The group in Luxembourg – a pretty wet tour but a great bunch of guests still made for a fun trip.
We start with a briefing at Calais
Bye bye Russ – his Ducati has broken down!
“Hi both, as a newbie and on my first tour I was a little apprehensive as to what expect, but I needn’t have worried. Every single thing about the tour was excellent…winding roads, fun company, yummy food and amazing hotels. At a group dinner one evening, we were all rolling around in absolute hysterics … and this was a group of people who had only known each other a few days! (Some people have a very naughty sense of humour I have found out – you know who you are!! J)
The trip was a massive amount of fun and yes it rained, but overall, it only added to the experience. John and Jen have thought through every detail which is incredibly reassuring and they are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everyone has a great time.
I want to say a massive thank you to them both xx
Here’s to the next trip (although we have a little way to go before we get to the heady heights of the top of the leaderboard!)
Rachel Collins, 1st tour, pillion with Greg on Kawasaki Z1000SX, Surrey
Bill’s taking no chances…
We have NEVER before held a briefing indoors!
It’s raining !
“Hi folks, – from Clare – “I didn’t think I’d love touring on the back of a bike – in fact, was worried – but I absolutely did.” We had a really great time! Reminded me a little of ducks on the water, we all blithely go from place to place smiling, eating and having fun, while the pair of you put in all of the effort behind the scenes. Great choices of hotels, lovely roads and brilliant hosts. As soon as we can find the money and the time we’ll be along again!”
Adam Roylance & Clare Lusher, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS, Derbyshire
Morning coffee stop
John’s leading the tour
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any motorway
“Our kit may have been dampened but our spirits were not! We had a great time. See you next year”
“Great pics, thanks Jen. It was all so lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves – as always.
You two are THE BEST!” [scroll to the end to read Fran’s “Autumn Glory Diary”]
Terry (12th trip) & Fran (8th trip) Stanfield, Triumph Sprint GT, Hampshire
Leaving lunch
Dry roads…
there were some…
.
So how many DIDN’T see the huge wild boar???
“It was another splendid tour and a lovely group of people to share it with. The weather helped add to the fun of it and memories helped by the hotel letting us use his boiler room to dry off the kit worked a treat. The pools and hotels as always did not disappoint and the monestry was a real added treat at the end of the trip. Look forward to meeting up with you again. Thanks again.”
Lynne Wareing, 7th trip, Triumph Street Twin, Greater Manchester
Bill, Ron & Gary…
FINALLY they get it!!
Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included tonight
So who can guess the vegetable ?
Gary’s played before !!
Van carries all your luggage
Always a morning brieifing
“Hi John and Jen, I know the review is now live on the web-site, but I just wanted to add my comments on what was a great tour.As a ’newbie’ I was somewhat aprehensive as to what I was getting into…especially as I was travelling alone!! Meeting a few of the group at the Ibis in Calais and going out to dinner with them was lovely as they all made me very welcome and we had a nice dinner and a chance to get to know a few of the group. Terry and Fran were especially friendly, and I had a similar sense of humour to Greg and Rachael, so I relaxed immediately!!
The hotels were all very different and all really good. The food at all was excellent. The [secret] museum hotel was of course the ‘piece de resistance’…I had the pool and the spa to myself on Thursday morning, the super friendly receptionist let me check out at 12:00 if I wanted…As I mentioned, I will definitely do another tour…but such choice, what a problem! Once again, many thanks for a superb trip.”
Keith Warrington, 1st tour, BMW R1250RT, Hertfordshire
The view at coffee stop
.
Not much business today…
Smells so good !!
Wet roads again…
.
Shame as these are great roads
.
.
.
Afternoon coffee stop
.
The hardy ones! Four missing who gave up at lunchtime & went direct to the hotel !
At our hotel it’s straight in the pool
The best way to warm up!
Lynne takes a pummelling!
.
.
.
Drinks in the hotel bar
Many choose to dine here
Next day – blue skies !
.
.
.
Lovely scenery
More great roads
.
.
.
Fab open sweepers
.
.
We ride through vineyards
On dry roads !!
.
.
Gorgeous scenery
.
Ride alongside the Mosel
Seen at fuel stop
.
.
.
Through pretty villages
Lunch stop
Super architecture
.
Pavement parking
Demolition works
John leads on our Street Triple R
Greg & Rachel – Kawasaki Z1000SX
Tony on his BMW R1200RT
Gordon & Alison – BMW R1250GS
Adam & Clare – BMW R1200GS
Bill – Yamaha FJR 1300
Lynne – Triumph Street Twin
Keith – BMW R1250RT
Stuart – Triumph Tiger 800
David – Yamaha Tracer 900
John – Yamaha Thunderace
Gary – Triumph Explorer
Bryn – KTM 1290 Adventure
Ron – BMW R1200 GSA
Terry & Fran – Triumph Sprint GT
Fab DRY roads !!
Bryn
Lynne
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Coffee stop
.
We pass a deer farm
.
Approaching our hotel
Jen with Adam & Clare
Dinner is included tonight
.
.
The next day is a day off
Explore the old town
Take a boat trip
Visit the castle
.
The van is clamped! (10 euros)
We’re given a peach tree
.
Ready for the off – unfortunately Adam & Clare’s BMW broke down later & they had to call breakdown
.
Pretty coffee stop
.
Lovely autumn colours
.
.
Lunch stop
.
Leaving lunch
.
.
.
Approaching our final hotel
.
.
Our final hotel
A surprise in store
Another lovely pool
A real pummelling !!
Lynne
Stuart
Drinks before dinner
Keith with Greg & Rachel
John, Tony & David
Rachel, Ron & Gary
.
.
Dinner is included our last night
John says a few words of thanks…
to Terry & Fran our fab “back-markers”
Fran has a poem for us all
.
We’re presented with ducks!!
Gordon takes a turn
.
Then John shows Gordon…
how to waft a towel !!
Alison’s impressed !!
The van has two passengers!
Our final morning briefing
.
All back to Calais
Fran’s “Autumn Glory Diary”
S is for Saturday`s start of the tour. Soaked well before the wind swept sixty! St Quentin lunch and afternoon sweepers to arrive in sunny Sedan.
Sunday – no rest – sweepers in the sodding rain – some gloves binned – sodden and sick of it, but saved by the boiler room.
M is for Monday and memories made: magic road surfaces, meandering views, Mosel vineyards, meal at hotel – well masticated and lubricated – and much joy at staying dry. Marvellous!
Tuesday lie ins and lazy breakfasting – travel and treats, trains, castle and cable cars, curry wurst or cake – too much choice!
W is for Wednesday – winding roads wet on and off, chilly wind, wayside stops – sad goodbyes – cake and a wet, wet, wet surprise!
Thursday brings thank yous and thoughts of new tours, things to remember – and things to forget – thrills – no spills – but thorough satisfaction at such a pleasing tour.
P S We loved every minute – great roads, good company, lovely hotel experiences and brilliant organisation as always. Thanks John and Jen. Love from Terry and Fran.
Thank you Fran for your great contribution!
Thanks to everyone for making the best of some poor weather and still having a great time. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour 9 – 18 September 2019
The group alongside the Douro River in Portugal. Our inaugural tour provided brilliant roads, lovely scenery, top hotels and great weather – said to be our new “best” tour!!
We start with a briefing on the ferry
Lots of posh cars on board – Maseratis
We offload our bike & all luggage goes in the van
“Hi John & Jen, we decided the Portugal & Spain Tour would be the perfect way to spend our honeymoon as we wanted to go somewhere on our bikes but we didn’t want the hassle and stress of organising everything. The quality of the roads were unbelievable, from tight twisties to the fastest of open roads. Superb hotels in fantastic locations and we had a fabulous time with some lovely like minded people.”
“Hi John & Jen, we both thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural (that’s for you John!) Portugal & Spain Tour with a great bunch of like minded people. Thank you all for your company. The roads and scenery were stunning with a good mix of twisty and long sweeping roads, traffic free in places making for enjoyable riding. The hotels we stayed in were excellent, no changes required and we sampled some lovely local tapas and regional food along the way. We do appreciate how much effort you both put into researching all the roads, hotels, petrol & coffee stops and sorting out any problems along the way. It takes all the stress and worry away from us so that we can just enjoy riding our bike. The luggage van is an added bonus, taking a load of weight off the bikes. Some nice planned surprises along the way too. All in all a great tour, a great addition to your portfolio. Thanks for another memorable holiday. Best regards”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 7th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
We have to ride some motorway
New van – new graphics
Drinks in the hotel bar
Jackie, Rod, Phil & Wendy
“Hi John & Jen, I have to say that the Portugal and Spain tour was the best tour I have been on with you. The hotels were wonderfully varied, all of an exceptional standard and in a variety of very different locations. My personal favourite was the Quinta. The roads were some of the best I have ridden on with very grippy surfaces – the only limitation being my ability as a rider. I could honestly not find anything that I could fault, it was fantastic trip with great bunch of people. Now looking forward to planning next year.”
Iain House, 3rd tour, Triumph Street Triple R, Hampshire
Andy W, Gary & Roger
Roy, Andy B, Ian H, Alan & Julie
Eliza, Heather, Jan & Ian
Saddos !
“Hi John & Jen, many thanks to both of you for a fantastic tour to see some amazing scenery and roads in Spain and Portugal, and stay in a great selection of lovely hotels combined with a great bunch of people. Perhaps not obvious to everyone is the amount of research you did before this tour to make it what it was. A first class tour and at a great price as well, I personally hope to return and hope to do this tour again in the future. Keep up the good work, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Fantastic. Kind regards”
[since booked to do the same tour again in 2020!]
Gary Moult, 1st tour, Suzuki GSXS1000F, Cornwall
Dinner is included in a local restaurant
Loads of Tapas…
with Sangria…
“Hi Jen & John, Ian and I just wanted to say thank you so much for another enjoyable tour, it was great & we had a brilliant time. All the hotels were lovely, so difficult to choose a favourite! The roads / fab scenary were amazing. Roll on the next trip…”
Ian & Heather Phillips, 5th tour, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Devon
And cider poured in the traditional way
.
John starts the joke telling
Breakfast area
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for a great holiday, I absolutely loved it!”
[since booked to do the same tour again in 2020!]
Roger Gale, 1st tour, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Bedfordshire
Secure garage parking
Roy struggles with waterproofs!
Horses on the Camino de Santiago
UNESCO town walls
Lunch is tapas
.
By afternoon coffee stop the sun is shining
Their Harley had a puncture so Malcolm & Kari arrive by car
Our next 4* hotel at the end of the Camino de Santiago
A fabulous swimming pool
A free night in Santiago de Compostella
The stunning Cathedral
Lit up by night
Our hotel by night
We need a volunteer back-marker
Morning coffee stop
.
David rides as “back-marker” (thanks Heather)
but has to have a new sticker first!
Picturesque lunch stop
.
Newlyweds Wendy & Phil
Just what is Phil doing?
