Uncategorized Archives - Page 4 of 9

Oct 12

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Monte Carlo or Bust ! 1 – 9 October 2016

The Group at the Millau Bridge - a great end to the road riding season with 9 days of sunshine and a fab bunch of guests.

The Group at the Millau Bridge – a really great end to the road riding season with 9 days of good weather and a fab bunch of guests.

“Dear John and Jen, just wanted to say a massive thank you for organising another fantastic trip! We had a great time. Meticulous planning on your part makes for a very relaxing holiday for us where we can just ride and enjoy. Great hotels, awesome roads, a brilliant crowd and lots of laughs !”
“Huge thanks to John & Jen for another successful trip. Super hotels and awesome roads we couldn’t ask for more. We had a brilliant time and laughed a lot. It was great to see old friends and lovely to meet new ones. Hope to see you all again at some point in the future.
Paul and Louise Saltwell, 2nd trip, Yamaha MT 09 Tracer

We start with breakfast & a briefing	Our first stop – a Tiger Tank !
All the bikes
“Hello Jen & John, Ian and I would like to say thank you so much again for a fab holiday, it was really great and such good fun the entire time. We didn’t want it to end at all. Your organisation during the whole trip was 100%, there is nothing else we could have asked for, and you both deserve credit for having patience, it must be like herding cats most days! We have seen the tour photos on the website, I still think the pink cake shop was the best! So thanks again, we hope to see you next year (and a big cuddle to Della too.)”
Ian & Heather Phillips, 2nd tour, Kawasaki ZZR 1400
Lunch stop	Subways all round !
“Having just completed our 7^th tour with John and Jen we have to say once again a big thanks for yet another fantastic time. You never let us down, always great roads, great stops and GREAT FUN. The group was fabulous, we could not have wished for a better crowd. We are already counting the days down until our next trips in 2017. Take care ride SAFE“
Steve (The Godfather) and Kirsty (Koala) Eaton, 7th trip, BMW XR1000
Andy devours a cream cake !	Dan & Gordon hiding the rubbish bin…
“Hi everyone…had a great tour – thanks John and Jen. Great company, hope to see you all in the future. Ride safe, Hugs”
Andy & Ros Moseley, 2nd tour, Honda Blackbird
Afternoon coffee stop	Our hotel terrace & secure parking
Time to visit Chenonceau Chateau	The fab interior
.	Meanwhile Jen braves the pool (19C)
Drinks in the hotel bar	.
Vanessa didn’t expect such a huge glass !	Dinner is included tonight
.	.

John welcomes everyone	Ann gets a cake for her birthday !
Next morning coffee stop	.
Spotted en-route	Afternoon coffee stop
. The stunning view as we cross the Dam
.	Dave with Paul & Louise
Dan & Gordon	Drinks in the hotel bar
John with Ann & Neil	Stuart & Vanessa
Jane & Allan	Our hotel by night
We dine in a local restaurant	Dinner is included again tonight
.	Secure garage parking

Always a briefing before we set off	Lovely scenery
Stunning clouds high up on a deviation .
We regroup after a foggy section	Paul & Louise on their MT-09 Tracer
David on his BMW R1200GS	Gordon on his BMW 1200GS
“Great company, good food, sunny days (mostly) and some biking thrown in too. Can’t ask for more. Was my first tour but not the last!”
David Roberts, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS
Robert on his Moto Guzzi Norge	Dan on his Tiger 800
“Thanks to John & Jen for organising a super tour. I had a great time. Many thanks to everyone.”
Robert Seabridge, 2nd tour, Moto Guzzi Norge
Stuart – Explorer XC, Vanessa – Z300	Neil & Ann on their BMW R1150RT
“Thanks to everyone for making us newbies so welcome. It’s a trip we’ll always remember!”
Neil & Ann Henderson, 1st tour, BMW R1150RT
Ian & Heather on their Kawasaki ZZR1400	Andy & Ros on their Honda Blackbird
Steve & Kirsty on their BMW XR1000	Dave on his Street Triple RX
“What a fabulous trip and wonderful company. Trying to catch up now but will be in touch over the next few days…Take care everyone,”
Steve & Kirsty Eaton, 7th trip, BMW XR1000
Backmarker Allan – but where’s Jane ?	An impromptu coffee stop

.	No further comment required !!
“Big thank you to Dan for spotting it [frayed clutch cable – see later] and to John & Jen for not making a drama about it. Quick fix and back with the tour for pm coffee as if nothing had happened – Fantastic – as were the roads, weather and company. It’s always a pleasure with BN tours. Best Regards”
Dave Cockburn, 6th trip, Triumph Street Triple RX
Our next stop – the Millau Bridge
Sue, Paul & Louise take a selfie	Us with Jane & Allan
We have lunch at the viewing area	Kirsty & Steve
A Common Kestrel flies above us	Even higher up – a Griffon Vulture (we think!)
Heading into the Gorges of the Tarn	Fantastic scenery
Allan & Jane stop to take photos	.
.	.

Coffee stop	Vanessa on her Kawasaki Z300
Sue on her Bonneville leads the rest	Mark on his Honda VFR 800 VTEC
Steve & Kirsty	The pool at our next hotel
Most dine out in Uzes	Dave has some huge prawns
The town centre	Another lovely morning
Louise in the big chair !	Paul has a new friend !
Morning coffee at the Pink Patisserie	Andy & Ros
Ian & Heather	Dave & Gordon on the”Love Seat”!!
Coffee & cakes all round	Mark finds someone to share the “Love Seat” !

Dan with a PINK cake !	Gordon
Sue with a huge cake	Kirsty
We’re invited into the kitchen…	Taste the high grade chocolate…
Ours !!	We ride through tree-lined roads
Lunch in the shade	.
Afternoon coffee stop	.
The view from our hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer
A beautiful sunrise on our day off	.
The breakfast area	Jen has an early swim
Breakfast on the terrace	The fab view from our hotel

This is it – Monte Carlo or Bust !! Most of the group take the train to Monaco
Tickets please !!	Fabulous yachts in Monte Carlo
We enjoy (several!) cocktails in the sun
Ian & Heather alongside “Sweet Doll” – Heather’s top matches the boat !	Bought in Sept 2016 for 9.4 million euros – but who are they ??
Kirsty tries to get an invite on board !!	David, Ann & Neil arrive by Bateau Bus
More cocktails !!	Ian & Heather take the Bateau Bus
Us – obviously after a few drinks !!	What a great afternoon
Kirsty posing…	We stay for lunch…
David is escorted to the toilets !!	We walk up to the casino . view of Lionheart
The Casino at Monte Carlo	Ros admires her next car !!

Some of the group meet to go inside
Inside – but no more photos !	Vanessa wins 100 euros on the Roulette table
Train back to Villefranche	.
Dinner in Villefranche	Another gorgeous sunrise
Watch out for the thief at breakfast!	Cruise liner arrives as we leave
We ride through Nice	Ride the twisty “Route Napoleon”
Lunch at Castellane	.
.	We ride the Gorges of the Verdon
Fab scenery	John gets a puncture – caused by a huge fixing !
How many blokes does it take…	Our backmarkers in the twisties

The fab lake at the end of the Gorges
The Group at the end of the Verdon Gorges
Afternoon coffee stop	Robert enjoys a cream cake
Drinks in the hotel bar	.
Ian enjoys a beer	Dinner is included tonight
.	.
Our hotel is next to the original Arc de Triomphe
We next ride the Gorges of the Ardeche	Watch out for the locals!
.	.
The Pont D’Arc at the end of the Gorges The Group at the end of the Gorges

Baguettes at lunch stop	Backmarkers Allan & Jane
Funny roundabouts !	Our next hotel
We all hit the same bar	.
Some dine together	.
The 1050 Restaurant just for Allan !	Next morning Kirsty struggles with layers!
Everyone sings “Happy Birthday” to John	He promises not to tell any more jokes !!
We always regroup before any motorway	Bikes at coffee stop
At lunch Dan spots the frayed clutch cable on Dave’s Street Triple RX	We get him to a garage & it’s fixed in time for coffee – he beats the van by seconds !!
Secure parking at our hotel	We all head to the nearest bar

.	John thanks Allan & Jane
Then starts the jokes !!	Andy thinks his luck’s in !!
Back to the hotel for dinner	.
.	.
John gets a Diploma for his Birthday And some Madeira Cake !!!!
More jokes…	Steve takes a turn
Kirsty goes next	Lots of laughs
Neil & Ann	Andy takes a turn
Then Allan	And Jane

Jen’s next	Then Paul
Dave eventually gets it right !!	An early morning walk to the Loire
Another lovely sunrise
The T-shirt shop is open !	A few raindrops as we head to Le Havre

And that’s all folks! A really good tour to end the season, lots of laughs and a great group of guests, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Sep 25

Love0

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 10 – 21 September 2016

The Group on the top of the Petit St Bernard Pass - only the second time we have run this tour and as good if not better than the first with predominantly good weather. With lakes, mountains, hairpins, synchronised swimming, cable cars, chair lifts, toboggans, more hairpins, glaciers, fab roads and of course a kidnapped marmot we hope there was something for everyone to enjoy!

The Group on the top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – only the second time we have run this tour and it was as good if not better than the first with predominantly good weather. With lakes, mountains, hairpins, synchronised swimming, cable cars, chair lifts, toboggans, more hairpins, glaciers, fab roads and of course a kidnapped marmot we hope there was something for everyone to enjoy!

