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Testimonial Autumn Glory 2019

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The group in Luxembourg - a pretty wet tour but a great bunch of guests still made for a fun tour.

The group in Luxembourg – a pretty wet tour but a great bunch of guests still made for a fun trip.

A briefing at Calais

We start with a briefing at Calais

Bye bye Russ - his Ducati has broken down!

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...

Bill’s taking no chances…

We have NEVER before held a briefing indoors!

We have NEVER before held a briefing indoors!

It's raining !

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

Morning coffee stop

John's leading the tour

John’s leading the tour

We ALWAYS regroup before & after any motorway

We ALWAYS regroup before & after any motorway

“Our kit may have been dampened but our spirits were not! We had a great time. See you next year”
Greg (2nd tour) & Rachel (1st tour) Collins, Kawasaki Z1000SX, Surrey
Lunch stop

Lunch stop – it’s stopped raining

A fete is taking place

A fete is taking place

Street artists

Street artists

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“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

Leaving lunch

Dry roads...

Dry roads…

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there were some…

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So how many DIDN'T see the huge wild boar???

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...

Bill, Ron & Gary…

FINALLY they get it!!

FINALLY they get it!!

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

So who can guess the vegetable?

So who can guess the vegetable ?

Gary's played before !!

Gary’s played before !!

Always a morning briefing

Van carries all your luggage

Always a morning brieifing

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

The view at coffee stop

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Not much business today...

Not much business today…

Smells so good !!

Smells so good !!

Wet roads again...

Wet roads again…

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Shame as these are great roads

Shame as these are great roads

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Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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Four missing who gave up at lunchtime & went direct to the hotel !

The hardy ones! Four missing who gave up at lunchtime & went direct to the hotel !

At our hotel it's straight in the pool

At our hotel it’s straight in the pool

The best way to warm up!

The best way to warm up!

Lynne takes a pummelling!

Lynne takes a pummelling!

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Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

Many choose to dine here

Many choose to dine here

Next day - blue skies !

Next day – blue skies !

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Lovely scenery

Lovely scenery

More great roads

More great roads

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Fab open sweepers

Fab open sweepers

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We ride through vineyards

We ride through vineyards

On dry roads !!

On dry roads !!

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Gorgeous scenery

Gorgeous scenery

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Ride alongside the Mosel

Ride alongside the Mosel

Seen at fuel stop

Seen at fuel stop

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Through pretty villages

Through pretty villages

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

Super architecture

Super architecture

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Pavement parking

Pavement parking

Demolition works

Demolition works

John leads on our Street Triple R

John leads on our Street Triple R

Greg & Rachel Kawasaki Z1000SX

Greg & Rachel – Kawasaki Z1000SX

Tony on his BMW R1200RT

Tony on his BMW R1200RT

Gordon & Alison BMW R1250GS

Gordon & Alison – BMW R1250GS

Adam & Clare BMW R1200GS

Adam & Clare – BMW R1200GS

Bill - Yamaha FJR 1300

Bill – Yamaha FJR 1300

Lynne - Triumph Street Twin

Lynne – Triumph Street Twin

Keith - BMW R1250RT

Keith – BMW R1250RT

Stuart - Triumph Tiger 800

Stuart – Triumph Tiger 800

David - Yamaha Tracer 900

David – Yamaha Tracer 900

John - Yamaha Thunderace

John – Yamaha Thunderace

Gary - Triumph Explorer

Gary – Triumph Explorer

Bryn - KTM 1290 Adventure

Bryn – KTM 1290 Adventure

Ron - BMW R1200 GSA

Ron – BMW R1200 GSA

Terry & Fran - Triumph Sprint GT

Terry & Fran – Triumph Sprint GT

Fab DRY roads !!

Fab DRY roads !!

Bryn

Bryn

Lynne

Lynne

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Coffee stop

Coffee stop

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We pass a deer farm

We pass a deer farm

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Approaching our hotel

Approaching our hotel

Jen with Adam & Clare

Jen with Adam & Clare

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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The next day is a day off

The next day is a day off

Explore the old town

Explore the old town

Take a boat trip

Take a boat trip

Visit the castle

Visit the castle

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The van is clamped! (10 euros)

The van is clamped! (10 euros)

We're given a peach tree

We’re given a peach tree

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Ready for the off

Ready for the off – unfortunately Adam & Clare’s BMW broke down later & they had to call breakdown

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Pretty coffee stop

Pretty coffee stop

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Lovely autumn colours

Lovely autumn colours

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Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Leaving lunch

Leaving lunch

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Approaching our final hotel

Approaching our final hotel

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Our final hotel

Our final hotel

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A surprise in store

Another lovely pool

Another lovely pool

A real pummelling !!

A real pummelling !!

Lynne

Lynne

Stuart

Stuart

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

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Keith with Greg & Rachel

John, Tony & David

John, Tony & David

Rachel, Ron & Gary

Rachel, Ron & Gary

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Dinner is included our last night

Dinner is included our last night

John says a few words of thanks...

John says a few words of thanks…

to Terry & Fran our "back-markers"

to Terry & Fran our fab “back-markers”

Fran has a poem for us all

Fran has a poem for us all

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We're presented with ducks!!

We’re presented with ducks!!

Gordon takes a turn

Gordon takes a turn

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Then John shows Gordon...

Then John shows Gordon…

how to waft a towel !!

how to waft a towel !!

Alison's impressed !!

Alison’s impressed !!

The van has two passengers!

The van has two passengers!

Our final morning briefing

Our final morning briefing

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All back to Calais

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 2019

By Uncategorized

Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour   9 – 18 September 2019

The group alongside the Douro River in Portugal. Our inaugural tour provided brilliant roads, lovely scenery, top hotels and great weather - any mishaps were nothing to do with us!!

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

We start with a briefing on the ferry

Lots of posh cars on  board

Lots of posh cars on board – Maseratis

We offload our bike & all luggage goes in the van

We offload our bike & all luggage goes in the van

“Hi John & Jen, we decided the Portugal & Spain Tour would be the perfect way to spend our honeymoon as we wanted to go somewhere on our bikes but we didn’t want the hassle and stress of organising everything. The quality of the roads were unbelievable, from tight twisties to the fastest of open roads. Superb hotels in fantastic locations and we had a fabulous time with some lovely like minded people.”
[since booked 2nd tour to Black Forest in 2020]
Wendy Wakenshaw (now Tyzack) 1st tour, CBR600F & Phil Tyzack, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint, Somerset
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Lambourghinis & ferraris

Andy B goes "back-marker" for motorway

Andy B goes “back-marker” for motorway

“Hi John & Jen, we both thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural (that’s for you John!)  Portugal & Spain Tour with a great bunch of like minded people. Thank you all for your company.  The roads and scenery were stunning with a good mix of twisty and long sweeping roads, traffic free in places making for enjoyable riding.  The hotels we stayed in were excellent, no changes required and we sampled some lovely local tapas and regional food along the way. We do appreciate how much effort you both put into researching all the roads, hotels, petrol & coffee stops and sorting out any problems along the way.  It takes all the stress and worry away from us so that we can just enjoy riding our bike. The luggage van is an added bonus, taking a load of weight off the bikes. Some nice planned surprises along the way too. All in all a great tour, a great addition to your portfolio. Thanks for another memorable holiday. Best regards”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 7th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
We have to ride some motorway

We have to ride some motorway

New van  - new graphics

New van – new graphics

Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

Jackie, Rod, Phil & Wendy

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

Andy W, Gary & Roger

Roy, Andy B, Ian H, alan & Julie

Roy, Andy B, Ian H, Alan & Julie

Eliza, Heather, Jan & Ian

Eliza, Heather, Jan & Ian

Saddos !

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

Dinner is included in a local restaurant

Dinner is tapas...

Loads of Tapas…

and lots of Sangria !

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
With cider poured in the traditional way

And cider poured in the traditional way

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John starts the joke telling

John starts the joke telling

Breakfast area

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

Secure garage parking

Roy struggles with waterproofs!

Roy struggles with waterproofs!

Horses on the Camino de Santiago

Horses on the Camino de Santiago

UNESCO town walls

UNESCO town walls

Lunch is tapas

Lunch is tapas

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By afternoon coffee stop the sun is shining

By afternoon coffee stop the sun is shining

Malcolm & Kari arrive by car

Their Harley had a puncture so Malcolm & Kari arrive by car

Our next hotel

Our next 4* hotel at the end of the Camino de Santiago

A fabulous swimming pool

A fabulous swimming pool

A free night in Santiago de Compostella

A free night in Santiago de Compostella

The stunning Cathedral

The stunning Cathedral

Lit up by night

Lit up by night

Our hotel by night

Our hotel by night

We need a volunteer back-marker

We need a volunteer back-marker

Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

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David rides as "back-marker"

David rides as “back-marker” (thanks Heather)

but has to have a new sticker first!

but has to have a new sticker first!

Picturesque lunch stop

Picturesque lunch stop

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Newlyweds Wendy & Phil

Newlyweds Wendy & Phil

Just what is Phil doing?

Just what is Phil doing?

Jen's in the lead today

Jen’s in the lead today

Iain's also on a Street Triple R

Iain’s also on a Street Triple R

Roger on his V-Strom 650

Roger on his Suzuki V-Strom 650

Phil on his Triumph Sprint 1050

Phil on his Triumph Sprint 1050

Rod & Jackie on their BMW R1200 GSA

Rod & Jackie on their BMW R1200 GSA

Lovely scenery

Lovely scenery

Gorgeous views

Gorgeous views in Portugal

6 nights in Portugal

6 nights in Portugal

The huge pool at our next hotel

The huge pool at our next hotel

Jen with Ian & Heather

Jen with Ian & Heather

Malcolm enjoying a beer!

Malcolm enjoying a beer!

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

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Iain loves this Quinta!

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We've arranged a surprise...

We’ve arranged a surprise…

The group in Portugal with a glass of Matteus Rose!

The group in Portugal with a glass of Mateus Rose!

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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John's up again...

John’s up again…

Rod has something to show us..!

Rod has something to show us..!

The next morning we stop at a huge dam

The next morning we stop at a huge dam

Next morning we stop at a huge dam

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Sea planes arrive collecting water

Sea planes arrive collecting water

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Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

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Brilliant twisty pass

Brilliant twisty pass

You will ride this

You will ride this

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Just voted one of the top 10 roads in Europe by Ford Motor Co.

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Our next hotel for two nights

Our next hotel for two nights

The old capital Guimaraes

In the old capital Guimaraes

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The UNESCO old town

The UNESCO old town

Lots of restaurants to choose from

Lots of restaurants to choose from

Warm enough to dine outside

Warm enough to dine outside

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Next day is a day off...

Next day is a day off…

Many of us take the train to Porto

Many of us take the train to Porto

The "fat controller" collects cash

The “fat controller” collects cash

David catches a few zzz's

David catches a few zzz’s (& he wasn’t alone!)

Andy

Andy

and Phil (thanks Heather!)

and Phil (thanks Heather!)

The station at Porto

The station at Porto

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Great architecture

Great architecture

and a castle

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Local transport

Local transport

We didn't go in here !!

We didn’t go in here !!

We head down to the River Douro

We head down to the River Douro

Such pretty buildings

Such pretty buildings

Lots of tourist boats

Lots of tourist boats

Such colourful buildings

So colourful

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We stop for a drink

We stop for a drink

Lots of buskars

Lots of buskars

Extreme sports

Extreme sports

Lots of market stalls

Interesting market stalls

Take a cable car up

Take a cable car up

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The Cathedral

The Cathedral

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View from the top

View from the top

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Walk across the bridge

For fabulous views of the city

For fabulous views of the city

Take the cable car down - Phil & Wendy

Take the cable car down – Phil & Wendy

Lunch by the river

Lunch by the river

More market stalls

More market stalls

Super Bock bar

Super Bock bar

All the Porto Houses

All the Porto Houses

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Young lads jumping off the bridge!

Young lads jumping off the bridge!

