BN European Tours, Author at BN European Tours Ltd

Oct 12

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Monte Carlo or Bust ! 30 September – 8 October 2017

A great end to the season - the group in the Gorges de l'Ardeche - fab weather, fab scenery, brilliant roads & a fun group made for a super tour

A great end to the season – the group in the Gorges de l’Ardeche – fab weather, fab scenery, brilliant roads & a fun group made for a super final tour

Before the tour -some stay in an alternative Ibis!	We start with an outdoor briefing
We stop to see a Tiger Tank	Parking in front of the Church at lunch stop
“Monte Carlo or Bust! What a superb tour…we cannot say enough about the organisation that Jen & John put into the trip – the hotels were fantastic & the riding was awesome – great roads, gorges, mountain plains and the Millau Bridge to boot. The crowd of bikers we were with – whether fast, slow or 2-up there was no pressure to keep up as their marker system works so well. It takes away the stress so you can enjoy the roads and countryside. Excellent breaks for coffee and CAKES lol. We would like to thank everyone involved on the trip it was awesome (even Mike & John the S1000XR fast guys) but most of all our hosts – and I think I speak for all on the trip. Thanks Jen & John”
Chris & Debs Marland, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS Adventurer, Staffordshire
Our first hotel	Hot air balloons pass overhead
.	Some visit Chenonceau Chateau
“Dear John and Jen,
Alison and I both want to say how much we enjoyed the Monte Carlo or Bust tour. It was our third trip with you and probably the best. The roads were awesome and though we were a little tired on some days (age is creeping up I fear), we were always ensured of a lovely hotel at the end of the day. Your organisation as usual was superb and the back up van that also takes your luggage is invaluable for reassurance. Thanks again and hoping to see you on another one soon. Best wishes”
Gordon & Alison Barr, 3rd tour, Honda Crosstourer, Saffron Walden
Although not our Chateaux Tour this is well worth a visit!
The entrance hall	Gorgeous flower displays
“Hello John and Jen, Now the dust has settled and we’re back into the daily grind of work, we’ve had time to reflect on our tour with you both.
Being our first organised tour we did not know what to expect, however the conclusion is we will ride with you again. The organisation was superb – the routes, the hotels, everything had been considered and even with unplanned occurrences the days always ended well. The hotels and food were great, with the standard of some far exceeding our expectations.
We will hopefully see you the NEC and look to book something for next year… Best regards & thank you again for a super holiday, riding home was a solemn affair!”
“David & Lin Lake, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS, Norfolk
The grand interior	Diane & Nigel
.	.
“John & Jen were the perfect hosts on our Monte Carlo or Bust tour in September this year. We had a fantastic trip with great roads and some brilliant evenings as well. The attention to detail was very good and routes well planned. Hotels were really nice and I was very impressed when John popped over to the hotel I was staying in to make sure all was OK and the rooms were satisfactory (there was 3 of us in a different hotel). Having the van was a bonus and well received – it’s nice not having to lug all of your luggage on a trip. I will be back in the future. Thanks for the great memories”
John Archenoul, 1st tour, BMW S1000XR, Kent
Others enjoy a drink on the terrace	Josie & Gavin with David C
Sam & Stuart with Chris & Debs	Nigel & Diane with Lin

“Our second time away with Jen and John. Fantastic tour, actually one of our best to date. Well run, very professional and the routes were amazing and at a good pace. Will definitely be booking with Bike Normandy again, well recommended”
Matt & Shirley Ilott, 2nd tour, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Eltham
Paul, Jen & Doug	.
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	John tells the Cornish Pirate news story
“What can we say that has not already been said. Apart from it being our 2nd tour and brilliant brilliant brilliant, we would like to say thank you to everyone on the tour for making it such a great week. Big thank you to John and Jen for another great tour – looking forward to meeting again on the Italian Lakes tour 10 months and counting!
Kevin & Jane Colmar, 2nd tour, Honda VFR 1200, Somerset
Pavement parking at coffee stop
.	.
Another bike run at fuel stop	Don’t all go in the same cafe !!! (Unavoidable!)
“Thank you John and Jen, great trip, great roads and great company”
Stuart & Sam Goodwin (back-markers), 5th tour, BMW R1200GSA, Norfolk
Sorry – it had to be done!!
Bikes (& van) at afternoon coffee stop
Lounge area in our next hotel	Drinks in the hotel bar
.	.

Dinner is included in a local restaurant
Our condom ladies (their words!!)	The hotel has secure garage parking
The next day we stop at the Millau Bridge
Lovely scenery in the Tarn Gorges	Afternoon coffee stop
The boys taking a selfie!!
Time for ice-creams	.
Our next hotel	We call them “car-park” they call them “dirty” beers!
i.e. beers before a shower!	Some head into the town centre
Our waitress takes our photo	Always a morning briefing
Our favourite coffee stop!	Shirley & Matt in the big chair!

So many cakes to choose from…	Chris is all heart!
Ooh David!	Jane, Josie, Gavin & Kevin
Brian, Lin & John	Pretty in pink John !!
Josie has a makeshift “she-wee”!!	.
Jen stops to buy some wine	Then we ride lovely tree lined roads
How many men does it take to find a dropped key?	Lunch stop in Provence
Afternoon coffee stop	.
.	.
Spot the imposter!	Shirley makes a fab mannequin!
Stuart & Sam behind Gavin & Josie	Fuel before we hit the motorway
Villefranche by night	Explore the back streets

Great restaurants tucked away	View over our hotel pool
Gorgeous sunrise the next morning – the view from our hotel rooms
Enjoy an early morning swim	Breakfast on the terrace
We walk to the train station	Passing the beach
This is it – a day off – so it’s Monte Carlo or Bust!
First things first – cocktails!!	.
Then we take the Bateau Bus	.
More selfies!	.
.
The view of Monte Carlo from the Palace

Catch a glimpse of Prince Albert	Quaint back streets
What a view
We head back to the Casino	.
Flash cars outside	Stunning interior
Back at Villefranche – walk around the Citadel	Down to the fishing harbour
Another glorious sunrise
A cruise liner arrives
Unfortunately we have to leave!	Our morning briefing first
We head out through Nice
The van follows the back-markers	The famous Negresco Hotel
We ride the twisty “Route Napoleon”	.

Back-markers Stuart & Sam	Brian disappears!!
Stunning lunch stop
.
Lunch stop	.
.	Nigel & Diane on their Crosstourer
David on his Honda Deauville	John on his BMW S1000XR
Wow!	Amazing view at the end of the Gorges
The group at the end of the Gorges
Really?! A two hour climb up!	Awesome!
.

Ian disappears too!	Afternoon coffee stop
.	.
At our next hotel drinks before dinner	.
.	Dinner is included tonight
.	.
.	The next day we pass the original Arc de Triomphe
Wayne on his Kawasaki Versys	More gorgeous scenery
Kevin & Jane on their VFR 1200	Gordon & Alison on their Crosstourer
Matt & Shirley on their KTM 1290 Super Adv	Ian on his Street Triple 765 RS
Doug on his T-Max 560	Paul on his KTM 690 Duke

Chris & Debs on their BMW R1200GS Adv	David & Lin on their BMW R1200GS
Brian on his Honda Blackbird	Back-markers Stuart & Sam on BMW R1200GSA
Morning coffee stop	Lunch stop
Baguettes pre-ordered for lunch	Shirley goes pillion on Doug’s scooter!
Drinks in a local bar	.
Shirley has Fondu for dinner	Chris & Debs have Raclette
Somehow nearly all of us…	…end up in the same restaurant
Another lovely morning…	Mike on his BMW S1000XR
Lovely – but cold…	..and guess who’s riding today?!!
Coffee stop	Lunch stop

Afternoon coffee stop	.
Arriving at our final hotel
The lovely setting of our hotel	Drinks before dinner
.	.
Dinner is included our last night	.
.	John thanks everyone for a great tour…
especially Stuart & Sam our back-markers	Kevin raises a glass in thanks to us!
John shows Matt…	…how to waft a towel !!!
Jane – yes, Jane – tells a joke!!	Jen’s next
A Mr & Mrs competition…	Sam & Stuart are up first
No match…	No match!

Next up – Matt & Shirley	A match!
Come on Shirley – decide!!	No – you can’t have it both ways!!
Gavin & Josie are plotting…	So many laughs…
Josie cracks up!!	Josie – you must choose!!
And the winners are – Stuart & Sam!	“Cederick” & “Frecil”! are playing games…
…	Seems like Ian has played as well!!!!
Chris tells a joke…	Drinks after dinner
And that’s all folks! Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun tour. Thanks also to those who supplied photos we’ve used in this review. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Regards, John & Jen.

Sep 18

Love0

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 2 – 13 September 2017

The group at the top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – a brilliant tour, great weather, great riding & great people – there are no apologies for the number of photos which follow!

“Hi John & Jen, thanks for a great trip – we’re not sure where to start; the hotels were great, the riding was excellent and the views were awesome. We never thought we would see the Alps let alone touch a glacier. Both Sue and I were blown away everyday. Not only was the tour fantastic but when we had a couple of little hiccups…the way the group and yourselves rallied around and everything was sorted was something to behold. As ever Sue and I will be back and we look forward to seeing you both at the NEC.”
Gordon & Sue Bishop, 5th trip, Triumph Sprint GT, Dorchester
We always start with a pre-tour briefing…	and there’s always one who needs fuel!!
Ready for the off…
“Just a brief note about a fantastic tour. As ever a very good, smoothly run and well organised tour with some excellent hotels and food. You’d even managed to arrange better weather this time! It was great to meet old acquaintances from previous tours and to make some new ones. Of course John and Jen’s hard work lays the firm foundations for each successful tour but it’s the people that make it fantastic. So, thanks to you all for making it a really enjoyable experience. Very much looking forward to the Monte Carlo or Bust tour in two weeks”
David Craxton, 5th tour, Honda Deauville, Rotherham
“Post Script…A great testimonials page Jen.
As I said, it was a fantastic tour and I was considering doing it again, but having now done it twice I don’t want to do it again simply because I don’t see how it could be bettered. Neither the weather nor the company. See you soon…”
We always regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
Sharron & Kieron enjoy cakes at coffee stop	Chris’s KTM needs a new battery
Lunch stop	Gordon & Sue in the hotel pool
Loads of us take a dip	Jen with a friend!
“The Tour was fantastic;
Dave, we reckon you could write a book – Craxton’s Mountain Experience – with special mentions to:- Alpine views, and how to avoid them; Waterfalls, how do they work? Food to avoid – cold meats & cheese for breakfast ( a definite no no); 30 ways to safely carry a baguette on a Deauville; and rounding up with riding tips – how to thrupenny bit a perfectly good corner & gate crash ride outs!!
John, Jen, Dave and everyone, top time – thank you.”
Claire & Martyn Wyatt, 3rd tour, BMW 1150GS, Somerset
Drinks on the terrace before dinner	.