“Hi John and Jen, in the moment I thought the tour was excellent, but on reflection and aided by the photos that everyone has shared, I think you provided an outstanding holiday to us all! The effort you guys have put in to researching the roads, hotels, breaks and events made all the difference and I will look back on a fantastic mix of memories which include phenomenal roads, beautiful scenery, laughs with new friends (mobile-chicanes) and the odd maladjusted marmot. Thank you for a first class holiday!”
Dave Nicholas, 6th trip, Kawasaki H2
We start with breakfast & a pre-tour briefing	Pretty lunch stop
“Hi John & Jen, thanks again for another brilliant biking adventure on tour with Bike Normandy. We both had a brilliant time and lots of fun & laughs with a great group of people. Once again we stayed at some lovely hotels with beautiful views in ideal locations. Can’t get much better than overlooking a glacier, or Italian and Swiss lakes and mountains. It all seems so mundane now we are home. The biking roads were fantastic with so many hairpins in the mountains but also some good sweeping fast roads too. Scenery was stunning. We are so pleased we did the optional ride out to the Stelvio Pass despite starting off in rain. We thought we must be mad but it got drier as we got nearer and we all had a sense of achievement on reaching the top. We have the tee-shirts to prove it! Special thanks also to Martin & Denise our back markers on tour who did an excellent job of keeping the flock together and rounding up any lost sheep along the way. All in all a brilliant tour and such fun. Thanks again. Best wishes.”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 3rd tour, Ducati Multistrada
We always regroup before & after any motorway
“Thank you Jen and John for another fabulous trip! From start to finish great roads, scenery and hotels which we thoroughly enjoyed with some old and some new biker friends. As usual your research and attention to detail meant a trouble free couple of weeks and great riding. Hairpins? Bring them on! We are looking forward to seeing you next year, and the next.”
Wendy and Steve Henrys, 5th trips, Triumph Bonneville & Kawasaki Z1000SX
“Hi John & Jen, thanks again for another superb tour. From the 30° heat in the Italian Lakes to 3° on the ski slopes of the Alps you managed to find us some great roads and superb hotels, Morteratsch being my favorite ! See you at the NEC.”
Rob Palmer, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger 1050
We take the scenic route	Ice creams in the afternoon
Even though this was our highest mileage day (270 miles) we arrive at our hotel at 17.45 hrs with plenty of time for a swim & drinks before dinner
The BN synchronised swimming team!!	Keith & Simon enjoy a beer after their swim
“Hi John and Jen, very many thanks to you both for another super tour: Well researched, great roads, challenging and superbly led. Excellent hotels, all shared with a great bunch of riders. Most enjoyable…Again many thanks and very best wishes to you both.”
Keith Bowen, 5th trip, Honda NC 750S
Drinks on the terrace	.
“Hi Jen and John, Rod and myself really enjoyed the Tour and have great memories from it. Everyone had a part to play in making it a success and along with both your great research, knowledge etc it was fantastic. We will keep in touch and hope to see you next year.”
Rod Kemp & Anita Bartholomew, 1st Tour, BMW K1600GT (to be replaced by BMW S1000 XR!)
The “Speedy Boys” !	Dinner is included tonight
“Having visited 5 of Bike Normandy’s weekend experiences we booked for the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps tour. As with the weekend trips everything was organised for you, even the backup van carrying your luggage, spare fuel and tools. The hotels selected by John and Jen were above and beyond what we would have expected from a biking holiday, many with secure parking and swimming pools. Well organised, well researched, comes highly recommended, thanks John and Jen for a great unforgettable tour. (I hope we didn’t blip or annoy too many people!!!)”
Paul Tinkler, 6th trip, Suzuki GSXR 1000
.	Always a morning briefing
“Hi John & Jen, can I just add to the other comments and say what a great time I had. Can’t fault the choice of hotels or the detailed planning of the itinerary. Like many others I was amazed by the stunning scenery and hairpin passes. Apologies for the troublesome BMW not starting. A special thanks to you both for being patient and in particular to John who emptied the van of luggage to ferry my bike to the nearby BMW dealership who fitted a new switchgear in minutes, John really pulled out the stops and went that extra mile to assist me without any hesitation. Perhaps you could add ‘European Breakdown Service’ to the list of services that you already offer !!” [No way – we’d be too busy with all the BMW’s that break down!! J&J]
Mike Bishop, 2nd trip, BMW K1300S
Morning coffee stop	Riding a Kawasaki H2 Dave needs to refuel
“John, Jen, many thanks to you both for a great tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it.”
“Inflatable” Jon & Pillion, 3rd trip, BMW R1200GS
With one cafe closed this became a somewhat lengthy coffee stop!
.	Bikes parked up at lunch stop

Watch the speedboat racing	.
Afternoon coffee stop	Mike & Rob with ice creams
Honest – it was this big !!	Julie & Alan
John with a whopper!	Before leaving, Speedy Dave is “cautioned” by the Gendarme !!
Our next hotel
.	Drinks in the bar
Explore the back-streets	Lots of restaurants to choose from
Some of us dine together	Where Rob has a “Breakfast Salad”!
The town lit up by night	(for those that didn’t see it!)
After a slight mishap we borrow a drill…	so Paul can fit a makeshift gear-lever

The next day we head for the mountains	.
Stopped at traffic lights	Stopped at roadworks
Another pretty coffee stop	.
Jim & Dorothy	Wendy, It’s a Marmot – not a Beaver !
Fab scenery as we head into Italy	Glacier in the distance
Anita with a real St Bernard	Do Not Disturb – I’m tired!
Jim & Dorothy	Lunch on the top
Ready for the off…	Hairpins going down…
.	We meet bikes coming up…
.	.

Wendy has company…	The cutest St Bermard & Marmot
We always regroup…
Something to see even on the motorway	Animal cruelty! After speeding along the motorway!
Our hotel in Italy for two nights	Keith has a swim before dinner
The Isla Bella seen from the hotel	The Borromeo Palace
Drinks on the terrace	.
.	.
We dine “Al fresco”	.
.	.
John recalls the motorway riding…	With Keith as his W.C. (Wing Commander!)
A day off – take the cable car…	The islands as seen from the cable car
The cable car has two stations…	Then take the chair lift

Fab views of all seven lakes	Take the toboggan ride down!
Jen goes first!	.
Taken through the cable car window	.
Walk alongside the stunning lake on the way into town
.	.
Quaint back-streets	.
.	.
The view from the Sky Bar in town	A water plane
Our hotel	A few of us enjoy the pool
So where’s Simon ??	Lovely colours over the lake in the evening
Bikes waiting for the ferry

Give us a wave !
Jim & Dorothy, Wendy & Steve	Rod & Anita
Alan & Julie	Jen’s leading today
Avoiding Italian police we park on the pavement !!	Coffee on Lake Lugano
.	Steve & Wendy “Leaning on a lamppost…”
Moving on to Lake Como for lunch	.
.	.
.	.
.
We stop for fuel before heading to Switzerland	Really ?!
More hairpins	.

En route to our hotel	Fab views of the Glacier as we arrive at our hotel
Fab setting of our hotel	Drinks before dinner
Jen with Wendy & Steve	.
Hands up for reindeer!	Dinner is included tonight
New shirts then ?	Is that really a chicken ??
Breakfast area in our hotel	Anita points the way to the Glacier
David Joesbury – where the glacier was in 1860	Dorothy & Jim at the 1900 marker
Alan & Julie at 1920	Rod & Anita at 1940
Steve & Wendy at 1950	Us at 1960
We get closer to the Glacier	The group who walked to the Glacier

Craig at 1970	Martin & Denise at 1980
The 2015 marker – how the Glacier has receded	A few continue over the rocks…
The rest are left behind…	Anita & Wendy negotiating the rocks…
We’ve made it !
Anita can’t believe she’s touching a Glacier!	Anita, Steve, Wendy (& Jen) at the Glacier
Coffee back at the hotel	.
The Bernina Express stops at our hotel	Rob & Mike take the train
Mike on top of a mountain !!	Rob made it as well (thanks for the photos guys)
Deep wells caused by water erosion	In the afternoon a few ride to the Stelvio Pass
Hot chocolate & cake stop en-route	Jen – Capricorn!

.	Keith starts up the Pass
Jen rides pillion	48 hairpins on the way up!
Keith at bend Number 34	Getting closer – bend 30 !
The hairpins get tighter	Still more to come…
.	Not what you want – Keith meets a bus!!
The weather improves as we approach the top	Looking back over our ascent
Bravo !! We did it !! Especially well done Keith – a mere 76 years of age !!
More hot chocolates !	We start our descent
Only 27 hairpins going down !	Alan & Julie followed by Simon
The view heading down	.

.	.
Ride along train tracks…	But watch out for oncoming trains !!!
Meet the locals !	Simon followed by Alan & Julie
Back in time for drinks before dinner	The Stelvio bunch – wearing their t-shirts!
Dinner is included again tonight	Hands up for lamb !
A goat escapes !	So cute !
Morning briefing	.
A surprise at coffee stop	The group who take the chair lift up…
.	and take the toboggan run down !!
John goes first	Closely followed by Dave (nothing new there then!!)

Speedy Dave races down..	Paul goes next
Then Simon	Mike’s next
Then his Dad, Rob	Mike B follows…
Then Keith – who’s doing everything !!	Alan takes his turn
Steve in a Kawasaki green toboggan	Rod goes next (Anita took the chair lift)
“”Inflatable’s” pillion !!	Wendy’s not too sure…
Jen’s gone & Julie’s last !	Simon’s down (Dave & Paul too quick for John!)
Mike filmed his run down	Rob arrives
Mike B	Keith loved it !
Alan	Steve

Rod	Guess who ?!
Wendy	Jen’s caught Wendy & Pillion
Jen	Julie
The welcome committee	Ride through pretty villages
Super views	.
Mike’s overtake caught on camera	Lunch stop
Leaving lunch	We ride through the clouds
.	We regroup after lengthy roadworks
.	Wet roads as we ride the Susten Pass
.	Regrouping half-way…

This is what the view should be like !!!!	.
.	Welcome to at our next hotel for 3 nights
Fabulous setting	Stunning views over the lake
The hotel pool	Time for a swim
The view constantly changes	Drinks before dinner
Reserved for us	Dinner in the conservatory
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	Morning view
A day off – take the steam train	.
Wendy is not happy…	The marmot has been kidnapped !!

Most of us go for a ride-out	We head to the Grimsel Pass first
Mike – Street Triple R – & Rob	Rob on his Tiger 1050
.	.
Rob followed by Dave	Dave on his Kawasaki H2
On top of the Grimsel Pass
Hot chocolates inside	Fab motorbike mirror
Paul & Dave have found their next bike !	Ready to go
Great – dry – roads	Dave with Alan & Julie
Twisty enough ?	Here come the boys !
.	Mike B on his BMW K1300S

.	Mike & Paul – GSXR 1000
.
Top of the Nufenen pass	This is what the view should look like !!
Always stops for photo shoots
Simon in the lead
.	We’re going up there !
Re-group after Craig misses the marker !!	Unscheduled lunch stop
Craig is recovered by our back-markers !	Pizza’s all round
Cobble stones !!	.
.	Craig rode the old cobbled route !!

Rod & Anita on their BMW K1600GT	.
Oncoming traffic !	.
.	The cows continue round a hairpin !!
We ride the Furka Pass	Heading back to the hotel
A free night – more pizza’s !	.
Newsflash:
Wendy has posted a “Missing Marmot” note	And gets a confidential reply !!
Some of us ride to the Trummelbach Falls
The Group at the Falls
The fab waterfalls inside the mountain	.
Martin & Denise	.

The corkscrew
We go to Grindelwald for lunch	Where if fine you could see the mountains
Hello cutie !!	Lunch stop
Woodcarvings around the lake	.
.	.
.	.
Another free night – we hit the same pizzeria	Huge calzone !
Rob orders a dessert…	so he has a present for his wife !!
Breakfast in the conservatory	.
Coffee stop	David Joesbury on his Bonneville Scrambler
Newsflash :

The Marmot has fallen into the wrong hands !!	Another ransom note… Swiss Chocolate & a Shrubbery !!
Mike’s BMW won’t start !!	Mont Blanc appears through the clouds
Afternoon coffee in Chamonix	.
Our penultimate hotel	A free night – we dine in a Thai restaurant
Breaking Bad !!	or ???
Mike has coconut shells…	Sake on the house
Scary !	Our hotel by night
Morning briefing in the hotel garage	Mike’s BMW won’t start – off to a garage
Pretty coffee stop	.
A different bridge	Ride through the Loire
Our final hotel	Parking in the hotel grounds

Jen	Drinks before dinner
.	.
Newsflash :
Wendy has a letter from the Marmot	The captors want Lindt – not Toblerone !
Who’s this – Larry Flint ??	.
Dinner is included our last night	.
.	John says a few words…
Thanks to Back-markers Martin & Denise	.
Newsflash :
Marmot is returned under a Silver Service Cloche !!	Wendy is so happy !!