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A selection of Porto!

A selection of Porto!

She was really good

She was really good

Back in Guimaraes

Back in Guimaraes – the birthplace of Portugal

Alan & Julie stay in Guimareas

Alan & Julie stay in Guimareas

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They visit the Palace

They visit the Palace

Thanks Julie

Thanks Julie

Live music tonight

Live music tonight

Lovely backstreet restaurants

Lovely backstreet restaurants

Delicious sardines

Delicious sardines

After dinner drinks

After dinner drinks

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Coffee stop next day

Coffee stop next day

View from the cafe

View from the cafe

Other bikes there

Other bikes there

Julie & Alan

Julie & Alan

We stop for a photo opportunity

We stop for a photo opportunity overlooking the Douro River

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Plenty of space for us to stop

Hundreds of bikes pass by

Hundreds of bikes pass by

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We stop for a surprise lunch...

We stop for a surprise lunch…

A tapas lunch...

A tapas lunch…

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With fab views

With fab views

Then a visit to a Port producer

Then a visit to a Porto producer

We have a guided tour

We have a guided tour

See the labeling

See the bottling

and labelling

and labelling

Huge barrels

Huge barrels

Roger suggests "It really should be positioned here..."

Roy suggests “It really should be positioned here…”

Storage

Storage

Steam train passes by

Steam train passes by

A lovely setting

A lovely setting

Chilled out pooches

Chilled out pooches

Heather has a new friend

Heather has a new friend

We bought some Porto

We bought some Porto

For all to have a taste

For all to have a taste

Cheers!

Cheers!

Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

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Beautiful biker-babes (where's Kari?)

Beautiful biker-babes (but where’s Kari?)

David samples the Porto

David samples the Porto

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David's ticket from Guimareas turns up!

David’s ticket from Guimareas turns up!

Dinner is included again

Dinner is included again

Our hotel in a remote medieval town

Our hotel in a remote medieval town

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Always a morning briefing

Always a morning briefing

John's in the lead today

John’s in the lead today

Impromptu morning coffee stop

Impromptu morning coffee stop

You MUST be happy riding hairpins

You MUST be happy riding hairpins

There are high concentration twisties

There are high concentration twisties

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

We stop at a reservoir

We stop at a reservoir

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Then we stop at the highest point in Portugal

Then we stop at the highest point in Portugal – over there!

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Our next hotel for two nights

Our next hotel for two nights

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Many go for a ride-out

The next day many go for a ride-out

Fab roads

Fab roads

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Ian & Heather, then Andy & Gary

Ian & Heather, then Andy & Gary

Up in the clouds

Up in the clouds

Great sweepers

Great sweepers

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Andy, Gary then Alan & Julie

Andy, Gary then Alan & Julie

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Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada

Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada

Alan & Julie

Alan & Julie

In a remote mountain village!

In a remote mountain village!

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Gary on his Suzuki GSXS1000F

Gary on his Suzuki GSXS1000F

Great roads

Great roads

Gary then Jan & Eliza

Gary then Jan & Eliza

Villages tucked away

Villages tucked away

Twisties & hairpins

Twisties & hairpins

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Andy B on his BMW S1000XR

Andy B on his BMW S1000XR

The prettiest village for lunch

The prettiest village for a stop

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Jan & Eliza came from Hong kong!

Jan & Eliza came from Hong Kong!

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Fuel stop

Fuel stop – cash in the bag!

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Alan & Julie

Alan & Julie

Ian & Heather - Kawasaki ZZR 1400

Ian & Heather – Kawasaki ZZR 1400

Andy B

Andy B

Back at the hotel

Back at the hotel

Andy W & Jen brave the pool

Andy W & Jen brave the pool

Kari enjoying a G&T

Kari enjoying a G&T

Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

Four BN off-road guys arrive!

Four BN off-road guys arrive!

John with Eliza

John with Eliza

Dinner is included both nights here

Dinner is included both nights here

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Another lovely morning

Another lovely morning

Fuel & coffee stop

Fuel & coffee stop

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Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Ian riding solo without Heather

Ian riding solo without Heather

Phil

Phil

Iain

Iain

Roger

Roger

Afternoon coffee...

Afternoon coffee…back in Spain

In wolf country

Wolf country

The setting for our final hotel

The setting for our final hotel

It's frothy man !!!

It’s frothy man !!!

Characters strike the bell

Characters strike the bell

Andy has chips !!

Andy has chips !!

Dinner is included our last night

Dinner is included our last night

More jokes from John

More jokes from John

Andy shows Rod...

Andy shows Rod…

how to waft a towel for Jackie !!

how to waft a towel for Jackie !!

Rod takes a turn

Rod takes a turn

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Phil's up next

Phil’s up next

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Then Malcolm

Then Malcolm

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Kari's up next

Kari’s up next

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Andy again...

Andy again…

Jan tells a story

Jan tells a story

Then we're treated to the Penguin joke

Then we’re treated to the Penguin joke

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!!!

Andy again...

Andy again…

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Guess the vegetable...

Guess the vegetable…

So Wendy's played before !!!

So Wendy’s played before !!!

Hotel has garage parking

Hotel has garage parking

Gary's stopped by the police

Gary’s stopped by the police

At coffee stop we have a whip-round

At coffee stop we have a whip-round

to pay Gary's fine

to pay Gary’s fine

We head into the Pico Mountains

We head into the Picos Mountains

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We stop for a photo opportunity

We stop for a photo opportunity

Wendy on her Honda CBR 600F

Wendy on her Honda CBR 600F

Roy on his Kawasaki Z1000SX

Roy on his Kawasaki Z1000SX

David on his Honda Deauville

David on his Honda Deauville

Andy W on his Piaggio MP3

Andy W on his Piaggio MP3

Fabulous views

Fabulous views

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Andy B

Andy B

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Cute locals

Cute locals

Hello !

Hello !

Pretty lunch stop

Pretty lunch stop

The t-shirt shop is open!

The t-shirt shop is open!

All back to the ferry

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 Italy & Switzerland 2019

By Uncategorized

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

"Probably" the best Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour to date! Another great group, fantastic weather & amazing sights - no apologies for the number of photos which follow...

“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 have a puncture!

Before the tour starts Ros & Andy’s bike has a puncture!

We start with a briefing

We start with a briefing

Then get Andy to a garage!

Then get Andy to a garage for a new tyre!

Ros & Andy rejoin us at coffee stop

Ros & Andy rejoin us at coffee stop

“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great trip, great riding, some fabulous views, hotels were clean, unique and well located and of course your support with the punctured front tyre was very much appreciated, thank you.”
Ros (5th trip) & Andy (6th trip) Moseley, Honda Blackbird, Warwickshire
Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

Dry roads now

Dry roads now

Come on Jackie - jump !!

Come on Jackie – jump !!

This morning we didn't think we'd be in the pool!

This morning we didn’t think we’d be in the pool!

“Hi John & Jen, I would like to say it was an absolute pleasure to meet you both and I had one of the best holidays I’ve ever had – the organisation, the hotels and the routes chosen by yourselves were second to none. What a fantastic mix of excellent and exhilarating riding roads, the sort of thing every motorcyclist strives to find and ride. I also have to say what a fantastic group we had, loads of fun banter and tales tol. It was also a fantastic opportunity to spend an extended period to bond and ride with my father (“Stoner”), although I must admit there were times that I wish I had a leash on him to stop him racing off chasing the locals on their bikes through the countryside and a tracker to find him when he wonders off on one of his “little adventures”!
Rest assured when the opportunity arises I will be booking another trip with yourselves, as I feel the attention to detail and inclusion of everyone on the tour forms a real family atmosphere which I hope has gained me friends that I will see again over the coming months and years. Once again thanks for all you did for dad and myself, it definitely made it a holiday to remember.”
Adrian Stone, 1st tour, KTM 990 Adventure, Cornwall
John & Daryl comparing scars!

John & Daryl comparing scars!

John W joins in

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

Andy D’s in the pool

And so is John

And so is John

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

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“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
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Dinner is included tonight

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

John welcomes everyone to the tour

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Always a morning briefing

Always a morning briefing

Morning coffeee stop

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

En-route to lunch (thanks Jackie)

Jen's in the lead again

Jen’s in the lead again

Back-markers Wayne & Carole

Back-markers Wayne & Carole

Pretty lunch stop

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

Pavement parking at lunch stop

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Mike & Tracey Kawasaki Z1000SX

Mike & Tracey – Kawasaki Z1000SX

“Hi John & Jen, many thanks for another wonderful trip – fantastic group of people that made the tour really enjoyable. Switzerland and the Italian Lakes was stunning and we had great weather. (Cannot believe Tracey did the toboggan – she did scream the whole way down!) Thank you John and Jen for a truly excellent tour.”
Mike Sanders (7th trip) & Tracey Reading (6th trip), Kawasaki Z1000SX, Somerset
More great roads

More great roads

Afternoon stop by the lake

Afternoon stop by the lake

Ice creams all round

Ice creams for Daryl, Steve & David

Son & Dad "Stoner"

Son Adrian & Dad “Stoner”

A beautiful setting

A beautiful setting

Us !

Us !

Ros & Andy

Ros & Andy

Jackie & Jon

Jackie & Jon

Who needs a helping hand!

Who needs a helping hand!

“Great tour, good fun company. Switzerland was amazing, hotels great, best one yet and run faultlessly by John and Jen despite some challenges – marker pointing in the wrong direction!!!! (Won’t mention your name Adrian!!) and a tricky puncture to sort out. Put your feet up you two and have a beer xxxx
Oh there is one complaint – please please please don’t tell the “International Expert on Wasp Noises” joke again !!!!! 😆😆” [Is that because you laugh too much ???? – John]
Jon & Jackie Watson, 3rd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Anyone would think you were on holiday!

Anyone would think you were on holiday!

Relax in the shade

Relax in the shade

View from our next hotel

View from our next hotel

Drinks in the hotel bar

Drinks in the hotel bar

“Hi both, thanks again for another fantastic tour and dont forget if you have rider & pillion space for Portugal tour next year count us in”
Vince & Tracey Farmer, 7th tour, Honda Goldwing, Gloucestershire
Explore the back streets

Explore the back streets

Carole always with her camera

Carole always with her camera

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Hall of mirrors or a true reflection?!

Hall of mirrors or a true reflection?!

Ready for the off

Ready for the off

An atmospheric start

Pretty coffee stop

Pretty coffee stop

Tracey found the cake shop

Tracey found the cake shop

Rees & Audrey with huge cakes

Rees & Audrey with huge cakes

They've finished theirs

They’ve nearly finished theirs

Don't try & hide it David!

Don’t try & hide it David!

Fab scenery

Fab scenery

Wayne & Carole

Wayne & Carole

We're heading up there...

We’re heading up there…

Andy & Ros - Honda Blackbird

Andy & Ros – Honda Blackbird (thanks Jackie)

More hairpins than a 40's hairdo!! You must be able to cope with these!

More hairpins than a 40’s hairdo!! You must be able to cope with these!

Super scenery

Super scenery

Lunch at the top

Lunch at the top

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Guess who!

Guess who!

The group on top of the Petit St Bernard Pass

The group on top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – note Andy D’s new friend!

Jackie & Jon

Jackie & Jon

John's in the lead today

John’s in the lead today

More hairpins on the way down

More hairpins on the way down

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Fuel & motorway instructions

Fuel & motorway instructions

En-route

En-route

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Fuel & re-group at services

Fuel & re-group at services

Well that's what the van said!

Well that’s what the van said!

The pool at our next hotel

The pool at our next hotel for two nights

Jon, Jacke & Jen are straight in

Jon, Jacke & Jen are straight in

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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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

We take a boat trip

Thanks captain!

Thanks captain!

We visit Isola Madre first

We visit Isola Madre first

Coffee or beers?

Coffee or beers?

Explore the back streets

Explore the back streets

Lots of restaurants to choose from

Lots of restaurants to choose from

It has to be pizza!