John bets Sharron a euro…	Kieron even helps out!!
“Well, how can we top all the rest of the crew’s comments!
Yet another fabulous holiday with amazing scenery, sweeping roads (ideal for our tourer!), hairpins, delightful hotels, wonderful food and a whole bunch of like-minded people, full of fun, energy and laughter. John and Jen you certainly know how to host your tours, with all the careful planning, attention to detail and care given to ensure we all just have to ride along and enjoy ourselves.
Apologies to Steve for allowing me to share a toboggan with him only to find he got more of me than he thought! I did wonder why he was screaming with me as we descended the slope – just thought he was enjoying himself and scared of the fast corners???!! Also can you ask John if he felt that his Euro was good value for money as next time I will be upping the stakes to a slighter higher bet!!!!! So many great memories.”
Kieron & Sharron Haines, 6th tour, BMW K1600GTL, Norfolk
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	Always a morning talk
“We love the Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps tour so much we’ve done it twice in 3 years! If you like superb roads, lots of twisties, sweepers and gorgeous scenery then we highly recommend this tour. John and Jen’s usual attention to detail and organisation are second to none with fantastic hotels all shared with a very social crowd. Lots of fun and laughter. An absolute pleasure to meet up with old friends and a delight to make new ones. The tour may be over but we both have massive grins on our faces watching our GoPro footage enjoying the thrill of the roads again. Roll on June …”
Paul & Louise Saltwell, 3^rd Tour, MT09-Tracer, Guernsey
Stephen & Anne on their BMW K1600TL	Allan & Jane are “Backmarkers” on Tiger 1050
“Hi John and Jen, many thanks for another lovely holiday. We really loved the places, the food and hotel accommodation were superb, and of course the company adds the icing on the cake – everyone was such fun and made great company! We particularly loved the pre-dinner drinks and evening meals together. Of course, the trip proved we were Welsh ‘wusses’ and our apologies for that, but thanks everyone for a really great time! Hoping to see some or all of you on another trip. Steve’s already at the planning stage! I’m trying to persuade him to move to Lake Maggiore! Love and Best Wishes”
Steve & Anne Williams, 2nd tour, BMW K1600GTL, Mid Glamorgan
Morning coffee stop	We pass on the way to lunch
Blue skies at lunch stop	Martyn & Claire, Martin & Alison
Beautiful afternoon coffee stop
“We had another wonderful trip and great to see old friends and meet new ones. What a great, fun crowd. To those concerned, I do apologise for my bloomer antics – I have been reprimanded and banned from Rose wine!!!! Hope to see you all on another of John and Jen’s fabulous trips…take care, stay well and always ride safe”
Steve & Kirsty Eaton, 9th trip, BMW S1000XR, Cambridgeshire
Ian & Heather with ice-creams	Sam & Steve, Gordon & Sue
“Dear Jen & John, thank you so much for another fantastic holiday, we enjoyed every minute of it. The hotels were lovely, the scenery & roads were amazing. Fab company with so many laughs/giggles along the way, a brilliant 12 days”
Ian & Heather Phillips, 3rd tour, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Devon
Allan gets two!!	Displays at coffee stop
Our second hotel	Drinks in the hotel bar
“Hi all, thanks for a great trip and the company was great as ever. Thanks to BN for all their hard work in sorting out the trip – fantastic roads. Ride safe”
Steve King, 6th trip, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Northampton

A free night – explore the back streets	Kirsty accosts a local !
We opt for pizzas	Us!
Annecy by night	.
Pretty coffee stop the next day	.
“I recently did the Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour – I didn’t want it to end. John and Jen always organise an amazing tour with such stunning hotels and locations. The routes are out of this world, fantastic scenery and such fabulous roads, sometimes not for the faint hearted. The others on the tour are brilliant, everyone just gets along. There is loads of banter and laughter and it’s good to meet up with old friends and make new ones, it’s always a sad feeling saying bye… Highly recommended, the only stress you have to deal with is packing for a 2 week stress free vacation”
Sue Freyne, 2nd tour, Triumph Bonneville, Guildford
.	Bill & Ben? So where’s little weed? (Thanks Claire!)
Fab scenery	.
You MUST be happy with hairpins!!!	Wow!
“Hi all, I honestly thought the Alps tour 2 years ago could not be bettered. … how wrong I was! This tour was even better.
Fantastic flowing roads and alpine passes, breathtaking scenery, and a brilliant mix of like minded people enjoying themselves, with, at times some very enthusiastic riding, thrown in with very good humoured and friendly off-bike socialising….topped off with unexpected surprises and stunning weather…Just Brilliant.
John and Jen deserve recognition for once again going above and beyond to pull off another spectacular tour.
I’m now looking forward to next year’s Picos Tour. ….and hoping to meet some of you again soon on other tours.”
Andy Dunmore, 3rd trip, Honda VFR800, Chichester
Our sticker’s there!
Kirsty & Sam	Jen & Sharron
Pic-nic lunch at the top	Ian & Heather with new additions!
Jen	Sue
“We had an amazing tour. The scenery was fantastic and the hotels were great. Made some new friends too. Can’t give you a favourite day as the whole tour was full of new experiences. Loved it. Thanks John and Jen for some wonderful memories xx”
Steve & Sam Barnes, 2nd tour, Triumph Trophy, Dorset
Gordon & Sue on their Sprint GT	Ian & Heather – Kawasaki ZZR 1400

Sue on her Bonneville	The van follows our back-markers
Even something to see on the motorway	Sue has a new passenger!
How many men does it take…	to fit a cap on Chris’s KTM ???
Dave’s Ducati Supersport S has an oil leak	Arriving at our next hotel
The fabulous view of Lake Maggiore from our hotel where we stay for two nights
Superb view from the hotel’s rooftop bar
Drinks (if you’re lucky!) before dinner	Dinner is included tonight
.	.
The next day is a free day, some take a boat trip to visit the islands, some take a cable car up the mountains, swim & relax…
Another sunny day – rooftop pool	Fab views

Isla Borromeo	Lakeside pool
Take a cable car…	for fab views of the “Pearls of Lake Maggiore”
Toboggan run at the top!	Sue F & Steve K on the way down
Ready for a fast ride?	Allan & Jane
Sharron & Kieron	Martyn & Claire
Martin & Alison	Ian & Heather
David C – mind your hat!!	Whoa!!!!
Not for the feint-hearted!	Entertainment in the square
Chill out at the hotel	Kirsty & Steve
The next day Sharron retrieves her cardigan left on the boat!	Dave’s happy this year – it’s not raining!!! (see 2015 review)

We board the ferry	All aboard
Chill…	Coffee on Lake Lugano
.	Lunch on Lake Como
.	.
Lovely	We head for the mountains…
Fuel stop first…	The pass is open…
Oh no it’s not!! At the border we’re stopped as an avalanche has closed the pass!!	So we plan an alternative route…
The Bernina Pass	En route to our hotel
Dinner is included…	the next two nights here
.	The Bernina Express is included

The next day is a free day, most choose first of all to walk to the nearby glacier, some then take the Bernina Express to explore the local sights, some do a ride-out to tackle the Stelvio Pass amongst others…
Breakfast area	Our hotel for two nights
Which way?!
Steve & Sam at the 1900 marker	Chris at 1920
Gordon & Sue at 1940	Martin & Alison at 1950
Claire & Martyn get 1960	Andy at 1970
Amazing view as we get closer
Andy reaches the glacier	Fissures in the ice
Gordon & Sue can’t believe they’re touching it	Steve & Sam made it too!!
Martin & Chris over the other side	Kieron & Sharron

Heather & Ian	Jane & Allan
Us!	Stunning!
Some then take the rack-railway	.
View of St Moritz	Thanks for the photos Gordon
Some go for a ride-out	.
Steve stops for a photo	Steve & Kirsty on their BMW S1000XR
Where’s Steve going?!	We stop for coffee & cakes
David C missing – in the shade!	It really is that hot!
David C on his Honda Deauville riding up the Stelvio	Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR1400
Superb views	We see Sue on the way down
Dave, Paul & Louise also on the way down	A pillions view on the way up

Steve at bend 14 of the Stelvio Pass	Our ascent
This is how Jen gets the photos! (Thanks Steve K)	The famous Stelvio Pass
David followed by Steve & Kirsty	We’ve made it – where’s our sticker?!!
Coffees at the top	The long way down!
Jen’s view heading into a tunnel	.
.	Watch out for trains!!!
Steve & Kirsty followed by Steve	.
.	Back at our hotel
Drinks before dinner	Alison, Claire & Heather – beers aren’t just for boys!
Dinner is included again tonight	.
John’s telling a joke…	Martyn & Claire are the target

There is a knack to wafting a towel!!!!	The biggest bottle of Limoncello arrives
Fab views as we leave our hotel
Our morning briefing	Morning coffee with a surprise
Take the ski-lift up,,,	and toboggans down
The brave ones!!
Jen sets off first	Sharron with Steve – but where are her hands?!!
Steve & Sam	Sharron & Steve K
Steve & Kirsty	Gordon & Sue
Andy’s next	And finally John
Allan & Jane descend in the ski lift	Lunch stop

.	Dave takes in the view in the Susten Pass
More glaciers	Time to relax
The group in the Susten Pass (with an unwell Sue in the van)
With Jen leading & Kirsty driving the van…	John rides Sue’s Bonneville
We arrive at our next hotel	More superb views
Our hotel for the next three nights
Gordon & Sue in the hotel pool	Drinks on the terrace
.	Dinner is included the first night here
.	.
The next two days are free – some choose to take a boat trip on the lake, visit Interlaken, walk to the nearby nature reserve, or go on a ride-out – with two days free we can alter the optional itinerary depending on the weather…but see later!!!

Paul & Louise, John & Jen go on a ride-out
We stop for photos of the view on the Grimsel Pass
Rain at the summit	Marmots at the top – so cute!
Alan!!! Alan!!! Alan!!! Steve!!!	.
Dry roads as we go down	Paul & Louise on their MT-09 Tracer
Riding down the Furka Pass	Coffee & cakes for lunch
A ride-out the next day	We ride alongside the lake
Martin & Ali on their Ducati Diavel	Interlaken
Chris on his KTM 1290 Super Adventure	.
Dave has a new friend	Who comes closer for crumbs

We visit the Trummelbach Falls
Most visit the waterfalls
Take a lift inside the mountain	David’s description didn’t do justice!!!
The force is amazing	.
The corkscrew	.
Martyn & Claire ride our Street Triple	Back to the front already!!
Pretty towns	Heading to lunch at Grindelwald
Procession en route	.
Steve & Sam on their Triumph Trophy	Back along the lake to the hotel
We then spot David in a garage…	who turns around & gatecrashes our next ride-out!