The vegetable joke…	So how did Paul know it was a marrow ?!
The penguin again !	.
Ahoy – are you in the Air Force >	Wendy takes a turn
Jen reads Ken’s cheese scones joke	Jim also knew some penguins !!
Keith needs an assistant !	Rod takes a turn
Ith it Dithco ???	The next day our final briefing
Jim & Dorothy on their BMW K1600GT	Wendy – Bonneville, Steve – Kawasaki Z1000SX
Lunch stop	We ride over the Pont de Normandie
All back at Le Havre for the ferry

Our longest trip hence the amount of photos !! A great tour with a great bunch of people, we hope to see many of you again in the future. Ride safe, John & Jen…

Newsflash :

With two fingers up to his kidnappers the Marmot has the last word !!!

Aug 31

Love0

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 23 – 29 August 2016

The Group at the end of the B500 - a great bunch of people made for a brilliant tour

The Group at the end of the B500 – a great bunch of people & fab weather made for a really brilliant tour

We start with a pre-tour briefing at Calais	Ready for the off
“John and Jen, I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the Black Forest Tour. It was the second time of doing this one and it was even better than the first. Fantastic roads and scenery. The hotels and food were faultless, all of the people on the tour were so friendly and we all had a great laugh. Everyone appreciates all of the hard work you both put in to make these tours so successful. Regards”
John Heaney, 5th visit, BMW 1200GS
Our first coffee stop	..
“Hi all, well I will start with the two people, Jen and John, who have changed my view of touring on a motorcycle. It was the most organised trip I’ve ever been on. All aspects of the trip, Hotels, Food, Roads, Fuel stops, inc Duel fueling, best marker system, things that really help when you are a newby! I’ve learned some new lines around the corners. So overall I would like to thank everyone on the trip, a nice bunch of individuals, and a little extra thank you for the rear gunners who acted faultlessly. So what next…Book another ride is very likely as I thoroughly enjoyed it. So all the best Guys and Dolls and ride safe. Thank you”
Trevor Swindells, 1st tour, MV Augusta F4RR. (The only Northern MV owners club member) We always regroup before & after any motorway
“Hi All, firstly thanks to John and Jen for putting on such a great tour. I’m missing it already. Secondly thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome and part of the group…which isn’t always easy. I thoroughly enjoyed riding, dining and chatting with you all. Such great fun with great people. Cheers”
Phil Ashworth, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger Sport
Afternoon coffee break	John S discovers his faring is loose
“Hi John and Jen, I know the four of us [Chris, Paul “Parker”, Pete & Trevor] enjoyed ourselves and I know Trevor really enjoyed the great roads – it was good of you to put in some motorways especially for “Parker”! Speaking personally, I had a great time, good food, good beer & a great group of people. I am amazed at the quality of the routes you find…and the hotels and locations really are second to none. You can rest assured we will keep the pressure on Pete to do the Rhine in Flames next year and Paul and I will be there even if Mr Grumpy doesn’t make it! Regards”
Chris Martin, 8th visit, Suzuki V-Strom 650
Beautiful scenery en-route	River Semois in the Ardennes
“This was the best thing I’ve ever done on two wheels. If you’re looking for a European tour look no further – you won’t find better. Many thanks Bike Normandy.”
Jamie Plaister, 1st tour, Triumph Speed Triple R
Our 4* Hotel in Belgium	Drinks before dinner
“Thank you all for a fantastic trip, 6 days of wall to wall sunshine, 1 day of showers, can’t be bad. Good food, good hotels, good roads, and very good company, we shall remember this trip for sometime, and hope to see some of you in the future. Thanks to John & Jen for another great trip.”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 6th visit, Honda Deauville
Dinner is included our first night, John welcomes everyone to the Tour	Vince & Terry are presented with their “Been there done it 10 times” T-shirts
Jen was awake early – sunrise seen from our hotel
“Hi John and Jen, I had to write and say a big thank you for organising yet another fantastic tour. Even though this is the second time we have done this one we still found new things to see and enjoy the great routes that you choose. As always there was a great bunch of people on the tour and everyone was able to enjoy the routes at their own pace with the excellent marker system you use. Looking forward to see you again in the future, many thanks”
Rob Jones, 5th trip, Honda Crossrunner

Breakfast is in the conservatory	..
Our wise monkeys at lunch stop!	The bikes have to move for an ice-cream van!
Ice creams at afternoon stop (sorry, Terry missing)	Just like cattle – any bit of shade will do!
Our hotel in Baden Baden	..
Beers on arrival – Chris M & Jamie	Phil, Kieron, Parker & Sharron
Pete, Chris M, Terry & Fran	Pete, Chris M, Parker & Trevor
Kieron (or was it the bikes?) has a Russian admirer!	.
Our hotel lit up at night	Breakfast is in the cafe opposite
We fill-up before riding the B500	Dave & Traci – BMW R1200RS
John & Sandra – Honda Deauville	Chris N (“Nasher”) – BMW R1200 GS

Vince BMW R1200 GS with Rich & Jamie	John H – BMW 1200GS with Jen on Street Triple
Kieron & Sharron – BMW K1600 GTL with Rob – Honda Crossrunner	Pete – Suzuki 1250 GSX-FA with Trevor – MV Augusta F4RR
Paul “Parker” – Triumph Tiger 800	Chris M – Suzuki V-Strom 650
“Backmarkers” Terry & Fran – Triumph Sprint GT	We re-group at the end – “Parker” & Pete
Jamie – Triumph Speed Triple R	Dave & Traci
Rob	Phil – Triumph Tiger Sport
Richard – Triumph Tiger 1050	John H
Kieron & Sharron	Trevor – not the only one who missed seeing Jen!!!
Chris M	John & Sandra

Terry & Fran	Vince
And finally John in the Van !!
A wild animal in the bushes??	No, just Rich !!
We re-group before going for a coffee break
The prettiest coffee stop	..
John & Rob with cakes !!	Cakes all round !
..	..
Cool off in the fountains	John & Sandra enjoy ice-creams
Lovely scenery in the Black Forest	..

After nearly all the bikes go AWOL…	We’re later than usual at the cuckoo clock !!
The Group at the World’s largest cuckoo clock
More ice-creams – Jamie & Rich	Sharron & Kieron
The quaint town – for those that didn’t leave the ice-cream parlour !!	There are cuckoo clocks, cuckoo clocks & more cuckoo clocks !!
Our hotel for two nights in the Black Forest
Dinner is included again tonight	..
..	Fab Black Forest gateau !
Perfect – gateau & wine !!	Vince knows a “Baby Balloon” !!
John has a “senior moment”…	So how did Phil know it was a marrow?!!
Gorgeous weather again	Flower displays everywhere in the town

..	..
The next day some of us go for a ride-out	Jen’s view as pillion…
Phil on his Tiger Sport	Trevor & Vince
Trevor & Vince	Rob
Dave & Traci	..
Terry	Jamie & Rich
Fab bends…	..
Chris N with Andy, Rob & Terry	John H rides as “back-marker”
We re-group before going into Switzerland	We ride through vineyards
Catch that train !!	..

Those who rode to the High-Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland

The stunning waterfalls

Beers for most of us when we get back	..
..	The lovely lake
John decides to go for a swim…	Daniel Craig eat your heart out !!!!!!
..
For those who wanted to see the lake completely frozen when we did our research in January 2011
Always a morning briefing	..
We ride under a ski run	Jen tries to organise a group photo

The group as we leave the Black Forest

kloster St Trudpert	Chris N chooses his cake
What a resemblance !!!	Fran with a massive slice of cake
Fran & Terry	John & Rob
Traci & Dave	Sandra & John
..	A new recruit !!
It’s getting warmer…	Heading into the Vosges Mountains
Not what we want – stuck behind a coach	..
At the top we take the ski lift up…	..
..	..
then the luge down…Phil vs John	John S vs Rob

Sandra vs John H	Rich vs Jamie
Terry vs Jen	John S arrives safely
Rob	John H with Jamie on his tail…
Rich has taken a tumble !!	Terry
Jen	The brave ones !
Rich is badly grazed	Kieron suggests he’s just like Cal Crutchlow – gets in the lead then falls off !! (Though not last weekend!)
All ready to leave	In the Vosges we want a Triumph photo…
Clear off Kieron !!! (We forgive you !!) A Triumphant Tour ! Triumph Sprint, Tiger 800, Tiger 1050, Speed Triple R, Tiger Sport & Street Triple R View from the Vosges
At our hotel it’s even hotter…	Drinks in the hotel bar
..	..

A free night so we walk into town	John gives directions in the town centre
Sharron & Kieron choose a Tajine	..
Us !	Epinal by night
Bikes at coffee stop the next day	They bring out tables & chairs
..	Afternoon coffee stop
..	..
At our final hotel Sharron is pleased with the view	As are Chris N & Vince
Super view of “Merlin’s Castle”
Dinner is included – we dine outside	John thanks everyone for a great tour
Thanks to Terry & Fran for riding as “Back-markers”	Fran recites a poem (full text below)

Vince tells a joke	Jen takes a turn
Heard this before – you know what comes next…	John drops his pants…
And shows us the “Penguin” !!	Vince also knew a penguin !!
Kieron’s up next	Then Parker
Lunch stop at Albert	Final coffee stop where some leave for Calais
..	We finish with motorway…
So Parker’s happy !!	Au Revoir !!

The official BN Poet Laureate!! Here is Fran’s poem:

This Poem has been inspired by the presentation of the Ten Trips with BN T-shirt to Terry (written in his voice!)

Ten years of doing it, I so enjoy the ride,

Ten years of doing it, feeling the warmth inside.

Ten years of doing it, getting better and better,

Ten years of doing it, getting wetter and wetter.

Ten years of doing it, it has been so much fun,

Ten years of doing it, Fran`s got me on the run!

Ten years of doing it, she says that I must pace it,

Ten years of doing it, there`s no need to race it.

Ten years of doing it, never mind the weather,

Ten years of doing it, we love to `come` together!!

And from Vince & Chris “Nasher” – great card guys!