Jen’s in the lead today
Iain’s also on a Street Triple R
Roger on his Suzuki V-Strom 650
Phil on his Triumph Sprint 1050
Rod & Jackie on their BMW R1200 GSA
Lovely scenery
Gorgeous views in Portugal
6 nights in Portugal
The huge pool at our next hotel
Jen with Ian & Heather
Malcolm enjoying a beer!
Drinks before dinner
Iain loves this Quinta!
.
We’ve arranged a surprise…
The group in Portugal with a glass of Mateus Rose!
Dinner is included tonight
.
John’s up again…
Rod has something to show us..!
The next morning we stop at a huge dam
.
.
Sea planes arrive collecting water
.
Morning coffee stop
.
Brilliant twisty pass
You will ride this
Just voted one of the top 10 roads in Europe by Ford Motor Co.
Lunch stop
.
Our next hotel for two nights
In the old capital Guimaraes
.
The UNESCO old town
Lots of restaurants to choose from
Warm enough to dine outside
.
Next day is a day off…
Many of us take the train to Porto
The “fat controller” collects cash
David catches a few zzz’s (& he wasn’t alone!)
Andy
and Phil (thanks Heather!)
The station at Porto
.
Great architecture
.
Local transport
We didn’t go in here !!
We head down to the River Douro
Such pretty buildings
Lots of tourist boats
So colourful
.
We stop for a drink
Lots of buskars
Extreme sports
Interesting market stalls
Take a cable car up
.
The Cathedral
.
.
View from the top
.
.
Walk across the bridge
For fabulous views of the city
Take the cable car down – Phil & Wendy
Lunch by the river
More market stalls
Super Bock bar
All the Porto Houses
.
.
.
Young lads jumping off the bridge!
.
.
.
.
A selection of Porto!
She was really good
Back in Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal
Alan & Julie stay in Guimareas
.
They visit the Palace
Thanks Julie
Live music tonight
Lovely backstreet restaurants
Delicious sardines
After dinner drinks
.
.
Coffee stop next day
View from the cafe
Other bikes there
Julie & Alan
We stop for a photo opportunity overlooking the Douro River
Plenty of space for us to stop
Hundreds of bikes pass by
.
We stop for a surprise lunch…
A tapas lunch…
.
.
With fab views
Then a visit to a Porto producer
We have a guided tour
See the bottling
and labelling
Huge barrels
Roy suggests “It really should be positioned here…”
Storage
Steam train passes by
A lovely setting
Chilled out pooches
Heather has a new friend
We bought some Porto
For all to have a taste
Cheers!
Drinks in the hotel bar
.
Beautiful biker-babes (but where’s Kari?)
David samples the Porto
.
David’s ticket from Guimareas turns up!
Dinner is included again
Our hotel in a remote medieval town
.
Always a morning briefing
John’s in the lead today
Impromptu morning coffee stop
You MUST be happy riding hairpins
There are high concentration twisties
Lunch stop
We stop at a reservoir
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Then we stop at the highest point in Portugal – over there!
.
Our next hotel for two nights
.
The next day many go for a ride-out
Fab roads
.
Ian & Heather, then Andy & Gary
Up in the clouds
Great sweepers
.
.
Andy, Gary then Alan & Julie
.
.
.
Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada
Alan & Julie
In a remote mountain village!
.
Gary on his Suzuki GSXS1000F
Great roads
Gary then Jan & Eliza
Villages tucked away
Twisties & hairpins
.
Andy B on his BMW S1000XR
The prettiest village for a stop
.
.
.
Jan & Eliza came from Hong Kong!
.
Fuel stop – cash in the bag!
.
.
.
.
Alan & Julie
Ian & Heather – Kawasaki ZZR 1400
Andy B
Back at the hotel
Andy W & Jen brave the pool
Kari enjoying a G&T
Drinks in the hotel bar
Four BN off-road guys arrive!
John with Eliza
Dinner is included both nights here
.
Another lovely morning
Fuel & coffee stop
.
Lunch stop
.
Ian riding solo without Heather
Phil
Iain
Roger
Afternoon coffee…back in Spain
Wolf country
The setting for our final hotel
It’s frothy man !!!
Characters strike the bell
Andy has chips !!
Dinner is included our last night
More jokes from John
Andy shows Rod…
how to waft a towel for Jackie !!
Rod takes a turn
.
Phil’s up next
.
Then Malcolm
.
Kari’s up next
.
Andy again…
Jan tells a story
Then we’re treated to the Penguin joke
!!!
Andy again…
.
Guess the vegetable…
So Wendy’s played before !!!
Hotel has garage parking
Gary’s stopped by the police
At coffee stop we have a whip-round
to pay Gary’s fine
We head into the Picos Mountains
.
.
.
We stop for a photo opportunity
Wendy on her Honda CBR 600F
Roy on his Kawasaki Z1000SX
David on his Honda Deauville
Andy W on his Piaggio MP3
Fabulous views
.
Andy B
.
.
.
Cute locals
Hello !
Pretty lunch stop
The t-shirt shop is open!
All back to the ferry
And that’s all folks! An eventful inaugural tour thanks to the contributions of many of the participants!!! Our planning paid off as we thought the routes with fantastic roads to ride, great hotels, breaks, days off & timings all worked a treat. We hope that a marker moving off, accidents due to rider error, dropped bikes, police fine, Merc shunted up the rear etc…didn’t detract from what was otherwise a great tour!!! Thanks to everyone who took a turn riding as “back-marker” after our designated person had to cancel at the last minute. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 17 – 28 August 2019
“Probably” the best Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour to date! Another great group, fantastic weather & amazing sights – no apologies for the number of photos which follow…
Before the tour starts Ros & Andy’s bike has a puncture!
We start with a briefing
Then get Andy to a garage for a new tyre!
Ros & Andy rejoin us at coffee stop
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great trip, great riding, some fabulous views, hotels were clean, unique and well located and of course your support with the punctured front tyre was very much appreciated, thank you.”
“Hi John & Jen, I would like to say it was an absolute pleasure to meet you both and I had one of the best holidays I’ve ever had – the organisation, the hotels and the routes chosen by yourselves were second to none. What a fantastic mix of excellent and exhilarating riding roads, the sort of thing every motorcyclist strives to find and ride. I also have to say what a fantastic group we had, loads of fun banter and tales tol. It was also a fantastic opportunity to spend an extended period to bond and ride with my father (“Stoner”), although I must admit there were times that I wish I had a leash on him to stop him racing off chasing the locals on their bikes through the countryside and a tracker to find him when he wonders off on one of his “little adventures”!
Rest assured when the opportunity arises I will be booking another trip with yourselves, as I feel the attention to detail and inclusion of everyone on the tour forms a real family atmosphere which I hope has gained me friends that I will see again over the coming months and years. Once again thanks for all you did for dad and myself, it definitely made it a holiday to remember.”
Adrian Stone, 1st tour, KTM 990 Adventure, Cornwall
John & Daryl comparing scars!
Jon W joins in
“We’ve just returned from the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps tour. It was amazing in every way (weather, roads, scenery, hotels, food and the others on tour). John and Jen put so much effort into researching the roads, places to stop for drinks/lunch and hotels and it really shows! Our only concern was how we’d pack all our clothes and shoes into the panniers 😉 the rest is all under the skilful control of John and Jen. Thanks to you both for another fantastic tour!!!
Audrey and Rees Hewson, 4th tour, BMW R1200RS, Cambridgeshire
Andy D’s in the pool
And so is John
Drinks before dinner
.
“Hi John & Jen, I just do not have a clue on how to describe the holiday with enough superlatives and not sound condescending. Perhaps the best description for me is that I could not have found any other event that could have served to bond my son & I so well.
Hotels: no complaints. The three selected for extra days were just perfect. I now know what the perfect Lasagna should taste like. And learnt how to hang washing with no peg marks! In such a scenic area with beautiful weather wherever you took us would have been Ace. The routes chosen gave us the winning Royal Flush. You know I have been with many companies and frankly enjoyed them all. BN’s Ace up the sleeve is having a luggage van. Not only carried but available throughout the day.
Thank you both for all the effort you put into your events they shine because of it. I am just pig sick to think I could have gone to Portugal with you. Great stuff you two, I will keep coming while I can”[Please read “Stoner’s” further tribute to the Gang at the end of the review]
John “Stoner” Stone, 4th tour, KTM 790 Adventure S, Cornwall
.
Dinner is included tonight
“What a cracking tour it was too, fantastic weather, plenty to see, great off bike socialising with a great bunch of fellow riders and pillions👍🏍 Now done this trip 3 times and it has never failed to deliver. I may be back!! Well done John & Jen on another great tour 🏍👍😊”
Andy Dunmore, 7th tour, Honda VFR800, West Sussex
John welcomes everyone to the tour
.
Always a morning briefing
Coffeee stop after some great roads
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for a wonderful holiday!! I absolutely loved it all. Breathtaking scenery, incredible roads, wonderful hotels and great company along the trip. I was a little nervous that my Suzuki Bandit wouldn’t make it but she did and I’m so proud of her!! I, myself, as a bit of a non-biker, really grew in confidence along the way and now consider myself a better biker for the experience. You and Jen were incredible from start to finish and I look forward to another wonderful trip in the future so thanks again for some amazing memories. All the best”
Brian Keeler, 1st tour, Suzuki Bandit 650, London
En-route to lunch (thanks Jackie)
Jen’s in the lead again
Back-markers Wayne & Carole
Pretty lunch stop
“Hi both, we would like to thank you for a fantastic tour, we really enjoyed it. Seeing such fantastic scenery blew our minds away. A tour of a lifetime would sum it up. We are keeping an eye out for next years tours so you will have to put up with us again and if you think our back marking skills are up to it we would be happy to do it again. See you both soon.”
Wayne & Carole Williams, 5th tour, BMW K1600GT, RCT – Wales
Pavement parking at lunch stop
.
.
.
Mike & Tracey – Kawasaki Z1000SX
“Hi John & Jen, many thanks for another wonderful trip – fantastic group of people that made the tour really enjoyable. Switzerland and the Italian Lakes was stunning and we had great weather. (Cannot believe Tracey did the toboggan – she did scream the whole way down!) Thank you John and Jen for a truly excellent tour.”
“Great tour, good fun company. Switzerland was amazing, hotels great, best one yet and run faultlessly by John and Jen despite some challenges – marker pointing in the wrong direction!!!! (Won’t mention your name Adrian!!) and a tricky puncture to sort out. Put your feet up you two and have a beer xxxx Oh there is one complaint – please please please don’t tell the “International Expert on Wasp Noises” joke again !!!!! 😆😆”[Is that because you laugh too much ???? – John]
Jon & Jackie Watson, 3rd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Anyone would think you were on holiday!
Relax in the shade
View from our next hotel
Drinks in the hotel bar
“Hi both, thanks again for another fantastic tour and dont forget if you have rider & pillion space for Portugal tour next year count us in”
More hairpins than a 40’s hairdo!! You must be able to cope with these!