.	Andy on his VFR800
Andy again	Martin & Claire on their BMW 1150GS
We ride up the Grimsel Pass	Unbelievable! Snow at the top!
This wasn’t here yesterday!!	Snowball fight at the top!
Snow…whereas two years ago…	and a week later…glorious sunshine!!
Then the sun did come out
Marmots in the snow	The route back
Martin buys “car-park” beers!	Back on dry land!
Oh Gordon – put it away!!!!	Lovely sunset on the way into town
A reminder of Kirsty’s antics for those who dined at the hotel again!!! (Thanks Steve K)
Pizzas & desserts in town	Breakfast area

Another beautiful morning
.
Our bed rolls onto the balcony!!!	We want this room next year!
The group with the hotel owner – Spike Milligan?!
Morning talk	Backmarkers Allan & Jane
Coffee stop	.
Not what you want to meet on a hairpin	Lunch stop
.	Fun in the park
Tough guys!	Mont Blanc is hidden
Chamonix for coffee	.
We always regroup for any stretch of motorway

Our next hotel
Ian & Heather – young love!!	A free evening tonight
Sue’s happy…	Bev the Beaver’s been returned!
Morning coffee stop	Afternoon pit-stop!
Our last hotel	Pre-dinner drinks
Drinks in the lounge	Dinner is included our final night
.	.
John says a few words of thanks…	to Jane & Allan our “back-markers”
Frederick & Cecil are playing a game…	it seems Sue has played it as well!!!!
.	Gordon has been practicing a joke…

Paul cheats!! Reading from his phone!	Kieron’s up next
Sue tells a tale of an Indian massage	Allan takes a turn
Paul & Louise start the Mr & Mrs	No match!
Gordon & Sue are up next	Decision needed Sue!
Martyn & Claire can’t decide…	A match for the winners!
Steve says some words of thanks too	Jen reads Ken Cullern’s cheese scones joke
Ahoy there – are you in the air force?	Martyn takes a turn
Kieron & John want a “Dithco”	Drinks after dinner
And that’s it…our final morning briefing after which several guests make their own way home. The remainder finish the tour at Le Havre.
A really fun tour with lots of laughs along the way. Thanks to everyone for making this such a good tour. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Regards, John & Jen

Aug 23

Love0

4 Nights in 4 Countries (4×4 on bikes!) 16 – 20 August 2017

The group at the Nurburgring – if you want great roads to ride then this is the tour for you!

We start with a pre-tour briefing	First coffee stop
“John and Jen, thanks again for yet another fantastic tour. Fabulous roads and scenery. Hotels as usual were first class. You both put so much into making people welcome (including John’s jokes!). Looking forward to next years trip already”
John Heaney, 6th trip, BMW R1200GS, Cheltenham
Jen in the lead – we always regroup before & after any motorway
Lunch stop	Afternoon coffee stop
.
“Yet another superb tour! Fantastic twisty & winding roads and some great scenery too, not that I was taking that much notice on the bike! Jen, thank you for encouraging me to ride the Nurburgring, I loved it & I’m still buzzing from following you down the twisties to Cochem afterwards! All of the hotels & food were excellent along with the company too! Thank you both again for your superb organisation & of course your company, you both really do put on a world class tour! We will be back again next year!…See you soon & thanks again guys”
Russ Smith, 3rd trip, BMW S1000RR, West Sussex
Our hotel in Belgium	Lovely gardens
Drinks at the bar – Orry, Sue, Andy O & Jen	Others have drinks on the terrace
“A fantastic tour of Europe with Bike Normandy. Thoroughly recommend the trip to anyone. Jen and John are great hosts, amazing roads, great hotels and fab company.”
Andy Aird, 3rd trip, Kawasaki ZX6R, West Sussex
.	.
Dinner is included tonight
“Thank you both for a super 4×4 Tour”
Bob Oliver, 6th visit, Motor Guzzi Breva 750, Suffolk

The prettiest coffee stop	Don’t all go in the same cafe!!!
But they all do!!!	Coffee & cakes all round
Keith arriving at the Nurburgring	Paul on a hired Ducati Multistrada
Andy A on his Kawasaki ZX6R	Alun on his Suzuki SV650
Bob on his Motor Guzzi Breva 750	Paul, Martin & Oli take a ring taxi
Jen leads others to the circuit	Here come the rest!
Sue & Jen	Mark & the boys
The car goes on first	Sue on her Ducati 999 follows Jen
Andy O on his Ducati 749 follows Sue	Russ on his BMW S1000RR
Andy A – ZX6R – follows Russ	Keith on his Kawasaki ZZR1400

Russell, Mark & Alun are next	John takes Christina & John H…
for a lap in the van,,,	The engine’s something special then???
Chuffed to bits!! Those that completed a lap of the Nurburgring
A free evening in Cochem, Germany	Our second hotel is in Germany
The next day we stop to see the view of the Rhine
Russell & John…..meet Russell & John!! (with 3 attempts this was the most exercise John’s had in 4 years!!!)
Coffee at Boppard	John’s in the lead today
Russ on his BMW S1000RR	Mark on his BMW R1200GS
Oli on his Triumph Sprint ST	Russell on his CBR 600FSport
Orry on his Ducati Diavel	Charlie on his Kawasaki Z750
Christina on her Kawasaki Versys 650	Martin on his Honda CBF1000

Sue on her Ducati 999	John H – BMW R1200GS – “backmarker”
Fab pool at our hotel in Luxembourg	John gets a drenching!
Andy A is in there too	Some of us go for a pizza
We stop for a view of the Chateau
Coffee stop	Lunch stop with a blue sky…
But later the heavens open!!	Most stop to don waterproofs
Some chose to go to the hotel – others (above) continued with the ride-out
Drinks before dinner	Who wants wine????
Dinner is included our last night in France
John shows Orry how to waft a towel!!!	Frederick & Cecil are playing….

Martin had played the game as well !!	Keith takes a turn
Then Russell	Andy O goes next
Followed by Andy A	Then fun & games – Keith is branded!
Christina has one spot…	3 spots & Charlie’s out!
Sue is branded!	Everyone is getting spots…
Bob’s out!	Keith’s out too – no surprise there!!!!!
They’re dropping like flies!!	More are out…
Andy thought he might win…	Not many left now,,,
Christina’s out…	Russell & Andy are out…
The winner is…Andy O (it’s not your eyes – blurred photo!)	Secure parking in the hotel garage – but beware of the pigeons!

Spotted at fuel stop…	Really?!!
Coffee stop	Leaving fuel stop
Lunch stop	Several cafes to choose from
Regroup on our final motorway	All back in good time to Eurotunnel
Some really great riding on the tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Aug 22

Love0

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Rhine in Flames Tour 9 – 14 August 2017

The fabulous Rhine in Flames – a highlight every year. The group on our last night in Germany.

We start with a pre-tour briefing	Chris & Reece ride as “back-markers”
Ready for the off!
“Dear John and Jen,
Amazing, loved it!
Thank you for another great tour – the Rhine in Flames was spectacular. It was nice to meet such a great bunch of people, great company as always. Special thanks to you both for your patience, friendliness and organisation.”
Mike Sanders (6th trip) & Tracey Reading (4th trip), Kawasaki Z1000SX, Somerset
Morning coffee stop	Paul “Parker” with Chris M
“Hi John, Jen, what fantastic photos on the website, created great memories, thank you. Both of us would like to say that the tour was excellent as usual, it was great to meet new and old friends. Great hotels and a fab view of the Rhine in our 3 balcony bedroom!!! (Mike & Tracey didn’t believe us). Really looking forward to our other 2 booked tours for next year. Thank you for making everything so special, you spoil us all!”
Carole & Wayne Williams, 2nd tour, BMW K1300GT, Pontypridd
We always regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“Dear Jen and John, once again you have organised a wonderful tour! We really enjoyed our time on the bike… as well as a day off the bike to explore Rüdesheim which we probably would never have visited if it wasn’t for your tour. Everything was exceptional, the roads, the hotels, the food, the boat trip and fireworks, the company, and of course you – our tour leaders. We are already looking forward to tour number 3 with Bike Normandy, we just need to decide which one it will be!” (What a great reminder of a great holiday the review is!)
Audrey & Rees Hewson, 2nd tour, Triumph Explorer, Cambridge
John leading on our Street Triple R
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Saturday night was amazing. Memories are made of this! Best wishes”
Stuart (6th trip) & Val (5th trip) Heath, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Staffs
Lunch stop	.

Our hotel in Belgium	Lovely gardens
“Guten Tag Jen and John,
Thanks very much, once again a fantastic tour! As ever, superbly organised, travelling on some fantastic roads, seeing beautiful scenery and staying in excellent hotels. It’s interesting that there is much less emphasis on riding than on your other tours but it’s none the worse for that – it was great to be able to spend more time in one place, as Boppard and the surrounding areas are very picturesque.
Tschuss!”
Steve Henrys – Triumph Street Triple & Wendy Henrys – Triumph Bonneville, (6th trips), Herts
Time for drinks before dinner	.
John welcomes everyone to the tour	and sets the bar (low!) for jokes
“Had a great time away again with John and Jen – can’t wait till next year. If you have tried the rest – now try the best – Bike Normandy! Thanks again”
Chris (4th visit) & Reece (1st trip) Nash, BMW R1200GS, West Sussex
“Parker” & Chris have “Rhine in Flames” t-shirts	Always a morning talk
Photo sent by Chris – taken at lunch stop
Spotted on Wendy’s crash helmet!	Fuel in a rainy afternoon!
“Me and Harvey (Chris) are still on a high from the amazing trip! We have told everyone that will listen all about it and have even recommended you guys to some friends that are looking at touring! We were both a bit apprehensive about our trip but from the minute we met you guys that went away!
What a fab trip, great hotels, great food, good company, amazing scenery and some fantastic roads!! You have it planned out perfectly and took all the stress out of the holiday. Thank you so much and we will definitely be booking again!”
Amy Moseley & Chris Harvey, 1st tour, Honda VFR, Leicestershire
Our hotel in Boppard for three nights – all rooms have balconies
Drinks in the hotel bar	“Parker” & John having a laugh!
“‘Yet another well organised tour, some great roads, brilliant hotels and we both enjoyed the fireworks. We love not having to worry about where the next coffee break will be, next fuel stop, lunch break or finding our hotel, thank you for taking out the stress of touring. “
Andy & Ros Moseley, 3rd tour, Honda Blackbird, Warwickshire
Old cars on the walk to the station	.