Thanks to everyone for making this a really fun tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Aug 18

Love0

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Rhine in Flames 10 – 15 August 2016

Yet again a real highlight of our year - the group in Monschau on our last night

Yet again a fantastic tour – a real highlight of our year – and no apologies for the number of photos which follow. The group in Monschau on our last night

“Hi John & Jen, thanks for yet another great tour on which we enjoyed everything, roads, hotels, restaurants and the company. The evening cruise for the Flames could not have been better, the weather was perfect and the firework display along the river was better than expected – not to mention the Grand Finale at Koblenz – twenty five minutes of continual spectacular fireworks. Your attention to detail and hard work has always paid off, yet again many thanks for a successful tour, looking forward to the next. Cheers for now,”

Jackie (6th visit) & Vic (7th visit) Hill, Triumph Tiger 800 (Backmarkers on the Tour)

We start at Calais with a pre-tour briefing	We collect a few more at Eurotunnel
“Dear John & Jen, thank you very much indeed for making my maiden voyage such a huge success. I had been looking forward to this trip for such a long time and there was not a single moment to disappoint. It was an incredible journey with fabulous company, stunning scenery, beautiful hotels, delicious food, and great, great rides. It is difficult to return to real life but going through all the photos on your website has helped and also enabled me to relive the experience. I am very much looking forward to the next one or two (Andy??) – would like to climb onto the Leader Board! With kindest regards” Christine Lake, 1st tour as pillion on “Big Boy” Andy Biggs “John and Jen, thanks for a great tour it was one of the best I have done (and there have been a few). Hotels were excellent in terms of quality and location and the roads were great. The days were not too long and as usual you were both the perfect hosts. The leisure days at Boppard were well planned and a lot of fun. Christine really enjoyed her first tour as pillion and wants to come back for more…..maybe Sancerre. See you next year” Andy Biggs, 17th trip, BMW S1000SX
And retrieve the few that went AWOL !!	We always regroup before & after any motorway
“Hi John, Jen, we have not got a bad word to say about the tour, we both really enjoyed it, particularly myself. The hotels were fine as were the meals. Loved the routes, wish I’d been solo. The boat trip was excellent, Carol was in her element when the dancing started. The excursions on the train and up to Bonn were also enjoyable. Of course the weather made a lot of difference.Finally, thanks to both of you. It shows that you have been doing it for a long time now. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and always helpful. Well done. (Got up Wednesday and was greeted with ”Happy anniversary dear”. Oh s*. Forgot all about it for the first time in 48 years. Had to splash out on an expensive meal last night. “Yes, you can have whatever you want dear”. Ouch! ) Hope to see you again, but I must make a note of my anniversary first!” Barry & Carol Pullen, 1st tour, Honda ST1300**
Pretty lunch stop	Where Steve enjoys his second cappuccino
“John & Jen, many, many thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable trip, your choice of hotels and routes were great as was the company. Nothing was too much trouble and Maggie really enjoyed it…The whole purpose of the tour for me was the Rhine in Flames and what better way to see it than from a boat in excellent company, the fireworks were superb. May see you again.” Ned & Mags Kelly, 1st tour, BMW F800GT
Afternoon coffee break	..
“Good morning John and Jen, Mercie and I would like to add our thanks to a great tour, it was our first trip so didn’t know what to expect. We had a great time and met some great people. Your organizing made the whole trip stress free, the marker system worked for us [although we were always at the back we did manage to mark once!] and the hotels were great. Thanks again and we will be back soon as. Best regards” Steve & Mercie Keene, 1st tour, BMW F700GS
Our 4* hotel in Belgium	View from our hotel
“John and Jen, just to say again, thank you for your excellent tour. I really enjoyed the roads, scenery, fireworks in the Rhine and the company and it was all down to your brilliant organisation and leadership. Many thanks again – I may be back next year! Kind regards and best wishes” Stewart “Gixer” Collier, 2nd tour, Suzuki GSXR 1000
Andy’s on his 17th trip – riding behind John !!
“Hi John and Jen, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour – hotels, food and tours were all good – boat trip and fireworks amazing! I would happily do the tour again although I wouldn’t do the trip out on the Saturday a second time. I’m really pleased I went along and experienced those views but for me personally and as a pillion 4 hours riding for a 2 hour visit was a bit much…but I’m sure the riders enjoyed it! Thank you again!” Mo (& Dave) Sims, 2nd tour, Suzuki Hayabusa
Drinks on the terrace	Or in the lounge
“We enjoyed the Rhine in Flames trip with BN Tours. The arrangements were first class with good hotels at great locations. We especially liked riding without the encumbrance of the luggage. The evening on the Rhine and the fireworks was the highlight of the trip, the spectacular firework displays were awesome. (Keith thinks he’s a celeb with his nearly naked photo on the website – I told him he’s lucky not to have scarred anyone for life!) Warm regards” Bernie & Keith Russell, 1st tour, Kawasaki ZZR 1400

Dinner is included our first night

..	..
..	John sets the standard for jokes on the tour
The castle lit up at night	The next morning – where is it?
Breakfast area in the hotel	..
Bikes ready for the off	Always a morning briefing
Jen leads on our Street Triple R	Mussels in Luxembourg
Our hotel for three nights in Boppard	Drinks along the prom when we arrive

It’s August – cold, raining, but still we eat outside!!	Others choose to eat inside the hotel restaurant
The next day most of the group take the train to Rudesheim
Coffee along the waterfront	Off with their heads!!
We take the ferry across the Rhine
The cutest little ducklings	Take to the water
Approaching Rudesheim	..
Cruise ship moored at Rudesheim

Explore the pretty cobbled streets	..
Visit the underground caves	Sample the local wines
Stroll down Drosselgasse	Hear the bells & see the characters at the bell tower
Enjoy a Rudesheimer Kaffee – thank you everyone for the mugs!	See the fab architecture & engravings throughout the town
Take the ski lift over the vineyards	Great views from the top
Maggie & John, Carol & Barry join us for drinks	Watch out for the tourist train!
We’re treated to some guitar music	Strawberry champagne cocktails!
Carol finds the relevant underwear!!	We take the paddle steamer back to Boppard

See the castles en-route	..
Drinks on board	Christine & Andy with Stewart photo-bombing!
View from our hotel balconies – a gorgeous start to the next day
John & Anne chill-out for the day	Others choose to go for a ride-out
We take the car-ferry across the Rhine	Dave (& Mo) on their Hayabusa
Stewart on his GSXR 1000	Barry (& Carol) on their Honda ST1300
“Big Boy” Andy (& Christine) on his BMW S1000SX	Steve – BMW K1300 & Paul – Hayabusa
Steve (& Kirsty) on their BMW S1000SX	John “Ned” Kelly (& Maggie) – BMW F800GT

Lisa on her GSXS 1000F	Graham on his Versys 1000
Vic (& Jackie) on their Tiger 800	John (& Jen) on our Street Triple R
Give us a wave!!
Looking back at our hotel
More castles	A pillion’s view
Pretty towns	“Ned” & Maggie Kelly
..	..
Dave & Mo	Barry & Carol

Barry & Carol followed by “Ned” & Maggie	Andy & Christine
Andy again	Paul
..	Paul followed by Steve & Kirsty
Ditto	Steve & Kirsty
Jen’s view !	Stewart – always a wave!
Stewart followed by Dave & Mo	Take the rack-railway to the top of the Drachenfels
The view from the top
Christine & Andy	The view towards Bonn at the other side

Lunch stop while at the top	Our biker-babes!
Lisa	Lisa followed by Andy & Christine
Graham followed by Barry & Carol	Stewart
Stewart followed by Andy & Christine	..
Unusual buildings	Stewart again
We head back to the ferry	What a welcome – Keith’s too sexy for his shirt!!
Oakley MC & other guests get together in memory of John Sedgwick – sadly recently deceased

And this is what we all came to see – the Rhine in Flames…

Jackie & Vic are welcomed aboard	Initially the ships circle around
Dinner is included	..
..	..
..	..
..	..
The girls practice the Slosh !	Carol with Andy !
Vic & Jackie	Barry & Carol

Tana & Paul	John with Tana
The ships start cruising towards Koblenz
John with Tana & Paul	Maggie with Barry
“Ned” & Maggie	Steve & Mercie
Dave & Mo	The fireworks start
..	..
Each town lets off fireworks on the way	..
The display culminates at Koblenz	The fireworks are let off behind the castle
The most spectacular display	..

..	..
..	..
..	..
..	..
..
..	..

..	..
And then we hit the dance floor…
..	..

..	..
We show the Germans how to do the Slosh!	..
..	..
Kirsty & Steve King	Mercie & Carol
Andy with Carol again!	Stewart doesn’t have a choice!
..	..
Are we really doing the YMCA?!	..
..	..
..	..

..	..
..	..
There’s no stopping Carol!	And then it’s all over!
After a late start lunch is at Cochem	..
How many bikes?!	Backmarkers Vic & Jackie on their Tiger 800
John leads on our Street Triple R	Julia & Bryan on their ZZR1400
Steve & Kirsty on their BMW S1000SX	Steve & Mercie on their hired BMW F700GS
Bikes outside our final hotel	Dave & Mo in the hotel pool
Steve & Graham play table-tennis	Drinks before dinner
A quick beer Lisa!!	Dinner is at a local restaurant

Dinner is included our last night	..
..	And then the jokes start…
Andy hosts the award ceremony!	Lisa won the award for ???
Thanks Vic & Jackie for riding as “Back-markers”	The Bike Normandy Players – “ith it dithco?”
Ned takes a turn	Then Jen
Graham takes a turn	Paul draws his “tree trees!!”
Andy shows Steve how to waft a towel!!	Back to the hotel for bowling – Bryan
Girls vs Boys…Steve’s next	Vic’s turn
Then Mercie	Steve King has a go

Dave’s next	Girls leading so Andy & Steve try to put Jen off!!
Bernie (sorry blurred)	Then Keith
Julia goes next	Carol’s turn
Then Barry	Jackie shows them how it’s done!
Jen tries to distract “Big Boy”	Christine (sorry blurred again!)
Go Lisa!!	Kirsty takes a turn
Then John	Maggie goes next
Lisa tries to distract Stewart!	So how was it that the Boys won by just one point?! Sorry if we missed getting a photo of anyone – and for the blurred pics – wrong camera setting & possibly too much red wine!!
Our final morning briefing	John sets off
With some leaving at lunchtime, others choose to leave from the motorway services…

“Give me back my paniers!!!”

Au revoir!

Another fantastic tour with a great bunch of people – lovely to meet all the newbies and to see lots of our regulars…look forward to seeing many of you again. Ride safe, John & Jen

Aug 04

Love0

Testimonial Picos Pyrenees 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes Tour 25 July – 1 August 2016

Fab roads, fab weather and a fab group – what more do you want for a fab biking holiday!

