on the Oberalp Pass	.

We stop on the Susten Pass	Fab photo opportunity
Wayne & Carole arrive	All the bikes
Huge glacier at the top	Any chance of a group photo ??? (thanks Jackie)
The group in the Susten Pass
Lots of bikes out today
Wayne & Carole (thanks Jackie)	Fab rolling clouds (thanks Jackie)
Our next hotel for 3 nights	Drinks on the terrace
How many for fish???	Great food
Dinner is included tonight	.
John explains the options for the next days	A beautiful morning
Enjoy coffee on the terrace	Chicken in a basket !
Parking for our bikes	Most of us go for a ride-out

Vince & Tracey with Daryl	More fabulous roads
We head up the Grimsel Pass	Adrian & Daryl
Huge dam	And another
More twisties	.
Stoner & Adrian	And again
Thousands of cyclists	A welcome at the top
The group on the Grimsel Pass (only Mike & Tracey stayed to have a day round the lake)
Marmots at the top	So cute!
Coffee stop in the sun – prev years we’ve had snow!!	Rees & Audrey
A brilliant Pass	The Furka Pass in the distance

Jen’s view as pillion today	So many hairpins
David & Steve	.
Steve, Daryl & Andy	Andy then Vince & Tracey
.
Andy, Vince & Tracey again	and again…
.
Amazing view at the top of the Nufenen Pass
We stop for a photo opportunity
Stoner, Adrian & John	Race the cyclists downhill!
.	Lunch stop
A cobbled pass	.
Yes, we’re riding up there	.

Daryl – KTM 1290 Super Adv	.
Daryl again	And again…
Fab views	Another cobbled pass
.	Heading up the Furka Pass
We stop for another photo opportunity
.
.	Us
The group on the Furka Pass (thanks again Jackie!)
The best pic of the tour !!!	The proper view !
Down the Furka & up the Grimsel	Steve on his Street Triple R
Yes, up there as well	Brilliant empty roads

.	Andy, Adrian & Stoner
.	Daryl & Andy
.	Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing
Drinks when we get back	A free night, we head into town
Rees has a work-out !	Local wood carvings
Another beautiful morning	Adjusting Brian’s Suzuki’s chain
Jen rides, John’s pillion	We ride past Interlaken
Lovely houses	Pretty villages
We visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls

Coffee…	& cakes – Audrey has a meringue!
Those who visited the Waterfalls
Take the lift up inside the mountain	Amazing force of the falls
The photos don’t do this justice	.
Jon & Jackie getting sprayed	Mike & Tracey half way down
.	.
Then we do something we haven’t been able to in the previous four tours – a helicopter ride over the Swiss Alps. Eight of us flew in two groups – absolutely stunning scenery & worth every penny!
Brian that’s a rucksack not a parachute!!	First up Jon, Jackie, Jen & John
Jackie & Jon	Jen & John
Pilot points out the mountains	Wow !

The North face of the Eiger	Wow !
How many Wow’s !!!	Amazing glacier
Top of the Jungfrau	Our route (thanks Rees)
.	.
Coming in to land	David, Brian, Rees & Audrey go next
Away they go	David’s up front
Rees, Audrey & Brian	.
Back on dry land	We set off for lunch
Brian’s in the lead	Rees & Audrey
Fab views of the Eiger	Grindelwald for lunch

.
.	The mountains in detail
Riding back to our hotel
Andy flummoxed? Never!! (thanks David!)	Drinks when we get back
Stoner’s been missing for hours!!	but at least his washing’s dry!!
Daryl’s getting ready to go out
Jackie & Jon dine at the hotel	.
A beautiful sunset over the lake	We find a restaurant with live music
Reserved tables for breakfast	.
So cute!	Sadly we have to leave

Another lovely morning	Coffee stop
.	.
Lunch is still in Switzerland	.
Such pretty scenery	Fab views of the Needle & Mont Blanc
Afternoon coffee at Chamonix	.
L’aiguille (needle)	Mont Blanc
John’s in the lead – we ALWAYS re-group before & after any motorway
Beers at our next hotel	3 wise monkeys – Stoner just gets it!!
A free night	It’s Ros’s birthday!
The hotel wanted a photo of the bikes	The region is known for its’ chicken!
Morning coffee stop	It’s Jackie’s birthday!
Lunch stop	.
Afternoon coffee stop	.