A free day – most join us on a day out to Rudesheim
“Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed the Rhine in Flames tour. Once again your route planning and hotel selection has been 1st class. I cannot sing your praises often enough. Several riders in my local are already thinking of joining me/ you next year.”
Chris Martin, 9th trip, Triumph Tiger 800, West Yorkshire
Take the train to Bingen	We then walk to the ferry
The boat arrives…	All on board – NO! It’s the wrong boat!
We get on the right ferry!	Explore the cobbled streets of Rudesheim
Enjoy a RudesheimerKaffee	Vernon wears a cream moustache!
Carvings in the old town	See the bell tower
Pretty back streets	.
Hidden restaurants	.
Costumes provided!	Karen’s happy!
We take the paddle steamer back to Boppard

Mike wants to use the stairlift!	Vince takes the wheel!
See the castles along the Rhine	.
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Drummer boy greets disembarking passengers	BN Sweatshirt shop is open!
The next day some go for a ride- out..	We take the car-ferry
Vince followed by “Nasher”	Stuart followed by Reece
.	View of our hotel
Rees & Audrey on their Explorer	Vince & Tracey mark a junction
Pretty towns en-route	Vernon & Karen on BMW 1600GTL
We ride to the Drachenfels	Reece & Chris Nash

Audrey & Rees	Vince & Tracey
Those who came on the ride-out	Fab views of the Rhine
Bonn in the distance	Radom Wachtberg (Space Observatory)
This evening is the main event – the Rhine in Flames! We board our boat for dinner, dancing & the firework spectacle!
The group on board (minus Chris Nash who discovered he suffered from motion sickness!)
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Tracey thinks she’s found Bruno Mars!	He’s not complaining!
Other boats come alongside	We pass Boppard heading for koblenz
The girls & Brian hit the dance floor	Jen teaches the “Wigan Slosh”!

Quick learners!	Some Germans try to upstage us!!
Tracey R with Audrey	Noel & Ann think they’re on the Titanic!
Vince & Tracey with Stuart & Val	The boats all head to Koblenz
Night falls	Each town lets off fireworks along the way
A castle lit up en-route	.
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The towns are lit up along the Rhine	Stunning castles & fireworks
Amazing – but we’re not at Koblenz yet!	Andy expects rain!
We arrive at Koblenz – a spectacular display!	.
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And that’s it! After the fireworks we all head back downstairs for more dancing…
There’s no stopping Andy!	A bit of jive…Val & Stuart
Wayne & Carole	the Y.M.C.A!

Jen & “Parker”	.
The entertainment!	All join in!
Even the BMW crew!	.
German “um pah pah” music!	Andy picks up a local!!
As does Ros!!	Wendy with “Parker”
The next day – sunshine!	View of the Rhine from our hotel
A quick talk before we leave Boppard	Lunch stop at Cochem
Time to explore the old town	So pretty
Explain this !	Our last night in Germany
Time to explore	And take a swim in the hotel pool

Jen	Drinks in the hotel bar
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John points to where he had a starring role in the TV series “The Missing”
Our final dinner is in a local restaurant
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We have a bit of fun with a game of “Mr & Mrs”…first up are Andy & Ros…
It’s a match!	No match
!!!!!	Brian & Lillian go next

it’s a match!	And another match!
Carole & Wayne take a turn	It’s a match!
No Wayne – that’s not an option!!!	And just for fun…Chris & “Parker”!!
Come on “Parker” – make a decision!!	Amazing – it’s a match!!
And the winners are… Lillian & Brian	“Happy Birthday Parker” for next week
Thanks Chris & Reece for riding as “back-markers”	Back to the hotel for skittles…Jen goes first
“Parker”	Chris M
Chris “Nasher”	Vince
John	Val’s too quick!
Stuart	Reece

The photo of Rees is as bad as his shots!!!!!	Audrey (sorry it’s blurred!)
The 2017 cast list are…
Next morning Noel & Ann leave early	Our final morning briefing
Wendy on her Bonneville	Vince & Tracey on their Crosstourer
Rees & Audrey on their Explorer	Brian & Lillian on their BMW R1200GS
Tim & Jillian on their BMW R1200GS	Stuart & Val on their Versys 1000
Steve on his Street Triple	Wayne & Carole on their BMW K1300GT
Andy & Ros on their Blackbird	“Parker” on his Tiger 800
Chris M on his Tiger 800	Amy & Chris on their Honda VFR
Vernon & Karen on a BMW 1600GTL	Chris & Reece on BMW R1200GS
Jen leads on our Street Triple R	All back to Eurotunnel in good time

We’re missing a photo of Mike & Tracey on their Kawasaki Z1000SX (blame John!!) but thanks to Tracey we do have a photo of a happy Mike promoting Bike Normandy!

Great to have so many repeat customers who together with some new faces made for yet another fab tour. We look forward to seeing many of you again in the future. Ride safe, John & Jen

Jul 24

Love0

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges July 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

***Black* *Forest & Vosges Mountains 16 – 22 July 2017***

The group at the end of the B500 (minus Chris (broken-down BMW!!!) and Darryl (still playing on the B500!)). ANOTHER fab tour, good riding and a great mix of regular & new guests made for a really fun tour.
We start with a pre-tour briefing	First coffee stop
“Just returned from a fantastic Black Forest Tour, great weather, great roads, great hotels, great wine and food, and the best bit – brilliant hosts and brilliant people on tour. Thanks John and Jen, see you next year.”
John Young, 7th trip, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Norfolk
We always re-group before & after any motorway.
A street market at lunch stop	Andy on a fairground ride!
“What a total whirlwind…1st ever bike tour and I’m hooked. A stress free 1200 miles, 4 countries with stunning scenery and roads. Hand picked hotels, brilliantly researched routes and a backup van helped make Jen and John simply awesome hosts and guides. My riding improved over the week and the wet weather we had on just one day was less frightening than before. I hope to see some of the friends I made on the next tour with Bike Normandy. Go on, book a tour, you know you want too :)”
Pete Moore, 1st trip, Suzuki GSXS 750, Essex
Afternoon coffee stop	Jen leads on our Street Triple R
Lovely scenery in the afternoon	.
Swans with five cygnets	.
“We’ve just returned from another fantastic Bike Normandy tour – Black Forest & Vosges Mountains. Fantastically researched routes, twisty roads (including the B500), amazing scenery, luggage van, superb hotels and great fun! Highly recommended.”
Simon & Helen Brown, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS, Surrey
Our first hotel in Belgium	The “Annexe” opposite
Time for drinks before dinner	.
Dinner is included tonight	Breakfast in the conservatory
“Myself and my Wife have recently returned from the Black Forest & Vosges Mountains tour…what an AMAZING time we had! Right from the booking stage back at the end of 2016 both John and Jen were extremely helpful, professional and ensured we had a good time. The organisation of the whole trip, hotels, routes and food could not be faulted. The roads and the scenery are second to none and your research shows this. From the moment we met at Calais, everyone was so friendly and this certainly made the experience that bit more enjoyable being able to have a laugh along the way. The odd spot of rain here and there but nothing that put us off. Would definitely recommend BN Tours & will use again in the future!”
Darryl & Sarah Fletcher, 1st tour, Triumph Explorer, Coventry
John Y has a pillion!	Chris’s BMW is playing up…
“Another excellent trip. How do you manage to do that EVERY time? Thoroughly enjoyed the Black Forest tour. Great companions and the final group dinner was brilliant – my sides were aching from laughter! Well done – if ever 5 stars were deserved, this is it!”
Bob (6 trips) & Jozina (3 trips) Eve, BMW R1200RT, Skipton, Yorkshire
Morning coffee stop	Chris’s BMW won’t start…
The lads give it a push…	But it won’t bump-start either
Breakdown truck is called	Bye bye Chris!
“Many thanks to John and Jen for a really enjoyable tour of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. Like many others, I intend to book another with them just as soon as I can. Enough said!” [since booked on Monte Carlo or Bust! 2018]
John Savage, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint 1050 GT, Peeblesshire, Scotland
Lunch stop	Darryl with Vanessa
Our next hotel in Germany	Beers on arrival! Nigel, Pete & Richard
Our “Biker Babe” Jozina	Andy, John S & David
Pete & Karen	John with the hotel waitresses
Manageress Patricia rides pillion to the bike parking	Some choose to dine in the hotel – John Y with a huge knuckle of pork! (Thanks John S for the photo)
“Hello you two, I’m slowly “coming down” after an amazing week – thanks so much. At 68 yrs I honestly thought my high mileage tour days were over – wrong!! I enjoyed every minute thanks to the great routes, superb hotels and meals, plenty of stops / tea / pee breaks 👍 Sure these trips can be done cheaper BUT BN offers so much more. And as with all quality holidays the experience is remembered long after the cost is forgotten. You guys offer your customers something very special … See ya again soon, kind regards”
Richard Levings, 4th trip, Triumph Tiger 800, Gloucestershire
Restaurants down by the riverside	Exclusive shopping area
Smart restaurants with live music	Breakfast is in the cafe opposite
The next day we ride the famous B500 – Jen finds a look-out post to photo all the bikes…
Andy & Chris on their BMW S1000XR	Stuart on his Explorer & Vanessa on Honda CB500
Nigel & Mandy on their Tiger 1050	Darryl & Sarah on their Explorer
John on our Street Triple R	Karen on her Street Triple R
John S on his Sprint 1050 GT	Mark on his Ducati Multistrada 1200
Richard on his Tiger 800	Greg on his Kawasaki Z1000SX
John Y on his Suzuki V-Strom 1000	Simon & Helen on their BMW R1200GS
David on his Honda Deauville	Pete on his Suzuki GSXS 750
“John and Jen, thanks for a great tour and holiday. Once again another well researched, well organised and well run tour with a great bunch of people to boot. See you in 5 weeks time for the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps Tour (for the second time!).”
David Craxton, 4th trip, Honda Deauville, South Yorkshire
Bob & Jozina on their BMW R1200RT	Stop for views of the Black Forest
Bob & Jozina ride as our “back-markers” during the tour
Anyone lost a bum-bag???	Jozina had found it at the petrol station
Where John had left it!!! You total PLONKER!!!!!
.	We re-group before going for coffee
Pretty coffee stop	.
The kids are having great fun in the fountains in the square	Not content with leaving his bum-bag behind, John has lost his headset as well – what an IDIOT!!!
Coffee in the shade	.
.	Helen & John dancing at the Cuckoo Clock
So this is what he gets up to while Jen is driving back to Baden Baden to retrieve his headset – fortunately still on the ground in the hotel car park !!!
“What time does the cuckoo appear John?” asks Richard!! (So John isn’t the only daft one then – Jen!!!)
The group at the world’s largest cuckoo clock
Cuckoo clock shops at lunch stop	.
Our next hotel for two nights
Mandy	Darryl
Drinks before dinner	.
John thinks Andy & Christine need some help in the bedroom!	But it’s Andy himself who really knows how to waft a towel!!!
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	Mandy with a huge piece of Black Forest Gateau
The next day it’s Jozina’s birthday	“Happy Birthday” from all of us
Stroll round the pretty town	Fab setting near the lake
Gorgeous flower displays	.
Time to adjust a few chains…	Then the t-shirt shop opens!
Most go on the ride-out to the High Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland – Jen goes pillion to take photos of the bikes…
Pete marks a junction on his GSXS 750	Darryl & Sarah on their Explorer
We ride alongside the lake
John Y on his V-Strom 1000	.
Greg leading on his Z1000SX	.
Andy & Christine on BMW S1000XR	.
Mark has Karen pillion on his Multistrada	David on his Deauville
Richard on his Tiger 800	Darryl & Sarah on their Explorer
Nigel & Mandy on Tiger 1050	Great scenery
Watch out for hairpins
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Those who rode to the waterfalls
Take a boat ride to the falls	Andy & Christine, Mandy & Nigel
Stunning views at the top
A Heron at the top	Sarah & Darryl love their ice-creams!
A red kite soars overhead	Moulting it’s wing feathers…
.	John rides back pillion on John Y
The next day it’s a drizzly start	More lovely scenery
The group as we leave the Black Forest
.	Pretty coffee stop
Simon & Helen choosing cakes	Pete & Karen are spoilt for choice
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.	At lunch we have a surprise in store…
The brave ones!!
We take the ski-lift up…	Raise the barrier!!
.	Then the luge down…John & Pete go first
Helen races Karen	Nigel vs Mandy
Andy vs Christine	Greg vs John Y
Thanks to Darryl for the following photos of the arrivals at the finishing line…
Pete	John
Karen	Helen
Mandy & Nigel	Christine went too fast!!
John Y	Greg
Jen	And finally – Bob
The group at a viewing area in the Vosges Mountains
A free night in Epinal	Live music in the square
Morning coffee stop	Lunch stop
Chris rejoins us with a new switch-gear	The group with ice-lollies at fuel stop
The fab setting of our final hotel
Drinks and dinner outside – photo courtesy of John Savage
John thanks everyone for a great tour	And Jozina & Bob – our fab “back-markers”
No! No more – please!!	John gets a “Penguin”!!
Pete takes a turn	.
Nigel – whom we understand better…	with a German accent!!!!
Jen – are you in the army?!	or the observer corps?!
Mandy goes next	.
Richard tells the tale of Albert & the Lion	.
The Bike Normandy Players …	…”Ith it Dithco!”
Mark takes a turn	Then gets a cake for his birthday!
John Y goes next…	Great pose John !!
Cecil & Frederick have fun…	.
So how did Christine know the answer?!!!	How embarrassing!!
Is this Helen…??	Or a wide-mouthed frog?!!
Then the fun & games start with a “Mr & Mrs” competition – Mandy & Nigel are up first…
No Match !	It’s a Match !
Another Match!	Helen & Simon go next – no match !
No match !	A Match !!
It’s Bob & Jozina’s turn – a Match!	Another Match !
And another !	Then buddies Mark & Richard…no match
A Match !!	New mates John Y & Greg – no Match!
A Match !	Come on Greg – decide !!
There were joint winners – Nigel & Mandy and Mark & Richard until the tables were turned on us! Thanks to Andy, Bob & Jozina who had written eight questions for us – and after getting eight matches we were the winners !! (Hopefully photos to follow)
Christine has a joke to tell	.
Mandy starts the “Cardboard Box” game	Pete
Nigel	Helen
Many fall as the box gets lower – Pete’s still in	Christine is still in
Mandy’s still in	Helen’s doing well
Pete – minus his shorts !!	Marjorie the waitress is still in
Helen nearly gets it…	The winner is – Pete !
The view of our hotel across the lake	Our final morning briefing
Lunch at Albert with time to visit the 1916 museum	Back to Eurotunnel at 17.00 hrs
We keep saying this, but yet another great tour thanks to the participation of everyone making it such good fun. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jul 09

