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Oct 05

Testimonial Autumn Glory 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 21

Love0

Testimonial Portugal & Spain 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour 9 – 18 September 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All back to the ferry

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

Sep 03

Love0

Testimonial Italy & Switzerland 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 18

Love0

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 7 – 12 August 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And that was just a selection! A fantastic display that never disappoints, we look forward to this every year! Then it’s everyone back inside for more dancing (with apologies for some poor quality pics)…
Nigel & Ali	Mark & Tracey
Jen & Peter had a dance	Then all up again
Paul & Gill are up	.
All link arms	On your feet!
.	.
Jane – how cute!	Kevin (but not Jane’s Kev)
Gill	Paul
Phil	Veronica
Sally	Peter
Colin	Jen (the other one!)
Reece is in trouble!	Paul & Sue – cool man!
Ian & Karin	Mark & Tracey
Josie & Gavin (never!)	Ian
Final few dances	And it’s all over
The entertainment!	What a good night!
Another gorgeous morning	Our morning chat
Jane rides pillion on our Street!	To fuel where Phil has a puncture
Quickly mended (thanks Mark)	Phil has the evidence

Lunch stop at Cochem	Time to explore the old town
Oh no! Everyone pulled in by the police for speeding
Not everyone was fined though	John wants a photo…
A group photo we didn’t want to take…the guilty ones – even Sally – to her absolute dismay!
Sheldon sees a cop taking pics as well!!	What a cheek!
At our final hotel	John, Karin (& Jen) enjoy a swim
Drinks in a local bar	.
We stroll into town	So picturesque
The group in Monschau
This way!
Dinner in a traditional restaurant	.

.	Just what is Josie up to?
And John for that matter!!	A few words of thanks…
To Paul & Gill as backmarkers	We need some volunteers…
Paul & Gill go first	For a game of Mr & Mrs
Need a decision…	A match!
Mark & Tracey go next	…
No match	A match!
Then it’s Ian & Karin	A match
Another match	and another !
The winners – Ian & Karin!	Sue sets a few quiz questions

Which she didn’t know the answers to!!	And then a little ditty…
Monday’s Biker likes to set the Pace
Tuesday’s Biker just likes to Race
Wednesday’s Biker really likes to Go
Thursday’s Biker is far too SLOW!
Friday’s Biker sits as a Pillion
Saturday’s Biker is one in a Million
But the Biker that speeds on the Sabbath Day is the Biker that certainly has to Pay !!
Coffee stop the next day	.
With a lunch stop followed by motorway we end the tour back at Eurotunnel
Bye Bye Bike Normandy Van – hello new Trafic	Thanks to everyone for making this such a fun tour; great riding, great people, great participation (special thanks to Sue for her poem!) we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Aug 02

Love0

Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees in reverse 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

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

The group in the Volcanoes: a tour with temperatures ranging from 8.5 to a sweltering 42 degrees yet we all had a great time.
We start with a briefing at Ouistreham	Straight onto country roads
“The Picos Tour (in reverse) was my fifth with BN European Tours. As ever, the organization, roads and fellow bikers were all excellent. Really nothing to complain about and much to recommend. However, it is only when the going gets tough that having John and Jen in charge really matters. We had breakdowns, extreme weather events and a diversion but they were not really a problem for John and Jen. They just handled the situation with minimum fuss. Problem solved! Had I been on my own or with friends the outcome would have been very different. Anyway, I have already booked my next tour with BN European Tours. That is the best recommendation I can make.”
John Savage, 5th tour, Honda VFR800, Peeblesshire
First coffee stop
John’s in the lead today	Planned fuel stops
“Jen & John, the pictures look great. The format of the tour made for a relaxing stress-free trip. from the moment we were collected from passport control, till we passed through passport control on the return sailing. we were looked after and treated like one of your own. Not only did we all enjoy the tour, but we came away having made a few more friends. I’d happily ride with you all on a tour again in the future.
Hotels were excellent (thanks for the fan!), the hotel food was great. The marker system worked much better than I thought it would and kept us moving through the day. The choice of roads was excellent, the knowledge of the towns we visited was great. *Your ability to deal with issues that arose was demonstrated and in no way impacted our enjoyment on the trip.*
This trip was great value for the money and we’re keen to see how your Portugal & Spain trip goes – although both Eddie and Leo have adopted an “A” team mentality… “you’re not getting me on that boat fool”! I’m sure they’ll come around or we will ride to the start!”
Maurice Smith, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GSA, Lanarkshire
Leaving lunch	Afternoon coffee break
The new Scottish contingent !	Lovely scenery
“Hi John & Jen, just wanted to say thanks for another enjoyable tour – we both had a great time riding some fantastic roads with stunning scenery with no stress on our part. All organised for us so all we have to concentrate on is riding our bike. That’s the beauty of going on tour with BN European Tours. Their organisation is excellent and no worrying for us as to where the next petrol, coffee or lunch stop is. We stayed in some good hotels in great locations with dinner and wine included on some nights.
Once again we met a great group of like minded people and we would like to thank everyone for their company on tour. We enjoyed riding with you all. Hopefully we will meet again on future tours.
The bike is now clean – new tyres to be fitted next week and then we are ready for our next adventure with BN on the Spain and Portugal tour in September (Our 7th Tour with BN European Tours). Can’t wait. See you soon”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 6th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
It’s Maurice !	17.40 & still 29 degrees
Bikes parked opposite our first hotel
Drinks before dinner	Ken heads to the bar…
Erm – what drink would you like Sue ??!!	Nigel & Mandy
“Hi all, finally getting around to checking in from “Norn Iron”. We had an eventful run to Holyhead that evening to say the least, we were finally beaten by the rain around midnight and decided it was safer to wait in a motorway service station ’til daylight lol. It took us two full days to shake off the feeling that we were walking on a bouncy castle, a very interesting feeling indeed!
John and Jen, thanks for organising everything and thanks so much to all our fellow travellers for your company, you’re a lovely bunch of people and we hope to bump into you again some time. Best wishes to all,”
Nigel & Mandy Ford, 3rd tour, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, County Londonderry