It has to be pizza!

A cheat photo

A cheat photo of the island

Look what the boys found!!

Look what the boys found!!

They were so amused!!

They were so amused!!

Next we visit Isola Bella

Next we visit Isola Bella

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Time to visit the Palace & gardens

Time to visit the Palace & gardens

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Vince didn't want to get in!

Vince didn’t want to get in!

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A lovely morning

A lovely morning (thanks V&T)

We all take the local ferry

We all take the local ferry

The group on the ferry

The group on the ferry

Chilling

Enjoying the view

Jackie & Jon

Jackie & Jon

Pavement parking at coffee - eventually!!

Pavement parking at coffee – eventually!!

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano

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Andy needs a bump start

Andy D needs a bump start

Others enjoy ice creams

Others enjoy ice creams

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Parking for lunch stop

Parking for lunch stop

Ros & Andy chillin'

Ros & Andy chillin’

Lunch is by Lake Como

Lunch is by beautiful Lake Como

Quaint back streets

Quaint back streets

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Loosening our chain at fuel stop

Loosening our chain at fuel stop

That's what the sign said

That’s what the sign said

Jon uses the air pump to keep cool!

Jon uses the air pump to keep cool!

Approaching St Moritz

Approaching St Moritz

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At our next hotel for two nights

At our next hotel for two nights

Drinks on the terrace

Drinks on the terrace

Another interesting Honda fact!!!

Another interesting Honda fact!!!

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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Boys will be boys !!

Boys will be boys !!

Some had great rooms (thanks V&T)

Some had great rooms (thanks V&T)

The Bernina Express stops at our hotel

The Bernina Express stops at our hotel

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The next morning most walk to the Glacier

The next morning most walk to the Glacier – it’s this way !!!

Daryl's at the 1900 marker

Daryl’s at the 1900 marker

David's at 1940

David’s at 1940

Steve's at 1960

Steve’s at 1960

Adrian's at 1970

Adrian’s at 1970

Amazing view as we approach the Glacier

Amazing view as we approach the Glacier

David

David

But we're brave bikers!!

But we’re brave bikers!!

Mike & Tracey

Mike & Tracey at the 2015 marker

View looking back

View looking back

We climb over rocks

We climb over rocks

And reach the Glacier

And reach the Glacier

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David & Steve

David & Steve

Mike

Mike

Tracey

Tracey

David

David

Adrian

Adrian

Taking selfies

Taking selfies

Brian's made it!

Brian’s made it!

So has Rees

So has Rees

Us !

Us !

Heading back

Heading back

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Rees, Jackie & Jon, Audrey

Rees, Jackie & Jon, Audrey

Andy & Ros with Carole & Wayne

Andy & Ros with Carole & Wayne

Andy at the 2010 marker

Andy at the 2010 marker

Rees & Audrey at 2005

Rees & Audrey at 2005

Rees & David

Rees & David

Andy stops for a drink of iced water

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

Vince set off to Austria

Sunken church at Graun Im Vinschgau

Sunken church at Graun Im Vinschgau

Back at the hotel many then choose to go for a ride-out

Back at the hotel many then choose to go for a ride-out

Adrian on his KTM 990 Adv

Adrian on his KTM 990 Adv

Take the rack railway to the viewing point

Take the rack railway to the viewing point

Steve on his Triumph Street Triple R

Steve on his Triumph Street Triple R

Andy M with Rees

Andy M with Rees

"Stoner" on his KTM 790 Adv S

“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv S

Andy M followed by Rees

Andy M followed by Rees

Rees is in the lead

Rees is in the lead

Fabulous hairpins

Fabulous hairpins

Rees followed by Adrian

Rees followed by Adrian

More hairpins

More hairpins

We stop for refreshments

We stop for refreshments

Coffee & cakes !

Coffee & cakes !

David & Steve

David & Steve

Rees

Rees

Andy M & Andy D

Andy M & Andy D

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Jon & Jackie ride as back-markers

Jon & Jackie ride as back-markers (thanks Jackie)

Andy D in the lead

Andy D in the lead

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Daryl

Daryl

So who didn't see the speed cameras???

So who didn’t see the speed cameras???

Tunnels

Tunnels

Start of the Stelvio - 48 hairpins !!!

Start of the Stelvio Pass – 48 hairpins !!!

Brian on his Suzuki GSF 650

Brian on his Suzuki GSF 650

Orange boxes David - not blue !!!

Orange boxes David – not blue !!!

We passed Stoner taking photos

We passed Stoner taking photos

Then he flies past us !!

Then he flies past us !!

Just a few bends !!

Just a few bends !!

Us - thanks Adrain

Us – thanks Adrain

Us again - thanks Adrain

Us again – thanks Adrain

Andy D heading up

Andy D heading up on his VFR 800

Andy M on his Blackbird

Andy M on his Blackbird

Jon & Jackie on their BMW K1300S

Jon & Jackie on their BMW K1300S

Stoner gets a lift up to place our sticker !!

Stoner gets a lift up to place our sticker !!

Those who made it to the top !

Those who made it to the top !

David has a new Bernese - "Stelvie"

David has a new Bernese – “Stelvie”

Jen has a Marmot for Otto

Jen has a Marmot for Otto

Heading down

Rees followed by Steve

The view going down

The view going down

David on his KTM Superduke 1290 GT

David on his KTM Superduke 1290 GT

David followed by Daryl

David followed by Daryl

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Andy D riding in the train lines !!

Andy D riding in the train lines !!

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Fab roads

Fab roads

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Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included again tonight

Dinner is included again tonight

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Not that joke again !!!

Not that joke again !!!

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Morning briefing

Morning briefing

Leaving St Moritz

Leaving St Moritz

Brilliant roads

Brilliant roads

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Lovely

So pretty

So pretty

Adrian has a problem

Adrian has a problem

Coffee and a surprise...

Coffee and a surprise…

Mike has a new toy...

Mike has a new toy…

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Take the ski-lift up…

Most take the ski lift up then the toboggan down

The brave ones – then take the toboggan down

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The long way down...

The long way down…

John goes first

John goes first

Daryl goes next

Daryl goes next

Mike & Tracey - she screamed all the way!

Mike & Tracey – she screamed all the way!

Wayne & Carole

Wayne & Carole

David's next

David’s next

Then Adrian

Then Adrian

Followed by Stoner his Dad

Followed by Stoner his Dad

Steve's turn

Steve’s turn

Jon & Jackie

Jon & Jackie

Ros is going down alone

Ros is going down alone

Followed by hubby Andy

Followed by hubby Andy

It's Vince next

It’s Vince next

Then Brian

Then Brian

Andy D folloed by Jen

Andy D followed by Jen

Here's Mike & Tracey

Here’s Mike & Tracey – a fab ride!

Wayne & Carole loved it

Wayne & Carole loved it

David

David

Adrian

Adrian

Stoner

Stoner

Steve

Steve

Jon & Jackie

Jon & Jackie

Ros

Ros

Andy

Andy

Vince

Vince

Brian

Brian

Andy

Andy

And finally, Jen

And finally, Jen

Lunch on the Oberalp Pass

Lunch on the Oberalp Pass

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We stop on the Susten Pass

We stop on the Susten Pass

Fab photo opportunity

Fab photo opportunity

Wayne & Carole arrive

Wayne & Carole arrive

All the bikes

All the bikes

Huge glacier at the top

Huge glacier at the top

Any chance of a groip photo ??? (thanks Jackie)

Any chance of a group photo ??? (thanks Jackie)

The group in the Susten Pass

The group in the Susten Pass

Lots of bikes out today

Lots of bikes out today

Wayne & Carole

Wayne & Carole (thanks Jackie)

Fab rolling clouds (thanks Jackie)

Fab rolling clouds (thanks Jackie)

Our next hotel for 3 nights

Our next hotel for 3 nights

Drinks on the terrace

Drinks on the terrace

How many for fish???

How many for fish???

Great food

Great food

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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John explains the options for the next days

John explains the options for the next days

A beautiful morning

A beautiful morning

Enjoy coffee on the terrace

Enjoy coffee on the terrace

Chicken in a basket !

Chicken in a basket !

Parking for our bikes

Parking for our bikes

Most of us go for a ride-out

Most of us go for a ride-out

Vince & Tracey with Daryl

Vince & Tracey with Daryl

More fabulous roads

More fabulous roads

We head up the Grimsel Pass

We head up the Grimsel Pass

Adrian & Daryl

Adrian & Daryl

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Huge dam

And another

And another

More twisties

More twisties

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Stoner & Adrian

Stoner & Adrian

And again

And again

Thousands of cyclists

Thousands of cyclists

A welcome at the top

A welcome at the top

The group on the Grimsel Pass (only Mike & Tracey missing)

The group on the Grimsel Pass (only Mike & Tracey stayed to have a day round the lake)

Marmots at the top

Marmots at the top

So cute!

So cute!

Coffee stop in the sunshine

Coffee stop in the sun – prev years we’ve had snow!!

Rees & Audrey

Rees & Audrey

A brilliant Pass

A brilliant Pass

The Furka Pass in the distance

The Furka Pass in the distance

Jen's view as pillion today

Jen’s view as pillion today

So many hairpins

So many hairpins

David & Steve

David & Steve

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Steve, Daryl & Andy

Steve, Daryl & Andy

Andy then Vince & Tracey

Andy then Vince & Tracey

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Andy, Vince & Tracey again

Andy, Vince & Tracey again

and again...

and again…

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Amazing view at the top of the Nufenen Pass

Amazing view at the top of the Nufenen Pass

We stop for a photo opportunity

We stop for a photo opportunity

Stoner, Adrian & John

Stoner, Adrian & John

Race the cyclists downhill!

Race the cyclists downhill!

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Lunch stop

Lunch stop

A cobbled pass

A cobbled pass

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Yes, we're riding up there

Yes, we’re riding up there

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Daryl - KTM 1290 Super Adv

Daryl – KTM 1290 Super Adv

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Daryl again

Daryl again

Daryl again

And again…

Fab views

Fab views

Another cobbled pass

Another cobbled pass

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Heading up the Furka Pass

Heading up the Furka Pass

We stop for another photo opportunity

We stop for another photo opportunity

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Us

Us

The group on the Furka Pass (thanks again Jackie!)

The group on the Furka Pass (thanks again Jackie!)

The best pic of the tour !!!

The best pic of the tour !!!

The proper view !

The proper view !

Down the Furka & up the Grimsel

Down the Furka & up the Grimsel

Steve on his Street Triple R

Steve on his Street Triple R

Yes, up there as well

Yes, up there as well

Brilliant empty roads

Brilliant empty roads

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Andy, Adrian & Stoner

Andy, Adrian & Stoner

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Daryl & Andy

Daryl & Andy

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Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing

Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing

Drinks when we get back

Drinks when we get back

A free night, we head into town

A free night, we head into town

Rees has a work-out !

Rees has a work-out !

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Local wood carvings

Another beautiful morning

Another beautiful morning

Adjusting Brian's chain

Adjusting Brian’s Suzuki’s chain

Jen rides, John's pillion

Jen rides, John’s pillion

We ride past Interlaken

We ride past Interlaken

Lovely houses

Lovely houses

Pretty villages

Pretty villages

We visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls

We visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls

Coffee...

Coffee…

& cakes - Audrey has a meringue!

& cakes – Audrey has a meringue!

Those who visited the Waterfalls

Those who visited the Waterfalls

Take the lift up inside the mountain

Take the lift up inside the mountain

Amazing force of the falls

Amazing force of the falls

The photos don't do this justice

The photos don’t do this justice

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John & Jackie getting sprayed

Jon & Jackie getting sprayed

Mike & Tracey

Mike & Tracey half way down

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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!!

Brian that’s a rucksack not a parachute!!

First up Jon, Jackie, Jen & John

First up Jon, Jackie, Jen & John

Jackie & Jon

Jackie & Jon

Jen & John

Jen & John

Pilot points out the mountains

Pilot points out the mountains

Wow !