Love0

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges June 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains 27 June – 3 July 2017

The group at the end of a misty B500 – another fab tour despite a few showers of rain!
“I have recently returned from a BN European Guided Tour and I would like to thank – and recommend – the overall quality and professionalism of this company [that’s the formal bit done!] What a great laugh and enjoyable time. John and Jen are great people, caring and enthusiastic about what they do, weighing up punters and acting as catalists to ensure all would gel – and we certainly did.
Good riding during the day, brilliant pre-ridden /researched quality roads allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience. Good social evenings, good food, good accommodation – we are now looking forward to choosing one of the other trips on the BN menu for next year.
For and on behalf of the Shib/Shibetts next trip will be our eighth & I can honestly say every trip has been first class”
Paul Rixon, 7th visit, Triumph Rocket 3 Tourer, Kent
On a biking holiday? Dave & Lorraine join us on a Trike!	We start with a pre-tour briefing at Eurotunnel
First coffee stop
We always re-group before & after any stretch of motorway
It’s Mr Rixon himself!	Tony & Di Shepherd on their BMW 1600 GT
“Hi all, fantastic trip, loved every minute of it (yes, even the rain had its moments). Great roads, great lodgings and great company, just like one of Jen’s home-cooked meals – a great recipe! Will definitely book another tour for next year so hopefully will see some/all (?) of you on one of them.
Thanks John & Jen, you’re the best and we love you!! Kindest regards to all”
Tony (7th visit) & Di (1st tour) Shepherd, BMW 1600GT, Kent
Garry & Jo Griffin	Rather worrying! It’s Mr Rixon again!
We tell you which junction to exit

Gordon sets off on his Tiger 800	Lunch stop
“Hi John and Jen, thank you both for an absolutely fabulous tour in the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. Everything was first class, roads, hotels, food, but most of all your organisation and hosting which were second to none. No wonder you get so many ‘returnees’ – I’ll be one.”
Gordon Heggie, 2nd tour, Triumph Tiger 800, Essex
Afternoon coffee stop	No rain as yet…
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Steve & Paul	Waterproofs required as the heavens open!
“Hi John/Jen, just wanted to say many thanks for all your help/advice/guidance during our tour. Although the weather generally wasn’t on our side (plus Lorraine and I not being bikers!), we really did thoroughly enjoy all the fun, laughter and social side that goes with your bike tours. BN is really quite an eye opener and we appreciate you both in including us on all the week’s activities but most importantly always watching out for us and our rather large yellow trike!…You were also spot on with your predictions about all the other guys, what a lovely collection of genuine people, they all really made the week special and it is something we will never forget! Thanks again,take care and stay safe! Bike Normandy you are the best!”
Dave (2nd visit) & Lorraine (1st tour) Jacobs, Boom Yellow Trike, Kent
Our first hotel in Belgium	Jenny & Mark with Keith & Gordon
Drinks before dinner – Lorraine & Di	Bex, Denise, Martin & Craig

“Hi John and Jen, same old e-mail…thanks again to you both for organising and leading a most enjoyable tour. Great roads, hotels, meals, and of course a great group of riders. Very many thanks and best wishes”
Keith Bowen, 6th visit, Honda NC750S, Wiltshire
Dinner is included tonight	.
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John starts off the joke telling	Paul takes over…
Fun after dinner on the wheelie chairs!	Jen (No 2) joins in!
Paul & Tony too!	Breakfast area in our hotel
A rainy start the next day	The yellow trike!!
Bex on her Yamaha MT-07	Jo on her Suzuki GSXR 750
Lunch stop – with blue sky!	Lynne helps Keith remove his waterproofs!
“Hi all, I agree it was a very good trip – as always – many thanks to John and Jen. Hope to see some of you again soon.”
Lynne Wareing, 5th visit, Triumph Street Twin, Manchester

Our next hotel in Baden Baden	Surprise – welcome beers on arrival!
Cheers!	Keith’s after the ladies again!!!
Paul, Jen & Mel, Steve	Jenny & Mark
“Thanks for making our first foray abroad a memorable one, very much appreciated it and enjoyed it. We’re definitely doing the Rhine in Flames (in the dry) next year so maybe see some of you there. All the best”
Mark & Jenny Muller, 1st tour, Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, Rhondda Cynon Taf
A morning briefing before we ride the B500	Mel & Jen on their Pan European
Rocket man Paul !!	Gordon on his Tiger 800
Tony & Di on their BMW 1600 GT	Garry on his Thruxton R
Jo on her GSXR 750	Dave & Lorraine in the Trike!
Keith on his NC 750S	Mark & Jenny on their MT-09 Tracer
Paul McGarry on his Tiger 1050	Jim & Dorothy on their BMW 1600 GTL
Steve on his NC 750 S	Craig on his Tiger 800

Martin & Denise – XJR 1300	Bex on her MT-07
Jen on our Street Triple	We regroup at the end
Keith	Paul gives Jen S a ride on the Rocket
Craig	Jim & Dorothy
Martin & Denise	Bex
Dave & Lorraine	Garry rides Jo’s GSXR 750
Gordon	Mark & Jenny
Paul M	Stuart on his Honda CBF 600
Lynne on her Street Twin	Steve
All visible this time!
Pretty coffee stop	Blue skies again!
Waterproofs off again!	Mark & Jenny enjoy cream cakes

.	What a whopper!
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We visit the largest cuckoo clock in the world
See the cuckoo strike 2 o’clock	We put money in the slot…
to hear Edelweiss	Stuart & Lynne dance a waltz
Lovely flower displays at lunch	Loads of cuckoo clock shops
Heavy rain again during lunch stop	At our next hotel drinks outside before dinner
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Dinner is included tonight	.
.	Jim with the Black Forest Gateau

Paul kicks off the jokes…	Followed by John
Helped out by Martin!	John then starts the Chinese Whispers
Keith passes it on to Lynne	Di tells Craig
Dorothy tells Garry	Garry passes it on to Martin
Martin seeks out Jenny	Craig makes a bee-line for…
Jen S	John has to repeat the message
Jen can’t get far enough away!	Gordon tells Denise
Steve tells Bex	Bex tells Tony
Tony & Paul get close!!	Lynne with a joke
Then Paul – again!	Gordon takes a turn