Super scenery
Lunch at the top
.
Guess who!
The group on top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – note Andy D’s new friend!
Jackie & Jon
John’s in the lead today
More hairpins on the way down
.
.
.
Fuel & motorway instructions
En-route
.
.
Fuel & re-group at services
Well that’s what the van said!
The pool at our next hotel for two nights
Jon, Jacke & Jen are straight in
Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included tonight
.
The next day is a day off the bikes, with lots to do – either take a boat trip to visit the Borromeo Islands, visit the Palace, take a cable car for fab views of the lakes (if not cloudy!), explore the old town of Stresa or just relax around the pool.
We take a boat trip
Thanks captain!
We visit Isola Madre first
Coffee or beers?
Explore the back streets
Lots of restaurants to choose from
It has to be pizza!
A cheat photo of the island
Look what the boys found!!
They were so amused!!
Next we visit Isola Bella
.
Time to visit the Palace & gardens
.
.
Vince didn’t want to get in!
.
A lovely morning (thanks V&T)
We all take the local ferry
The group on the ferry
Enjoying the view
Jackie & Jon
Pavement parking at coffee – eventually!!
Lake Lugano
.
Andy D needs a bump start
Others enjoy ice creams
.
Parking for lunch stop
Ros & Andy chillin’
Lunch is by beautiful Lake Como
Quaint back streets
.
.
Loosening our chain at fuel stop
That’s what the sign said
Jon uses the air pump to keep cool!
Approaching St Moritz
.
At our next hotel for two nights
Drinks on the terrace
Another interesting Honda fact!!!
Dinner is included tonight
.
Boys will be boys !!
Some had great rooms (thanks V&T)
The Bernina Express stops at our hotel
.
The next morning most walk to the Glacier – it’s this way !!!
Daryl’s at the 1900 marker
David’s at 1940
Steve’s at 1960
Adrian’s at 1970
Amazing view as we approach the Glacier
David
But we’re brave bikers!!
Mike & Tracey at the 2015 marker
View looking back
We climb over rocks
And reach the Glacier
.
David & Steve
Mike
Tracey
David
Adrian
Taking selfies
Brian’s made it!
So has Rees
Us !
Heading back
.
Rees, Jackie & Jon, Audrey
Andy & Ros with Carole & Wayne
Andy at the 2010 marker
Rees & Audrey at 2005
Rees & David
Andy stops for a drink of iced water
This afternoon many choose to ride to the Stelvio Pass, or do their own ride, others take advantage of the ticket to ride the Bernina Express…
Vince set off to Austria
Sunken church at Graun Im Vinschgau
Back at the hotel many then choose to go for a ride-out
Adrian on his KTM 990 Adv
Take the rack railway to the viewing point
Steve on his Triumph Street Triple R
Andy M with Rees
“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv S
Andy M followed by Rees
Rees is in the lead
Fabulous hairpins
Rees followed by Adrian
More hairpins
We stop for refreshments
Coffee & cakes !
David & Steve
Rees
Andy M & Andy D
.
Jon & Jackie ride as back-markers (thanks Jackie)
Andy D in the lead
.
Daryl
So who didn’t see the speed cameras???
Tunnels
Start of the Stelvio Pass – 48 hairpins !!!
Brian on his Suzuki GSF 650
Orange boxes David – not blue !!!
We passed Stoner taking photos
Then he flies past us !!
Just a few bends !!
Us – thanks Adrain
Us again – thanks Adrain
Andy D heading up on his VFR 800
Andy M on his Blackbird
Jon & Jackie on their BMW K1300S
Stoner gets a lift up to place our sticker !!
Those who made it to the top !
David has a new Bernese – “Stelvie”
Jen has a Marmot for Otto
Rees followed by Steve
The view going down
David on his KTM Superduke 1290 GT
David followed by Daryl
.
Andy D riding in the train lines !!
.
Fab roads
.
Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included again tonight
.
.
.
Not that joke again !!!
.
Morning briefing
Leaving St Moritz
Brilliant roads
Lovely
So pretty
Adrian has a problem
Coffee and a surprise…
Mike has a new toy…
Take the ski-lift up…
The brave ones – then take the toboggan down
.
.
.
.
.
.
The long way down…
John goes first
Daryl goes next
Mike & Tracey – she screamed all the way!
Wayne & Carole
David’s next
Then Adrian
Followed by Stoner his Dad
Steve’s turn
Jon & Jackie
Ros is going down alone
Followed by hubby Andy
It’s Vince next
Then Brian
Andy D followed by Jen
Here’s Mike & Tracey – a fab ride!
Wayne & Carole loved it
David
Adrian
Stoner
Steve
Jon & Jackie
Ros
Andy
Vince
Brian
Andy
And finally, Jen
Lunch on the Oberalp Pass
.
We stop on the Susten Pass
Fab photo opportunity
Wayne & Carole arrive
All the bikes
Huge glacier at the top
Any chance of a group photo ??? (thanks Jackie)
The group in the Susten Pass
Lots of bikes out today
Wayne & Carole (thanks Jackie)
Fab rolling clouds (thanks Jackie)
Our next hotel for 3 nights
Drinks on the terrace
How many for fish???
Great food
Dinner is included tonight
.
John explains the options for the next days
A beautiful morning
Enjoy coffee on the terrace
Chicken in a basket !
Parking for our bikes
Most of us go for a ride-out
Vince & Tracey with Daryl
More fabulous roads
We head up the Grimsel Pass
Adrian & Daryl
Huge dam
And another
More twisties
.
Stoner & Adrian
And again
Thousands of cyclists
A welcome at the top
The group on the Grimsel Pass (only Mike & Tracey stayed to have a day round the lake)
Marmots at the top
So cute!
Coffee stop in the sun – prev years we’ve had snow!!
Rees & Audrey
A brilliant Pass
The Furka Pass in the distance
Jen’s view as pillion today
So many hairpins
David & Steve
.
Steve, Daryl & Andy
Andy then Vince & Tracey
.
Andy, Vince & Tracey again
and again…
.
Amazing view at the top of the Nufenen Pass
We stop for a photo opportunity
Stoner, Adrian & John
Race the cyclists downhill!
.
Lunch stop
A cobbled pass
.
Yes, we’re riding up there
.
Daryl – KTM 1290 Super Adv
.
Daryl again
And again…
Fab views
Another cobbled pass
.
Heading up the Furka Pass
We stop for another photo opportunity
.
.
Us
The group on the Furka Pass (thanks again Jackie!)
The best pic of the tour !!!
The proper view !
Down the Furka & up the Grimsel
Steve on his Street Triple R
Yes, up there as well
Brilliant empty roads
.
Andy, Adrian & Stoner
.
Daryl & Andy
.
Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing
Drinks when we get back
A free night, we head into town
Rees has a work-out !
Local wood carvings
Another beautiful morning
Adjusting Brian’s Suzuki’s chain
Jen rides, John’s pillion
We ride past Interlaken
Lovely houses
Pretty villages
We visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls
Coffee…
& cakes – Audrey has a meringue!
Those who visited the Waterfalls
Take the lift up inside the mountain
Amazing force of the falls
The photos don’t do this justice
.
Jon & Jackie getting sprayed
Mike & Tracey half way down
.
.
Then we do something we haven’t been able to in the previous four tours – a helicopter ride over the Swiss Alps. Eight of us flew in two groups – absolutely stunning scenery & worth every penny!
Brian that’s a rucksack not a parachute!!
First up Jon, Jackie, Jen & John
Jackie & Jon
Jen & John
Pilot points out the mountains
Wow !
The North face of the Eiger
Wow !
How many Wow’s !!!
Amazing glacier
Top of the Jungfrau
Our route (thanks Rees)
.
.
Coming in to land
David, Brian, Rees & Audrey go next
Away they go
David’s up front
Rees, Audrey & Brian
.
Back on dry land
We set off for lunch
Brian’s in the lead
Rees & Audrey
Fab views of the Eiger
Grindelwald for lunch
.
.
The mountains in detail
Riding back to our hotel
Andy flummoxed? Never!! (thanks David!)
Drinks when we get back
Stoner’s been missing for hours!!
but at least his washing’s dry!!
Daryl’s getting ready to go out
Jackie & Jon dine at the hotel
.
A beautiful sunset over the lake
We find a restaurant with live music
Reserved tables for breakfast
.
So cute!
Sadly we have to leave
Another lovely morning
Coffee stop
.
.
Lunch is still in Switzerland
.
Such pretty scenery
Fab views of the Needle & Mont Blanc
Afternoon coffee at Chamonix
.
L’aiguille (needle)
Mont Blanc
John’s in the lead – we ALWAYS re-group before & after any motorway
Beers at our next hotel
3 wise monkeys – Stoner just gets it!!
A free night
It’s Ros’s birthday!
The hotel wanted a photo of the bikes
The region is known for its’ chicken!
Morning coffee stop
It’s Jackie’s birthday!
Lunch stop
.
Afternoon coffee stop
.
Approaching our final hotel
Across the Loire
Drinks before (after) dinner (thanks Vince)
Dinner is included our last night
.
.
Huge thanks to Wayne & Carole
More bad jokes…
Stoner says a few words of thanks to us
John presents some awards…
The Swiss Italian Lakes Gang 2019.Thank you to all for accepting me again into your company.Andy the talking librarian.
Vince, the smartest “Farmer” I know. Some tractor !!!
Rees who can brake like no other – Struth! Audrey, the perfect passenger didn’t move a muscle when on board.
Dangerous Brian – a teacher that learnt a lot and didn’t moan about being cut up.David the fastest road block in the Alps and a Frustrated Daryl.Mike and Tracey saved money going to Gretna to buy a new bike?
Andy and Ros just get it on song when I run out of revs
Then of course the Atomic pair Jon & Jackie – Bless her- who’s not worth a back rest BOOO (Jon the underpants have gone to the bin).Then we have the Welsh circus crew whipping us along at the back. Thank you Wayne, Thank you Carole.Lastly father and son Stoner. Father, brilliant trip specially the day off ! !
Adrian. Jealousy oozes following the 1290 KTM.s
Jen, thank you for a nice quick ride – you know when. John, best ever demo of The Hollering Dance I have seen. It actually saved the day for me at the Peage – thank you Mr.“Stoner”
To Steve for crossing the most white lines!
David the biggest “Faffer”!! (Andy a close 2nd!)
More jokes – David
Steve
Wayne has a few to tell
And that’s it…a final lovely morning
With coffee & lunch stops en-route we’re all back at Le Havre for the ferry. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant tour and for sending lots of photos – it’s only when looking back through all these you see just how much we packed into the 12 days. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 7 – 12 August 2019
The group ready to embark for the Rhine in Flames – another fantastic tour with a great bunch of people.
We always start with a briefing
Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300
Phil & Veronica – Yamaha Tracer 900
We meet more at Eurotunnel
Ready for the off
“Hi John & Jen, this was a superb tour and with the best bunch of riders I’ve come across to date. Even the dancing bit on the boat (which I was not looking forward to) was OK, thanks in the main to a few sympathetic wives! The research you both have put into these tours rewards the customer with some exciting roads, delightful towns and comfortable hotels. What more could you ask for? Looking forward to the next one.”