Dinner is included tonight
Wow! Ken’s done 20 trips !!	And another thing…
Sue belatedly gets her “10 Times” T-shirt – but she’s actually done 16 trips!	Coffee after dinner
Sue & Ken	.
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for another fantastic tour. As always, great roads, company, super hotels and John’s jokes..! The Pyrenees and Picos mountain ranges, for me, were some of the best roads I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden. Be great to go back and spend some more time enjoying the fantastic scenery and brilliant twisties. And as it turns out, the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain!! Roll on Portugal & Spain next year. Can’t wait!! Cheers Simon”
Simon Brown, 7th trip, BMW S1000 XR, Surrey
Always a morning briefing
Ready for the off
Ken & Sue are our “back-markers”	How cute! Mandy & Sue
“Hi all, it was a really great bunch of people that really made the trip for us. Thanks to John & Jen, who managed to cope with all that the weather and the Triumph factory could throw at them! Ride safe”
Paul & Becky Sewter, 2nd tour, BMW R1250 RT, Norfolk
Morning coffee stop	Gorgeous flower displays
Lunch stop	.
Afternoon coffee stop	It’s getting warmer…

Ice creams all round	.
“Good tour. Thank you very much. I will be back.”
Stephen Wood, 1st tour, Honda Africa Twin, Gloucestershire
.	.
We ride into the volcanoes	.
The fabulous Chateau de Murol
Lovely lakes	Volcanoes everywhere
A band is playing near our hotel
Dancing in the street	.
Drinks in a local bar	.
Pete thought the breadsticks were chopsticks!!	Our hotel by night

On the Puy Mary (thanks John S)	.
Lunch on the top	.
Blueberry tart !	Eddie taking photos
Jen leads on our Street Triple R	Then Pete on his Aprilia Tuono V4
Leonor on her Kawasaki Z300	Adrian & Carole on their Tiger 1200
Fab twisties on the way down	Paul & Becky on their BMW R1250 RT
Afternoon coffee stop	Water refills
.	.
It’s only 39 degrees !!	We cross the River Dordogne
Our bke is overheating!!	It’s now 40 degrees !!

We arrive at Rocamadour	.
Drinks before dinner	Dinner is included tonight
.	.
.	.
Becky has a fan !	John shows Nigel how to waft a towel
Mandy & Nigel	.
!	Rocamadour by night
Next morning – a hot air balloon	Fab!
An early start to avoid the heat!	Pete’s Aprilia breaks down
Our Street has to go in the van	John & Sue ride Ken’s V-Strom

Everyone takes their luggage
Simon rides as Back-marker	Problem fixed – our Street had a broken radiator cap
After a long, hot day, beers all round	A very welcome drink!
Many of us dine in the same restaurant	A day off – some go for a ride
Stephen on his Africa Twin	Stephen again
It’s Simon !	Grant on his Triumph Explorer
Mo & Leo mark the junction	Alan & Julie on their Ducati Multistrada
Pretty lunch stop	.
A huge market in the square	The Mairie
Our Street Triple is now working fine…

A pillion’s view	Mo’s in the lead
Mo & Leo on his BMW R1200 GSA	Mo & Leo again
On the Col d’Aspin	Friendly locals !
.
Ken & Sue on V-Strom 1000 (thanks Simon)	.
Chris in front on his Explorer	Great scenery
Chris followed by Alan & Julie	.
Tunnels	Amazing views
Alan & Julie	Mo & Leo on the Col de Tourmalet
Stunning view
Those who came on the ride-out
Our sticker’s there !