Paul – again…	Then Jen
Guess who !!	Is it John or a penguin?!!
Our hotel for two nights in the Black Forest
The lovely town square- and a blue sky!	Flower displays everywhere
Fab setting on the lake	.
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Most of the group join a ride-out to the High Rhine waterfalls in Switzerland…
Bex marks a junction..	Garry & Jo

Ride some fabulous roads – Jen riding pillion
Road closed ! We have to do a U-turn !
Paul M	Garry followed by Steve
Great views on the way
Steve followed by Stuart	Mark & Jenny
Mark & Jenny followed by Paul R	Paul R followed by Mel & Jen
Stunning scenery
Mel & Jen	Garry
Watch out for hairpins
Garry again	Paul R & Gordon
Ride through vineyards…	and fields of sunflowers

Bex followed by Jo	Tony & Di
The group at the waterfalls
Some take a boat out to the falls	Yes, that’s our lot!
A train passes above	Great view from the top
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Stunning	Enjoying ice-creams
Jen rides back with John as pillion…brilliant roads
Bex followed by Lynne	Tony & Di in the lead
.	Tony & Di followed by Martin & Denise
John then rides pillion on the Rocket	Rocket in monochrome
Garry & Jo on their balcony	Gordon

Back at the hotel in good time, a few decide to have another short ride-out…
Tony, Steve & Mel	More hairpins – Tony needs some Valium!!
We stop for a drink	Heading back
Brothers Mel & Tony	Steve in the lead
Denise & John share a wheelbarrow of food!	Tony demonstrates Jen taking photos
Hello flower! Jen S on her balcony	Morning briefing before we depart
We stop at a viewing point as we leave the Black Forest
The SHIB boys (don’t ask!)	The SHIB boys & girls
Make a CIRCLE !!	At last !!
The group as we leave the Black Forest

Dave & Lorraine can’t decide which cake!	Mark & Jenny order crepes
Jen with a bowl of coffee!	Cakes all round
Rain in the Vosges closes the surprise	No-one else is up on the Col
Secure garage parking at Epinal	A free night – some of us choose Tagine
Morning coffee stop – another dry day!	Advanced notice required on a Sunday
At lunch locals are fans of the trike!!	Oops – forgot – seen at the cuckoo clock!
Our final hotel	Secure garage parking
The fab view from our hotel
Our last night…warm enough…	for drinks outside before dinner
Merlin’s castle	Hot air balloon passes overhead
Dinner is included again tonight	.
.	John thanks everyone for a great tour
And now the fun & games start with a few rounds of Mr & Mrs – Garry & Jo go first…

It’s a match!	No match!
Another no match!	Di & Tony go next – a match!
And another match…	And another!
Mark & Jenny have a match	It’s a match
Another match!	We impose on Keith & Gordon..come on Gordon!!!
A match!	No match!
No need for a tie-break,with 8/8 matches, Tony & Di are the winners!
John starts the joke telling again…	Paul…

Paul again…	Stuart goes next
Followed by Lynne	Lynne again
Dave takes a turn	Paul…
Dave again…	Jen’s up next
Jim has the alternative penguin joke!	And another…
Tony takes a turn	Then Keith – watch out Lynne!!
Martin & Denise need John’s towel to waft!!!	Lynne & Stuart
At our final morning briefing…	John thanks Martin & Denise our back-markers
Lunch at Albert – time to visit the 1916 museum	T-shirt shop is open!!
Final fuel stop – Di has a go driving the Trike!	Tony wants a go!

Paul M goes next!!	At the peage Stuart’s bike won’t start
John sorts it – Stuart’s relieved!	Tony’s impressed!
And that’s it – everyone back to Eurotunnel.
Another great tour – with – as shown by the blue skies – not as much rain as some seem to remember!! Thanks to everyone for riding well and for being good sports! We look forward to seeing many of you again in the future. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jun 23

Love0

Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes in Reverse 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes (in reverse) 11 – 19 June 2017

We always say that we get the nicest people on our tours and this one was no exception. A great mix of regulars and new faces made for a brilliant tour – thanks to everyone

We always start with a pre-tour briefing	.
Rod & Jackie with their luxury seat cover!	There’s always one – or two – who haven’t filled up!!
All the bikes have to stop as John’s gloves were in the van !!
“We have just returned from one of the most memorable holidays in our 23 years of holidaying together! Picos, Pyrenees and Volcanoes Tour.Thanks to John and Jen, we will treasure some very special memories for very many years to come.When you plan a holiday, you generally take care of the details such as travel insurance, holiday clothes, spending money etc. However, what would you do if you booked a biking tour and you fall ill half way through?! You’re left unable to ride your motorbike and you’re in the middle of France with 14 other riders moving through the French countryside with a different hotel every night or two. BN European Tours had it covered! Because the BN tours are so well organised, it meant that the quality of our holiday wasn’t compromised at all – I was able to drive the luggage van (which follows the tour for the duration), and while Jen led the group John put on his leathers and rode our bike which meant my husband Vince was able to relax in the van (well, sort of – given the fact I’d not driven in France for more than 10 years!!) Within 24 hours, we were back on our bike and feeling so very grateful that we’d chosen a professional company who didn’t hesitate in coming to the rescue so we could concentrate on getting well again.John and Jen are the perfect hosts, a pleasure to spend time with. They clearly love what they do but what we really appreciated is that they genuinely care for you and do everything they can to ensure your precious holiday time is spent thoroughly enjoying the spectacular roads and dramatic scenery, photographs just don’t do it justice. Climbing up high into the Picos mountains and negotiating the twisties was a real thrill and the second-man drop off system with a back marker was a huge success – we didn’t lose a single rider along the way but it also meant that with the varied experience among the group, everyone got to ride at their own pace without feeling either held back or under any pressure.We had no idea what to expect but we were more than a little delighted with the excellent choice of hotels which ranged from a simple French boutique style in a quiet town through to the more modern in the middle of a buzzing city, where you could step right outside in search of tapas bars on the doorstep. The camaraderie and friendships that were formed was priceless! Happy memories made from sharing stories as we laughed together getting to know one another.Traveling with BN European Tours means you’re in safe, experienced hands where the details are always taken care of so all you have to do is relax, unwind and enjoy the exhilarating ride!One of our best holidays by far and we can’t wait to book another one!”
Tracey & Vince Farmer, 1st tour, Honda CrossTourer
[Wow! Thank you so much for the fab feedback, we look forward to seeing you both on another tour – J&J] (since booked on the Rhine in Flames & a short break in September)
Pretty lunch stop	John leading on our Street Triple
All lined up at coffee stop	Refueling in high temperatures
“If John and Jen did motorcycle tours they would probably be the best in the world…… Oh…. hold on….they do ….and they are! I have just returned from the Volcanoes, Pyrenees and PIcos tour and what a stunning holiday it was. It was the best holiday I have ever had. Not only do John and Jen find the most fabulous roads through gorgeous scenery, they have everything else sorted. Great hotels, fabulous towns and villages for coffee stops, lunch stops and our nightly stop overs. The logistics they put in behind the scenes cannot be understated and it makes for a truly relaxed and easy holiday for the participants. The fact that both John and Jen ride and use a van which follows us everywhere really came into its own this year when some members became ill. Everything is just sorted allowing things to continue as normal. This was my second trip with John and Jen and it will definitely NOT be the last. I have so far attended alone but I need not worry about being Billy no mates. Everyone has always been friendly and welcoming which makes for an amazing social holiday as well. I cannot recommend them highly enough 5 Stars just does not do them justice.”
Phil Ashworth, 2nd tour, BMW S1000XR
[Again – thanks so much for the fab feedback Phil – see you in September! J&J]
Still hot at almost 6.00pm	Our first hotel
“Jen/John, a great big thank you for taking care of us, your professionalism ensured all would go well – all destinations, routes, accommodation and meals were superb. Flexibility afforded by the “marker” system ensured no-one got lost yet the experienced could still have “fun” on the chosen route – a system that suits both the novice AND experienced rider.
Jen and John both being riders understand the needs of their customers (I use this term loosely as I felt they become friends) all routes were carefully chosen to maximise fun, give maximum appreciation of the local area and maximise spectacular scenery. *Any issues anyone had were very quickly sorted, Jen/John make sure everyone is ok and informed of the days events and any tips at a daily briefing.*
Myself and Julie would like to echo all the comments that have been made. All you guys made the trip fun and extremely memorable – we couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people for our first organised tour. A real family feel and good friends made – keep in touch!!!”
Eddie & Julie Nicoll, 1st tour, BMW K1600GT, Scotland
Parking opposite the hotel
Lovely setting	Drinks before dinner
.	.

“Thanks everyone for a great tour, we had a brilliant time with lots of laughs and couldn’t have met a better bunch of people to have experienced it all with. Special thanks to Jen & John for your hard work & efforts in making this trip so memorable and hope to experience more trips with you in the future.”
Nicky & Marc Rowley, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GSA
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	A morning briefing before we set off
Coffee stop – all in the same cafe!!	Afternoon stop following a deviation!
“Hi All, lovely to meet and ride with you all, what an experience!! Thanks so much to John and Jen, so much organisation and planning to ensure we all had a great time. The hotels were lovely and the routes fantastic. Hope you all got home safely, and that we meet again in the future.”
Steven & Karen Whiteside, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS
At our next hotel…	drinks before dinner
“Hi John & Jen, many thanks to you both for organising such a great trip! The riding was incredible, hotels fantastic and such a pleasure to share the experience with an amazing group of people! Being back at work has never felt so dull…”
Neil & Ann Henderson, 2nd tour, BMW R1150 RT
Boys with beers!	Dinner in a local restaurant
John translates the menu	Vince & Tracey, Marc & Nicky, Iain & David
.	.

We met as Strangers, Rode as Friends Parted as Family Thanks to you both John and Jen for an excellent tour.”
David Lindfield, 5th visit, BMW S1000RS
[See David’s photos at the end of the review!!]
Nice bit of leg Vince!!	Briefing in the hotel garage
Today we ride into the Volcanoes	We stop at the Puy Mary
Ian G (& Jen) climb half-way up	Lunch at the top
Ian G on his BMW S1000XR	Steven & Karen on their BMW R1200GS
Afternoon coffee stop	Nicky & Marc with Karen & Steven
.	We’re sweltering at fuel stop
“What a great review Jen and John. Brings back great memories of the holiday, and what a smashing bunch of people we were with.“
Jackie & Rod Pritchard. 1st tour, BMW R1200 GSA
Any bit of shade will do
Bikes lined up at Rocamadour – but where’s David?