Wow !

The North face of the Eiger

The North face of the Eiger

Wow !

Wow !

How many Wow's !!!

How many Wow’s !!!

Amazing glacier

Amazing glacier

Top of the Jungfrau

Top of the Jungfrau

Our route (thanks Rees)

Our route (thanks Rees)

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Coming into land

Coming in to land

David, Brian, Rees & Audrey go next

David, Brian, Rees & Audrey go next

Away they go

Away they go

David's up front

David’s up front

Rees, Audrey & Brian

Rees, Audrey & Brian

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Back on dry land

Back on dry land

We set off for lunch

We set off for lunch

Brian maks the junction

Brian’s in the lead

Rees & Audrey

Rees & Audrey

Fab views of the Eiger

Fab views of the Eiger

Grindelwald for lunch

Grindelwald for lunch

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The mountains in detail

The mountains in detail

Riding back to our hotel

Riding back to our hotel

Andy flummoxed? Never!!

Andy flummoxed? Never!! (thanks David!)

Drinks when we get back

Drinks when we get back

Stoner's been missing for hours!!

Stoner’s been missing for hours!!

but at least his washing's dry!!

but at least his washing’s dry!!

Daryl's getting ready to go out

Daryl’s getting ready to go out

Jackie & John dine at the hotel

Jackie & Jon dine at the hotel

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A beautiful sunset over the lake

A beautiful sunset over the lake

We find a restaurant with live music

We find a restaurant with live music

Reserved tables for breakfast

Reserved tables for breakfast

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So cute!

So cute!

Sadly we have to leave

Sadly we have to leave

Another lovely morning

Another lovely morning

Coffee stop

Coffee stop

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Lunch is still in Switzerland

Lunch is still in Switzerland

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Such pretty scenery

Such pretty scenery

Fab views of the Needle & Mont Blanc

Fab views of the Needle & Mont Blanc

Afternoon coffee at Chamonix

Afternoon coffee at Chamonix

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L'aiguille (needle)

L’aiguille (needle)

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc

John's in the lead - we ALWAYS re-group before & after any motorway

John’s in the lead – we ALWAYS re-group before & after any motorway

Beers at our next hotel

Beers at our next hotel

3 wise monkeys - Stoner just gets it!!

3 wise monkeys – Stoner just gets it!!

A free night

A free night

It's Ros's birthday!

It’s Ros’s birthday!

The hotel wanted a photo of the bikes

The hotel wanted a photo of the bikes

The region is known for its' chicken!

The region is known for its’ chicken!

Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

It's Jackie's birthday!

It’s Jackie’s birthday!

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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Approaching our final hotel

Approaching our final hotel

Across the Loire

Across the Loire

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before (after) dinner (thanks Vince)

Dinner is included our last night

Dinner is included our last night

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Huge thanks to Wayne & Carole

Huge thanks to Wayne & Carole

More bad jokes...

More bad jokes…

Stoner says a few words of thanks to us

Stoner says a few words of thanks to us

John presents some awards...

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!

To Steve for crossing the most white lines!

David the biggest "Faffer"!! (Andy a close 2nd!)

David the biggest “Faffer”!! (Andy a close 2nd!)

More jokes - David

More jokes – David

Steve

Steve

Wayne has a few to tell

Wayne has a few to tell

And that's it...

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 2019

By Uncategorized

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour   7 – 12 August 2019

The group ready to embark for the Rhine in Flames - another fantastic tour with a great bunch of people.

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

We always start with a briefing

Peter on his FJR 1300

Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300

Phil & Veronica - Tracer 900

Phil & Veronica – Yamaha Tracer 900

We meet more at Eurotunnel

We meet more at Eurotunnel

Ready for the off

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

Morning coffee stop

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We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway

We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway

“Hi Jen & John, thank you for another great tour, loved the  roads, food, wine and company! Hopefully see you soon”
Gavin & Josie Allen, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Cornwall
Colin needed fuel from the van!

Colin needed fuel from the van!

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

Good roads

Good roads

Ride the starting grid

Ride the starting grid

Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

Kevin & Sue - Moto Guzzi Norge

Kevin & Sue – Moto Guzzi Norge

Sally on her Fazer 600

Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600

Paul & Gill ride as back-markers

Paul & Gill ride as back-markers

“Hi both, firstly thanks for a great tour, both Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the company; it was a great group.  We’re having dinner with Clare and Adrian tomorrow to report back on our experience so watch this space for potential future bookings :-)”

Peter Wright, 10th trip, FJR 1300 and Sally Hurman, 9th trip, Fazer 600, Leicestershire
Really ?!

Really ?!

Lovely scenery

Lovely scenery

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Our first hotel

Our first hotel

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Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

“Hi both, Tracey & I absolutely loved the Rhine trip. It’s my second outing with you, & Tracey’s first. It’s the first tour on the KTM 1190 and we’re both so glad we went. A great trip, a great atmosphere, a really lovely crowd, superb roads, scenery and great little towns you picked for lunch stops. We will do another sometime.
Your complete organisation and route planning make the days go so smoothly and takes away all the stress. You put me in lemming mode! That’s exactly what I need to relax…Thanks to you both, and thanks to the rest of the tourers that made it a really good experience. (apart from the 150 Euro fine…. & dropping my driving glasses whilst riding….) See you both in 2020. 😊
 Mark (2nd tour) & Tracey (1st tour) Hornett, KTM 1190 Adventure, Warwickshire
Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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It's Peter's 10th trip !

It’s Peter’s 10th trip !

More bad jokes !

The start of the bad jokes !

John saw the next day

John spotted the next day

“Hi guys, thanks for a fab trip, I will definitely be back”
Ali Beresford, 1st tour, Triumph Street Triple 765R, Somerset
Lunch stop

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

Local attractions

More good roads

More good roads

Beers at Boppard while we wait...

Beers at Boppard while we wait…

For the van to arrive...

For the van to arrive…

Having rounded up Ian & Karin !!

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

Our view across the Rhine – we take the ferry on a ride-out tomorrow

Honestly - use your eyes - don't phone each other !!!

“Where are you?”  Use your eyes – don’t phone each other !!! Honestly, this happened!

A day off - we all take the train to Rudesheim

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

Then the passenger ferry across the Rhine

Approaching Rudesheim

Approaching Rudesheim

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Time to explore the town

Time to explore the town

Many of us sample a Rudesheimer Caffee

Many of us sample a Rudesheimer Caffee

Ian's having ice cream

Ian’s having ice cream

While Gavin & Josie...

While Gavin & Josie…

Elaine & Sheldon...

Elaine & Sheldon…

have huge fruit waffles

have huge fruit waffles!

Wander into the back streets

Wander into the back streets

Take the cable car for fab views

Take the cable car for fab views

We spot Paul & Sue coming down

We spot Paul & Sue coming down

And Veronica & Phil

And Veronica & Phil

Great views at the top

Great views at the top

The Neiderwalddenkmal

The Neiderwalddenkmal

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Yeah, right !!

Yeah, right !!

Jane & Kevin going down

Jane & Kevin going down

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Quaint streets

Quaint streets

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Hear the bells ringing

Hear the bells ringing

We take the paddlesteamer back

We take the paddlesteamer back

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See the castles en-route

See the castles en-route

Wine anyone?

Nothing to do but relax with a drink

Gavin

Gavin

What has Jane spotted?

What has Jane spotted?

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More castles

More castles

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We approach the Loreley Rock

We approach the Loreley Rock

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The famous mermaid

The famous mermaid

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That evening the heavens open

That evening the heavens open

Elaine & Sheldon take cover

Elaine & Sheldon take cover

Nigel is loving it !!

Nigel is loving it !!

It absolutely chucks it down!!

It absolutely chucks it down!!

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The next day, glorious sunshine

The next day, glorious sunshine

Boppard centre

Boppard centre

We all have rooms with balconies

We all have rooms with balconies

Bike parking on the pavement

Bike parking on the pavement

We meet for a ride-out

We meet for a ride-out

So what size tyres Mark ?

So what size tyres Mark ? (from day before)

John's in the lead

John’s in the lead

Kevin (& Jane) on Honda VFR1200

Kevin (& Jane) on Honda VFR1200

All aboard

All aboard

Paul (& Sue) on BMW R1200GS

Paul (& Sue) on BMW R1200GS

Ali on her Street Triple 765 R

Ali on her Street Triple 765 R

Pretty villages

Pretty villages

Ian & Karin on BMW R1200 RT

Ian & Karin on BMW R1200 RT

Lovely scenery

Impressive buildings

It's Reece - Tiger 800

It’s Reece – Tiger 800

But did you spot the other tigers???

But did you spot the other tigers???

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Here come the boys - and girls!

Here come the boys – and girls!

Nigel followed by Ali

Nigel followed by Ali

A mixture of sweepers...

A mixture of sweepers…

Nigel on his BMW R1000RR

Nigel on his BMW S1000RR

Followed by twisties

Followed by twisties

Ian & Jen - Moto Guzzi California

Ian & Jen – Moto Guzzi California

Ian & Jen again

Ian & Jen again

More twisties

More twisties

A pillion's view

A pillion’s view

Mark & Tracey - KTM 1290 Adv

Mark & Tracey – KTM 1190 Adv

Gavin & Josie mark the junction

Gavin & Josie mark the junction

Sheldon & Elaine - Kawasaki GTR1400

Sheldon & Elaine – Kawasaki GTR1400

You won't run out of fuel!

You won’t run out of fuel!

Ian & Karin, Reece then Nigel

Ian & Karin, Reece then Nigel

Reece again

Reece again

Reece followed by Ali

Reece followed by Ali

Nigel followed by Ali

Nigel followed by Ali

Ali then Kevin & Jane

Ali then Kevin & Jane

Mark & Tracey lead the pack

Mark & Tracey lead the pack

At the Drachenfells

At the Drachenfells

We take the rack-railway

We take the rack-railway

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For views of the volcanoes

For views of the volcanoes

And fab views of the Rhine

And fab views of the Rhine

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Nigel & Ali

Nigel & Ali

Time for lunch at the top

Time for lunch at the top

The super six

The super six

Gavin & Josie - Tiger Explorer

Gavin & Josie – Tiger Explorer

Sheldon & Elaine

Sheldon & Elaine

and again !

the brothers riding together

Mark & Tracey, then Ali

Mark & Tracey, then Ali

Colin on his Kawasaki Z750

Colin on his Kawasaki Z750

Ian & Karin

Ian & Karin

Kevin & Jane

Kevin & Jane

Colin again

Colin again

and again!

and again!

Waiting for the ferry back

Waiting for the ferry back

Josie's bum needs a massage!!

Josie’s bum needs a massage!!

Jane was happy to oblige!

Jane was happy to oblige!

Back to Bpooard

Back to Boppard

Phil (& Veronica) - Tracer 900

Phil (& Veronica) – Tracer 900

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Drinks before the main event

Drinks before the main event

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All aboard for a great night of dinner, fireworks & dancing!

All aboard for a great night of dinner, fireworks & dancing!

Fortunately John has our tickets!

Fortunately John has our tickets!

We start with dinner

We start with dinner

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The boats start circulating

The boats start circulating

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Jen teaches the girls the Slosh

Jen teaches the girls the Slosh

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Kevin & Sue are up

Kevin & Sue are up

And Phil & Veronica

And Phil & Veronica

Jane's got it !!

Jane’s got it !!

No - that way !!

No – that way !!

Karin's got it now !

Karin’s got it now !

While the rest are just amused!

While the rest are just amused!

The paddle steamer

The paddle steamer

All start heading to Koblenz

All start heading to Koblenz

Paul & Sue

Paul & Sue

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Cheers !!

Cheers !!

We're all up on deck

We’re all up on deck

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Each vilage sets off its fireworks

Each vilage sets off its fireworks

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Riverbanks lit up in red

Riverbanks lit up in red

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Koblenz Castle

Koblenz Castle

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The boats all congregate in front of the castle

The boats all congregate in front of the castle

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We're ideally placed for the main display

We’re ideally placed for the main display

Lights out & the show starts

Lights out & the show starts

Wow !