Jen taking photos	Stephen on his Africa Twin
Hairpins on the way down	Chris
Our new logo !
.	.
More tunnels	Under nets
At Lourdes the nightly procession	You can join the procession
In front of the Cathedral	.
.	.
The next day, dressed for the wet! (thanks John S)	Ride past the dam
Into the Pyrenees	Adrian & Carole (thanks Simon)

John S on his Honda VFR 800 (thanks Simon)	Lunch in the Pyrenees
Now in Spain	Tapas anyone ?
Ride alongside the stunning lake
Hola !!!	Hola !
At our hotel take the lift…	Down to the car park
.	A free night in Logrono
.	.
We start in one tapas bar	We head into the back streets
More tapas & rioja	.
The square at night	.
Boys will be boys!	For those who didn’t venture past the hotel !!

John S followed by Nigel	Morning chat – motorway instructions
.
A very wet morning	.
.	& Jen’s in the lead
Morning coffee stop
Lunch stop	.
Becky in the Picos, there is a view here !!	Mid afternoon & only 8.5 degrees !
Afternoon coffee stop	.
.
We regroup after some misty twisties
Our hotel is just round the corner

Lovely scenery	Parking by the hotel
The fab view from our hotel
Drinks before dinner	Eddie
.	.
It’s Mo’s birthday !	Dinner is included tonight
.	Breakfast
A gorgeous morning	Mo’s ready for a ride-out
Jen rides pillion (thanks John S)	.
.	Fab roads
.	.

Paul & Pauline on BMW R1200RS	Bungee jumping!
Nigel & Mandy on their V-Strom 1000	Paul & Pauline
.	.
Cangas for lunch	Another market by the church
Simon enjoys an ice cream	Then we pass him on the way back
Adrian & Carole again	.
Brilliant roads	.
.	.
.	.
.	.

.
.
Ken & Sue enjoyed a day off (thanks Ken)	.
.
Now that’s a Gin & Tonic !	All enjoying drinks in the sun
Ken & Sue, Jen & John	John thanks everyone for a great tour
Especially Ken as “Back-marker”	Who kicks off the jokes…
Dinner is included our last night
John S takes a turn	.
Paul’s up next	.
Then Nigel	Stephen has a few to tell

Mandy takes a turn	.
And Sue	!
There’s no stopping Mandy	.
Or Stephen	John’s up next
Oh Oh…	We’re treated to the Penguin joke!
Even our waiter takes a turn	Another beautiful morning
The t-shirt shop is open !	Final morning briefing
Heading into the mountains	.
.	.
Fantastic roads	But watch out for locals!

Glorious scenery	.
.	.
We take the cable car…	Stephen at the top
Stunning views	Stephen & John S brave the viewing platform
.	How many dare…
Mandy & Nigel	Alan & Julie
Mo has some special shots	And that’s it, everyone back to the ferry
New recruits at the bar	.
Calm after the roughest crossing ever…	Mo & friend!
Becky needs a sweatshirt	And finally, thanks Stephen
Thanks to all for some great riding, good timekeeping, lots of fun & laughter with everyone pulling together in some extreme temperatures! Special thanks to Ken for the use of his V-Strom for the day. We hope to see many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jul 15