Approaching our final hotel	Across the Loire
Drinks before (after) dinner (thanks Vince)	Dinner is included our last night
.	.
Huge thanks to Wayne & Carole	More bad jokes…
Stoner says a few words of thanks to us	John presents some awards…
The Swiss Italian Lakes Gang 2019. Thank you to all for accepting me again into your company.Andy the talking librarian. Vince, the smartest “Farmer” I know. Some tractor !!! Rees who can brake like no other – Struth! Audrey, the perfect passenger didn’t move a muscle when on board.
Dangerous Brian – a teacher that learnt a lot and didn’t moan about being cut up.David the fastest road block in the Alps and a Frustrated Daryl.Mike and Tracey saved money going to Gretna to buy a new bike? Andy and Ros just get it on song when I run out of revs
Then of course the Atomic pair Jon & Jackie – Bless her- who’s not worth a back rest BOOO (Jon the underpants have gone to the bin).Then we have the Welsh circus crew whipping us along at the back. Thank you Wayne, Thank you Carole.Lastly father and son Stoner. Father, brilliant trip specially the day off ! ! Adrian. Jealousy oozes following the 1290 KTM.s
Jen, thank you for a nice quick ride – you know when. John, best ever demo of The Hollering Dance I have seen. It actually saved the day for me at the Peage – thank you Mr.“Stoner”
To Steve for crossing the most white lines!	David the biggest “Faffer”!! (Andy a close 2nd!)
More jokes – David	Steve
Wayne has a few to tell	And that’s it…a final lovely morning
With coffee & lunch stops en-route we’re all back at Le Havre for the ferry. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant tour and for sending lots of photos – it’s only when looking back through all these you see just how much we packed into the 12 days. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Aug 18

Love0

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 7 – 12 August 2019

The group ready to embark for the Rhine in Flames – another fantastic tour with a great bunch of people.
We always start with a briefing	Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300
Phil & Veronica – Yamaha Tracer 900	We meet more at Eurotunnel
Ready for the off
“Hi John & Jen, this was a superb tour and with the best bunch of riders I’ve come across to date. Even the dancing bit on the boat (which I was not looking forward to) was OK, thanks in the main to a few sympathetic wives! The research you both have put into these tours rewards the customer with some exciting roads, delightful towns and comfortable hotels. What more could you ask for? Looking forward to the next one.”
Reece Compton, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger 800, Essex
Morning coffee stop	.
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“Hi Jen & John, thank you for another great tour, loved the roads, food, wine and company! Hopefully see you soon”
Gavin & Josie Allen, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Cornwall
Colin needed fuel from the van!	Lunch stop
Good roads	Ride the starting grid
Afternoon coffee stop	Kevin & Sue – Moto Guzzi Norge
Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600	Paul & Gill ride as back-markers
“Hi both, firstly thanks for a great tour, both Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the company; it was a great group. We’re having dinner with Clare and Adrian tomorrow to report back on our experience so watch this space for potential future bookings :-)”
Peter Wright, 10th trip, FJR 1300 and Sally Hurman, 9th trip, Fazer 600, Leicestershire

Really ?!	Lovely scenery
.	Our first hotel
.	Drinks before dinner
“Hi both, Tracey & I absolutely loved the Rhine trip. It’s my second outing with you, & Tracey’s first. It’s the first tour on the KTM 1190 and we’re both so glad we went. A great trip, a great atmosphere, a really lovely crowd, superb roads, scenery and great little towns you picked for lunch stops. We will do another sometime.
Your complete organisation and route planning make the days go so smoothly and takes away all the stress. You put me in lemming mode! That’s exactly what I need to relax…Thanks to you both, and thanks to the rest of the tourers that made it a really good experience. (apart from the 150 Euro fine…. & dropping my driving glasses whilst riding….) See you both in 2020. 😊
Mark (2nd tour) & Tracey (1st tour) Hornett, KTM 1190 Adventure, Warwickshire
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	.
.	It’s Peter’s 10th trip !
The start of the bad jokes !	John spotted the next day
“Hi guys, thanks for a fab trip, I will definitely be back”
Ali Beresford, 1st tour, Triumph Street Triple 765R, Somerset
Lunch stop	Local attractions
More good roads	Beers at Boppard while we wait…

For the van to arrive…	Having rounded up Ian & Karin !!
“We look back on a great experience, with Karin’s virgin bike tour being a great success. Amazing group of people to share the experience with, brilliant roads/riding days and rest days. Big thanks to John and Jen for their great organisation and research of this tour. The Rhine in Flames experience particularly was amazing.
We fondly remember the big welcome you all gave us, after our extra diversion and John’s conscientiousness in bringing us back to the fold. We look forward to seeing the pictures of the “German traffic police Christmas party”, which Sheldon and Ian and others are funding!! Hope we might meet up with some of you again on another trip, thank you one and all.
Ian (2nd tour) & Karin (1st tour) Heap, BMW R1200 RT, Norfolk
Our view across the Rhine – we take the ferry on a ride-out tomorrow	“Where are you?” Use your eyes – don’t phone each other !!! Honestly, this happened!
A day off – we all take the train to Rudesheim
“So, our review arrives last in the best back-marker tradition. Being back-markers didn’t detract from the tour one bit, but it really helped to settle Gill into group riding which she wasn’t convinced she would enjoy. Getting to know so many new faces / friends was great fun and the Rhine in Flames tour was an absolute joy from start to finish. The Rhine cruise and fireworks really lived up to all our expectations. Big thanks have to go to John and Jen for their organisation and attention to detail be it choice of roads, hotels, activities or the excellent marking system throughout and for the bonus of having a support van following the tour. John even managed to find a group of laughing German Police, remarkable! Will recommend BN European Tours whenever I get the opportunity and hope to sign up to another tour in the future.”
Chris (2nd tour) & Gill (1st tour) Wild, BMW R1200RT, Gloucestershire
Then the passenger ferry across the Rhine
Approaching Rudesheim
.	Time to explore the town
Many of us sample a Rudesheimer Caffee
Ian’s having ice cream	While Gavin & Josie…