Wow !

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Fab

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Many different themes

Many different themes

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The end !

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

Nigel & Ali

Mark & Tracey

Mark & Tracey

Jen & Peter had a dance

Jen & Peter had a dance

Then all up again

Then all up again

Paul & Gill are up

Paul & Gill are up

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All link arms

All link arms

On your feet!

On your feet!

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Jane - how cute!

Jane – how cute!

Kevin (but not Jane's Kev)

Kevin (but not Jane’s Kev)

Gill

Gill

Paul

Paul

Phil

Phil

Veronica

Veronica

Sally

Sally

Peter

Peter

Colin

Colin

Jen (the other one!)

Jen (the other one!)

Reece is in trouble!

Reece is in trouble!

Paul & Sue

Paul & Sue – cool man!

Ian & Karin

Ian & Karin

Mark & Tracey

Mark & Tracey

Josie & Gavin (never!)

Josie & Gavin (never!)

Ian

Ian

Final few dances

Final few dances

And it's all over

And it’s all over

The entertainment!

The entertainment!

What a good night!

What a good night!

Another gorgeous morning

Another gorgeous morning

Our morning chat

Our morning chat

Jane rides pillion on our Street!

Jane rides pillion on our Street!

To fuel where Phil has a puncture

To fuel where Phil has a puncture

Quickly mended

Quickly mended (thanks Mark)

Phil has the evidence

Phil has the evidence

Lunch stop at Cochem

Lunch stop at Cochem

Time to explore the old town

Time to explore the old town

Oh no! Everyone pulled in by the police for speeding

Oh no! Everyone pulled in by the police for speeding

Not everyone was fined though

Not everyone was fined though

John wants a photo...

John wants a photo…

The guilty ones - even Sally - to her absolute horror!

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!!

Sheldon sees a cop taking pics as well!!

Cheek!

What a cheek!

At our final hotel

At our final hotel

John, Karin (& Jen) enjoy a swim

John, Karin (& Jen) enjoy a swim

Drinks in a local bar

Drinks in a local bar

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We stroll into town

We stroll into town

So picturesque

So picturesque

The group in Monschau

The group in Monschau

This way!

This way!

Dinner in a traditional restaurant

Dinner in a traditional restaurant

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Just what is Josie up to?

Just what is Josie up to?

And John for that matter!!

And John for that matter!!

A few words of thanks...

A few words of thanks…

To Paul & Gill as backmarkers

To Paul & Gill as backmarkers

We need some volunteers...

We need some volunteers…

Paul & Gill go first

Paul & Gill go first

For a game of Mr & Mrs

For a game of Mr & Mrs

Need a decision...

Need a decision…

A match!

A match!

Mark & Tracey go next

Mark & Tracey go next

...

No match

No match

A match!

A match!

Then it's Ian & Karin

Then it’s Ian & Karin

A match

A match

Another match

Another match

and another !

and another !

The winners - Ian & Karin!

The winners – Ian & Karin!

Sue sets a few quiz questions

Sue sets a few quiz questions

Which she didn't know the answers to!!

Which she didn’t know the answers to!!

Ans then a little ditty...

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

Coffee stop the next day

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With a lunch stop followed by motorway we en the tour back at Eurotunnel

With a lunch stop followed by motorway we end the tour back at Eurotunnel

Bye Bye Bike Normandy Van - hello new Trafic

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 in reverse 2019

By Uncategorized

Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes (in reverse) 21 – 29 July 2019

The group in the Volcanoes: a tour with temperatures ranging from a shivvering 8.5 to a sweltering 42 degrees yet we all had a great time.

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

We start with a briefing at Ouistreham

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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

First coffee stop

John's in the lead today

John’s in the lead today

You won't run out of fuel

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 stop

Leaving lunch

Afternoon coffee break

Afternoon coffee break

The Scottish contingent !

The new Scottish contingent !

Lovely scenery

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 !

It’s Maurice !

17.40 & still 29 degrees

17.40 & still 29 degrees

Bikes parked opposite our first hotel

Bikes parked opposite our first hotel

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

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Ken heads to the bar…

Erm - what drink would you like Sue ??!!

Erm – what drink would you like Sue ??!!

Nigel & Mandy

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,”
Nigel & Mandy Ford, 3rd tour, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, County Londonderry
Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

Ken's done 20 trips !!

Wow! Ken’s done 20 trips !!

And another thing...

And another thing…

Sue belatedly gets her "10 Times" T-shirt - but she's actually done 16 trips!

Sue belatedly gets her “10 Times” T-shirt – but she’s actually done 16 trips!

Coffee after dinner

Coffee after dinner

Sue & Ken

Sue & Ken

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“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

Always a morning briefing

Ready for the off

Ready for the off

Ken & Sue are our "back-markers"

Ken & Sue are our “back-markers”

How cute !  Mandy & Sue

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

Morning coffee stop

Gorgeous flower displays

Gorgeous flower displays

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

It's getting warmer...

It’s getting warmer…

Ice creams all round

Ice creams all round

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“Good tour. Thank you very much. I will be back.”
Stephen Wood, 1st tour, Honda Africa Twin, Gloucestershire
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We ride into the volcanoes

We ride into the volcanoes

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The fabulous Chateau de Murol

The fabulous Chateau de Murol

Lovely lakes

Lovely lakes

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Volcanoes everywhere

A band is playing near our hotel

A band is playing near our hotel

Dancing in the street

Dancing in the street

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Drinks in a local  bar

Drinks in a local bar

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Pete thought the breadsticks were chopsticks!!

Pete thought the breadsticks were chopsticks!!

Our hotel by night

Our hotel by night

On the Puy Mary (thanks John S)

On the Puy Mary (thanks John S)

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Lunch on the top

Lunch on the top

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Blueberry tart !

Blueberry tart !

Eddie taking photos

Eddie taking photos

Jen leads on our Street Triple R

Jen leads on our Street Triple R

Then Pete on his Aprilia Tuono

Then Pete on his Aprilia Tuono V4

Leonor on her Kawasaki Z300

Leonor on her Kawasaki Z300

Adrian & Carole

Adrian & Carole on their Tiger 1200

Fab twisties on the way down

Fab twisties on the way down

Paul & Becky

Paul & Becky on their BMW R1250 RT

Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

Water refills

Water refills

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It's only 39 degrees !!

It’s only 39 degrees !!

We cross the River Dordogne

We cross the River Dordogne

Our bke is overheating!!

Our bke is overheating!!

It's now 40 degrees !!

It’s now 40 degrees !!

We arrive at Rocamadour

We arrive at Rocamadour

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Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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Becky has a fan !

Becky has a fan !

John shows Nigel how to waft a towel

John shows Nigel how to waft a towel

Mandy & Nigel

Mandy & Nigel

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!

Rocamadour by night

Rocamadour by night

Next morning - a hot air balloon

Next morning – a hot air balloon

Fab!

Fab!

An early start to avoid the heat!

An early start to avoid the heat!

Pete's Aprilia breaks down

Pete’s Aprilia breaks down

Our Street goes n the van

Our Street has to go in the van

John & Sue ride Ken's V-Strom

John & Sue ride Ken’s V-Strom

Everyone takes their luggage

Everyone takes their luggage

Simon rides as Back-marker

Simon rides as Back-marker

Our Street has a broken compression valve

Problem fixed – our Street had a broken radiator cap

After a long, hot day, beers all round

After a long, hot day, beers all round

A very welcome drink!

A very welcome drink!

Many of us dine in the same restaurant

Many of us dine in the same restaurant

A day off - some go for a ride

A day off – some go for a ride

Chris on his Triumph Explorer

Stephen on his Africa Twin

Chris again

Stephen again

It's Simon !

It’s Simon !

Grant on his Triumph Explorer

Grant on his Triumph Explorer

Mo markes the junction

Mo & Leo mark the junction

Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada

Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada

Pretty lunch stop

Pretty lunch stop

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A huge market in the square

A huge market in the square

The Mairie

The Mairie

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Our Street Triple is now working fine…

A pillion's view

A pillion’s view

Mo's in the lead

Mo’s in the lead

Mo & Leo on his BMW R1200 GSA

Mo & Leo on his BMW R1200 GSA

Mo & Leo again

Mo & Leo again

On the Col d'Aspin

On the Col d’Aspin

Friendly locals !

Friendly locals !

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Ken & Sue on V-Strom 1000 (thanks Simon)

Ken & Sue on V-Strom 1000 (thanks Simon)

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Chris in front

Chris in front on his Explorer

Great scenery

Great scenery

Chris followed by Alan & Julie

Chris followed by Alan & Julie

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Tunnels

Tunnels

Amazing views

Amazing views

Alan & Julie

Alan & Julie

Mo & Leo on the Col de Tourmalet

Mo & Leo on the Col de Tourmalet

Stunning view

Stunning view

Those who came on the ride-out

Those who came on the ride-out

Our sticker's there !

Our sticker’s there !

Jen taking photos

Jen taking photos

Steve on his Africa Twin

Stephen on his Africa Twin

Hairpins on the way down

Hairpins on the way down

Chris

Chris

Our new logo !

Our new logo !

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More tunnels

More tunnels

Under nets

Under nets

At Lourdes the nightly procession

At Lourdes the nightly procession

You can join the procession

You can join the procession

In front of the Cathedral

In front of the Cathedral

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Dressed for the wet !

The next day, dressed for the wet! (thanks John S)

Ride past the dam

Ride past the dam

Into the Pyrenees

Into the Pyrenees

Adrian & Carole

Adrian & Carole (thanks Simon)

John S on his Honda VFR 800 (thanks Simon)

John S on his Honda VFR 800 (thanks Simon)

Lunch in the Pyrenees

Lunch in the Pyrenees

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Now in Spain

Tapas anyone ?

Tapas anyone ?

Ride alongside the stunning lake

Ride alongside the stunning lake

Hola !!!

Hola !!!

Hola !

Hola !

At our hotel take the lift...

At our hotel take the lift…

Down to the car park

Down to the car park

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A free night in Logrono

A free night in Logrono

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We start in one tapas bar

We start in one tapas bar

We head into the back streets

We head into the back streets

More tapas & rioja

More tapas & rioja

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The square at night

The square at night

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Boys will be boys!

Boys will be boys!

For those who didn't venture past the hotel !!

For those who didn’t venture past the hotel !!

John followed by Nigel

John S followed by Nigel

Morning chat - motorway instructions

Morning chat – motorway instructions

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A very wet morning

A very wet morning

Down to 8.5 degrees !

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& Jen's in the lead

& Jen’s in the lead

Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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In the Picos, there is a view here !!

Becky in the Picos, there is a view here !!

Mid afternoon & only 8.5 degrees !

Mid afternoon & only 8.5 degrees !

Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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We regroup after some twisties

We regroup after some misty twisties

Our hotel is just round the corner

Our hotel is just round the corner

Lovely scenery

Lovely scenery

Parking by the hotel

Parking by the hotel

The fab view from our hotel

The fab view from our hotel

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

Eddie

Eddie

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It's Mo's birthday !

It’s Mo’s birthday !

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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Breakfast

Breakfast

A gorgeous morning

A gorgeous morning

Mo's ready for a ride-out

Mo’s ready for a ride-out

Jen rides pillion (thanks John)

Jen rides pillion (thanks John S)

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Fab roads

Fab roads

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Paul & Pauline on BMW R1200RS

Paul & Pauline on BMW R1200RS

Bungee jumping!

Bungee jumping!

Nigel & Mandy on thir V-Strom 1000

Nigel & Mandy on their V-Strom 1000

Paul & Pauline

Paul & Pauline

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Cangas for lunch

Cangas for lunch

Another market by the church

Another market by the church

Simon enjoys an ice cream

Simon enjoys an ice cream

Then we pass him on the way back

Then we pass him on the way back

Adrian & Carole again

Adrian & Carole again

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Brilliant roads

Brilliant roads

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Ken & Sue enjoyed a day off

Ken & Sue enjoyed a day off (thanks Ken)

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Now that's a Gin & Tonic !