Reece Compton, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger 800, Essex
Morning coffee stop
.
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“Hi Jen & John, thank you for another great tour, loved the roads, food, wine and company! Hopefully see you soon”
“Hi both, firstly thanks for a great tour, both Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the company; it was a great group. We’re having dinner with Clare and Adrian tomorrow to report back on our experience so watch this space for potential future bookings :-)”
Peter Wright, 10th trip, FJR 1300 and Sally Hurman, 9th trip, Fazer 600, Leicestershire
Really ?!
Lovely scenery
.
Our first hotel
.
Drinks before dinner
“Hi both, Tracey & I absolutely loved the Rhine trip. It’s my second outing with you, & Tracey’s first. It’s the first tour on the KTM 1190 and we’re both so glad we went. A great trip, a great atmosphere, a really lovely crowd, superb roads, scenery and great little towns you picked for lunch stops. We will do another sometime.
Your complete organisation and route planning make the days go so smoothly and takes away all the stress. You put me in lemming mode! That’s exactly what I need to relax…Thanks to you both, and thanks to the rest of the tourers that made it a really good experience. (apart from the 150 Euro fine…. & dropping my driving glasses whilst riding….) See you both in 2020. 😊
“Hi guys, thanks for a fab trip, I will definitely be back”
Ali Beresford, 1st tour, Triumph Street Triple 765R, Somerset
Lunch stop
Local attractions
More good roads
Beers at Boppard while we wait…
For the van to arrive…
Having rounded up Ian & Karin !!
“We look back on a great experience, with Karin’s virgin bike tour being a great success. Amazing group of people to share the experience with, brilliant roads/riding days and rest days. Big thanks to John and Jen for their great organisation and research of this tour. The Rhine in Flames experience particularly was amazing.
We fondly remember the big welcome you all gave us, after our extra diversion and John’s conscientiousness in bringing us back to the fold. We look forward to seeing the pictures of the “German traffic police Christmas party”, which Sheldon and Ian and others are funding!! Hope we might meet up with some of you again on another trip, thank you one and all.
Ian (2nd tour) & Karin (1st tour) Heap, BMW R1200 RT, Norfolk
Our view across the Rhine – we take the ferry on a ride-out tomorrow
“Where are you?” Use your eyes – don’t phone each other !!! Honestly, this happened!
A day off – we all take the train to Rudesheim
“So, our review arrives last in the best back-marker tradition. Being back-markers didn’t detract from the tour one bit, but it really helped to settle Gill into group riding which she wasn’t convinced she would enjoy. Getting to know so many new faces / friends was great fun and the Rhine in Flames tour was an absolute joy from start to finish. The Rhine cruise and fireworks really lived up to all our expectations. Big thanks have to go to John and Jen for their organisation and attention to detail be it choice of roads, hotels, activities or the excellent marking system throughout and for the bonus of having a support van following the tour. John even managed to find a group of laughing German Police, remarkable! Will recommend BN European Tours whenever I get the opportunity and hope to sign up to another tour in the future.”
Chris (2nd tour) & Gill (1st tour) Wild, BMW R1200RT, Gloucestershire
Then the passenger ferry across the Rhine
Approaching Rudesheim
.
Time to explore the town
Many of us sample a Rudesheimer Caffee
Ian’s having ice cream
While Gavin & Josie…
Elaine & Sheldon…
have huge fruit waffles!
Wander into the back streets
Take the cable car for fab views
We spot Paul & Sue coming down
And Veronica & Phil
Great views at the top
The Neiderwalddenkmal
.
Yeah, right !!
Jane & Kevin going down
.
Quaint streets
.
Hear the bells ringing
We take the paddlesteamer back
.
.
.
See the castles en-route
Nothing to do but relax with a drink
Gavin
What has Jane spotted?
.
More castles
.
We approach the Loreley Rock
.
.
The famous mermaid
.
.
That evening the heavens open
Elaine & Sheldon take cover
Nigel is loving it !!
It absolutely chucks it down!!
.
.
The next day, glorious sunshine
Boppard centre
We all have rooms with balconies
Bike parking on the pavement
We meet for a ride-out
So what size tyres Mark ? (from day before)
John’s in the lead
Kevin (& Jane) on Honda VFR1200
All aboard
Paul (& Sue) on BMW R1200GS
Ali on her Street Triple 765 R
Pretty villages
Ian & Karin on BMW R1200 RT
Impressive buildings
It’s Reece – Tiger 800
But did you spot the other tigers???
.
.
Here come the boys – and girls!
Nigel followed by Ali
A mixture of sweepers…
Nigel on his BMW S1000RR
Followed by twisties
Ian & Jen – Moto Guzzi California
Ian & Jen again
More twisties
A pillion’s view
Mark & Tracey – KTM 1190 Adv
Gavin & Josie mark the junction
Sheldon & Elaine – Kawasaki GTR1400
You won’t run out of fuel!
Ian & Karin, Reece then Nigel
Reece again
Reece followed by Ali
Nigel followed by Ali
Ali then Kevin & Jane
Mark & Tracey lead the pack
At the Drachenfells
We take the rack-railway
.
.
For views of the volcanoes
And fab views of the Rhine
.
Nigel & Ali
Time for lunch at the top
The super six
Gavin & Josie – Tiger Explorer
Sheldon & Elaine
the brothers riding together
Mark & Tracey, then Ali
Colin on his Kawasaki Z750
Ian & Karin
Kevin & Jane
Colin again
and again!
Waiting for the ferry back
Josie’s bum needs a massage!!
Jane was happy to oblige!
Back to Boppard
Phil (& Veronica) – Tracer 900
.
Drinks before the main event
.
All aboard for a great night of dinner, fireworks & dancing!
Fortunately John has our tickets!
We start with dinner
.
.
.
.
The boats start circulating
.
Jen teaches the girls the Slosh
.
.
.
Kevin & Sue are up
And Phil & Veronica
Jane’s got it !!
No – that way !!
Karin’s got it now !
While the rest are just amused!
The paddle steamer
All start heading to Koblenz
Paul & Sue
.
Cheers !!
We’re all up on deck
.
Each vilage sets off its fireworks
.
Riverbanks lit up in red
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Koblenz Castle
.
The boats all congregate in front of the castle
.
We’re ideally placed for the main display
Lights out & the show starts
Wow !
Fab
.
Many different themes
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The end !
And that was just a selection! A fantastic display that never disappoints, we look forward to this every year! Then it’s everyone back inside for more dancing (with apologies for some poor quality pics)…
Nigel & Ali
Mark & Tracey
Jen & Peter had a dance
Then all up again
Paul & Gill are up
.
All link arms
On your feet!
.
.
Jane – how cute!
Kevin (but not Jane’s Kev)
Gill
Paul
Phil
Veronica
Sally
Peter
Colin
Jen (the other one!)
Reece is in trouble!
Paul & Sue – cool man!
Ian & Karin
Mark & Tracey
Josie & Gavin (never!)
Ian
Final few dances
And it’s all over
The entertainment!
What a good night!
Another gorgeous morning
Our morning chat
Jane rides pillion on our Street!
To fuel where Phil has a puncture
Quickly mended (thanks Mark)
Phil has the evidence
Lunch stop at Cochem
Time to explore the old town
Oh no! Everyone pulled in by the police for speeding
Not everyone was fined though
John wants a photo…
A group photo we didn’t want to take…the guilty ones – even Sally – to her absolute dismay!
Sheldon sees a cop taking pics as well!!
What a cheek!
At our final hotel
John, Karin (& Jen) enjoy a swim
Drinks in a local bar
.
We stroll into town
So picturesque
The group in Monschau
This way!
Dinner in a traditional restaurant
.
.
Just what is Josie up to?
And John for that matter!!
A few words of thanks…
To Paul & Gill as backmarkers
We need some volunteers…
Paul & Gill go first
For a game of Mr & Mrs
Need a decision…
A match!
Mark & Tracey go next
…
No match
A match!
Then it’s Ian & Karin
A match
Another match
and another !
The winners – Ian & Karin!
Sue sets a few quiz questions
Which she didn’t know the answers to!!
And then a little ditty…
Monday’s Biker likes to set the Pace
Tuesday’s Biker just likes to Race
Wednesday’s Biker really likes to Go
Thursday’s Biker is far too SLOW!
Friday’s Biker sits as a Pillion
Saturday’s Biker is one in a Million
But the Biker that speeds on the Sabbath Day is the Biker that certainly has to Pay !!
Coffee stop the next day
.
With a lunch stop followed by motorway we end the tour back at Eurotunnel
Bye Bye Bike Normandy Van – hello new Trafic
Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun tour; great riding, great people, great participation (special thanks to Sue for her poem!) we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes (in reverse) 21 – 29 July 2019
The group in the Volcanoes: a tour with temperatures ranging from 8.5 to a sweltering 42 degrees yet we all had a great time.
We start with a briefing at Ouistreham
Straight onto country roads
“The Picos Tour (in reverse) was my fifth with BN European Tours. As ever, the organization, roads and fellow bikers were all excellent. Really nothing to complain about and much to recommend. However, it is only when the going gets tough that having John and Jen in charge really matters. We had breakdowns, extreme weather events and a diversion but they were not really a problem for John and Jen. They just handled the situation with minimum fuss. Problem solved! Had I been on my own or with friends the outcome would have been very different. Anyway, I have already booked my next tour with BN European Tours. That is the best recommendation I can make.”
John Savage, 5th tour, Honda VFR800, Peeblesshire
First coffee stop
John’s in the lead today
Planned fuel stops
“Jen & John, the pictures look great. The format of the tour made for a relaxing stress-free trip. from the moment we were collected from passport control, till we passed through passport control on the return sailing. we were looked after and treated like one of your own. Not only did we all enjoy the tour, but we came away having made a few more friends. I’d happily ride with you all on a tour again in the future.
Hotels were excellent (thanks for the fan!), the hotel food was great. The marker system worked much better than I thought it would and kept us moving through the day. The choice of roads was excellent, the knowledge of the towns we visited was great. Your ability to deal with issues that arose was demonstrated and in no way impacted our enjoyment on the trip.
This trip was great value for the money and we’re keen to see how your Portugal & Spain trip goes – although both Eddie and Leo have adopted an “A” team mentality… “you’re not getting me on that boat fool”! I’m sure they’ll come around or we will ride to the start!”
Maurice Smith, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GSA, Lanarkshire
Leaving lunch
Afternoon coffee break
The new Scottish contingent !
Lovely scenery
“Hi John & Jen, just wanted to say thanks for another enjoyable tour – we both had a great time riding some fantastic roads with stunning scenery with no stress on our part. All organised for us so all we have to concentrate on is riding our bike. That’s the beauty of going on tour with BN European Tours. Their organisation is excellent and no worrying for us as to where the next petrol, coffee or lunch stop is. We stayed in some good hotels in great locations with dinner and wine included on some nights.