Love0

Testimonial 5×4 Tour July 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

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

The group in Luxembourg – fantastic roads, weather and a really sociable crowd made for a great tour.
“Hi Jen & John – great to see you both, had an absolutely brilliant time again. Always amazed at the excellent roads you find and places to stay, that along with both of you making sure everyone has a good time and what they need makes the whole holiday experience second to none. See you next year – but not on this…!!” *Keith Osman, 6th trip, Kawasaki ZX10R, West Sussex*	Keith’s new bike !!!
We meet Craig at the Tunnel & start with a briefing	Pavement parking at coffee stop
Because there’s a market in the square	.
.	Chris is back-marker on his BMW R1200GS
We ALWAYS regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“Greetings to both, just wanted to say thank you for another great tour with Bike Normandy. As always the combination of good roads, nice hotels and great company made for a most enjoyable trip – ‘til the next one, best wishes”
David Biggs, 12th trip, BMW R1200GS, Hertfordshire
Proper bike parking at lunch stop	.
A beach & pool in the square	.
“Jen, John, the whole tour was great, you did it again…all the hotels were great … roads / routes were brill, especially once I got used to my new bike. Looking forward to the next tour with you, you do it so well – hopefully I’ll visit again before winter”
Steno Gerrard, 3rd tour, KTM 790, Kent
Afternoon coffee stop	But where’s Andy B been ??
“Thanks for a great 20th Tour and the tee shirt of course – it was a blast. The roads, company and hotels were all brilliant. The hotel in Dinant especially had wow factor! See you on the Spain & Portugal tour for number 21.”
Andy Biggs, 20th trip, BMW S1000XR, Essex
At our hotel, drinks before dinner
Paul, his dad Andy M, Chris (Harvey) and John have all brought their own tour t-shirts !!
“Awesome trip, loved it. Highly recommended, great people. Really well organised, definitely doing it again. Thank you John and Jen.”
Paul Moseley, 1st tour, Honda CBR600,

Cheers !	Dinner is included tonight
A few words of thanks to Andy B…	who’s done 20 trips !!
and Allan – who’s done 21!!!	Secure parking in the courtyard
Always a morning briefing	Jen’s in the lead today
Andy M on his Honda Blackbird	Super scenery
We stop for a photo opportunity & coffee in the Ardennes
Plenty of parking spaces
What a great view	.
In this heat…!	Parked up for lunch
Very pretty Steno !!	Ian’s cooling off !
Afternoon coffee stop	.
Jen’s leading on our Street Ttriple R	Followed by Eddie – BMW S1000XR
Ian on his BMW S1000XR	Chris H on his Honda VFR

Paul on his CBR 600	Craig on his Triumph Tiger Sport
John on his Honda CBR 600	Steno on his KTM 790
Andy B on his BMW S1000XR	David on his BMW R1200 GS
Russ on his BMW S1000RR	Andy A on his Kawasaki ZX6R
Keith on his Kawasaki ZX10R	Pete on his Kawasaki Z900
So how many of us didn’t see the speed camera ?????
Some real twisties in Luxembourg	.
We stop for a photo shoot
The group in Luxembourg	And how many thought the cops were after us??
Enjoying the pool at our hotel	Jen’s in as well

We choose pizza tonight	A drizzly start the next day
Setting off	Allan on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Ian enjoys cake at coffee stop	Are we all in the same cafe?
Pretty lunch stop	We’re now in Germany
Lovely setting
.	Andy A needs a massage from Russ !!
After a dirt track leaving lunch (!!) we have afternoon coffee stop
Pete & Keith enjoy ice-creams	.
The first bicycle was made here	And here’s the proof !
Drinks on the terrace at our next hotel in Germany for two nights

Dinner is included tonight	Choose anything you like
The steaks are fantastic	.
The next day is a day off the bikes	We take the chair lift
For fantastic views of the Mosel
Visit the castle	Take a boat trip
Explore the old town	So picturesque
Ready for the off	Always a morning chat
We stop at the Nurburgring for a photo
.	.

The van has a puncture	Chris N to the rescue
The prettiest coffee stop	.
.	A dance troupe in town
.	.
Lunch stop	.
Approaching our final hotel	.
Our last night is in Belgium
A surprise in store…	Andy A
Pete	Paul & Chris H
John takes a turn	Have a few samples !!

Drinks outside	Dinner is included tonight
Thansk to Chris N our back-marker	John starts the jokes
Cheers – thanks for a great tour !
Keith’s up next	Then Andy B
Steno takes a turn	Then Allan
Andy’s up again…	showing Allan how to waft a towel !!
Everyone cracks up !!	Ian takes a turn
John treats us to the penguin joke !	Jen takes a turn too
Next morning the t-shirt shop is open!	David, Andy B & Allan set off
Our final chat	Coffee stop before we ride motorway

We stop at services for fuel & lunch
And that’s it – all the rest back to Calais
Thanks to everyone for making this such a good tour, great riding & great company. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours (and some of you again this year!) Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jul 12

Love0

Testimonial WW2 June 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial WW2 Normandy Tour 30 June – 2 July 2019