“Hi everyone, just want to say from Matt and I a big big thank you for a fabulous 8 days. The tour was brilliant, so organised and such beautiful places. Thank you Jen and John for being professional, sincere and caring. As to the group, you are such a lovely bunch of people and we appreciate all the help and support you gave to us. Wish we had more time to get to know you all better. Next tour, I might have another husband, maybe an old codger with a Goldwing. One that will sit still and doesn’t do hurdling !!!!!!!! [see later J&J] Lol. Love him really Xx Take care everyone and thank you.” Matt & Shirley Ilott, 1st tour, KTM Super Adventure
in Santander we’re treated to a free concert	John & Andy Wilson with beers in the square
“Dear John and Jen, we wanted to send our thanks to you both for a wonderful tour. We both enjoyed it very much, and have written a little limerick of thanks for you … There was a motorcycle holiday company called Bike Normandy Who are above all others quite deservedly They put in much time To make tours sublime And for that we thank them wholeheartedly! ” Audrey and Rees Hewson, 1st tour, Triumph Explorer
Scottish Andy attempts to barter – in Spanish!	Andy & Jen teach the locals the Slosh!
“Hi John & Jen, thank you for a great holiday…the roads and scenery were incredible, excellent hotels and a brilliant bunch of people on the tour and some good laughs. Thanks to Jen and John for going out of their way to sort things, it was a brilliant tour” Mike Sanders, 5th tour, & Tracey Reading, 3rd tour, Kawasaki Z1000SX
“P.S. Hope Right Said Fred’s knee is ok, and of course the back markers even though we didn’t get a chance to speak to them”
Sue & Ken Wright join us for breakfast	A traditional procession passes by
..	..

We meet you off the ferry with a pre-tour briefing	Lovely scenery en route
“Hola, a very belated thanks to John and Jen for a great trip, all so organised and the back up van being invaluable. Nothing seems to put you into panic mode not even the accident of Ken and Sue, who I’m pleased to note are now back in the UK and hopefully now on the mend. Thanks to everyone for your company it was a pleasure to meet so many nice people and we have some great memories. Hope to see you again on another BN European Tour. Best wishes,” Gordon & Alison Barr, 2nd tour, Honda Crosstourer
At lunch Rees discovers a puncture	A rare sight – John doing exercise !(oops!)
Bikes parked up at lunch stop
“Wayne and I would like to thank you all for making it a wonderful holiday. Regards to all xx” Wayne & Carole Williams, 1st tour, BMW K1300GT
We head off into the Picos Mountains	Taken through the van windscreen!
Stunning scenery	Ken & Sue riding as “back-markers”
The superb view from our first hotel
Parking behind our hotel
Drinks in the hotel bar	Jill passes round the olives

Dinner is included tonight	.
John sets the bar [low!] for jokes on the tour	The spider is still going strong! (see 2011 Tour)
A misty start to day 2	Always a morning briefing
A surprise at coffee stop	Is it worth going up?
It still looks really misty…	But look what awaits above the clouds!
Ian, Shirley & Matt, Brian, Rees & Audrey	Jackie & Brendan

The skies clear	Afternoon coffee stop
Matt organises a group photo then leaps the fence to be in it….
He won’t be entering the Grand National any time soon as he falls at the second fence!!!!!

Secure underground parking at our 2nd hotel	Bikes take the lift down !
Cathedral in Logrono	Well spotted Audrey !!
Rees & Brian are not sure what they’re eating!	Our second tapas bar…
Our third tapas bar…	Explore the back streets
Wayne on his BMW K1300GT	Kelvin on his BMW RT1200
Mike with his BMW S1000XR	Morning briefing
Carl riding as back-marker	.

Stunning scenery after coffee stop	We head towards the Pyrenees
Pretty lunch stop	.
We always fill-up every 100 – 120 miles	Still snow on the peaks
.	Watch out for the locals!
.	Spot the bear paw-prints!
Bikes winding up to the top of the Col	Matt & Shirley on their KTM Super Adventure
Audrey & Rees with creamy coffees	Coffee stop on top of the Pyrenees
Ian, Jackie & Shirley decide to race to the top	So where’s Ian ??

They don’t give up!	They made it !
.	.
The group on top of the Col Where a group of youngsters want to be in the photo!
Heading down off the Pyrenees	.
Drinks on the hotel terrace	When in Lourdes!!! Matt still has a bad knee!
See the nightly procession at the Cathedral	Just who is that in the wheelchair?????
The congregation builds up	.
.	.

Kelvin & Jill with ice-creams	Really large beers!
.
Preparations for a jazz concert	Coffee stop
Malcolm & Kari on their Harley Fat Bob CVO	Andy on his Piaggio MP3
Sunflowers everywhere	Our next stop is Rocamadour
The group minus Gordon & Alison who made their own way to the hotel
The quaint tourist train	Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included again tonight
We wake up to a spectacular sight	Three hot-air balloons take off
Matt watches them float away	John waits to be fed by the house martins!

Another gorgeous morning	Coffee stop
.	A poorly kitten adopts Audrey
.	James’ rear tyre isn’t going to finish the tour!
Lunch is in the Volcanic region
Lunch on top of the Puy Mary	.
The view going down
Gordon & Alison on their Honda Cross Tourer	Not ideal Brendan – we ride on the right!!!
Dinner included our first night in the Volcanoes	We start with the hotel’s “Fairy Cocktail”

John drops his shorts telling the “Penguin” joke…	Just as the waiter walks in !!!!
A rainy start to our day off	Local morning market
John takes Brian to get a new front tyre	James to get front & rear tyres
After experiencing a vibration, Andy’s Piaggio is given the once-over	Brian fits his front wheel while John weights down the rear!!
We then go for a ride-out – Shirley on the back of James’ Ducati Streetfighter 848	Jen rides pillion to take some photos ………….
Mike on his BMW S1000XR	Rees (Explorer) with Ian (Street Triple)
James in the lead	Still in the lead…
.	We head towarde the Puy du Dome

. .
We take the train to the top	.
Super view from the top
.	.
.	Brian (Blackbird) & Ian
Drinks in the hotel bar	.
Audrey chooses a huge dessert	Then she’s the first to be “branded”!

With more black spots appearing – Shirley’s next !	Who’s next to make a mistake??
Shirley’s out !!	Ian stumbles and is branded!
And the winners are – Rees & Gordon !!	Coffee stop the next day
Lunch stop	A rare sight – Us !!
Whole town closed for a “vide-grenier”	.
Dinner is included our last night	John thanks everyone for a great tour
Matt says some kind words on behalf of the group	John’s telling jokes again…

Just how did Ian & Brian know it was a marrow??!!	Carole takes a turn
Jen goes next	Then Kelvin
The t-shirt shop is open !!	A final talk before some leave for Calais
Emotional goodbyes !	John A on his BMW K1300S
John gets baguettes for lunch	Lunch back at “Bike Normandy”

Thanks to everyone for making this another great tour. We always say that we attract the nicest people on our tours and this was no exception. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe John & Jen.

(Unfortunately Ken & Sue had an “off” with Sue breaking her arm. She has had an operation in Spain and is due out of hospital today (4 Aug) – they hope to continue with their planned trip to Italy in their motorhome)

Jun 29

Love0

Testimonial 4×4 (2) June 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial 4×4 (4 nights/4 countries – on bikes!) 21-25 June 2016

The Group in Luxembourg

We always start the tour with a briefing

First coffee stop

“Hi John & Jen, thank-you very much for another great trip, the roads, routes and hotels were all fantastic. Your hard work and research has paid off yet again. Thank-you once again.”

Paul Horton, 5th trip, Triumph Sprint 1050

We always re-group before & after any motorway	Bikes parked up at lunch stop
Drinks at our hotel in Belgium	Time to relax before dinner

“Bonjour John/Jen, just to say that the tour was fabulous. It couldn’t be anything else really, what with all the jokers on the trip. I have never laughed so much for so long at so much. What a great bunch of guys – I would love to do a trip again with all of them and its all down to you guys for making it happen. All the hotels are great, but personally, I do like Cochem the best… I would like a day to explore the place properly – maybe a 4×5?? Thanks again to the both of you, it really was amazing, again!! Regards,”

Dave Washington, 8th trip, BMW R1200GSA

Dinner is included our first night, with welcome speeches and a bad joke from John…	It’s not long before Ken “Live at the Apollo” Cullern takes over the joke telling!
Breakfast area in our hotel	Always a morning briefing before we set off

“Good morning John and Jen…another fantastic tour with Bike Normandy. The organisation was, as usual, first class. The roads were superb and it was good to meet up with old and new friends. The 4×4 tour was a tour of two halves; some in the pouring rain and some in temperatures of 33 deg C. Thanks again for a fantastic 4×4 tour. I look forward to the next one! Oh, and by the way, give my regards to Harry when you see him next! Thanks again”

Ken Cullern, 12th trip, Suzuki GSXR 750

Coffee & cakes in Monschau	Such a pretty town
The lads enjoying huge gateaux	Gotcha Paul H !

“Hi John and Jen, just wanted to say thank you for another great tour – a great week with great company and brilliant roads. Organisation was as always, first class – the only down-side is that it’s all over too quickly. See you again next year. Kind Regards”

Jim Plant, 3rd trip, BMW R1200RS

Paul N & Paul T	.
“Hi John & Jen, just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the trip. Even though I was a late addition to the tour, and most of the others knew each other, I was still made welcome by all on the tour. The pace was good and we all rode well together, with most taking turns as the back marker. Your routes are first class and it is obvious you put a lot of research into each days riding. The hotels used and the meals included were of a very good standard. Look forward to coming on another tour in the near future. Regards,” Paul Newman, 3rd trip, BMW 1200GS
All parked up at coffee stop
“John & Jen, had a great week on the 4 x 4. Great riding on fantastic roads. Really good hotel choices. It was great to ride with a really fun bunch of lads. Looking forward to another trip in the future. Cheers” Frazer Wood, 2nd trip, Triumph Explorer
Jen takes a turn as “back-marker” in the van!	Leaving lunch stop
.	.
.	Not just any white van – the BN van!!!
The Group at the Nurburgring
Five go round a racetrack!
Here come the boys!	John goes first followed by Nigel
Then Richard, Steve & Liam	Nigel’s back first!
Steve’s next	Then John
Richard, followed by his son…	Liam
They did it!!
Drinks on the hotel terrace	Most choose to dine in the hotel
.	.
Nigel still buzzing from his lap of the ‘ring
Breakfast room in our hotel	This trip had a luggage van
A lovely morning in Cochem	.
The Group in Germany
Jen leading on our Street Triple R	Adey on his KTM 990 Adventure
Steve on his Kawasaki Z1000SX	Liam on his Kawasaki ZX9R
Dave on his BMW R1200GSA	Andy on his Street Triple R
Paul H on his Triumph Sprint 1050	Jim on his BMW R1200RS
Ken on his GSXR 750	Garry as back-marker on his BMW R1200 GSA
Coffee on the Rhine	The pretty town centre
Lunch on the Mosel	Great balancing act!
Music in the town square	.
Paul N on his BMW 1200GS	Frazer on his Triumph Explorer
Nigel on his BMW K1300S Motorsport	Paul B on his BMW K1300R
Richard on his Honda Blackbird	Paul T on his Kawasaki Z12R
Toilet stop!!	Sheltering from the heat !!!
The Group in Luxembourg
Drinks in the hotel bar	Heading into town!
We all end up in the same grill/pizzeria	Follow the bear!
Fab roads in Luxembourg – Frazer as back-marker	25 June – the UK has voted to leave the EU so Ken blanks out the EU flag!!
The Group in the Ardennes, Belgium
Stand by your bikes!
Ken & Nigel have a drink on Andy (prev tour)	Drinks before dinner
Our hotel is right opposite the huge fortress
Dinner is included our last night	The jokes soon start
Mr “Live at the Apollo” is on again!	Paul H takes a turn
Jen’s next	Followed by Nigel
It’s Ken again!	John tells another…
How did Richard know it was a cucumber!	Ken again !!
Then the real fun starts…
“Harry” becomes “One-spot”!!	Quickly followed by “Two-spots”
Steve struggles & Paul B is branded!	Sorry Paul – five spots & you’re out!!
Ken’s got four spots!	And so has Paul N
Steve’s almost got it!	Laughs all round!
And Frazer was doing so well !!!	Paul H now has two spots!
Garry gets one on the nose !	And the winner with only 3 spots is Dave!
Secure parking in the hotel courtyard	Waterproofs on at coffee stop
By lunchtime the sun’s out again	No comment!
And that’s all folks!	Another great tour, great riding by all, lots of fun & more sunshine than rain! We look forward to seeing many of you again. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jun 29

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Testimonial 4×4 (1) June 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial 4×4 (4 Nights/4 Countries – on bikes!) 15-19 June 2016

The Group in Germany – great riding in spite of some rain!