He’s stopped to get an ice cream!!	We stop to look at the stunning view
The Group at Rocamadour
“Review is great – thanks very much, Jen, for putting it all together, and to yourself and John for providing a great but exhausting experience. Big lesson learned: Don’t go on a European tour in summer wearing one-piece leathers!”
Ian Heap, 1st tour, Kawasaki Versys 1000
Tahitian singers in town	Follow that train!
Drinks before dinner – Phil with Jackie & Rod	Iain, Neil & Ann, Karen
Alice, Steven, Peter, David & Ian H	Ian G. Steve & Phil
Marc, John, Nicky, Tracey & Vince	Dinner is in the hotel restaurant
New friendships	.
Howard, Eddie & Julie & Catt were first to dinner	The next morning briefing…most importantly…
It’s Tracey’s birthday!	How embarrassing!
.	Pretty lunch stop

.
Vince is unwell so Tracey drives the van	John rides their CrossTourer
Afternoon stop in the shade	.
.	A free night in Lourdes
See the nightly procession in Lourdes
.	Fewer in number than previous years
A drizzly start but most go for a ride out	Ann stays behind as does Steven
Alice rides as backmarker on her Integra	Phil on his BMW S1000XR
The roads are now dry	Snap! Literally! Rod & Jackie
.	Howard on his VFR
Marc & Nicky on their BMW R1200 GSA	Eddie & Julie on their BMW K1600 GT
Peter “Tuffers” on his BMW S1000XR	“Why is one white & one brown?” !!
We cross into Spain for coffee stop	Neil, Eddie & Julie
Pretty villages	Rod & Jackie in the lead

We start climbing up the mountains	Jackie takes 100’s of photos
Peter followed by Catt	Catt on her BMW R1200RS
Nice one Catt!	Misty as we continue to climb
Then we have a fabulous view
.	.
.	We regroup before going to lunch

Another picturesque lunch stop	Not a lot open though!
We all have crepes	With Kites flying overhead
Can you photobomb a fuel stop?!	So cute!
And for those who stayed in rainy Lourdes this is what you missed!!
Catt in the lead	We arrive at the top – 2115m
Fabulous scenery
Amazing views! .
Howard & Alice with the resident donkey	John with ?
Julie & Eddie sunbathing	We stop for drinks…
a good reason to extend the ride-out!!	Not too close to the edge!!
.	Neil on his BMW R1150RT

Are you alright?	Beware – cattle in the mist
.	Marc & Nicky on their BMW R1200GSA
Tunnels…	& netting
Another free night in Lourdes	Jokes back at the hotel…”Steven’s fallen over”!!
Morning briefing in the hotel’s secure parking	We all have to stop…
Our planned route…	Road closed – with no advance warning!!
We soon rejoin the route	More great scenery as we head to the Pyrenees
Fab roads	Lunch stop in the Pyrenees
.	.
Awesome scenery as Alice brings up the rear	.

It’s getting hotter!	Simply stunning!
Truck stop for drinks!!	Nice bit of thigh there Vince!!
Outside our hotel in Logrono	We take the lift to underground parking
A free night to explore the lovely town	Just what have we ordered?!
Many of us dine together	.
Phil’s happy!	.
Rod enjoys some Sangria	The entertainment arrives
Jen teaches “Tuffers” the Slosh	He hasn’t quite got it !!
We stop for ice creams	.
Phil approaches a young lady under a lamppost…	to take a 360 degree photo of us all

.	.
We move on to another bar	.
Then we head into the back streets	Rod & David choosing tapas
.
And at the next bar – how many on Rioja??	.
Peter pays the buscar…	to hand his guitar over to Iain!!
Iain plays some Dire Straits	.
Bikes out of the garage	Peter needs a new tyre!
Morning coffee stop
Parking in the shade	Lunch stop

Steve enjoys a calamari sandwich	Tuffers is back with two new tyres
The group at the viewing area as we head into the Picos mountains
All the BMW’s
David on his BMW S1000RS	The surprise is the Fuente De
View from the top	Steven & Karen with Alice
Enjoy a drink at the top	Marc & Nicky with Peter
We ride over the Picos mountains	We pass on the way to the hotel
The fab setting of our hotel	.
Dinner is included tonight

Drinks outside after dinner	Party girls Julie & Ann !
The Church lit up by night	The next day most go for a ride-out
David on his BMW S1000RS	A pillion’s view
.	David with Steve behind
.	.
.	More great roads
.	.
.	At lunch any shade will do!
Street entertainment	.
We try the local cider	.

Dancing in the street!	Wander round the market stalls
First Holy Communion procession	.
.	.
.	Enjoying lunch
Steve on his Honda CB600F	David followed by Peter
We disturb a young cow	Peter in the lead
Neil & Ann in the lead on their BMW R1150RT	It’s scorching hot so we stop for a drink
.	.
Peter	.
.	.
The super setting of our hotel

Drinks back at the hotel	.
New recruits – the t-shirt shop is open!	Resident Chow “Lusso”
Our last dinner together – John thanks everyone for a great tour and especially Alice for doing a fantastic job as “back-marker”
Tracey says some kind words of thanks	The fun starts – Phil isn’t impressed!
Our Mr & Mrs competition…Rod & Jackie go first	Another match
Neil & Ann – no match!	It’s a match!
Vince & Tracey have a match	Another match
Good sports Peter & Phil take a turn!!!	It’s a match!
No match!	And after a tie-break the winners are – Jackie & Rod!
Eddie says a few words of thanks as well	Peter kicks off the joke telling

Cecil & Frederick take turns…	So how did Ian know it was a marrow?!!!
Ian G takes a turn	David goes next
Then Jen	And another…
David again	Steve takes a turn
Neil’s up next	Then Iain
Not such a Secret Agent – Alice our back-marker!	Everyone’s up early the next day…
to wave goodbye to Eddie & Julie	Our final morning briefing
.
.	.
Heading back into the Picos	Alice in the twisties

Our final coffee stop	.
David grabs 40 winks!	Phil’s knackered as well!!
Iain on his Daytona 955	Ian H on his Versys 1000
We finish off riding together on dual-carriageway to Santander	And that’s it – we’re at the port in good time for the ferry
A brilliant tour with great weather too – thanks to everyone for the fun & laughs along the way – we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Thanks David !!!!!!

Jun 09

Love0

Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 2 – 7 June 2017

A small group this year but what fun we had!

A small group this year (one couple’s BMW refused to leave home!) – but what fun we had!

We meet you off the ferry and after a briefing…	We ride to Honfleur for breakfast
The prettiest harbour	Sharron & Kieron Haines on their BMW K1600GTL
“John & Jen, yet another memorable tour – how do you do it? Must just be your customers!!! Had a most wonderful, relaxing time, thank you so much for making our holiday so special. Looking forward to September”
Sharron & Kieron Haines, 5th tour, BMW K1600GTL
Paul & Yvonne Needham on their Versys 1000	Claire & Adrian Lovett – CB500X & Crossrunner
“John & Jen, thank you so much for our Memorable Maiden Tour!!! You have been brilliant. Take care”
Yvonne & Paul Needham, 1st tour, Kawasaki Versys 1000
“What a fantastic holiday, thank you so much for everything, you have been brilliant at all times. Hope to see you next year”
Claire & Adrian Lovett, 1st tour, Honda CB500X & Honda Crossrunner
A pic-nic lunch in the sunshine	John leading on his MT-09 Tracer
Sharron & Kieron ride as “back-marker”	Great roads to ride
Claire braves the cold shower!	Time for a swim in the hotel pool
Three mermaids – where is Yvonne?	Kieron in his “budgie smugglers” !!
Dinner is included tonight
Take a stroll through the trees	Down to the riverside
The first Chateau is Chambord	We stop for the carriages
Handsome…	DOWN Sharron !!

Paul & Yvonne by the spiral staircase	Sharron & Kieron half-way up the staircase
Adrian & Claire on the ramparts	Fabulous views
Amazing architecture	Visit the Throne room
Superb tapestries	and paintings
The second Chateau is at Cheverny
See the hunting hounds	and the flower gardens
Kieron & Sharron	Lovely old crib
See the armory	and the fab living rooms
The garden view	Ice creams at the Orangerie

Postcard to [missing] Helen & Simon whose BMW broke down BEFORE the tour!!
Paul tries to give Sharron a leg up !!
The fabulous view from our next hotel for two nights
Dinner is included in a local restaurant	The next day Jen has a swim
Gorgeous views	John takes a dip too
While Sharron goes shopping (again!!)	Really? On a motorbike?
We then spend the afternoon at the Sancerre Wine Festival
Adrian & Claire	Kieron & Sharron

Paul & Yvonne	We’re down in the caves
John buys some oysters for everyone to try…
Yvonne really likes them & has two!	Kieron tries one…
Sharron is persuaded to try one…	Her reaction says it all !!
We walk back to the hotel	Kieron & Sharron relax by the pool
A lovely sunrise the next day	Mist in the valley
The superb setting of Sancerre
We stop at the viewing area	Adrian taking photos

Coffee [Perrier!] stop	A band plays at our next Chateau
The stunning Chenonceau Chateau
The grand hall	Adrian & Claire in the kitchens
Lovely flower displays	.
We take a row boat out on the river	.
John does the hard work	See the lovely gardens
See the old carriages	Lonely donkey
Drinks & cocktails at our next hotel
Our own pirates!	A free night in Amboise
The next morning we walk to the Clos Luce	The home of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions

See his studio	Recreated from 500 years ago
Holographs	Kieron has smuggled in another budgie!!!
Claire & Adrian at the model tank	See the first motorised vehicle
Then see the inventions in the gardens	Adrian & Claire in the tank
John & Kieron open fire on Sharron	Sharron i& Kieron in the tank
Archimedes Screw – explained for Jen again!	The first treadmill
The highlight of the Tour…not the Chateaux…	or the Wine Festival… but a red squirrel !!
The view of the Chateau Royal as we leave Amboise
Coffee stop en route	The view from our final hotel
An indoor pool, jacuzzi & sauna at this hotel. Jen, Kieron & Sharron enjoy a dip before dinner
Dinner is included our last night together
Then the fun & games start…

Sharron can’t give us the punchline…	as she & Yvonne are laughing too much!!!!
We have a game of Mr & Mrs…	Sharron & Kieron go first – no match…
It’s a match !!	Paul & Yvonne have a match !
No match…	And another match !
Claire & Adrian have a match…	And another match…
After eight questions per couple and a tie break Claire & Adrian are the winners!
John shows Kieron how to waft a towel!!	Kieron’s keeping it for later!!
Really?!! No, not really, John’s posting it on his next trip to England!
And that’s all folks! A really good tour with a load of laughs along the way. Thanks to all for being great company and for the chocolates & card, we look forward to seeing you again on future tours. Jen & John

May 23

Love0

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 8^th 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
And always regroup before & after any motorway
So just how did Nick – as back-marker!! – not see which way 17 bikes & the van went?!!
“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
Mike’s turn as “TEC”	Pretty scenery
“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”
Michael Grogan, Honda VFR 1200
“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
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
“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!
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
So who tipped water into Tom’s boots?!!!
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
.	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
.	.
.	.
Bikes at lunch stop
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
The Group (minus Mike already at coffee!)
.	.
.	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
.	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.