A small but friendly group for this short tour of the Normandy WW2 sights
All arrive on the overnight ferry	At the Grand Bunker – Richard with a mate!
Dick takes an urgent call !	Andy gets a lift off Jane !
“Hi John & Jen, just to say thanks to John for another brilliant tour. Though only a short tour we managed to visit the important D-Day sites and once again John’s idiot guides helped us understand the reasons for what took place at the various locations. As usual everything ran like clockwork with well planned coffee, lunch and fuel stops, great hotel and lovely mix of people. Needless to say, I will be booking another tour soon. All the best”
Dick Hallsworth, 4th tour, Triumph Sprint 1050 GT, Bedfordshire
See the original Pegasus Bridge
And a replica Horsa glider
“Hi John and Jen, I really enjoyed my last minute WW2 Tour. As usual it was well planned and actually included some sights I had not visited before. The chosen hotel in Bayeux was excellent and well situated. The two evening meals in Bayeux were most enjoyable, and the coffee stops were exactly right. We got lucky with 3 days of excellent riding conditions and weather. It was also great to be among the last group ever to visit your home, Le Champ Masse, even if we didn’t get the legendary 4 course meal! I personally will miss this peaceful location, as I am sure you both will. Hopefully I will see you next year for trip number 13. Best regards to you both, Colin.”
Colin Shaw, 12th tour, Yamaha Tracer 700, West Sussex
See the new statues at Arromanches	To commemorate the 75th anniversary
.	.
.	.
See the remains of the Mulberry B floating harbour at Arromanches
Bikes lined up at Arromanches	Vivienne with Colin
Next stop the German Gun Batteries
“Hi John, thanks for another great tour. Your 5 minute idiot guide at each location really helped set the scene. Although this was a short break we packed a lot in without it feeling rushed or hectic. There was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It was really nice that the group got on so well and we enjoyed their company. I just hope the newbies weren’t put off by the price of Madeira cake!! Lol. Thanks again. I’m sure we’ll be back for tour number 6.”
Andy & Jane Hood, 5th tour, KTM 1290 Advernture T, Bedfordshire

The American Cemetery	.
.	.
The Cathedral at Bayeux	And lit up by night
Next day, visit the German Cemetery	Vivienne & Ed with Andy & Jane
Alison & Richard	Next stop La Pointe du Hoc
Dick’s doing the tour for the 2nd time	Jane & Andy
Airborne Museum at St Mere Eglise	.
Did you jump Rich ??	Ed
.	.
Utah beach	.

Dinner in Bayeux
Bikes at coffee stop	Ed & Vivienne on their Kawasaki Z1000SX
Richard & Alison on their Kawasaki ZX10	Colin on his Yamaha Tracer 700
Jane & Andy on their KTM 1290 Adventure T	Dick on his Triumph Sprint 1050GT
A visit to the Museum at Montormel	Stefan explains the history
The group at the Tiger Tank
Ed & Vivienne	All back for the ferry
And for those on the tour, here are some of John’s favourite pin-ups!!
.	.
Although a small group – a really sociable bunch of people made for a good tour. Hope to see many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John (& Jen)