We always start with a pre-tour briefing	And always re-group before & after any motorway
“John, Jen, the time we spent with you and the whole team of 14 riders, on the 4×4 tour, was truly wonderful. Great selection of hotels and varied riding itinerary was a great balance…the whole tour had the party atmosphere as one would expect, as it can’t be easy getting 14 riders from very differing backgrounds to get on so well as you have done. I appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make the tour a successful one. So riding…….great; accommodation…….great; food……..great; company………great; John ‘n Jen……….great: I will be back with you soonest! My best regards to you both” Steno Gerrard, 2nd trip, Aprilia Pegaso 650
Bikes parked up at lunch stop	Our hotel the first night is in Belgium

“John/Jen, just a quick email to say thanks for the 4×4 tour. Once again a really well organised and run tour. A great bunch of people and good hotels made for very pleasant evenings. Even the mixed weather didn’t spoil the riding and it did give us the fun of watching the leather wearers hop around in the heavy rain trying to get into their “boil in the bag” waterproofs. That is the second time I’ve done your 4×4 tour and I won’t have any problem doing it again. Hopefully I will meet some of the people on future tours and I’ll see you in August for my nineteenth visit.” Allan Gray, 18th trip, BMW S1000R
Will you three put your phones away!!	Andy, Russ & Keith in the hotel bar
“Bonjour John & Jen, thanks so much for a superb tour. Despite the weather I had a fantastic time! Your itinerary with the twisty roads, beautiful scenery (when I had a nano second to take my eyes of the road!), to the excellent hotels was also superb. Myself, Keith & Andy are all good for the same 4×4 tour in August 2017!” Russ Smith, 3rd trip, BMW S1000RR
Drinks under cover before dinner	Nice new shirt Peter!
“Greetings, safely back home after another brilliant Bike Normandy tour. Shame about the weather at times, but even so I managed to find plenty of enjoyment on some great roads with the added bonus of getting my wet weather riding sorted out. Good hotels, especially the Weinhaus Graefen in Cochem with their superb steaks and excellent service. Good company too from our fellow travelers – variably paced en route but the drop off system works and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. All that enjoyment plus a 10 trip Bike Normandy T shirt; I call that a result! Thank you” David Biggs, 10th trip, BMW K1600

Dinner is included the first night

Breakfast room in our hotel

“John and Jen, once again great organisation, research and excellent hosting meant a thoroughly enjoyable relaxing 5 days, quality throughout – thank you. Hope Harry is well!”

John Young, 6th trip, Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Bruce is ready for John’;s briefing!

What – no van? We ride this trip with luggage!

“Dear John, Jen and group. Thanks for a great week with great company. The hotels and routes chosen were excellent and even if I was the guy at the back it was so good to ride the bike on those clear open roads and up and down those hilly bits, nothing like here in East Anglia! Best wishes to all and stay safe” Mark Ward, 2nd trip, Yamaha Super Tenere
Always a morning briefing. Jen’s new GSXS 1000F	Coffee & Cake in Monschau
The prettiest town of Monschau	.
Keith on his Kawasaki ZZR 1400	Bruce on his BMW R1200RT
Peter on his BMW S1000XR	Jen on her GSXS 1000F
Sorry everyone else – with us both riding we didn’t get photos of you all on your bikes
At lunch we shelter from the rain!	Dave with his Nurburgring pass

Pete, John Y & Bruce take a ring taxi	As do Andy A, Keith & John – brilliant!
Dave on his Triumph Street Triple RX arrives back…	And he’s chuffed to bits!
Our second night is in Germany	Our hotel is next to a Thai Massage Parlour!

Most choose to dine in the hotel	Fab steaks are served
.	Dave’s still grinning!
Andy B, David & Allan sample the local brew!	Breakfast room in our hotel

The Group lined up in Germany
Bikes at coffee stop	Coffee alongside the Rhine
.	.

Lunch on the Mosel	And the sun’s shining!
The fab pool in our hotel in Luxembourg	Andy A & Steno take a blasting!
Breakfast area in our hotel	Huge underground garage for secure parking
The group in Luxembourg

Lunch back in Belgium	Coffee in the Ardennes in Belgium
The Group in the Ardennes, Belgium
Drinks before dinner back in France	How many beers Andy?!

Dinner included our last night	And then the jokes start
David Biggs is presented with his “Been there, done it 10 times!” BN T-shirt
Jen has to tell the “army” joke	The Bike Normandy Players – £10 for two pints?!

Allan shows Andy how to really waft a towel!!	Steno takes a turn
Paul goes next	Followed by Peter
Then the real fun starts…

How many spots Harry????	More Harrys turn into Spots!
Make a mistake & you’re branded!	No-one can escape!
Maximun allowed 5 spots!	No covering up these spots – Jen’s out!!

It’s a draw! The winners are Pete & David!

Game over – but the boys can’t stop!!	Russ, Keith & Andy who want to do it again in 2017!
More jokes from Dave C	And then David B

Secure parking in the hotel courtyard	Our final morning briefing before heading home
Lunch in the sunshine!	Out of place – the Circuit Chimay in Belgium

A great tour with loads of fun and – despite some rain – really good riding by all. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. John & Jen

P.S. If anyone on this tour would like to see the places visited but in sunshine then read the review of the next 4×4 Tour !!

May 24

Love0

Testimonial WW2 Extended Sights May 2016

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

WW2 Extended Sights Tour 16 – 22 May 2016

Our first tour of the year – great to see so many regulars and welcome to the newcomers.

We start with a pre-tour briefing before walking round to our first visit – the Grand Bunker

“Hi John and Jen, just wanted to say what a wonderful time we had on the WW2 Tour. Lovely company and well organised tour of the sites. We never thought we would find it all so interesting and very thought provoking and at times quite emotional. The riding was superb and very enjoyable. Lovely hotels and great food. What more can we say! Looking forward to joining you again one day. Kind Regards”

Ros & Colin Shepherd, 1st tour, BMW 1200GS

“John, Jen, thank you for a fab tour. Great company and wonderful locations, thought provoking stuff!!”

Claire & Martyn Wyatt, 2nd tour, BMW 1150GS

Dave descends into the Bunker… Helen takes aim!

“Hi John & Jen, just to say a big thank you for a really enjoyable and educational tour. The organisation was 1st class with excellent routes, hotels and visits and well planned fuel/coffee stops (even when fuel was in short supply !) John’s “idiot guides” were a great source of additional background information – and much better than his jokes!! The marker system worked flawlessly and the whole group gelled together and were great company. I certainly will be touring with you again in the near future. Best Wishes”
Dick Hallsworth, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint GT

Sam tests the range-finder… As does “American” Pete

“John and Jen,

Memorial day was on Monday 30th May for us Americans. We look back at the heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. The Normandy trip made it that much more surreal. Seeing the places where my fellow brothers in arms battled. This trip checked off one of my bucket list items, visiting the American Cemetery. However, there was much more to see that I was unaware of and your trip proved just that. The places visited were added to the bucket list on the spot and checked off.

The roads ridden were very nice. Surprisingly, there were more twisties than I had anticipated. I believe the pace of the ride suited all riders with you both using the drop off marker system. Following Jen around was a lot of fun when we hit the twisties.

Use of the back-up van was brilliant. Being able to toss your luggage and gear into the van at stops and not having to worry about your personal items was awesome! Being able to support one rider who had fallen ill and keep the tour going proved the back-up van’s worth.

Overall you handled adversity brilliantly. From a snapped clutch cable, sick rider, fuel shortage throughout France and one-way roads that switched direction. If I wasn’t going back to America this year, I would definitely book another tour with you and check off more bucket list items. Amazing history tour with amazing people. “

“American” Pete Hillman, Kawasaki ZZR1400

Sandra takes a call! A good start – we drive on the RIGHT !!

“Hello John and Jen, a week has passed now and we are still talking about and telling people about the great week we had. The trip was superbly organised and the hotels and all the museums were top class. I said it to you at the time and I will say it again, you guys are at the top of your game. Thank you for a great trip and we will see you in October!”
Stuart & Vanessa Scarfe, 1st tour, Triumph Explorer & Kawasaki Z300

The group at Pegasus Bridge (minus Simon & Helen still outside)

“Hi John, Jen, thanks again for a great trip. Helen and I had a super time. Great accommodation, food, twisty roads and interesting museums etc…looking forward to our trips with you next year!”

Simon & Helen Brown, 1st tour, Honda Pan European

“Just scooting through the pictures and thinking what tremendous fun the week was. For a novice like me, I don’t think there could be a better way to be introduced to biking. Thanks very much to all of you, especially Jen and John. Hope to see you all again soon.”

Helen Brown

Where we have arranged a visit accompanied by an English speaking guide

“Thanks for a great holiday, it’s great to have the back up of the group, the van and the knowledge and help from John and Jen. We really like the way the route is guided as it takes off the pressure of stopping looking at maps. Stuart can ride without looking where I am all the time which makes it a true break for both of us, as I am not having to keep up with him. Look forward to the next one.”

Lynne Waring, 4th trip, Honda CB400

Hear the history of the original bridge and see a replica Horsa glider

“John & Jen, another great tour, so much to see and fun at the ferry terminal, pumping fuel out, then putting some back! See you in August for the Black Forest tour”

John & Sandra Shepherd, 5th trip, Honda Deauville

We’re treated to an unexpected performance by the Taunton & Dean Male Voice Choir

“Hi John & Jen…thank you so much for a organising such a great tour. The sights were memorable and thought provoking, whilst the company, food and hotels were second to none. We look forward to our next tour with you. Thanks again”

Stuart & Sam Goodwin, 4th visit, BMW Adventure (backmarkers on this tour)

We watch a film introduced by Prince Charles before John explains the glider landings

“Many thanks for a very enjoyable tour. Thanks also for your help when I was unwell…I hope to travel again with you soon, and will be more prepared to contribute on the joke-telling front (but more in the style of Lynne rather than Stuart! LOL)”

Dave Lee, 1st tour, Triumph Bonneville

Next stop is Arromanches where the remains of the Mulberry B floating harbour can be seen

At the Gun Battery at Longues-sur-Mer the girls mount a biggun! Mind your head Rob!