Now that’s a Gin & Tonic !

All enjoying drinks in the sun

All enjoying drinks in the sun

Ken & Sue, Jen & John

Ken & Sue, Jen & John

John thanks everyone for a great tour

John thanks everyone for a great tour

Especially Ken as "Back-marker"

Especially Ken as “Back-marker”

Who kicks off the jokes...

Who kicks off the jokes…

Dinner is included our last night

Dinner is included our last night

John S takes a turn

John S takes a turn

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Paul's up next

Paul’s up next

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Nigel's next

Then Nigel

Steve has a few to tell

Stephen has a few to tell

Mandy takes a turn

Mandy takes a turn

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And Sue

And Sue

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!

There's no stopping Mandy

There’s no stopping Mandy

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Or Steve

Or Stephen

John's up next

John’s up next

Oh Oh...

Oh Oh…

We're treated to the Penguin joke!

We’re treated to the Penguin joke!

Even our waiter takes a turn

Even our waiter takes a turn

Another beautiful morning

Another beautiful morning

The t-shirt shop is open !

The t-shirt shop is open !

Final morning briefing

Final morning briefing

Heading into the mountains

Heading into the mountains

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Fantastic roads

Fantastic roads

But watch out for locals!

But watch out for locals!

Glorious scenery

Glorious scenery

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We take the cable car...

We take the cable car…

Steve at the top

Stephen at the top

Stunning views

Stunning views

Steve & John S brave the viewing platform

Stephen & John S brave the viewing platform

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How many dare...

How many dare…

Mandy & Nigel

Mandy & Nigel

Alan & Julie

Alan & Julie

Mo has some special shots

Mo has some special shots

And that's it, everyone back to the ferry

And that’s it, everyone back to the ferry

New recruits at the bar

New recruits at the bar

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After the roughest crossing ever...

Calm after the roughest crossing ever…

Mo & friend!

Mo & friend!

Becky needs a sweatshirt

Becky needs a sweatshirt

Thanks Steve

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 Tour July 2019

By Uncategorized

Testimonial 5×4 (5 Nights in 4 Countries) Tour   5 – 10 July 2019

The group in Luxembourg - fantastic roads, great weather and a really sociable crowd made for a great tour.

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 !!!

Keith’s new bike !!!

We meet Craig at the Tunnel & start with a briefing

We meet Craig at the Tunnel & start with a briefing

Pavement parking at coffee stop

Pavement parking at coffee stop

Because there's a market in the square

Because there’s a market in the square

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Chris is back-marker BMW R1200GS

Chris is back-marker on his BMW R1200GS

We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway

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

Proper bike parking at lunch stop

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A beach & pool in the square

A beach & pool in the square

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“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

Afternoon coffee stop

But where's Andy been ??

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

At our hotel, drinks before dinner

Paul, his Dad Andy M, Chris (Harvey) and John all have their own tour t-shirts !!

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 !

Cheers !

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

A few words of thanks to Andy B...

A few words of thanks to Andy B…

who's done 20 trips !!

who’s done 20 trips !!

And Allan - who's done 21!!!

and Allan – who’s done 21!!!

Secure parking in the courtyard

Secure parking in the courtyard

Always a morning briefing

Always a morning briefing

Jen's in the lead today

Jen’s in the lead today

Andy M on his Honda Blackbird

Andy M on his Honda Blackbird

Super scenery

Super scenery

We stop for a photo opportunity & coffee in the Ardennes

We stop for a photo opportunity & coffee in the Ardennes

Plenty of parking spaces

Plenty of parking spaces

What a great view

What a great view

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In this heat…!

Parked up for lunch

Parked up for lunch

Very pretty Steno !!

Very pretty Steno !!

Ian's cooling off !

Ian’s cooling off !

Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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Jen's leading on our Street Ttriple R

Jen’s leading on our Street Ttriple R

Followed by Eddie - BMW S1000XR

Followed by Eddie – BMW S1000XR

Ian on his BMW S1000XR

Ian on his BMW S1000XR

Chris H on his Honda VFR

Chris H on his Honda VFR

Paul on his CBR 600

Paul on his CBR 600

Craig on his Triumph Tiger Sport

Craig on his Triumph Tiger Sport

John on his Honda CBR 600

John on his Honda CBR 600

Steno on his KTM 790

Steno on his KTM 790

Andy B on his BMW S1000XR

Andy B on his BMW S1000XR

David on his BMW R1200 GS

David on his BMW R1200 GS

Russ on his BMW S1000RR

Russ on his BMW S1000RR

Andy on his Kawasaki ZX6R

Andy A on his Kawasaki ZX6R

Keith on his Kawasaki ZX10R

Keith on his Kawasaki ZX10R

Pete on his Kawasaki Z900

Pete on his Kawasaki Z900

So how many didn't see the speed camera ?????

So how many of us didn’t see the speed camera ?????

Some real twisties in Luxembourg

Some real twisties in Luxembourg

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We stop for a photo shoot

We stop for a photo shoot

The group in Luxembourg

The group in Luxembourg

How many thought the cops were after us ??

And how many thought the cops were after us??

Enjoying the pool at our hotel

Enjoying the pool at our hotel

Jen's in too

Jen’s in as well

We choose pizza tonight

We choose pizza tonight

A drizzly start

A drizzly start the next day

Setting off

Setting off

Allan - KTM 1290 Superduke GT

Allan on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT

Ian enjoys cake at coffee stop

Ian enjoys cake at coffee stop

Are we all in the same cafe?

Are we all in the same cafe?

Pretty lunch stop

Pretty lunch stop

We're now in Germany

We’re now in Germany

Lovely setting

Lovely setting

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Andy A needs a massage !

Andy A needs a massage from Russ !!

After a dirt track leaving lunch (!!) we have afternoon coffee stop

After a dirt track leaving lunch (!!) we have afternoon coffee stop

Pete & Keith enjoy ice-creams

Pete & Keith enjoy ice-creams

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The first bicycle was made here

The first bicycle was made here

And here's the proof !

And here’s the proof !

Drinks on the terrace at our next hotel in Germany for two nights

Drinks on the terrace at our next hotel in Germany for two nights

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

Choose anything you like

Choose anything you like

The steaks are amazing

The steaks are fantastic

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The next day is a day off the bikes - although some went for a ride

The next day is a day off the bikes

We take the chair lift

We take the chair lift

For fantastic views of the Mosel

For fantastic views of the Mosel

Visit the castle

Visit the castle

Take a boat trip

Take a boat trip

Explore the old town

Explore the old town

So picturesque

So picturesque

Ready for the off

Ready for the off

Always a morning chat

Always a morning chat

We stop at the Nurburgring for a photo

We stop at the Nurburgring for a photo

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The van has a puncture

The van has a puncture

Chris to the rescue

Chris N to the rescue

The prettiest coffee stop

The prettiest coffee stop

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A dance troupe in town

A dance troupe in town

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Lunch stop

Lunch stop

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Approaching our final hotel

Approaching our final hotel

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Our last night is in Belgium

Our last night is in Belgium

A surprise in store...

A surprise in store…

Andy A

Andy A

Pete

Pete

Paul & Chris H

Paul & Chris H

John takes a turn

John takes a turn

Have a few samples !!

Have a few samples !!

Drinks outside

Drinks outside

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

Thansk to Chris our back-marker

Thansk to Chris N our back-marker

John starts the jokes

John starts the jokes

Cheers - thanks for a great tour !

Cheers – thanks for a great tour !

Keith's up next

Keith’s up next

Then Andy B

Then Andy B

Steno takes a turn

Steno takes a turn

Then Allan

Then Allan

Andy's up again...

Andy’s up again…

showing Allan how to waft a towel !!

showing Allan how to waft a towel !!

Everyone cracks up !!

Everyone cracks up !!

Ian takes a turn

Ian takes a turn

John treats us to the penguin !

John treats us to the penguin joke !

Jen takes a turn too

Jen takes a turn too

Next morning - t-shirt shop is open!

Next morning the t-shirt shop is open!

David, Andy B & Allan set off

David, Andy B & Allan set off

Our final chat

Our final chat

Coffee stop before we ride motorway

Coffee stop before we ride motorway

We stop at services for fuel & lunch

We stop at services for fuel & lunch

And that's it - all the rest back to Calais

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 June 2019

By Uncategorized

Testimonial WW2 Normandy Tour 30 June – 2 July 2019

A small but friendly group for this short tour of the Normandy WW2 sights

A small but friendly group for this short tour of the Normandy WW2 sights

All arrive on the overnight ferry

All arrive on the overnight ferry

First stop the Grand Bunker

At the Grand Bunker – Richard with a mate!

Dick takes an urgent call !

Dick takes an urgent call !

Andy gets a lift off Jane !

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

See the original Pegasus Bridge

And a replica Horsa glider

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 statue at Arromanches

See the new statues at Arromanches

To commemorate the 75th anniversary

To commemorate the 75th anniversary

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See the remains of the Mulberry B floating harbour at Arromanches

See the remains of the Mulberry B floating harbour at Arromanches

Bikes lined up at Arromanches

Bikes lined up at Arromanches

Vivienne with Colin

Vivienne with Colin

Next stop the German Gun Batteries

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 American Cemetery

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The Cathedral at Bayeux

The Cathedral at Bayeux

And lit up by night

And lit up by night

Next day, the German Cemetery

Next day, visit the German Cemetery

Vivienne & Ed with Andy & Jane

Vivienne & Ed with Andy & Jane

Alison & Richard

Alison & Richard

Next La Pointe du Hoc

Next stop La Pointe du Hoc

Dick

Dick’s doing the tour for the 2nd time

Jane & Andy

Jane & Andy

Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise

Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise

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Did you jump Rich ??

Did you jump Rich ??

Ed

Ed

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Utah beach

Utah beach

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Dinner in Bayeux

Dinner in Bayeux

Bikes at coffee stop

Bikes at coffee stop

Richard & Alison on Kawasaki ZX10

Ed & Vivienne on their Kawasaki Z1000SX

Richard & Alison on their Kawasaki ZX10

Richard & Alison on their Kawasaki ZX10

Colin on his Yamaha Tracer 700

Colin on his Yamaha Tracer 700

Jane & Andy on their KTM 1290 Adventure T

Jane & Andy on their KTM 1290 Adventure T

Dick on his Triumph Sprint 1050GT

Dick on his Triumph Sprint 1050GT

Final visit the Museum at Montormel

A visit to the Museum at Montormel

Stefan explains the history

Stefan explains the history

The group at the Tiger Tank

The group at the Tiger Tank

Ed & Vivienne

Ed & Vivienne

All back for the ferry

All back for the ferry

And for those on the tour, here are some of John’s favourite pin-ups!!

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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 2019

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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 being such fun!

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 start arriving in France

A rainy arrival in France

We start with breakfast & briefing

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

Jen’s leading today

Automatic suspension adjustment!

Gerald’s Explorer has self-adjusting suspension!

WE ALWAYS re-group before & after any stretch of motorway

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

Setting off after lunch stop

Scenery en-route

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

Helmets in the van for our first visit

The Clos Luce at Amboise

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

Sandra & John climb the watchtower

J&S again !

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

Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom

Marguerite de Navarre'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

Tony & Chris M

See Leonardo's workshops

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
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 “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

Dave with a model of the first tank

L da V invented gearing

L da V inventednd gearing

The first motorised vehicle

The first motorised vehicle

Please explain the Archimedes Screw to Jen !!

Please explain the Archimedes Screw to Jen !!

Outside the gardens are closed

Due to the storms the gardens are closed

You cab see the first helicopter

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

Adrian & Clare

David & Amanda

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

Daryl & Jane

Josie & Gavin

Josie & Gavin

John leads the way

Visit over, John leads the way back to the van

Daryl has his priorities right!