Jun 16

Love0

Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 7 – 11 June 2019

Glasses at the ready for the Sancerre Wine Festival! A really great group made for a brilliant tour – thanks to everyone for making it such fun!
“Jen, John and everyone, for me this was my first group tour of any kind and the only word I can use to summarise it was BRILLIANT. Superbly organised, a great group of people and excellent daily routes and visits. Even the rain on the first day didn’t damp the enthusiasm and as the tour progressed the weather improved showing that the sun does shine on the righteous! For anyone who has not thought about a tour especially with BN put it on your bucket list and just do it !!!! Worth every minute. Even the 7 hours on the bike in the rain on the way home gave me time to reflect on a great week. Thanks again to all involved – next question for me is which one next ?? Safe and enjoyable riding to you all”
Dave Walker, 1st tour, KTM 1090 Adventure, County Durham
A rainy arrival in France	We start with breakfast & a briefing
“Hi John, Jen and all others, What can we say? A fabulous time was had by ourselves. Everything worked beautifully. Hotels were all excellent, chateaux and wine festival as memorable as the previous tour. Successfully managed to get wine glasses home without breaking them! A great mix of like minded riders riding brilliant roads. What more can we say apart from looking at next year and planning. Thank you again for the well organised tour, company and great settings. See you soon, ride safe.”
Clare Lovett, 4th tour, BMW F800 & Adrian Lovett, 4th tour, Honda Crossrunner, Leics (& 2nd time of doing this tour!)
Jen’s leading today	Gerald’s Explorer has self-adjusting suspension!
We ALWAYS re-group before & after any stretch of motorway
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for yet another brilliant tour! As always great riding, hotels and food. A fun group as well – you never disappoint and I look forward to making another trip with you. Thanks also to everyone in the group and hope you all returned home OK (mine was a grind up the M1 in heavy rain and traffic so can’t wait for another chance to ride European roads!) Best regards”
“Back-marker” Bob Eve, 8th tour, BMW F800, Yorkshire
And following the live review – “Hi John and Jen, what a brilliant resume of the trip! A great reminder of how good riding in Europe can be. Can’t wait to make another trip with BN. All the best Bob”
Setting off after lunch stop	Scenery en-route
“Completely agree with Bob, brilliant trip, great organisers, great company, great roads, good food & good hotels, what more can we wish for. Until we get back in the U.K…we find the M25 is closed in both directions…absolute nightmare, but we all got home eventually.”
Chris Pryke & members from the Maldon British Motorbike Owners Club, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint, Essex
Helmets in the van for our first visit	The Clos Luce at Amboise
“Great trip ❤️ fabulous Châteaux, tasty wine and lovely group of people thanks John & Jen xx”
Jackie Watson, 2nd tour, pillion on BMW K1300S, Berkshire
“Had a great time and lots of laughs, thanks to everyone for making it a fun trip.”
Jon Watson, 2nd tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Sandra & John climb the watchtower	J&S again !
“Hi John & Jen, thanks for an amazing holiday. To be honest we didn’t know what to expect but certainly we weren’t disappointed. We all had a great time and can’t wait for the next one. Our trip home wasn’t great – the M25 was closed so Ruth and her boys got home in three separate groups, but that’s a story for another time! Thanks again to everyone for making us feel so welcome. Cheers the Essex chapter “
Gerald & Ruth Jolly with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Essex
Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom	Marguerite de Navarre’s bedroom
“Hi John & Jen & All, thanks again for another enjoyable tour with BN European Tours. We both had a great time with good hotels, food, wine and lots of Chateaux and best of all a great group of like minded people. Everything organised for us so we don’t need to worry about anything except riding our bike. Superb roads too. What more could we ask for. For anyone new to touring this is an excellent taster tour (in more ways than one ). Once you have been on a tour with BN you are hooked. Their tours are superb. You only have to look at the number of people who return each year to know that they really do know how to organise a motorbike tour…We are both looking forward to joining you again in July for the Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanos Tour when we can do it all again. Can’t wait. Thanks again to everyone for making this a most enjoyable holiday and I am sure we will see some of you again soon on another BN tour. Ride safely”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 5th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
Tony & Chris M	See Leonardo’s workshops
“Hello all, thanks for a brilliant 5 days, apart from the first morning’s weather it got better and better. Wonderful hotels, great food and a great bunch of lads and lasses who were really good company. The roads were to die for and I enjoyed trying to keep up with Jon & Jackie Watson, sharpened my riding no end. Thanks finally to John and Jeanette for organising a great trip”
Chris McIlroy with the MBMOC, 1st tour, Triumph Thruxton, Essex
.	.
“Hi John & Jen, what awful weather on the first day, wind & rain, soaked through & not even out of the port! Going across the Loire at a 45 degree angle with trees down & debris in the road! Next day weather better, sun comes out, everyone’s smiling – only getting wet in the pool (except us!) Great trip, great people, hope we’re still riding at age 79!”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 9th tour, Honda Deauville, Hertfordshire (also 2nd time of doing this tour)

Dave with a model of the first tank	L da V inventednd gearing
The first motorised vehicle	Please explain the Archimedes Screw to Jen !!
Due to the storms the gardens are closed	You can see the model of the first helicopter
“Hi John, looking forward to the Rhine in Flames tour in August already as we both thoroughly enjoyed the Chateaux & Sancerre tour with what transpired to be a lovely group of people: it was also good to meet up with some friends again from previous tours not to mention Jen and yourself. See you in August”
Peter Wright, 9th tour, FJR 1300 & Sally Hurman, 8th tour, Fazer 60, Leicestershire (& also 2nd time of doing this tour!)
Adrian & Clare	David & Amanda
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, lovely roads, great hotels, chateaux, food (& wine!) and so nice to have it all planned for you. A really good group of people, we had great fun. A very damp journey back to Suffolk for us and we were missing the French roads 10 minutes in! Thanks to everyone on the tour for making it so enjoyable. Look forward to our next tour with you. Kind regards”
David & Amanda Hovells, 2nd tour, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Suffolk
Daryl & Jane	Josie & Gavin
Visit over, John leads the way back to the van
At our hotel Daryl has his priorities right!	Don’t forget Jane!
Time for drinks before dinner	.
Josie & Gavin	Josie with Clare
.	Dinner is included tonight