Once again we met a great group of like minded people and we would like to thank everyone for their company on tour. We enjoyed riding with you all. Hopefully we will meet again on future tours.
The bike is now clean – new tyres to be fitted next week and then we are ready for our next adventure with BN on the Spain and Portugal tour in September (Our 7th Tour with BN European Tours). Can’t wait. See you soon”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 6th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
It’s Maurice !
17.40 & still 29 degrees
Bikes parked opposite our first hotel
Drinks before dinner
Ken heads to the bar…
Erm – what drink would you like Sue ??!!
Nigel & Mandy
“Hi all, finally getting around to checking in from “Norn Iron”. We had an eventful run to Holyhead that evening to say the least, we were finally beaten by the rain around midnight and decided it was safer to wait in a motorway service station ’til daylight lol. It took us two full days to shake off the feeling that we were walking on a bouncy castle, a very interesting feeling indeed!
John and Jen, thanks for organising everything and thanks so much to all our fellow travellers for your company, you’re a lovely bunch of people and we hope to bump into you again some time. Best wishes to all,”
Sue belatedly gets her “10 Times” T-shirt – but she’s actually done 16 trips!
Coffee after dinner
Sue & Ken
.
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for another fantastic tour. As always, great roads, company, super hotels and John’s jokes..! The Pyrenees and Picos mountain ranges, for me, were some of the best roads I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden. Be great to go back and spend some more time enjoying the fantastic scenery and brilliant twisties. And as it turns out, the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain!! Roll on Portugal & Spain next year. Can’t wait!! Cheers Simon”
Simon Brown, 7th trip, BMW S1000 XR, Surrey
Always a morning briefing
Ready for the off
Ken & Sue are our “back-markers”
How cute! Mandy & Sue
“Hi all, it was a really great bunch of people that really made the trip for us. Thanks to John & Jen, who managed to cope with all that the weather and the Triumph factory could throw at them! Ride safe”
Paul & Becky Sewter, 2nd tour, BMW R1250 RT, Norfolk
Morning coffee stop
Gorgeous flower displays
Lunch stop
.
Afternoon coffee stop
It’s getting warmer…
Ice creams all round
.
“Good tour. Thank you very much. I will be back.”
Stephen Wood, 1st tour, Honda Africa Twin, Gloucestershire
.
.
We ride into the volcanoes
.
The fabulous Chateau de Murol
Lovely lakes
Volcanoes everywhere
A band is playing near our hotel
Dancing in the street
.
Drinks in a local bar
.
Pete thought the breadsticks were chopsticks!!
Our hotel by night
On the Puy Mary (thanks John S)
.
Lunch on the top
.
Blueberry tart !
Eddie taking photos
Jen leads on our Street Triple R
Then Pete on his Aprilia Tuono V4
Leonor on her Kawasaki Z300
Adrian & Carole on their Tiger 1200
Fab twisties on the way down
Paul & Becky on their BMW R1250 RT
Afternoon coffee stop
Water refills
.
.
It’s only 39 degrees !!
We cross the River Dordogne
Our bke is overheating!!
It’s now 40 degrees !!
We arrive at Rocamadour
.
Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included tonight
.
.
.
.
Becky has a fan !
John shows Nigel how to waft a towel
Mandy & Nigel
.
!
Rocamadour by night
Next morning – a hot air balloon
Fab!
An early start to avoid the heat!
Pete’s Aprilia breaks down
Our Street has to go in the van
John & Sue ride Ken’s V-Strom
Everyone takes their luggage
Simon rides as Back-marker
Problem fixed – our Street had a broken radiator cap
After a long, hot day, beers all round
A very welcome drink!
Many of us dine in the same restaurant
A day off – some go for a ride
Stephen on his Africa Twin
Stephen again
It’s Simon !
Grant on his Triumph Explorer
Mo & Leo mark the junction
Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada
Pretty lunch stop
.
A huge market in the square
The Mairie
Our Street Triple is now working fine…
A pillion’s view
Mo’s in the lead
Mo & Leo on his BMW R1200 GSA
Mo & Leo again
On the Col d’Aspin
Friendly locals !
.
Ken & Sue on V-Strom 1000 (thanks Simon)
.
Chris in front on his Explorer
Great scenery
Chris followed by Alan & Julie
.
Tunnels
Amazing views
Alan & Julie
Mo & Leo on the Col de Tourmalet
Stunning view
Those who came on the ride-out
Our sticker’s there !
Jen taking photos
Stephen on his Africa Twin
Hairpins on the way down
Chris
Our new logo !
.
.
More tunnels
Under nets
At Lourdes the nightly procession
You can join the procession
In front of the Cathedral
.
.
.
The next day, dressed for the wet! (thanks John S)
Ride past the dam
Into the Pyrenees
Adrian & Carole (thanks Simon)
John S on his Honda VFR 800 (thanks Simon)
Lunch in the Pyrenees
Now in Spain
Tapas anyone ?
Ride alongside the stunning lake
Hola !!!
Hola !
At our hotel take the lift…
Down to the car park
.
A free night in Logrono
.
.
We start in one tapas bar
We head into the back streets
More tapas & rioja
.
The square at night
.
Boys will be boys!
For those who didn’t venture past the hotel !!
John S followed by Nigel
Morning chat – motorway instructions
.
A very wet morning
.
.
& Jen’s in the lead
Morning coffee stop
Lunch stop
.
Becky in the Picos, there is a view here !!
Mid afternoon & only 8.5 degrees !
Afternoon coffee stop
.
.
We regroup after some misty twisties
Our hotel is just round the corner
Lovely scenery
Parking by the hotel
The fab view from our hotel
Drinks before dinner
Eddie
.
.
It’s Mo’s birthday !
Dinner is included tonight
.
Breakfast
A gorgeous morning
Mo’s ready for a ride-out
Jen rides pillion (thanks John S)
.
.
Fab roads
.
.
Paul & Pauline on BMW R1200RS
Bungee jumping!
Nigel & Mandy on their V-Strom 1000
Paul & Pauline
.
.
Cangas for lunch
Another market by the church
Simon enjoys an ice cream
Then we pass him on the way back
Adrian & Carole again
.
Brilliant roads
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ken & Sue enjoyed a day off (thanks Ken)
.
.
Now that’s a Gin & Tonic !
All enjoying drinks in the sun
Ken & Sue, Jen & John
John thanks everyone for a great tour
Especially Ken as “Back-marker”
Who kicks off the jokes…
Dinner is included our last night
John S takes a turn
.
Paul’s up next
.
Then Nigel
Stephen has a few to tell
Mandy takes a turn
.
And Sue
!
There’s no stopping Mandy
.
Or Stephen
John’s up next
Oh Oh…
We’re treated to the Penguin joke!
Even our waiter takes a turn
Another beautiful morning
The t-shirt shop is open !
Final morning briefing
Heading into the mountains
.
.
.
Fantastic roads
But watch out for locals!
Glorious scenery
.
.
.
We take the cable car…
Stephen at the top
Stunning views
Stephen & John S brave the viewing platform
.
How many dare…
Mandy & Nigel
Alan & Julie
Mo has some special shots
And that’s it, everyone back to the ferry
New recruits at the bar
.
Calm after the roughest crossing ever…
Mo & friend!
Becky needs a sweatshirt
And finally, thanks Stephen
Thanks to all for some great riding, good timekeeping, lots of fun & laughter with everyone pulling together in some extreme temperatures! Special thanks to Ken for the use of his V-Strom for the day. We hope to see many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial 5×4 (5 Nights in 4 Countries) Tour 5 – 10 July 2019
The group in Luxembourg – fantastic roads, weather and a really sociable crowd made for a great tour.
“Hi Jen & John – great to see you both, had an absolutely brilliant time again. Always amazed at the excellent roads you find and places to stay, that along with both of you making sure everyone has a good time and what they need makes the whole holiday experience second to none. See you next year – but not on this…!!” Keith Osman, 6th trip, Kawasaki ZX10R, West Sussex
Keith’s new bike !!!
We meet Craig at the Tunnel & start with a briefing
Pavement parking at coffee stop
Because there’s a market in the square
.
.
Chris is back-marker on his BMW R1200GS
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“Greetings to both, just wanted to say thank you for another great tour with Bike Normandy. As always the combination of good roads, nice hotels and great company made for a most enjoyable trip – ‘til the next one, best wishes”
David Biggs, 12th trip, BMW R1200GS, Hertfordshire
Proper bike parking at lunch stop
.
A beach & pool in the square
.
“Jen, John, the whole tour was great, you did it again…all the hotels were great … roads / routes were brill, especially once I got used to my new bike. Looking forward to the next tour with you, you do it so well – hopefully I’ll visit again before winter”
Steno Gerrard, 3rd tour, KTM 790, Kent
Afternoon coffee stop
But where’s Andy B been ??
“Thanks for a great 20th Tour and the tee shirt of course – it was a blast. The roads, company and hotels were all brilliant. The hotel in Dinant especially had wow factor! See you on the Spain & Portugal tour for number 21.”
Andy Biggs, 20th trip, BMW S1000XR, Essex
At our hotel, drinks before dinner
Paul, his dad Andy M, Chris (Harvey) and John have all brought their own tour t-shirts !!
“Awesome trip, loved it. Highly recommended, great people. Really well organised, definitely doing it again. Thank you John and Jen.”
Paul Moseley, 1st tour, Honda CBR600,
Cheers !
Dinner is included tonight
A few words of thanks to Andy B…
who’s done 20 trips !!
and Allan – who’s done 21!!!
Secure parking in the courtyard
Always a morning briefing
Jen’s in the lead today
Andy M on his Honda Blackbird
Super scenery
We stop for a photo opportunity & coffee in the Ardennes
Plenty of parking spaces
What a great view
.
In this heat…!
Parked up for lunch
Very pretty Steno !!
Ian’s cooling off !
Afternoon coffee stop
.
Jen’s leading on our Street Ttriple R
Followed by Eddie – BMW S1000XR
Ian on his BMW S1000XR
Chris H on his Honda VFR
Paul on his CBR 600
Craig on his Triumph Tiger Sport
John on his Honda CBR 600
Steno on his KTM 790
Andy B on his BMW S1000XR
David on his BMW R1200 GS
Russ on his BMW S1000RR
Andy A on his Kawasaki ZX6R
Keith on his Kawasaki ZX10R
Pete on his Kawasaki Z900
So how many of us didn’t see the speed camera ?????
Some real twisties in Luxembourg
.
We stop for a photo shoot
The group in Luxembourg
And how many thought the cops were after us??
Enjoying the pool at our hotel
Jen’s in as well
We choose pizza tonight
A drizzly start the next day
Setting off
Allan on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Ian enjoys cake at coffee stop
Are we all in the same cafe?
Pretty lunch stop
We’re now in Germany
Lovely setting
.
Andy A needs a massage from Russ !!