The super water feature at the American Cemetery…we pass through the Visitor Centre first

Before moving into the Cemetery

The bronze statue “The Spirit of Eternal Youth Rising from the Waves”

Our hotel for two nights is in Bayeux where the bikes are parked in the private courtyard

Time for drinks before dinner

Dinner is included our first night – where the (bad) jokes start!

Guess who ?

All lined up at the German Cemetery

Sam doesn’t like heights ! Ready for the off…John in the lead

Lynne on her CB400 followed by Dave on his Bonneville… Steve on his Tracer

Stuart (S) on his Triumph Explorer… Colin & Ros on their BMW 1200 GS

We next visit the Pointe du Hoc, the highest point between Omaha & Utah beach where US Rangers scaled the cliffs to destroy the German gun battery

We hear the moving testimony of survivors… Martyn & Claire

The cutest lambs… Dick in a crater

Steve, Rob & “American” Pete at the Rangers’ Memorial… Ros & Colin

Jen !

Dick on his Triumph Sprint GT… Stuart (G) on his Honda CBF 600

Peter (M) on his Thunderbird… Simon & Helen on their Pan European

“American” Pete on his Kawasaki ZZR 1400… John & Sandra on their Honda Deauville

Our next visit is the Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise

Walk through the fuselage in the Neptune hanger & step out with the parachutists…

Colin & Ros… Claire & Martyn

Steve at St Mere Eglise…

Aperitifs at Bayeux

Backmarkers Stuart & Sam in waterproofs! The clutch cable breaks on Lynne’s bike

John finds a bike garage who send a mechanic… Her hero !! (and no charge!)

Our thatched hotel & restaurant near St Nazaire

Dinner is included

Another of John’s jokes…just how did Dick (in the middle) know it was a marrow????

We next visit the U-boat pens at St Nazaire

And go on board the French attack submarine “Espadon”

Vanessa tests the bunk beds then takes the controls…

Dave at the radar detector… Lynne at the controls

Colin & Ros… Steve & Rob

The boys plot a course… Stuart (G) arm-wrestles “American” Pete

In the torpedo room

Pigeon residing in the torpedo room! Martyn & Claire

We leave St Nazaire and find the refinery blockages affecting petrol pumps…

Third time lucky we find a garage with fuel ! Secure garage parking at La Rochelle

Some of the group explore the ramparts at La Rochelle then dine together

La Rochelle by night

Pretty coffee stops & lovely country roads

We next visit Oradour sur Glane, starting in the informative visitor centre

Before walking through to the derelict village itself

The Memorial to the 642 inhabitants who were massacred on 10 June 1944 – 197 men, 240 women and 205 children

The church where the women & children were burned

The dragonfly outside our hotel… Lynne & Stuart after a night in a tapas bar!!!

Bikes at coffee stop…We’re allowed through to get petrol before the garage is cordoned off !!

Jen leading on our Street Triple Vanessa on her Kawasaki Z300

[Sorry Rob – Yamaha Fazer 600 – you were too quick for the camera!!]

We visit the Tank Museum at Saumur

Dick examines a 37mm Canon… Stuart with a Tiger Royal

Rob likes the machine guns while Sam wants a half-tracked Kettenkrad motorcycle !

Dave by a Jagdpanzer…Stuart by a Hummel (pose learned from the waiter in the tapas bar!!)

Lynne finds her dream yellow amphibious VBL… The car in a suitcase !

Vanessa finds her next bike! Vanessa & Stuart by the AMX 30 remote controlled mine sweeper

“American” Pete with a USA M60 A3 Simon takes charge

Ros & Colin with Lynne & Stuart Peter M

Sandra & John Sam & Stuart with Stuart S in the middle

Our last supper together in Le Mans

John thanks everyone for a great tour and especially Stuart & Sam for riding as “Back-markers” Helen then starts the jokes…

Lynne takes a turn, followed by Stuart

Then Stuart (S) followed by Jen (no pics!) Our final day and always a morning briefing

Our final visit is to the Museum at Montormel overlooking the Falaise Gap

We finish with a pic-nic lunch

Before the heavens open !!

Everyone back to Caen in good time for the ferry

Because of the petrol shortage we siphon off fuel from Stuart & Lynne

And John & Sandra – but then give some back as we’d left him on empty !!

Thanks to everyone for making this a great tour – good riding and a really sociable group – we hope to see many of you again on future tours. John & Jen.

Oct 06

Love0

Testimonial WW2 KAMG 2015

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

WW2 Tour for Kent Advanced Motorcyclist Group 26-30 September 2015

The Group at St Nazaire with the U-Boat pens in the background

A shortened Tour as the group had already visited the landing beaches and D-Day sights in Normandy.

If your club is interested please contact us as we can tailor-make a tour for you.

We start the Tour in Honfleur	All the bikes outside the hotel
“Thank you all for a splendid few days, very good fun! Kind regards” Paul Jessop

An introductory briefing before we set off	First coffee stop
In the prettiest surroundings	.

Paul discovers a puncture	A hairdressing session at coffee
All the bikes at coffee
Our first hotel	Karen & Chris

Drinks before dinner on a free night	Breakfast room in the hotel
The next day we visit a submarine	Audio-guides provide the info

Shashi on board	Tina & Caroline in bunk beds!
James – are we lost ?	Paul with Rosemary
Colin & Jaime think they know the location!	Jon P with John C

Paul does know where we are!	Karen & Chris
Colin & Tina	In the torpedo room

The Group in the Torpedo room

St Nazaire bridge closed until 14.00hrs	To celebrate 40 years !!
At coffee Caroline & Tina chat up the local Gendarmes!!
Drinks in our hotel at La Rochelle	.

A lovely sunset over the port	Just outside our hotel
We stroll round the ramparts
Tina minus shoes on the wall…	.

Lots of restaurants in the back streets
. .

What a whopper!	Tina swallows… her sardine!
Ice creams after dinner	La Rochelle by night
Anyone recognise this backside??	Our morning briefing

Bikes at coffee stop	Pretty lunch stop
.	We next visit Oradour sur Glane
First the visitor centre & museum	Audio guides tell the history

Of how 642 inhabitants were massacred	We then visit the village itself
.	The Church where women & children burned
Dinner included tonight	.

Paul helps serve desserts	As does Tina
Ooooh Cyril !!	How did James know it was a marrow?!!
Are you in the Navy?	Or the Observer Corps?

Jaime doesn’t know if it’s “Dithco”…	Or “Wrock & Wroll”
Bikes lined up at coffee stop
Morning coffee stop	Jaime wonders if his lunch will ever arrive!

The Group at the Saumur Tank Museum – before we were told off for climbing on board!

Colin & James	Jaime takes aim!
Tina’s found her next bike!	Colin & Tina with a nuclear missile launcher
All aboard the new BN support vehicle!	Caroline & Tina take charge
Any ideas? Jaime perhaps?	Chris & Karen

Paul & Shashi	Scary!!
Drinks before dinner	Cheers!
Dinner is included in a local restaurant on our last night How true!

Thanks to Colin & Tina Underwood for organising the group who took part in this Tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again in the future. Regards, John & Jen.

Oct 01

Love0

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps 2015

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 12 – 23 September 2015

The first group photo! Our longest tour and some have already said our best yet! Lots of photos to follow so this may not be finished before we have to leave on our ext tour...

The first group photo as we head into Italy! Our longest tour and some have already said our best yet!

“Hi John and Jen, we think this was the best tour we have done with you. The scenery was breath-taking. The roads were unbelievable. We had a great time and lots of fun. The hotels were good as was the food. Good group of people too. Many thanks & keep up the good work!” Stuart and Val Heath (5th & 4th trips), Kawasaki Versys 1000, Stoke on Trent

We start with a briefing at Caen

Our first stop – for waterproofs!

“Hi John and Jen, as you know this was our first bike tour and we just wanted to say that we picked a ‘goody’ for our first tour! We were both hugely impressed with Bike Normandy! Your meticulous research and attention to detail was evident right from the start. Stunning scenery, fantastic roads, great hotels, good food and a cracking group of people what more could you ask for? … Oh yes technical riding and lots and lots of twisties!! We loved every minute rain included! Thank you so much we will definitely be back for more. All the best” Paul & Louise Saltwell, Yamaha Tracer, Guernsey

We always regroup before & after any section of motorway

“Hi John & Jen, this trip was my first proper European tour. What can I really say, except ‘Fantastically Fabulous’. The trip for me was all about Switzerland and the Italian lakes – it did not disappoint. The roads and routes chosen were fantastic, flowing, and at times just sublime passing through beautiful and stunning scenery. The constant back-drop of the Alps with their snow capped peaks and vibrantly green valleys was just breath-taking; Every twist and turn on the beautifully surfaced and flowing roads opened up another stunning view, real ‘WOW’ moments.

From the pretty little towns and villages to the vertigo-inducing drops into the gorges below the alpine passes, to the stunningly coloured lakes and dams, every twist and turn produced another jewel for the memory and photo album.

The hotels chosen for our stop-overs were exceptional, well-appointed and run by very friendly, welcoming and efficient staff (your painstaking research really paid dividends). The days off, or optional ride-outs were well planned and catered for all tastes, with a good mix of sight-seeing, local trips or shopping etc; Whether that was tobogganing (as some chose) or taking the Bernina Train to the end of the line (as I did) taking in the stunning views as it climbed and descended the Alps from Switzerland down to Italy.