.	.
It’s Adrian’s birthday ! Just 1 candle !	He doesn’t want to be reminded !
So which table can sing the loudest..?	The winner – Josie’s – no surprise there !!
Outside our bedroom window	Chris M – hereinafter a.k.a. Romeo !
The next morning – with blue skies – we visit the Chateau of Chenonceau
The group (minus John & Sandra)
Such a fabulous setting over the River Cher
Beautiful flower displays	Glorious arrangements
The Chapel	Diane de Poitiers’ bedroom
The Gallery – a hospital during the First WW	Alan & Julie

Head down to the kitchens	Josie would love to make Cornish pasties!
.	Then head upstairs
The Five Queens’ Bedroom	Katherine Briconnet’s Hall
Diane de Poitiers’ garden	.
.	Catherine de Medici’s bedroom
The second floor hallway	Louise of Lorraine’s bedroom
.	.
Visit the Medici Gallery	.
The Orangerie	See more exhibitions
The Carriage Gallery	Newly opened walled garden

John’s missing his sheep in France !	Josie & Gavin
A bit fishy…	Old Bentley
Russian Crested Shelduck	Rosy-Billed Pochard
Happy donkeys	Quick talk before we leave the hotel
Chris P & Chris M set off without John !	Gerald & Ruth on their Triumph Explorer
Clare on her BMW F800	Peter on his Yamaha FJR 1300
Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600	Dave on his KTM 1050 Adventure
Adrian on his Honda Crossrunner	Jon & Jackie – BMW K1300S
Fuel stop
John & Sandra – Honda Deauville	Back-marker Bob – BMW F800

Lunch stop	An unplanned visit to Valencay Chateau
.
Some visit the Chateau…	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
The Dining Room	The wine cellar
The kitchens	The gardens
.	Amanda & David

Beautiful peacocks in the gardens	Thankyou !
Others choose to visit the Automobile Museum…
Sandra with her first car – a Renault 17 !	.
Chris M & Gerald	Panhard Dynamic 1937
.	Peugeot 402 Legere 1938
Bugati 57 Cabriolet Stelvio 1957	David & friend!
Bob fancies this one…	Chris M & Gerald admire a Turcat-Mery 1906
Chris P fancies the Renault Primaquatre Cabriolet 1937 – or rather the dolly bird!!	Not just cars, there are bicycles & motorcycles to see there as well
Gerald, John & Chris P enjoy ice creams	Romeo thought he’d lost his key !
Davd & Amanda – Triumph Tiger Explorer	Gavin & Josie – Triumph Tiger Explorer
Alan & Julie – Ducati Multistrada	Daryl & Jane – KTM 1290 Adventure

John’s in the lead today	Chris P – Triumph Sprint
Chris M – Triumph Thruxton	Tony – Triumph Tiger 800
Bob bringing up the rear	Great roads
Empty country roads	Arriving at Sancerre
We stop at the viewing area
For a fab view of Sancerre surrounded by vineyards
Alain & Evelyn – the Mayor of Coudehard & his wife – join us	Time for drinks before dinner in the newly refurbished bar area
Jon, Josie, Jackie & Amanda	Gerald & Ruth
David’s getting the drinks	Taking in the fab view from the balcony
Peter & Sally with Clare & Adrian	We stop to admire the view

The River Loire	It’s a short stroll into town
We enjoy pizzas with the Mayor !	Jon’s being ribbed by Josie!
The swimming pool at our hotel	Jen braves it – and Josie too!
John hosts a lesson on Basecamp	Hotel bar area
It’s a day off the bikes so after lunch and with glasses at the ready we head off to the Wine Festival
.	A short walk down to the caves
John tells everyone what to do	They won’t be shy !
Jane & Daryl	Gerald & Ruth
Sally & Peter	Alan & Julie are knocking it back !
Evelyn, Alain & John wine tasting	It’s Bob !
Now just what have Amanda & Josie been doing ???	The cheese was NOT a free sample !!