After a dirt track leaving lunch (!!) we have afternoon coffee stop
Pete & Keith enjoy ice-creams
.
The first bicycle was made here
And here’s the proof !
Drinks on the terrace at our next hotel in Germany for two nights
Dinner is included tonight
Choose anything you like
The steaks are fantastic
.
The next day is a day off the bikes
We take the chair lift
For fantastic views of the Mosel
Visit the castle
Take a boat trip
Explore the old town
So picturesque
Ready for the off
Always a morning chat
We stop at the Nurburgring for a photo
.
.
The van has a puncture
Chris N to the rescue
The prettiest coffee stop
.
.
A dance troupe in town
.
.
Lunch stop
.
Approaching our final hotel
.
Our last night is in Belgium
A surprise in store…
Andy A
Pete
Paul & Chris H
John takes a turn
Have a few samples !!
Drinks outside
Dinner is included tonight
Thansk to Chris N our back-marker
John starts the jokes
Cheers – thanks for a great tour !
Keith’s up next
Then Andy B
Steno takes a turn
Then Allan
Andy’s up again…
showing Allan how to waft a towel !!
Everyone cracks up !!
Ian takes a turn
John treats us to the penguin joke !
Jen takes a turn too
Next morning the t-shirt shop is open!
David, Andy B & Allan set off
Our final chat
Coffee stop before we ride motorway
We stop at services for fuel & lunch
And that’s it – all the rest back to Calais
Thanks to everyone for making this such a good tour, great riding & great company. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours (and some of you again this year!) Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial WW2 Normandy Tour 30 June – 2 July 2019
A small but friendly group for this short tour of the Normandy WW2 sights
All arrive on the overnight ferry
At the Grand Bunker – Richard with a mate!
Dick takes an urgent call !
Andy gets a lift off Jane !
“Hi John & Jen, just to say thanks to John for another brilliant tour. Though only a short tour we managed to visit the important D-Day sites and once again John’s idiot guides helped us understand the reasons for what took place at the various locations. As usual everything ran like clockwork with well planned coffee, lunch and fuel stops, great hotel and lovely mix of people. Needless to say, I will be booking another tour soon. All the best”
Dick Hallsworth, 4th tour, Triumph Sprint 1050 GT, Bedfordshire
See the original Pegasus Bridge
And a replica Horsa glider
“Hi John and Jen, I really enjoyed my last minute WW2 Tour. As usual it was well planned and actually included some sights I had not visited before. The chosen hotel in Bayeux was excellent and well situated. The two evening meals in Bayeux were most enjoyable, and the coffee stops were exactly right. We got lucky with 3 days of excellent riding conditions and weather. It was also great to be among the last group ever to visit your home, Le Champ Masse, even if we didn’t get the legendary 4 course meal! I personally will miss this peaceful location, as I am sure you both will. Hopefully I will see you next year for trip number 13. Best regards to you both, Colin.”
Colin Shaw, 12th tour, Yamaha Tracer 700, West Sussex
See the new statues at Arromanches
To commemorate the 75th anniversary
.
.
.
.
See the remains of the Mulberry B floating harbour at Arromanches
Bikes lined up at Arromanches
Vivienne with Colin
Next stop the German Gun Batteries
“Hi John, thanks for another great tour. Your 5 minute idiot guide at each location really helped set the scene. Although this was a short break we packed a lot in without it feeling rushed or hectic. There was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It was really nice that the group got on so well and we enjoyed their company. I just hope the newbies weren’t put off by the price of Madeira cake!! Lol. Thanks again. I’m sure we’ll be back for tour number 6.”
Andy & Jane Hood, 5th tour, KTM 1290 Advernture T, Bedfordshire
The American Cemetery
.
.
.
The Cathedral at Bayeux
And lit up by night
Next day, visit the German Cemetery
Vivienne & Ed with Andy & Jane
Alison & Richard
Next stop La Pointe du Hoc
Dick’s doing the tour for the 2nd time
Jane & Andy
Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise
.
Did you jump Rich ??
Ed
.
.
Utah beach
.
Dinner in Bayeux
Bikes at coffee stop
Ed & Vivienne on their Kawasaki Z1000SX
Richard & Alison on their Kawasaki ZX10
Colin on his Yamaha Tracer 700
Jane & Andy on their KTM 1290 Adventure T
Dick on his Triumph Sprint 1050GT
A visit to the Museum at Montormel
Stefan explains the history
The group at the Tiger Tank
Ed & Vivienne
All back for the ferry
And for those on the tour, here are some of John’s favourite pin-ups!!
.
.
Although a small group – a really sociable bunch of people made for a good tour. Hope to see many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John (& Jen)
Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 7 – 11 June 2019
Glasses at the ready for the Sancerre Wine Festival! A really great group made for a brilliant tour – thanks to everyone for making it such fun!
“Jen, John and everyone, for me this was my first group tour of any kind and the only word I can use to summarise it was BRILLIANT. Superbly organised, a great group of people and excellent daily routes and visits. Even the rain on the first day didn’t damp the enthusiasm and as the tour progressed the weather improved showing that the sun does shine on the righteous! For anyone who has not thought about a tour especially with BN put it on your bucket list and just do it !!!! Worth every minute. Even the 7 hours on the bike in the rain on the way home gave me time to reflect on a great week. Thanks again to all involved – next question for me is which one next ?? Safe and enjoyable riding to you all”
Dave Walker, 1st tour, KTM 1090 Adventure, County Durham
A rainy arrival in France
We start with breakfast & a briefing
“Hi John, Jen and all others, What can we say? A fabulous time was had by ourselves. Everything worked beautifully. Hotels were all excellent, chateaux and wine festival as memorable as the previous tour. Successfully managed to get wine glasses home without breaking them! A great mix of like minded riders riding brilliant roads. What more can we say apart from looking at next year and planning. Thank you again for the well organised tour, company and great settings. See you soon, ride safe.”
Clare Lovett, 4th tour, BMW F800 & Adrian Lovett, 4th tour, Honda Crossrunner, Leics (& 2nd time of doing this tour!)
Jen’s leading today
Gerald’s Explorer has self-adjusting suspension!
We ALWAYS re-group before & after any stretch of motorway
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for yet another brilliant tour! As always great riding, hotels and food. A fun group as well – you never disappoint and I look forward to making another trip with you. Thanks also to everyone in the group and hope you all returned home OK (mine was a grind up the M1 in heavy rain and traffic so can’t wait for another chance to ride European roads!) Best regards”
“Back-marker” Bob Eve, 8th tour, BMW F800, Yorkshire
And following the live review –“Hi John and Jen, what a brilliant resume of the trip! A great reminder of how good riding in Europe can be. Can’t wait to make another trip with BN. All the best Bob”
Setting off after lunch stop
Scenery en-route
“Completely agree with Bob, brilliant trip, great organisers, great company, great roads, good food & good hotels, what more can we wish for. Until we get back in the U.K…we find the M25 is closed in both directions…absolute nightmare, but we all got home eventually.”
Chris Pryke & members from the Maldon British Motorbike Owners Club, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint, Essex
Helmets in the van for our first visit
The Clos Luce at Amboise
“Great trip ❤️ fabulous Châteaux, tasty wine and lovely group of people thanks John & Jen xx”
Jackie Watson, 2nd tour, pillion on BMW K1300S, Berkshire
“Had a great time and lots of laughs, thanks to everyone for making it a fun trip.”
Jon Watson, 2nd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Sandra & John climb the watchtower
J&S again !
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for an amazing holiday. To be honest we didn’t know what to expect but certainly we weren’t disappointed. We all had a great time and can’t wait for the next one. Our trip home wasn’t great – the M25 was closed so Ruth and her boys got home in three separate groups, but that’s a story for another time! Thanks again to everyone for making us feel so welcome. Cheers the Essex chapter “
Gerald & Ruth Jolly with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Essex
Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom
Marguerite de Navarre’s bedroom
“Hi John & Jen & All, thanks again for another enjoyable tour with BN European Tours. We both had a great time with good hotels, food, wine and lots of Chateaux and best of all a great group of like minded people. Everything organised for us so we don’t need to worry about anything except riding our bike. Superb roads too. What more could we ask for. For anyone new to touring this is an excellent taster tour (in more ways than one ). Once you have been on a tour with BN you are hooked. Their tours are superb. You only have to look at the number of people who return each year to know that they really do know how to organise a motorbike tour…We are both looking forward to joining you again in July for the Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanos Tour when we can do it all again. Can’t wait. Thanks again to everyone for making this a most enjoyable holiday and I am sure we will see some of you again soon on another BN tour. Ride safely”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 5th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
Tony & Chris M
See Leonardo’s workshops
“Hello all, thanks for a brilliant 5 days, apart from the first morning’s weather it got better and better. Wonderful hotels, great food and a great bunch of lads and lasses who were really good company. The roads were to die for and I enjoyed trying to keep up with Jon & Jackie Watson, sharpened my riding no end. Thanks finally to John and Jeanette for organising a great trip”
Chris McIlroy with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Thruxton, Essex
.
.
“Hi John & Jen, what awful weather on the first day, wind & rain, soaked through & not even out of the port! Going across the Loire at a 45 degree angle with trees down & debris in the road! Next day weather better, sun comes out, everyone’s smiling – only getting wet in the pool (except us!) Great trip, great people, hope we’re still riding at age 79!”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 9th tour, Honda Deauville, Hertfordshire (also 2nd time of doing this tour)
Dave with a model of the first tank
L da V inventednd gearing
The first motorised vehicle
Please explain the Archimedes Screw to Jen !!
Due to the storms the gardens are closed
You can see the model of the first helicopter
“Hi John, looking forward to the Rhine in Flames tour in August already as we both thoroughly enjoyed the Chateaux & Sancerre tour with what transpired to be a lovely group of people: it was also good to meet up with some friends again from previous tours not to mention Jen and yourself. See you in August”
Peter Wright, 9th tour, FJR 1300 & Sally Hurman, 8th tour, Fazer 60, Leicestershire (& also 2nd time of doing this tour!)
Adrian & Clare
David & Amanda
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, lovely roads, great hotels, chateaux, food (& wine!) and so nice to have it all planned for you. A really good group of people, we had great fun. A very damp journey back to Suffolk for us and we were missing the French roads 10 minutes in! Thanks to everyone on the tour for making it so enjoyable. Look forward to our next tour with you. Kind regards”
David & Amanda Hovells, 2nd tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Suffolk
Daryl & Jane
Josie & Gavin
Visit over, John leads the way back to the van
At our hotel Daryl has his priorities right!
Don’t forget Jane!
Time for drinks before dinner
.
Josie & Gavin
Josie with Clare
.
Dinner is included tonight
.
.
It’s Adrian’s birthday ! Just 1 candle !
He doesn’t want to be reminded !
So which table can sing the loudest..?
The winner – Josie’s – no surprise there !!
Outside our bedroom window
Chris M – hereinafter a.k.a. Romeo !