May 01

Love0

Testimonial WW2 Extended Sights Tour 2017

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

WW2 Extended Sights Tour 23 – 29 April 2017

The “Virgins'” Tour – all first-timers to BN and what a great start to the riding season. A really fun group, good weather, good riding & a lot of laughs along the way!

We always start with a pre-tour briefing	Our first visit is to the Grand Bunker
Gavin & Josie	Keith (Mike hidden)
“Well its Tuesday morning, the bike has been cleaned and the biking clothes washed and put away for a while… however the grin hasn’t cleared from my face and I’m still thinking and smiling about the people we met, the roads we rode and the sights we saw. Jen and John are a fantastic couple, very informative, very knowledgeable about the area and the history and always ready to answer any questions or queries that you may have about the tour… always willing to help… and you can’t ask for more than that. I am already looking at what I can do next !!Jen and John – thank you for the tour, the banter, the knowledge and the fun … it was a blast – even with John’s dodgy jokes !”
Mike Iles, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint GT
Leroy	Josie “Allo, Allo!”
“Mike & I (aka Bert and Ernie – see below) would like to say a big big thank you for a brilliant week riding and sightseeing. The grins appear to have stuck to our faces. A great group of people and new friends made“
Leroy Smith, 1st tour, Suzuki GSX 650F
“Had a brilliant first tour with John and Jen, loved the sights, excellent company xx see you in September on the Monte Carlo Tour!”
Josie Allen, Kawasaki GTR 1400 (pillion)
Kevin tries the range-finder	Informative map of the D-Day landings
John outlines the glider landings at Pegasus Bridge	We have a guided tour in English
“Had a fantastic week’s riding on the WW2 sightseeing tour with a great group of people. I was very impressed by the organisation and planning with John and Jen at Bike Normandy and for making it fun.”
Keith Edwards, 1st tour, Harley Fat Boy
See the original Pegasus Bridge	.
See how the Bailey Bridges were used	See a replica Horsa Glider
Lunch is at Arromanches	John explains the Mulberry B harbour
“Just want to give a big thanks to John and Jen for a great week we had on the WW2 Tour. We had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed everything about the holiday, we had great places to visit, very informative especially with our “idiot guide” sorry “idiots guide”! Great accommodation especially in Bayeux. Great roads, Sheldon really enjoyed those. Great weather, we were really lucky to have such a great week in April. Great company, we really did enjoy everyone’s company, we had a lot of laughs and hope to see everyone again, perhaps on another tour. Everything was well organised and easy going with no stress, John and Jen really made you feel that the most important thing to them was that you enjoyed yourself on the Tour, which we did and will be booking another tour with them soon.”
Elaine Gardener, 1st tour, Kawasaki GTR 1400 (pillion)
Mike on the sea wall	We then visit the Gun Batteries
Josie, Elaine & Jane	Our next stop is the American Cemetery
“Hi John and Jen, just like to say thanks – what a fantastic week – fantastic roads, sights and company and would like to say a big thank you to you both for making our first tour such a great week. Look forward to meeting you again next year (if no spaces come available for the Monte Carlo tour). Sill trying to explain the joke to Jane!!”
*Kevin & Jane Colmer, 1st tour, Honda VFR 1200*
.	.

Sheldon & Keith	The names of the Missing
Our hotel for two nights in Bayeux	Parking in the private courtyard
John sets the bar (low) for jokes!	Dinner is included the first evening at Bayeux
Leroy chooses oysters	Ugh!! (Jen!)
Day 2 we visit the German Cemetery	Leroy at a graveside
All the bikes
John in the lead on our Street Triple R	Sheldon & Elaine – Kawasaki GTR 1400
Keith on his Harley Fat Boy	Gavin & Josie – Kawasaki GTR 1400
Kevin & Jane – Honda VFR 1200	We then visit the Pointe de Hoc
Hear moving testimony from surviving Rangers	See the bomb craters
The cliffs scaled by the Rangers	.

Leroy on his Suzuki GSX 650 F	Steve & Anne – BMW K1600 GTL
“Hi Jen and John! Thank you for the fab holiday! We loved it and really enjoyed the company. Everyone was so much fun!”
Steve & Anne Williams, 1st tour, BMW K1600 GTL
Our next visit is the Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise
.	Walk through a fuselage
Leroy steps out…	Steve goes next…
Experience how the parachutists fall…
Back at Bayeux – drinks on the terrace	Keith, Anne & Steve, John
“Gimme, gimme, gimme!” Josie wants her Muscadet!	Sheldon & Elaine with Josie & Gavin
Kevin & Jane with Mike and Leroy	Our hotel is near the Cathedral
Our next hotel near St Nazaire	Ice on the bikes & Jen’s riding!
After a heavy night Elaine was at the bottom…	The next day she’s moving up the scale…!

The group opposite the U-boat pens at St Nazaire
.
We go on board the Espadon submarine	Josie at the controls
Gavin – “Dive, Dive!”	Mike climbs the periscope ladder
The torpedo room	Kevin studies the torpedoes
Sheldon – up the periscope ladder	Leroy slides down !
Jen leads on our Street Triple R	Mike as backmarker on his Triumph Sprint GT
Our next hotel is at La Rochelle	Explore the ramparts
.	.
John & Mike with ice creams	Coffee in the sunshine

Another of John’s jokes…Question…”Why are French omelets so small? Answer…”Because one egg is un oeuf!!” Can someone please explain this to Jane !!!!
We visit the Museum at Oradour-sur-Glane	.
.	.
Josie outside the Girls’ School	Steve & Anne
Women & children were burned in the church	Elaine & Sheldon
Outside our next hotel	Boys with beards & beers !!
Guess who drew the short straw to ride again today?! (Thanks for the photo Elaine!)
Our next visit is to the Saumur Tank Museum
Keith by a Tiger ll	Mike by a Flak 88 anti-aircraft gun
Kevin & Jane by a Jagdpanzer (38t) Hetzer tank destroyer	Anne & Steve by the Kettenkrad half-tracked motorcycle
The tigers Elaine & Sheldon by the Tiger ll	Gavin & Elaine by a Maultier rocket launcher

Leroy was there – really!	Mike by a genuine piece of the Berlin Wall
A Russian rocket launcher	French Pluton nuclear missile carrier
The engine room	A car in a suitcase !
Mike	Leroy takes aim
Our final 4* hotel in Le Mans	Drinks before dinner
Dinner together our last night	Mike says a few words of thanks
Jen starts the jokes…	Mike goes next…
John takes a turn – so how did Jane know it was a marrow?!!!	Spotted on the way back to the hotel – we always knew Leroy was famous !
The final visit is to the Museum at Montormel overlooking the Falaise Gap
We finish with a pic-nic lunch back at BN HQ where Mike is thanked for riding as back-marker during the Tour
And that’s it – all back to the port in good time for the ferry

Thanks to everyone for making this a really great tour – “good things always come in small parcels” and although this was a fairly small group we had a lot of fun together – we hope to see many of you again on future tours. Regards, John & Jen.

And finally, as Mike & Leroy said…

BN European Tours

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust 2017

Monte Carlo or Bust ! 30 September – 8 October 2017

And that’s all folks! Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun tour. Thanks also to those who supplied photos we’ve used in this review. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Regards, John & Jen.

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps 2017

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 2 – 13 September 2017

Testimonial 4×4 August 2017

4 Nights in 4 Countries (4×4 on bikes!) 16 – 20 August 2017

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2017

Rhine in Flames Tour 9 – 14 August 2017

This evening is the main event – the Rhine in Flames! We board our boat for dinner, dancing & the firework spectacle!

And that’s it! After the fireworks we all head back downstairs for more dancing…

We have a bit of fun with a game of “Mr & Mrs”…first up are Andy & Ros…

The 2017 cast list are…

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges July 2017

***Black* *Forest & Vosges Mountains 16 – 22 July 2017***

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges June 2017

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains 27 June – 3 July 2017

Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes in Reverse 2017

Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes (in reverse) 11 – 19 June 2017

We met as Strangers,

Rode as Friends

Parted as Family

And for those who stayed in rainy Lourdes this is what you missed!!

A brilliant tour with great weather too – thanks to everyone for the fun & laughs along the way – we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Thanks David !!!!!!

Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre 2017

Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 2 – 7 June 2017

Then the fun & games start…

And that’s all folks! A really good tour with a load of laughs along the way. Thanks to all for being great company and for the chocolates & card, we look forward to seeing you again on future tours. Jen & John

4×4 May 2017 Testimonial

4×4 (Four Nights in Four Countries) 17 – 21 May 2017

Testimonial WW2 Extended Sights Tour 2017

WW2 Extended Sights Tour 23 – 29 April 2017

BN European Tours

Monte Carlo or Bust ! 30 September – 8 October 2017

And that’s all folks! Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun tour. Thanks also to those who supplied photos we’ve used in this review. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Regards, John & Jen.

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 2 – 13 September 2017

4 Nights in 4 Countries (4×4 on bikes!) 16 – 20 August 2017

Rhine in Flames Tour 9 – 14 August 2017

This evening is the main event – the Rhine in Flames! We board our boat for dinner, dancing & the firework spectacle!

And that’s it! After the fireworks we all head back downstairs for more dancing…

We have a bit of fun with a game of “Mr & Mrs”…first up are Andy & Ros…

The 2017 cast list are…

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains 16 – 22 July 2017

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains 27 June – 3 July 2017

Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes (in reverse) 11 – 19 June 2017

We met as Strangers,

Rode as Friends

Parted as Family

And for those who stayed in rainy Lourdes this is what you missed!!

A brilliant tour with great weather too – thanks to everyone for the fun & laughs along the way – we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Thanks David !!!!!!

Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 2 – 7 June 2017

Then the fun & games start…

And that’s all folks! A really good tour with a load of laughs along the way. Thanks to all for being great company and for the chocolates & card, we look forward to seeing you again on future tours. Jen & John

4×4 (Four Nights in Four Countries) 17 – 21 May 2017

WW2 Extended Sights Tour 23 – 29 April 2017

***Black* *Forest & Vosges Mountains 16 – 22 July 2017***