At our hotel Daryl has his priorities right!

Don't forget Jane!

Don’t forget Jane!

Time for drinks before dinner

Time for drinks before dinner

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Josie & Gavin

Josie & Gavin

Josie with Clare

Josie with Clare

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Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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It's Adrian's birthday !

It’s Adrian’s birthday ! Just 1 candle !

He doesn't want to be reminded !

He doesn’t want to be reminded !

So which table can make the most noise..?

So which table can sing the loudest..?

The winner - Josie's - no surprise there !!

The winner – Josie’s – no surprise there !!

Outside our bedroom window

Outside our bedroom window

Chris M - hereinafter a.k.a. Romeo !

Chris M – hereinafter a.k.a. Romeo !

The next morning we visit the Chateau of Chenonceau

The next morning – with blue skies – we visit the Chateau of Chenonceau

The group minus John & Sandra

The group (minus John & Sandra)

Such a fabulous setting over the River Cher

Such a fabulous setting over the River Cher

Beautiful flower displays

Beautiful flower displays

Glorious arrangements

Glorious arrangements

The Chapel

The Chapel

Diane de Poitiers' bedroom

Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom

The Gallery - a hospital in WW1

The Gallery – a hospital during the First WW

Alan & Julie

Alan & Julie

Head down to the kitchens

Head down to the kitchens

Josie would love to make Cornish pasties!

Josie would love to make Cornish pasties!

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Then head upstairs

The Five Queens' Bedroom

The Five Queens’ Bedroom

Katherine Briconnet's Hall

Katherine Briconnet’s Hall

Diane de Poitiers' garden

Diane de Poitiers’ garden

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Catherine de Medici's bedroom

Catherine de Medici’s bedroom

The second floor hallway

The second floor hallway

Louise of Lorraine's bedroom

Louise of Lorraine’s bedroom

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Visit the Medici Gallery

Visit the Medici Gallery

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The Orangerie

The Orangerie

See more exhibitions

See more exhibitions

The Carriage Gallery

The Carriage Gallery

Newly opened walled garden

Newly opened walled garden

John's missing his sheep in France !

John’s missing his sheep in France !

Josie & Gavin

Josie & Gavin

A bit fishy...

A bit fishy…

Old Bentley

Old Bentley

Russian Crested Shelduck

Russian Crested Shelduck

Rosy-Billed Pochard

Rosy-Billed Pochard

Happy donkeys

Happy donkeys

Quick talk before we leave the hotel

Quick talk before we leave the hotel

Chris P & Chris M set off without John !

Chris P & Chris M set off without John !

Gerald & Ruth on their Triumph Explorer

Gerald & Ruth on their Triumph Explorer

Clare on her BMW F800

Clare on her BMW F800

Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300

Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300

Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600

Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600

Dave on his KTM 1050 Adventure

Dave on his KTM 1050 Adventure

Adrian on his Honda Crossrunner

Adrian on his Honda Crossrunner

Jon & Jackie - BMW K1300S

Jon & Jackie – BMW K1300S

Fuel stop

Fuel stop

John & Sandra - Honda Deauville

John & Sandra – Honda Deauville

Back-marker Bob - BMW F800

Back-marker Bob – BMW F800

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

An unplanned visit to Valencay

An unplanned visit to Valencay Chateau

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Some visit the Chateau…

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The Dining Room

The Dining Room

The wine cellar

The wine cellar

The kitchens

The kitchens

The gardens

The gardens

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Amanda & David

Amanda & David

Beautiful peacocks in the gardens

Beautiful peacocks in the gardens

Thankyou !

Thankyou !

Others choose to visit the Automobile Museum…

Others visit the Car Museum - Sandra with her first car - a Renault 17 !

Sandra with her first car – a Renault 17 !

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Chris M & Gerald

Chris M & Gerald

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Panhard Dynamic 1937

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Peugeot 402 Legere 1938

Bugati 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1957

Bugati 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1957

David & friend!

David & friend!

Bob fancies this one...

Bob fancies this one…

Chris M & Gerald

Chris M & Gerald admire a Turcat-Mery 1906

Chris P - Renault Primaquatre Cabriolet 1937

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

Not just cars, there are bicycles & motorcycles to see there as well

Gerald, John & Chris P with ice creams

Gerald, John & Chris P enjoy ice creams

Romeo thought he'd lost his key !

Romeo thought he’d lost his key !

Davd & Amanda - Triumph Tiger Explorer

Davd & Amanda – Triumph Tiger Explorer

Gavin  & Josie - Triumph Tiger Explorer

Gavin & Josie – Triumph Tiger Explorer

Alan & Julie - Ducati Multistrada

Alan & Julie – Ducati Multistrada

Daryl & Jane - KTM 1290 Adventure

Daryl & Jane – KTM 1290 Adventure

John's in the lead today

John’s in the lead today

Chris P - Triumph Sprint

Chris P – Triumph Sprint

Chris M - Triumph Thruxton

Chris M – Triumph Thruxton

Tony - Triumph Tiger 800

Tony – Triumph Tiger 800

Bob bringing up the rear

Bob bringing up the rear

Great roads

Great roads

Empty country roads

Empty country roads

Arriving at Sancerre

Arriving at Sancerre

We stop at the viewing area

We stop at the viewing area

For a fab view of Sancerre

For a fab view of Sancerre surrounded by vineyards

Alain & Evelyn - the Mayor of Coudehard & his wife - join us

Alain & Evelyn – the Mayor of Coudehard & his wife – join us

Time for drinks before dinner in the newly refurbished bar area

Time for drinks before dinner in the newly refurbished bar area

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Jon, Josie, Jackie & Amanda

Gerald & Ruth

Gerald & Ruth

David's getting the drinks

David’s getting the drinks

Taking in the fab view from the balcony

Taking in the fab view from the balcony

Peter & Sally with Clare & Adrian

Peter & Sally with Clare & Adrian

We stop to admire the view

We stop to admire the view

The River Loire

The River Loire

It's a short stroll into town

It’s a short stroll into town

We enjoy pizzas

We enjoy pizzas with the Mayor !

Jon's being ribbed by Josie!

Jon’s being ribbed by Josie!

The swimming pool at our hotel

The swimming pool at our hotel

Jen braves it - and Josie too!

Jen braves it – and Josie too!

John hosts a lesson on Basecamp

John hosts a lesson on Basecamp

Hotel bar area

Hotel bar area

It's a day off the bikes so after lunch we head off to the Wine Festival

It’s a day off the bikes so after lunch and with glasses at the ready we head off to the Wine Festival

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A short walk down to the caves

A short walk down to the caves

John tells everyone what to do

John tells everyone what to do

They won't be shy !

They won’t be shy !

Jane & &Daryl

Jane & Daryl

Gerald & Ruth

Gerald & Ruth

Sally & Peter

Sally & Peter

Alan & Julie knocking it back !

Alan & Julie are knocking it back !

Evelyn, Alain & John wine tasting

Evelyn, Alain & John wine tasting

It's Bob !

It’s Bob !

Now just what have Amanda & Josie been doing ????

Now just what have Amanda & Josie been doing ???

The cheese was NOT free samples !!

The cheese was NOT a free sample !!

We think Jackie was guilty too !!

We think Jackie was guilty too !!

Delicious nougat but very expensive !

Delicious nougat but very expensive !

Jon & Jackie

Jon & Jackie

John & Sandra

John & Sandra

Josie with Amanda & David

Josie with Amanda & David

Chris P's bought some wine

Chris P’s bought some wine

We have the reds lined up for tasting !!

All the reds lined up in order for tasting !!

Comparing notes with the locals

We join in with the locals

John tries to negotiate a discount!

John tries to negotiate a discount!

We get full glasses of rose too !

We get full glasses of rose too !

The next day we're ready for the off

The next day we’re ready for the off

John's in the lead again

John’s in the lead again

With Bob Eve at the back !

With Bob Eve at the back !

Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

Off-road parking!

Off-road parking!

Helmets & jackets in the van for our next visit

Helmets & jackets in the van for our next visit

Adrian & Clare are used to doing this

Adrian & Clare are used to doing this

Safe storage

Safe storage

The group at the Chateau of Cheverny

The group at the Chateau of Cheverny

The Dining Room

The Dining Room

The Arms room

The Arms room

The Birth Chamber

The Birth Chamber

Boudoir

Boudoir

The Nursery with lego models

The Nursery with lego models

"Scoubidou" has 17,000 bricks

“Scoubidou” has 17,000 bricks

The Bridal Chamber

The Bridal Chamber

More lego models

More lego models

The Grand Salon

The Grand Salon

The Library

The Library

Lovely gardens too

Lovely gardens too

Adrian & Clare have a pic-nic

Adrian & Clare have a pic-nic

Walk through the wisteria

Walk through the wisteria

Have lunch at the Orangerie

Have lunch at the Orangerie

Picture postcard !

Picture postcard !

The hounds are snoozing

The hounds are snoozing

Visit the Trophy room

Visit the Trophy room

Peter & Sally enjoy ice creams

Peter & Sally enjoy ice creams

As do Sandra & John

As do Sandra & John

Our final visit is the stunning Chateau of Chambord

Our final visit is the stunning Chateau of Chambord

Famous for its' double-helix staircase

Famous for its’ double-helix staircase

David & Amanda

David & Amanda

Amazing ceilings

Amazing ceilings

Tony & Romeo make it to the top

Tony & Romeo make it to the top

Lots to see inside

Lots to see inside

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Jen's bell ringing !!

Jen’s bell ringing !!

Fab views from the ramparts

Fab views from the ramparts

The main entrance

The main entrance

Local produce stalls

Local produce stalls

Davis & Amanda enjoy ice creams

David & Amanda enjoy ice creams

We cross the Loire

We cross the Loire

En-route to our final hotel

En-route to our final hotel

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The lovely setting of our hotel

The lovely setting of our hotel

A heated pool at our hotel

With a heated pool

Loads of us enjoy a swim

Lots of us enjoy a swim

Great fun

Great fun

The new BN synchronised swimmers!

The new BN synchronised swimmers!

Drinks & aperitifs before dinner

Aperitifs before dinner

Wow! Real holiday shirts!

Real holiday shirts! The MBMOC crew (minus Tony)

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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Romeo’s made new friends!

John thanks everyone for a great tour

John thanks everyone for a great tour

And Bob as a great "back-marker"

And Bob as a great “back-marker”

Thanks Bob !

Thanks Bob !

Josie's £20...

Josie’s £20…

buys a Penguin !!

buys a Penguin !!

No really she has a new sweatshirt!

No really she has a new sweatshirt!

Jen's in the lead on the last day

Jen’s in the lead on the last day

We ride past the new stadium at Le Havre

We ride past the new stadium at Le Havre

And that's it - everyone back in good time for the ferry

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 2019

By Uncategorized

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

A great group with many regulars & some newbies too. Fab weather here in the Black Forest

We start with a pre-tour briefing

We start with a pre-tour briefing

The "Oakley MC" gang at coffee

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!

Juila with CAKE – watch for more pics!

All the bikes at coffee stop

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 regroup before riding motorway

We ALWAYS re-group before riding motorway

Jen's in the lead today

Jen’s in the lead today

Bikes at lunch stop

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

Afternoon coffee stop

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Shane & Julia enjoy ice creams

Shane & Julia enjoy ice creams

Gorgeous scenery this afternoon

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

Four cygnets this year – beautiful

Lovely !

Lovely !

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“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

The gardens at our next hotel

Drinks before dinner

Drinks before dinner

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Dick & Sara

Dick & Sara

Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

John sets the bar low for jokes !

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

A drizzly morning

Morning chat

Morning chat

We regroup before motorway

We re-group before motorway

How many men does it take...??

How many men does it take…??

Paul's KTM has a side-stand problem

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

A welcome arrival in Baden Baden

Just what we need !

Just what we need !

Cheers !!

Cheers !!