Elaine & Sheldon…	have huge fruit waffles!
Wander into the back streets	Take the cable car for fab views
We spot Paul & Sue coming down	And Veronica & Phil
Great views at the top	The Neiderwalddenkmal
.
Yeah, right !!	Jane & Kevin going down
.	Quaint streets
.	Hear the bells ringing
We take the paddlesteamer back	.
.	.
See the castles en-route	Nothing to do but relax with a drink

Gavin	What has Jane spotted?
.
More castles	.
We approach the Loreley Rock	.
.	The famous mermaid
.	.
That evening the heavens open	Elaine & Sheldon take cover
Nigel is loving it !!	It absolutely chucks it down!!
.	.
The next day, glorious sunshine	Boppard centre

We all have rooms with balconies	Bike parking on the pavement
We meet for a ride-out	So what size tyres Mark ? (from day before)
John’s in the lead	Kevin (& Jane) on Honda VFR1200
All aboard	Paul (& Sue) on BMW R1200GS
Ali on her Street Triple 765 R	Pretty villages
Ian & Karin on BMW R1200 RT	Impressive buildings
It’s Reece – Tiger 800	But did you spot the other tigers???
.	.
Here come the boys – and girls!	Nigel followed by Ali

A mixture of sweepers…	Nigel on his BMW S1000RR
Followed by twisties	Ian & Jen – Moto Guzzi California
Ian & Jen again	More twisties
A pillion’s view	Mark & Tracey – KTM 1190 Adv
Gavin & Josie mark the junction	Sheldon & Elaine – Kawasaki GTR1400
You won’t run out of fuel!
Ian & Karin, Reece then Nigel	Reece again
Reece followed by Ali	Nigel followed by Ali
Ali then Kevin & Jane	Mark & Tracey lead the pack
At the Drachenfells

We take the rack-railway	.
.	For views of the volcanoes
And fab views of the Rhine	.
Nigel & Ali	Time for lunch at the top
The super six	Gavin & Josie – Tiger Explorer
Sheldon & Elaine	the brothers riding together
Mark & Tracey, then Ali	Colin on his Kawasaki Z750
Ian & Karin	Kevin & Jane
Colin again	and again!
Waiting for the ferry back
Josie’s bum needs a massage!!	Jane was happy to oblige!

Back to Boppard
Phil (& Veronica) – Tracer 900	.
Drinks before the main event	.
All aboard for a great night of dinner, fireworks & dancing!
Fortunately John has our tickets!	We start with dinner
.	.
.	.
The boats start circulating	.
Jen teaches the girls the Slosh	.
.	.
Kevin & Sue are up	And Phil & Veronica
Jane’s got it !!	No – that way !!
Karin’s got it now !	While the rest are just amused!
The paddle steamer
All start heading to Koblenz	Paul & Sue

.	Cheers !!
We’re all up on deck	.
Each vilage sets off its fireworks	.
Riverbanks lit up in red
.	.
.	.
.	.
.
Koblenz Castle	.
The boats all congregate in front of the castle

.
We’re ideally placed for the main display
Lights out & the show starts	Wow !
Fab	.
Many different themes	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	The end !

And that was just a selection! A fantastic display that never disappoints, we look forward to this every year! Then it’s everyone back inside for more dancing (with apologies for some poor quality pics)…

BN European Tours

Testimonial Autumn Glory 2019

Thanks to everyone for making the best of some poor weather and still having a great time. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Testimonial Portugal & Spain 2019

Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour 9 – 18 September 2019

Testimonial Italy & Switzerland 2019

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 17 – 28 August 2019

The next day is a day off the bikes, with lots to do – either take a boat trip to visit the Borromeo Islands, visit the Palace, take a cable car for fab views of the lakes (if not cloudy!), explore the old town of Stresa or just relax around the pool.

This afternoon many choose to ride to the Stelvio Pass, or do their own ride, others take advantage of the ticket to ride the Bernina Express…

Then we do something we haven’t been able to in the previous four tours – a helicopter ride over the Swiss Alps. Eight of us flew in two groups – absolutely stunning scenery & worth every penny!

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2019

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 7 – 12 August 2019

And that was just a selection! A fantastic display that never disappoints, we look forward to this every year! Then it’s everyone back inside for more dancing (with apologies for some poor quality pics)…