The next morning – with blue skies – we visit the Chateau of Chenonceau
The group (minus John & Sandra)
Such a fabulous setting over the River Cher
Beautiful flower displays
Glorious arrangements
The Chapel
Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom
The Gallery – a hospital during the First WW
Alan & Julie
Head down to the kitchens
Josie would love to make Cornish pasties!
.
Then head upstairs
The Five Queens’ Bedroom
Katherine Briconnet’s Hall
Diane de Poitiers’ garden
.
.
Catherine de Medici’s bedroom
The second floor hallway
Louise of Lorraine’s bedroom
.
.
Visit the Medici Gallery
.
The Orangerie
See more exhibitions
The Carriage Gallery
Newly opened walled garden
John’s missing his sheep in France !
Josie & Gavin
A bit fishy…
Old Bentley
Russian Crested Shelduck
Rosy-Billed Pochard
Happy donkeys
Quick talk before we leave the hotel
Chris P & Chris M set off without John !
Gerald & Ruth on their Triumph Explorer
Clare on her BMW F800
Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300
Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600
Dave on his KTM 1050 Adventure
Adrian on his Honda Crossrunner
Jon & Jackie – BMW K1300S
Fuel stop
John & Sandra – Honda Deauville
Back-marker Bob – BMW F800
Lunch stop
An unplanned visit to Valencay Chateau
.
Some visit the Chateau…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The Dining Room
The wine cellar
The kitchens
The gardens
.
Amanda & David
Beautiful peacocks in the gardens
Thankyou !
Others choose to visit the Automobile Museum…
Sandra with her first car – a Renault 17 !
.
Chris M & Gerald
Panhard Dynamic 1937
.
Peugeot 402 Legere 1938
Bugati 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1957
David & friend!
Bob fancies this one…
Chris M & Gerald admire a Turcat-Mery 1906
Chris P fancies the Renault Primaquatre Cabriolet 1937 – or rather the dolly bird!!
Not just cars, there are bicycles & motorcycles to see there as well
Gerald, John & Chris P enjoy ice creams
Romeo thought he’d lost his key !
Davd & Amanda – Triumph Tiger Explorer
Gavin & Josie – Triumph Tiger Explorer
Alan & Julie – Ducati Multistrada
Daryl & Jane – KTM 1290 Adventure
John’s in the lead today
Chris P – Triumph Sprint
Chris M – Triumph Thruxton
Tony – Triumph Tiger 800
Bob bringing up the rear
Great roads
Empty country roads
Arriving at Sancerre
We stop at the viewing area
For a fab view of Sancerre surrounded by vineyards
Alain & Evelyn – the Mayor of Coudehard & his wife – join us
Time for drinks before dinner in the newly refurbished bar area
Jon, Josie, Jackie & Amanda
Gerald & Ruth
David’s getting the drinks
Taking in the fab view from the balcony
Peter & Sally with Clare & Adrian
We stop to admire the view
The River Loire
It’s a short stroll into town
We enjoy pizzas with the Mayor !
Jon’s being ribbed by Josie!
The swimming pool at our hotel
Jen braves it – and Josie too!
John hosts a lesson on Basecamp
Hotel bar area
It’s a day off the bikes so after lunch and with glasses at the ready we head off to the Wine Festival
.
A short walk down to the caves
John tells everyone what to do
They won’t be shy !
Jane & Daryl
Gerald & Ruth
Sally & Peter
Alan & Julie are knocking it back !
Evelyn, Alain & John wine tasting
It’s Bob !
Now just what have Amanda & Josie been doing ???
The cheese was NOT a free sample !!
We think Jackie was guilty too !!
Delicious nougat but very expensive !
Jon & Jackie
John & Sandra
Josie with Amanda & David
Chris P’s bought some wine
All the reds lined up in order for tasting !!
We join in with the locals
John tries to negotiate a discount!
We get full glasses of rose too !
The next day we’re ready for the off
John’s in the lead again
With Bob Eve at the back !
Morning coffee stop
Off-road parking!
Helmets & jackets in the van for our next visit
Adrian & Clare are used to doing this
Safe storage
The group at the Chateau of Cheverny
The Dining Room
The Arms room
The Birth Chamber
Boudoir
The Nursery with lego models
“Scoubidou” has 17,000 bricks
The Bridal Chamber
More lego models
The Grand Salon
The Library
Lovely gardens too
Adrian & Clare have a pic-nic
Walk through the wisteria
Have lunch at the Orangerie
Picture postcard !
The hounds are snoozing
Visit the Trophy room
Peter & Sally enjoy ice creams
As do Sandra & John
Our final visit is the stunning Chateau of Chambord
Famous for its’ double-helix staircase
David & Amanda
Amazing ceilings
Tony & Romeo make it to the top
Lots to see inside
.
Jen’s bell ringing !!
Fab views from the ramparts
The main entrance
Local produce stalls
David & Amanda enjoy ice creams
We cross the Loire
En-route to our final hotel
.
The lovely setting of our hotel
With a heated pool
Lots of us enjoy a swim
Great fun
The new BN synchronised swimmers!
Aperitifs before dinner
Real holiday shirts! The MBMOC crew (minus Tony)
Dinner is included tonight
.
Romeo’s made new friends!
John thanks everyone for a great tour
And Bob as a great “back-marker”
Thanks Bob !
Josie’s £20…
buys a Penguin !!
No really she has a new sweatshirt!
Jen’s in the lead on the last day
We ride past the new stadium at Le Havre
And that’s it – everyone back in good time for the ferry
Although a short tour there is a lot packed into the five days. We must sound like a broken record when we say that we really do get the best people on our tours and this was no exception. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.
Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 26 May – 1 June 2019
A great group with many regulars & some newbies too. Fab weather here in the Black Forest
We start with a pre-tour briefing
The “Oakley MC” gang at coffee
“Hi John and Jen, some kind words about my trip with BN European Tours, my second and as enjoyable as the first. Without hesitation I would have no doubt in recommending your trips. A very well rehearsed schedule with routes and hotels second to none. It’s obvious that this is not just a business to either of you but enjoyment where a common love for motorcycling lives. Your local knowledge is often invaluable and the hotels selected are faultless, along with the idyllic routes, giving time for all abilities to enjoy each day, with the added benefits of a luggage van and fantastic thought-out marker system. Another brilliant ride-out with another great group of people. Thank you to you both and the rest of the group for making my week. See you again soon.”
Peter Rainford-Read, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS, Lancashire
Juila with CAKE – watch for more pics!
All the bikes at coffee stop
“Hi John and Jen, once again Sue and I must thank you for a wonderful tour. Great roads, wonderful places with spectacular views, great company and lots of smiles even when it rained. It was a fantastic week of riding and staying in lovely hotels. How you guys always find these places escapes me. Sue and I enjoyed back marking and look forward to doing it again next year. See you soon”
Gordon & Sue Bishop, 7th tour, Truimph Sprint 1050 GT, Dorset
We ALWAYS re-group before riding motorway
Jen’s in the lead today
Bikes at lunch stop
“I have to say one of your best ever, really good tour and great company throughout and flawless organisation.😎”
Paul Butler, 8th tour, KTM Superduke GT, Bedfordshire
“Hi J & J & The Black Forest Crew, a few words of thanks to John and Jen for a great tour – as we have come to expect – and you both delivered in all areas again. Thanks to Gordon and Sue for bring up the rear. Good to meet new and old faces again – a good bunch of people & a great week of riding with you all. All the best ’till the next time”
Steve King, 8th tour, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Northamptonshire
Afternoon coffee stop
.
.
Shane & Julia enjoy ice creams
Gorgeous scenery this afternoon
“Thanks to John and Jen for a superbly well organised and thoroughly enjoyable week for what was our first tour with BN. The standard of the accommodation, the organisation of each days riding and the whole experience that was the Black Forest Tour were of the highest standard. Many thanks also to Gordon and Sue for keeping us company at the back…and thanks to all the group for making the week such an enjoyable time both on and off the bikes. We are certainly looking forward to our next trip with BN European Tours.”
Shane & Julia Hill, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint GT 1050, Northamptonshire
Four cygnets this year – beautiful
Lovely !
.
“Hi John & Jen, just to say how much Sara & I enjoyed the tour. Once again your organisation and attention to detail could not be faulted. The hotels, routes, coffee/lunch stops were all spot on and the scenery beautiful (even through mist and clouds). You both made sure that everyone was happy and this reflected on the way we all got on so well – a really happy group. Sara was so delighted she is already making plans for our next tour !! Best wishes”
Dick Hallsworth, 3rd tour, Triumph Sprint 1050, Northamptonshire
“Thank you both for an amazing week. It was brilliant!”
Sara Shepherd, 1st tour, pillion with Dick Hallsworth
The gardens at our next hotel
Drinks before dinner
.
Dick & Sara
Dinner is included tonight
John sets the bar low for jokes !
“Jen/John, thank you for a great tour once again, great hotels, superb roads and coffee/cake stops. Even a bit of rain couldn’t spoil a great time.”
John Hackney, 2nd tour, Triumph Street Triple, Northamptonshire
A drizzly morning
Morning chat
We re-group before motorway
How many men does it take…??
Paul’s KTM has a side-stand problem
“I’ve just returned from another fantastic trip, thoroughly organised by John & Jen. Having already read the comments posted by others on the trip I’m at a loss what I can add, other than that I echo every word! Great company, hotels, food and Roads!! What more can I ask for other than for John and Jen to influence the little rain we had – they sorted everything else!! I would and have recommended this trip to anyone who wants to go on a biking holiday without having to do all the work. Thanks again John and Jen for another professionally planned trip! Flawless! You make it look so easy.”
Ian Taylor, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS, Lancashire
A welcome arrival in Baden Baden
Just what we need !
Cheers !!
The next morning the luggage van arrives
Briefing before we ride the famous B500
Paul’s first on his KTM Superduke GT
Mick follows on his KTM Superduke GT
“3rd trip now, what a blast, you know it’s good when you don’t care what time or day it is and don’t want it to end. Thanks to John for sorting tyres. Thanks also to the great company. Looking forward to the next one.”
“Hi guys. Just wanted to thank you for a great tour. The hotels were great and the scenery was amazing. Everyone got on so well. It was a great group. Your organization was spot on as always. See you for another tour soon.”
Steve & Sam Barnes, 4th tour, Triumph Trophy, Dorset
John H on his Triumph Street Triple 765
Stuart on his BMW R1200 GS
Ian on his BMW R1200 GS
Sandra on her Triumph Street Triple 765
Jen started at the back…
.
Reece on his Triumph Tiger 800
Reece again
John S on his Honda VFR 800
John S again
Shane & Julia – Triumph Sprint 1050 GT
Gordon & Sue as back-markers
The van goes as well !
“Power Rangers” Mick & Jen after their race !
The group at the end of the B500 (when it was still dry!)
More ice -cream at coffee stop!
Great roads
& lovely scenery
en-route to our next stop
We arrive at the largest cuckoo clock for two strikes!
Then take your partners for a waltz!