The next morning the luggage van arrives

The next morning the luggage van arrives

Briefing before we ride the famous B500

Briefing before we ride the famous B500

Pauls' first on his KTM Superduke

Paul’s first on his KTM Superduke GT

Mick on his KTM Superduke

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.”
 Mick Grogan, 3rd tour, KTM Superduke GT, Buckinghamshire
Mick again

Mick again

Mark & Rachel followed by Steve K

Mark & Rachel on their BMW S1000 XR

Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR1400

Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR1400

Steve & Kirsty on their BMW R1200 GS

Steve & Kirsty on their BMW R1200 GS

Steve & Sam on their Triumph Trophy

Steve & Sam on their Triumph Trophy

Peter on his BMW R1200 GS

Peter on his BMW R1200 GS

“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

John H on his Triumph Street Triple 765

Stuart & Ian - both on BMW R1200 GS

Stuart on his BMW R1200 GS

Ian on his BMW R1200 GS

Ian on his BMW R1200 GS

Sandra on her Triumph Street Triple 765

Sandra on her Triumph Street Triple 765

Jen started at the back...

Jen started at the back…

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Reece on his Triumph Tiger 800

Reece on his Triumph Tiger 800

Reece again

Reece again

John S on his Honda VFR 800

John S on his Honda VFR 800

John S again

John S again

Shane & Julia - Triumph Sprint 1050 GT

Shane & Julia – Triumph Sprint 1050 GT

Gordon & Sue as back-markers

Gordon & Sue as back-markers

The van goes as well !

The van goes as well !

Mick & Jen after their race !

“Power Rangers” Mick & Jen after their race !

The group at the end of the B500 (when it was still dry!)

The group at the end of the B500 (when it was still dry!)

Mre ice -cream at coffee stop!

More ice -cream at coffee stop!

Great roads

Great roads

& lovely scenery

& lovely scenery

En-route to our next stop

en-route to our next stop

We arrive at the largest cuckoo clock

We arrive at the largest cuckoo clock for two strikes!

Then take your partners for a waltz!

Then take your partners for a waltz!

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Unfortunately the rain starts

Pretty lunch stop

Pretty lunch stop

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Dinner is included at our next hotel

Dinner is included at our next hotel

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Champage for Steve B's 50th birthday

Champage for Steve B’s 50th birthday

Happy Birthday for Sunday Steve !

Happy Birthday for Sunday Steve !

Just what is Sue up to ?

Just what are Sue & Dick up to ?

Julia enjoys Black Forest Gateau !

Julia enjoys Black Forest Gateau !

More bad jokes !

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

The lovely setting for our hotel for two nights

Such a pretty town

Such a pretty town

Lots of flower displays

With lots of flower displays

Mark & Rachel's BMW needs a new tyre !

Mark & Rachel’s BMW needs a new tyre !

Most come for a ride-out

Most come for a ride-out

Steve & Sam in the lead

Steve & Sam in the lead

Reece on his Tiger 800

Reece on his Tiger 800

Peter on his BMW R1200 GS

Peter on his BMW R1200 GS

Great roads

Great roads

Reece again

Reece again

Scenery en-route

Scenery en-route

Dicj & Sara - Sprint 1050 GT

Dick & Sara – Sprint 1050 GT

John H on his Street Triple

John H on his Street Triple 765

Fab roads

Fab roads

John's in the lead

John’s in the lead

Shane & Julia - Sprint 1050 GT

Shane & Julia – Sprint 1050 GT

Dick & Sara again

Dick & Sara again

Sandra on her Street Triple 765

Sandra on her Street Triple 765

Gordon & Sue - Sprint 1050 GT

Gordon & Sue – Sprint 1050 GT

John again

John again

Steve & Sam with Reece

Steve & Sam with Reece

Hi Reece !

Hi Reece !

Peter again

Peter again

Everyone at the waterfalls

Everyone at the waterfalls

Dick & Sara

Dick & Sara

Julia & Shane

Julia & Shane

Super view from the top

Super view from the top

You can walk across the bridge

You can walk across the bridge

A Heron lands nearby

A Heron lands nearby

Sausage & chips for lunch

Sausage & chips for lunch

More great roads

More great roads

Red Kite overhead

Red Kite overhead

Fab scenery

Amazing roads

Mich & Steve K bought Leiderhosen !!

Mick & Steve K bought Leiderhosen !!

Mark & Rachel have a barrow full of xxx !!

Mark & Rachel have a barrow full of xxx !!

Sara & Dick

Sara & Dick

Kirsty

Kirsty

The next day, glorious sunshine

The next day, glorious sunshine

Setting off

Setting off

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Gorgeous scenery

Gorgeous scenery

Ride under the ski runs

Ride under the ski runs

Fab views leaving the Black Forest

Fab views leaving the Black Forest

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We regroup at a viewing area

We re-group at a viewing area

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En-route to lunch

En-route to coffee stop

Another pretty town

Another pretty town

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Selection of cakes to choose from

Selection of cakes to choose from

We have cakes !

We have cakes !

Raspberry & Walnut cakes

Raspberry & Walnut cakes

Steve & Kirsty have milkshakes

Steve & Kirsty have milkshakes

Sue

Sam & Sue

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Riding to lunch stop

Riding to lunch stop

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A surprise in store at lunch stop

A surprise in store at lunch stop

Don't forget to raise the bar !!

Don’t forget to raise the bar !!

1st down - Rachel & Mark

1st down – Rachel & Mark

Then it's Steve vs Gordon

Then it’s Steve B vs Gordon

Steve E vs Paul

Steve E vs Paul

Steve K vs Kirsty

Steve K vs Kirsty

Mark vs Sandra

John vs Sandra

Dick vs Peter

Dick vs Peter

Ian vs Stuart

Ian vs Stuart

Shane vs Julia

Shane vs Julia

Rachel

Rachel

Mark

Mark

Gordon & Steve B

Gordon & Steve B

Steve E

Steve E

Paul

Paul

Kirsty

Kirsty

Steve K

Steve K

Sandra

Sandra

John H

John H

Dick followed by Ian

Dick followed by Ian

Peter

Peter

Stuart

Stuart

Julia

Julia

Shane

Shane

John E

John E

And finally, Jen !

And finally, Jen !

The brave ones !

The brave ones !

 Thanks to Sara for the photos of the arrivals !!
Next it's the Vosges Mountains

Next it’s the Vosges Mountains

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Triumphs: Sprint 1050, Street 765, Tiger 800, Sprint 1050, Street 675, Trophy, Street 765, Sprint 1050

Not forgetting the BMW's;

Not forgetting the BMW’s; R1200 GS, S1000 XR, & three more R1200 GS

John & Sandra

John & Sandra

Stuart, Ian & Peter

Stuart, Ian & Peter

Next stop, afternoon coffee break

Next stop, afternoon coffee break

A free night in Epinal

A free night in Epinal

Some of us end up in the same restaurant

Some of us end up in the same restaurant

Secure garage parking

Secure garage parking

Pretty cut through

Pretty cut through

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Morning coffee stop

Morning coffee stop

The t-shirt shop is open !!

The t-shirt shop is open !!

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Kirsty's got a new t-shirt

Kirsty’s got a new t-shirt

Thanks Kirsty & all who bought t-shirts

Thanks Kirsty & all who bought t-shirts

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

Mick's tyre's had it !!

Mick’s tyre’s had it !!

Paul's going to get new ones as well

Paul’s going to get a new front as well

En-route to fuel stop

En-route to fuel stop

Afternoon coffee stop

Afternoon coffee stop

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Fab view of the castle from our hotel

Fab view of the castle from our hotel

Gordon & Sue

Gordon & Sue

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Dinner is included on our last night

Dinner is included on our last night & we dine outside

John thanks everyone for a really great tour

John thanks everyone for a really great tour

So just what is he up to with Rachel ??

So just what is he up to with Rachel ??

!!

!!

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So he lost a euro !!

Sue tells a joke she's practised all week !

Sue tells a joke she’s practised all week !

Gordon's next

Gordon’s next

Reece takes a turn

Reece takes a turn

Paul B

Paul B

John again

John again

Jen

Jen

and finally, Dick

and finally, Dick (sorry missed Peter!)

Another lovely morning

Another lovely morning

Our final briefing

Our final briefing

Beautiful !

Beautiful !

An early lunch stop at Albert

An early lunch stop at Albert

With time to visit the 1916 museum

With time to visit the 1916 museum

Final re-group on the way home

Final re-group on the way home

And that's it - everyone back to Calais in good time

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 !!
WE DID IT !!!!

WE DID IT !!!!

 

Testimonial 5×4 May 2019

By Uncategorized

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

The group at the Nurburgring – a great bunch of guys for the second tour of the year

Secure parking...!

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

Morning coffee stop

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

"Stoner" on his KTM 790 Adv

“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv

Afternoon coffee stop

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
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Simon riding as "back-marker"

Simon riding as “back-marker”

Arriving at the first hotel

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
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Richard G on his Tiger 1050

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Charles on his FJR 1300

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Terry on his BMW R1200 GS

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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
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Neil on his BMW R1200 GS

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Keith on his BMW R1150 RT

A Medieval Festival is taking place

A Medieval Festival is taking place

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“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

Time for drinks before dinner

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Dinner is included tonight

Dinner is included tonight

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“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 has a problem...

Rich’s Ducati 848 has a problem…time to pray!!

Jump leads couldn't help

Jump leads couldn’t help either!

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“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

The group in Luxembourg

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“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

Fab views of the castle

A free night tonight

A free night tonight

Lunch stop in Germany

Lunch stop in Germany

Four go missing - found on "Dick Street"!!

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
Arriving at the hotel in Germany

A day off – four head off to the Nurburgring

A wet day off the bikes

A wet day off the bikes

Time to explore

Time to explore

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Take a Ring Taxi at the Nurburgring

Take a Ring Taxi at the Nurburgring

View from the car

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

Simon’s spoilt for choice

Strawberry cake !

Strawberry cake !

It's Heidi's (owner)  birthday!

It’s Heidi’s (owner) birthday!

Cheers !

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
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Lovely setting for coffee stop

Lovely setting for coffee stop

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More cakes

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Terry with friend

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Our final hotel in Belgium

Our final hotel in Belgium

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The return of Rich – this time on a BMW !

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Terry…

or Wayne Sleep ?

or Wayne Sleep ?

Richard Green...

Richard Green…

or Geoffrey Hayes ?

or Geoffrey Hayes ?

Beers all round

Beers all round

Smoked salmon starter

Smoked salmon starter

Dinner is included the last night

Dinner is included the last night

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Charles kicks off the joke telling

Charles kicks off the joke telling

or is it Mr Charles Babbage Esq ?

or is it Mr Charles Babbage Esq ?

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Then it's xxx turn

Then it’s Keith’s turn

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Stoner's up next

Stoner’s up next

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Wayne Sleep dancing !!

Charles again

Charles again

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Then it's xxx

Then it’s Alan

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Stoner again

Stoner again

 Dave Lee’s joke has been CENSORED !!

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Charles on coffee duty

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Erotic weekend !!

Erotic weekend !!

Final coffee stop

Final coffee stop

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Kevin on his Triumph XC Explorer

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Keith on his BMW R1150 RT

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Simon Green on his Yamaha Thundercat

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Neil on his BMW R1200 GS

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Simon “back marker” on his BMW S1000 XR

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Terry on his BMW R1200 GS

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Stoner on his KTM 790 Adventure

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Rich on his BMW R1200 GS which also broke down !

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Alan on his BMW S1000 RR

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Richard G on his Triumph Tiger 1050

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Jeremy on his BMW R1200 GS

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Jimmy on his BMW S1000 XR

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John’s Suzuki V-Strom 1000

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Andy on his KTM RC8

Simon has to give back the orange vest !

Simon has to give back the orange vest !

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Just for Rich – a reliable Ducati !!

All back on the Eurotunnel

All back on the Eurotunnel

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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 !!!

Oi !! For the six who scurried away – this is what a real firework looks like !!!