I hope to join you on this tour again…this really was/should be your flagship tour. I will most definitely be joining you again in the not too distant future on another tour or shorter trip. Kindest regards” Andy Dunmore, 2^nd trip, VFR 800, West Sussex

Our “back-markers” Tim & Karen (“Flo”)

Terrace & pool at our first hotel

“Hi John/Jen, yet again we had a brilliant time on the tour, and even though this was the first one – it went as smoothly as any of your others. We liked having the stop-overs for more than one night in the hotels and the choice of ride out or being a tourist, with camera in hand – assuming you don’t drop it! The routes you had painstakingly researched along with the scenery really made this tour a bit special, and there is nowhere else like Switzerland for these roads and amazing scenery. I posted a number of pictures and some said I had “Photoshopped” them, but they are untouched. Every hotel was very good – comfortable and quiet. Can’t think of any negatives from the trip – even the wind and rain couldn’t put a dampener on it! All the best” Dave & Traci Wakefield (8th trips), Triumph Explorer, Crewe, Cheshire

“Hi John & Jen, the adrenalin level has just about come back to normal after the Lakes & Alps trip. This was my first proper European tour and started with the big one. My decision, along with Brian & Rob, was justified. It taught me a whole lot about motorcycling and myself and I learned it in the company of those who knew what they were doing. The back drop of Europe at its most splendid was almost an added bonus. The trip was well researched, well organised and professionally executed and all without getting too serious. It was first & foremost good fun. Many thanks, & we’ll be back. Regards” Chris McMorran, BMW K1300R, Twickenham

The lounge area in the hotel

Drinks before dinner

“Hi John and Jen, well what can we say – this tour was just brilliant and more. Breathtaking scenery travelling along a variety of superb twisties, hairpins, fast sweepers and lakeside routes, we just didn’t know where to look next as the views were stunning both sides! The hotels were fantastic – particularly if ‘one’ was treated with executive suites, studios and waterbeds (that nobody believed so we had prove it, eh Jen?)! [there is no favouritism for room allocation – honest! J&J] The food was a great choice and the waistline expanded far too much. The ‘Day Off’ trips just proved that you can have as much fun and experience the BN European Tour to the full off the bikes too (can’t believe that Glacier, the Funicular or the Toboggans) – just a great mix. We both had such a great time, thoroughly enjoyed back marking for you and met new friends that we plan to come back to Bike Normandy with – so that says it all for me. Regards” Tim Hale (14th trip) & “Flo” Karen Reeve (3rd trip), Honda VFR1200, Bognor Regis

Cheers!

Dinner is included our first night

“Hi John & Jen, we really enjoyed the trip. The hotels were all excellent, scenery fantastic and a great group of people that made the tour really enjoyable. Although the weather could have been better, it didn’t spoil our holiday at all. Best wishes” Andy & Jane Hood (2nd tour), Triumph Explorer, Leighton Buzzard

“Hi John & Jen – it was a brill tour & we will be back! Best wishes” Mark & Karen Hughes (4th trips), Aprilia Tuono V4, Westport Lake

“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, shame about the weather but just enough sunshine to recognise the potential for it to become your flagship tour with stunning scenery, some fantastic hotels and truly technical riding. I hope to get on the helicopter experience over the Eiger and Jungfrau glaciers next time! As always, a great bunch of people and hope to see them again on future tours.”
Dave Cockburn (4th trip), Ducati Monster, Mold

“Thanks John and Jen for a wonderful tour, I had a great time and hope I will be able to join you on a future tour.” Matt Brown (1st tour), Pan-European on loan as own BMW had broken-down!

A dry day – all the bikes outside our hotel

Always a morning briefing before we set off

The bikes stuck behind a tractor

Morning coffee stop

We pass through lovely villages

.	Bikes parked up at lunch

Scenic lunch stop

“Ducati” Dave, Karen & Mark at lunch

A deviation send us across a viaduct

Our second hotel at Annecy

Drinks before dinner

A free night to explore the old town

Tim chooses a quirky restaurant

Menu with local specialties – in shoes?

Tim’s singing in the rain!

Torrential rain during the evening

The rain has gone - a lovely start to the day

The rain has gone so we have a bright start

Late for morning briefing Matt gets his first yellow card!

Late for the briefing Matt gets his first yellow card!

Lovely scenery this morning

The group at lunch stop

The home of the St Bernard

Where Jen meets a real one

We then head into Italy taking motorway to our third hotel – staying here two nights

Dinner is included tonight

We dine in the hotel restaurant

Drinks on the terrace after dinner

The next day is a day off the bikes
The view over Lake Maggiore from our hotel	Take a boat trip to the islands

Visit the Isla Madre – the largest island

Explore the back streets

And shelter from the rain!

Move on to the Isla Bella

Visit the Borromees Palace

.	Take in the gardens as well

Resident white peacocks

Waiting patiently for lunch

As viewed from the islands

Alright for some!

The hotel pool

Jen braves the cold water!

Dave enjoys a beer or two…or three…or…

While Andy W files his nails!

The view as we walk into town

Lake Maggiore

A free night to explore the town

Val & Stuart thought they had escaped !

The next day we take the ferry

Dave’s not happy – it’s raining again!

Just what is Traci doing ???

Lunch is alongside Lake Como

The rain provides for very atmospheric scenery

Plenty of cafes to choose from

Fuel stop before heading into Switzerland

Poor visibility as we tackle hairpins

For experienced riders only

You MUST be capable of riding hairpins

Wet roads as we pass St Moritz

We arrive at our next hotel for 2 nights

Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included tonight	.
We enjoy fab steaks	.

Ken manages to scrounge two desserts!	Breakfast area in our hotel
Our hotel for two nights
The view from our hotel	Cute resident miniature goats

On our day off some of the group head out to ride the Stelvio Pass

A Bernese Mountain Dog in the cafe en-route

Unfortunately more wind & rain

Twisty enough?

This is not for the feint-hearted

They made it!

The same day others choose to walk to the Glacier nearby

Sue points the way!

Stunning scenery

The backdrop is almost unreal!

Posters show how far the glacier recedes

Posters show how far the glacier has receded

Tim & Karen at 1950	Karen & Mark at 1960
Even more stunning as we near the Glacier

Jane & Andy at 1970

Andy D at 1980

Jen at 1985

Matt at 2000

Sue & Ken at 2005

We climb over rocks to get closer

Matt lends a hand

The 2015 marker !

Fortunately there’s a bridge

We reach the Glacier – absolutely amazing!

.	Mark & Karen

We made it too! (Chris, Rob & Brian gave up too soon!)

Mark & Matt get closer

The girls don’t want to get wet!

A fissure in the Glacier

Tim doesn’t hang around…

Nor does Mark!

Sue & Andy D still taking photos

Back to Tim’s coffee lounge !

We then take the Bernina Express

Ticket is included during our stay

We take another train – right to the top

Ticket also included

The opposite train descends

The viewing area and cafe

The view from the top

The weather turns to rain

Almost a dry day!

.	Drinks before dinner

Dinner is included again tonight

.	.
Ken wears a 20 yr old JW Eggleton t-shirt!	Another lovely morning

The bikes park in garages underneath	Always a morning briefing
Dry roads this time as we pass St Moritz	.
More twisty passes	.

At morning coffee

Take the ski-lift up…

.	And the toboggan run down!

.	Tim in disguise!!

The brave ones !

Dave W goes first

John’s next

Andy H

Followed by Brian

Matt goes next	Followed by Dave C
Rob’s next	Then Chris

Tim with Karen – who’s afraid of heights!	Sue’s apprehensive…
But gets down safely	And finally Jen

All the bikes

At lunch Jane & Andy enjoy soup in a bun!

As do Karen & Tim

.	We arrive at our next stop

Our hotel for three nights

The stunning evening view over the lake

Rob, Brian & Chris on the terrace	Tables reserved for dinner
Dinner is included our first night	.

.	Breakfast in the conservatory
A day off – Dave W leads a ride-out	Jen rides & John goes pillion!
.	Photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore

We visit the Trummelbach Falls
Dave C with cake – again!	Coffee & cakes before our visit

Those of us who rode to the Falls

Take the train half-way up

The fantastic falls inside the mountain

The corkscrew

Stop for the local traffic	John’s pillion all day! (thanks Louise!)
We ride to Grindelwald for lunch	.

Views of the Eiger & Jungfrau

For the first D&T Tour…

Andy W presents Dave & Traci with a bell!

Another lovely evening

Drinks on the terrace

On the first day off some took the hop-on/hop-off paddle steamer around the lake, visited other waterfalls, took the steam train up the mountain – there’s lots to do in the area
Photo courtesy of Tim Hale	Another of Tim’s photos
Geissbach Falls – thanks Tim	The hotel swimming pool

A free night – some find a pizzeria	.
The next day we offer a guided ride-out to take in some of the famous passes in the area – and we get sunshine when it matters most!!!!

A glorious morning view from the terrace
.	Beautiful view of the lake

The group on the Grimsel Pass – hurry up Andy D there’s blue sky!!

.	Music in the cafe

Ducati Dave

More glorious scenery on the next Pass

Paul & Louise followed by Dave

Simply stunning!

Amazing views – photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore
.
The “WOW” factor! Photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore

More hairpins

We ride this next…

Cobbled pass!!

Dave & Traci

Chris

Pretty lunch stop

Andy & Jane, David C, Paul & Louise

The second time we ride this Pass

This time the glaciers are visible!

Paul & Louise again

Wow, what a view!

We did say you would ride this Pass

.	Chris behind Brian

You WILL ride loads of hairpins

Back at the hotel…

Jen tries out Tim & Karen’s water bed!!!!

Drinks on the terrace

Another lovely evening view over the lake

Our morning briefing before we leave Switzerland

Coffee stop

Lunch stop

Afternoon coffee in Chamonix

With fab views of Mont Blanc

Our next hotel back in France

Drinks outside – a free night

.	Lunch the next day – raining again

Our final hotel

Drinks before dinner

Paul & Louise

Val & Stuart

Ken with Jen

Matt, Rob & Brian

Dinner is included our last night

.	.
As excellent back-markers Tim thanks “Flo” for keeping him on track!	Tim had a fck for a duck, a duck for a fuck and a f*cked up duck!!!

.	Stuart tells the first of many jokes

Oooh Cyril….	Andy D knew it was a marrow!!!
Jen takes a turn	Then Matt tells a story…

Dave W goes next

Ith it Dithco??

Breakfast on our last day	.
Coffee stop	Lunch stop

Where Andy D has the largest baguette!	Strange cows!!
And the zoo’s in town	.

So cute ! (Thanks Jane!)

And that’s all folks!

We’d like to thank everyone for making this, our first Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour, such a huge success, we couldn’t have wished for it go any better than it did. Great riding in what were at times challenging conditions to say the least – but the sun did shine as the photos prove – and as Dave Wakefield says – they have not been photoshopped! A fantastic tour which will be hard to beat, we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

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Monte Carlo or Bust ! 1 – 9 October 2016

And that’s all folks! A really good tour to end the season, lots of laughs and a great group of guests, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 10 – 21 September 2016

Newsflash:

Newsflash :

Newsflash :

Newsflash :

Newsflash :

Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 23 – 29 August 2016

The official BN Poet Laureate!! Here is Fran’s poem:

Thanks to everyone for making this a really fun tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Rhine in Flames 10 – 15 August 2016

And this is what we all came to see – the Rhine in Flames…

And then we hit the dance floor…

Another fantastic tour with a great bunch of people – lovely to meet all the newbies and to see lots of our regulars…look forward to seeing many of you again. Ride safe, John & Jen

Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes Tour 25 July – 1 August 2016

Testimonial 4×4 (4 nights/4 countries – on bikes!) 21-25 June 2016

Testimonial 4×4 (4 Nights/4 Countries – on bikes!) 15-19 June 2016

WW2 Extended Sights Tour 16 – 22 May 2016

Thanks to everyone for making this a great tour – good riding and a really sociable group – we hope to see many of you again on future tours. John & Jen.

WW2 Tour for Kent Advanced Motorcyclist Group 26-30 September 2015

Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 12 – 23 September 2015