Unfortunately the rain starts
Pretty lunch stop
.
Dinner is included at our next hotel
.
.
Champage for Steve B’s 50th birthday
Happy Birthday for Sunday Steve !
Just what are Sue & Dick up to ?
Julia enjoys Black Forest Gateau !
More bad jokes !
The next day is a free day; take a boat ride around the lake, take the train to visit other towns, come for a ride-out to the High Rhine waterfalls in Switzerland, recover lost property (Kirsty!) or get new tyres !!
The lovely setting for our hotel for two nights
Such a pretty town
With lots of flower displays
Mark & Rachel’s BMW needs a new tyre !
Most come for a ride-out
Steve & Sam in the lead
Reece on his Tiger 800
Peter on his BMW R1200 GS
Great roads
Reece again
Scenery en-route
Dick & Sara – Sprint 1050 GT
John H on his Street Triple 765
Fab roads
John’s in the lead
Shane & Julia – Sprint 1050 GT
Dick & Sara again
Sandra on her Street Triple 765
Gordon & Sue – Sprint 1050 GT
John again
Steve & Sam with Reece
Hi Reece !
Peter again
Everyone at the waterfalls
Dick & Sara
Julia & Shane
Super view from the top
You can walk across the bridge
A Heron lands nearby
Sausage & chips for lunch
More great roads
Red Kite overhead
Amazing roads
Mick & Steve K bought Leiderhosen !!
Mark & Rachel have a barrow full of xxx !!
Sara & Dick
Kirsty
The next day, glorious sunshine
Setting off
.
.
Gorgeous scenery
Ride under the ski runs
Fab views leaving the Black Forest
.
We re-group at a viewing area
.
.
En-route to coffee stop
Another pretty town
.
Selection of cakes to choose from
We have cakes !
Raspberry & Walnut cakes
Steve & Kirsty have milkshakes
Sam & Sue
.
.
Riding to lunch stop
.
A surprise in store at lunch stop
Don’t forget to raise the bar !!
1st down – Rachel & Mark
Then it’s Steve B vs Gordon
Steve E vs Paul
Steve K vs Kirsty
John vs Sandra
Dick vs Peter
Ian vs Stuart
Shane vs Julia
Rachel
Mark
Gordon & Steve B
Steve E
Paul
Kirsty
Steve K
Sandra
John H
Dick followed by Ian
Peter
Stuart
Julia
Shane
John E
And finally, Jen !
The brave ones !
Thanks to Sara for the photos of the arrivals !!
Next it’s the Vosges Mountains
.
Triumphs: Sprint 1050, Street 765, Tiger 800, Sprint 1050, Street 675, Trophy, Street 765, Sprint 1050
Not forgetting the BMW’s; R1200 GS, S1000 XR, & three more R1200 GS
John & Sandra
Stuart, Ian & Peter
Next stop, afternoon coffee break
A free night in Epinal
Some of us end up in the same restaurant
Secure garage parking
Pretty cut through
.
.
Morning coffee stop
The t-shirt shop is open !!
.
.
Kirsty’s got a new t-shirt
Thanks Kirsty & all who bought t-shirts
Lunch stop
Mick’s tyre’s had it !!
Paul’s going to get a new front as well
En-route to fuel stop
Afternoon coffee stop
.
Fab view of the castle from our hotel
Gordon & Sue
.
Dinner is included on our last night & we dine outside
John thanks everyone for a really great tour
So just what is he up to with Rachel ??
!!
.
So he lost a euro !!
Sue tells a joke she’s practised all week !
Gordon’s next
Reece takes a turn
Paul B
John again
Jen
and finally, Dick (sorry missed Peter!)
Another lovely morning
Our final briefing
Beautiful !
An early lunch stop at Albert
With time to visit the 1916 museum
Final re-group on the way home
And that’s it – everyone back to Calais in good time
Thanks to everyone for great riding, great timekeeping (a first we think!), great company – we had a blast (literally – Jen!!) We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe – John & Jen.
P.S. And this has to be written in RED – the icing on the cake on the way home – WE WON !!
Testimonial 5×4 (Five Nights in Four Countries) 18 – 23 May 2019
The group at the Nurburgring – a great bunch of guys for the second tour of the year
Secure parking…!
“Apart from all my mechanical issues, it was yet another fantastic trip. Your attention to detail is amazing and we get to stay in lovely hotels with great service and excellent food. The scenery you take us through is stunning and what a pleasure to simply ride a pre-planned route without having to think of anything other than “what a great time I am having”! Many thanks once again for a memorable trip and looking forward to the next one already. PS – Both the Ducati and the BMW are now up for sale and next time you see me I will be on a brand new ??????? Very best regards and love to Jen.”
Rich Russell, Ducati 848, then BMW GS1200, 3rd tour, Wiltshire
Morning coffee stop
Lunch stop
“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv
Afternoon coffee stop
“I am astounded that one can enjoy so much a simple tour in cold wet conditions. It is testament to your organising skills and in-depth preparation, this with a great group of chaps that treated me with the greatest of respect is why I continue to ride and enjoy its freedom. Looking forward to renewing our relationship in August’s Italian Lakes Tour. Thanks for everything.”
John Stone “Stoner”, 3rd tour, KTM 790 Adventure, Cornwall
.
.
Simon riding as “back-marker”
Arriving at the first hotel
“Thanks for a fantastic trip. Some fantastic roads and routes through awesome countryside. Being backmarker I didn’t expect it to be quite as exciting as it was some days, when you just didn’t know what you’d find around the next corner.. smashing. As always with a BN European Tour, the hotels were great and the food excellent. And like all BN trips there were jokes, some old, some new and some better left unsaid…I won’t mention dad dancing to shaking that arse or the young ones reunion. Great tour, looking forward to the next (minus the dancing, no one needs to see that ) “
Simon Brown, 6th tour, BMW S1000 XR, Surrey
Richard G on his Tiger 1050
Charles on his FJR 1300
Terry on his BMW R1200 GS
Jeremy on his BMW R1200 GS
“Hi John, thank you for a wonderful tour – good hotels, good food, wonderful roads and a great set of lads to spend a bike tour with. John you made a great tour into a very special tour – it was exceptional. Looking forward to my next tour.”
Keith Tebbatt, 1st tour, BMW R1150 RT, Leicestershire
Neil on his BMW R1200 GS
Keith on his BMW R1150 RT
A Medieval Festival is taking place
.
“Hi John, the selection of hotels for the trip were spot on with a great variation of accommodation and variety of meals as part of the competitive costs. The routes throughout the tour were superb and the mixture of twisties and fast flowing roads is what I look forward to. Your guidance through the tour leaves us all with nothing to do other than to enjoy the trip. All the best”
Simon Green, 3rd tour, Yamaha Thundercat, Berkshire
Time for drinks before dinner
.
Dinner is included tonight
.
“Hi John et al, I really enjoyed the tour, and the organisation, routes, hotels, coffee stops, food & even the company were exceptional. I even got to enjoy riding in the wet, which is saying something. I’ll be back as someone once said. Many thanks “
Jeremy Davies, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS, Worcestershire
Rich’s Ducati 848 has a problem…time to pray!!
Jump leads couldn’t help either!
.
.
“Hi John, that’s a really great group photo, everybody smiling, which really sums up the trip. Despite the mixed weather we had a great time, in no small part to your organisational skills, nice hotels and great company. Shame you missed the firework display, but I appreciate you were there in spirit with your “Oi” booming out across the town. To see 6 men with a combined age of over 300 years running at the sound of your shout still makes me laugh! Many thanks for everything, shame no-one appreciated my joke but I am sure it will be resurrected by you on future trips to lower the tone should it ever become necessary! All the best, see you again soon”
Dave Lee, 3rd tour, Triumph Tiger Sport 1050, Somerset
The group in Luxembourg
.
“Jeez what a bunch of old farts! haha lol ! Apart from the trip being a sausage fest (ie no females) it was as great as ever John, and a lovely bunch of people 😊Tips for future trips:
Don’t bring a bloody Ducati;
Don’t throw your bikes up the road in enthusiasm!;
Don’t trust the weather!;
Do put your sidestand down when stopping…
Do have a great laugh which I think we all did 😊
Tour comments: mega hotels topped off with the Monastery stay were all fantastic! Thanks John for the F16 pair who welcomed us into Dinant – that was awesome! Brilliant back marking by Simon – thanks Si! Last night fireworks display was a nice touch John 😝 Shiny side up!”
Alan Rogers, 1st tour, BMW S1000 RR, Berkshire
Fab views of the castle
A free night tonight
Lunch stop in Germany
Four go missing – found on “Dick Street”!!
“Hi all, thank you for an excellent tour, I really enjoyed myself and hope to ride with you again in the future”
Charles May, 8th trip, Yamaha FJR 1300, Wiltshire
A day off – four head off to the Nurburgring
A wet day off the bikes
Time to explore
.
.
Take a Ring Taxi at the Nurburgring
View from the car – 9mins 56secs in the wet !
“Hi John, thanks for a brilliant tour. Thought the roads, hotels, food and group mix very good. All the best for your future tours.”
Richard Green, 3rd trip, Triumph Tiger 1050, Berkshire
Simon’s spoilt for choice
Strawberry cake !
It’s Heidi’s (owner) birthday!
Cheers !
“Thanks John, really enjoyed the trip and already thinking about what to do for the next one”
Neil Hendley, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS, Greater Manchester
.
.
Lovely setting for coffee stop
More cakes
.
.
.
.
.
Terry with friend
.
.
Our final hotel in Belgium
.
.
The return of Rich – this time on a BMW !
Terry…
or Wayne Sleep ?
Richard Green…
or Geoffrey Hayes ?
Beers all round
Smoked salmon starter
Dinner is included the last night
.
Charles kicks off the joke telling
or is it Mr Charles Babbage Esq ?
.
.
Then it’s Keith’s turn
.
Stoner’s up next
.
Wayne Sleep dancing !!
Charles again
.
.
Then it’s Alan
.
.
Stoner again
Dave Lee’s joke has been CENSORED !!
Charles on coffee duty
.
Erotic weekend !!
Final coffee stop
Kevin on his Triumph XC Explorer
Keith on his BMW R1150 RT
Simon Green on his Yamaha Thundercat
Neil on his BMW R1200 GS
Simon “back marker” on his BMW S1000 XR
Terry on his BMW R1200 GS
Stoner on his KTM 790 Adventure
Rich on his BMW R1200 GS which also broke down !
Alan on his BMW S1000 RR
Richard G on his Triumph Tiger 1050
Jeremy on his BMW R1200 GS
Jimmy on his BMW S1000 XR
John’s Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Andy on his KTM RC8
Simon has to give back the orange vest !
Just for Rich – a reliable Ducati !!
All back on the Eurotunnel
.
.
Thanks to all the guys for a great tour (looks like I missed a fun group – Jen). We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
And finally…
Oi !! For the six who scurried away – this is what a real firework looks like !!!
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Cookie settingsOK!
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.