We think Jackie was guilty too !!	Delicious nougat but very expensive !
Jon & Jackie	John & Sandra
Josie with Amanda & David	Chris P’s bought some wine
All the reds lined up in order for tasting !!	We join in with the locals
John tries to negotiate a discount!	We get full glasses of rose too !
The next day we’re ready for the off
John’s in the lead again	With Bob Eve at the back !
Morning coffee stop	Off-road parking!
Helmets & jackets in the van for our next visit
Adrian & Clare are used to doing this	Safe storage

The group at the Chateau of Cheverny
The Dining Room	The Arms room
The Birth Chamber	Boudoir
The Nursery with lego models	“Scoubidou” has 17,000 bricks
The Bridal Chamber	More lego models
The Grand Salon	The Library
Lovely gardens too
Adrian & Clare have a pic-nic	Walk through the wisteria
Have lunch at the Orangerie	Picture postcard !
The hounds are snoozing	Visit the Trophy room

Peter & Sally enjoy ice creams	As do Sandra & John
Our final visit is the stunning Chateau of Chambord
Famous for its’ double-helix staircase	David & Amanda
Amazing ceilings	Tony & Romeo make it to the top
Lots to see inside	.
Jen’s bell ringing !!	Fab views from the ramparts
The main entrance
Local produce stalls	David & Amanda enjoy ice creams
We cross the Loire	En-route to our final hotel
.
The lovely setting of our hotel

With a heated pool	Lots of us enjoy a swim
Great fun	The new BN synchronised swimmers!
Aperitifs before dinner	Real holiday shirts! The MBMOC crew (minus Tony)
Dinner is included tonight	.
Romeo’s made new friends!	John thanks everyone for a great tour
And Bob as a great “back-marker”	Thanks Bob !
Josie’s £20…	buys a Penguin !!
No really she has a new sweatshirt!	Jen’s in the lead on the last day
We ride past the new stadium at Le Havre
And that’s it – everyone back in good time for the ferry
Although a short tour there is a lot packed into the five days. We must sound like a broken record when we say that we really do get the best people on our tours and this was no exception. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant tour, we look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jun 04

Love0

Testimonial Black Forest 2019

By BN European Tours 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
We start with a pre-tour briefing	The “Oakley MC” gang at coffee
“Hi John and Jen, some kind words about my trip with BN European Tours, my second and as enjoyable as the first. Without hesitation I would have no doubt in recommending your trips. A very well rehearsed schedule with routes and hotels second to none. It’s obvious that this is not just a business to either of you but enjoyment where a common love for motorcycling lives. Your local knowledge is often invaluable and the hotels selected are faultless, along with the idyllic routes, giving time for all abilities to enjoy each day, with the added benefits of a luggage van and fantastic thought-out marker system. Another brilliant ride-out with another great group of people. Thank you to you both and the rest of the group for making my week. See you again soon.”
Peter Rainford-Read, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS, Lancashire
Juila with CAKE – watch for more pics!	All the bikes at coffee stop
“Hi John and Jen, once again Sue and I must thank you for a wonderful tour. Great roads, wonderful places with spectacular views, great company and lots of smiles even when it rained. It was a fantastic week of riding and staying in lovely hotels. How you guys always find these places escapes me. Sue and I enjoyed back marking and look forward to doing it again next year. See you soon”
Gordon & Sue Bishop, 7th tour, Truimph Sprint 1050 GT, Dorset
We ALWAYS re-group before riding motorway
Jen’s in the lead today	Bikes at lunch stop
“I have to say one of your best ever, really good tour and great company throughout and flawless organisation.😎”
Paul Butler, 8th tour, KTM Superduke GT, Bedfordshire
“Hi J & J & The Black Forest Crew, a few words of thanks to John and Jen for a great tour – as we have come to expect – and you both delivered in all areas again. Thanks to Gordon and Sue for bring up the rear. Good to meet new and old faces again – a good bunch of people & a great week of riding with you all. All the best ’till the next time”
Steve King, 8th tour, Kawasaki ZZR1400, Northamptonshire
Afternoon coffee stop
.	.
Shane & Julia enjoy ice creams	Gorgeous scenery this afternoon
“Thanks to John and Jen for a superbly well organised and thoroughly enjoyable week for what was our first tour with BN. The standard of the accommodation, the organisation of each days riding and the whole experience that was the Black Forest Tour were of the highest standard. Many thanks also to Gordon and Sue for keeping us company at the back…and thanks to all the group for making the week such an enjoyable time both on and off the bikes. We are certainly looking forward to our next trip with BN European Tours.”
Shane & Julia Hill, 1st tour, Triumph Sprint GT 1050, Northamptonshire
Four cygnets this year – beautiful
Lovely !	.
“Hi John & Jen, just to say how much Sara & I enjoyed the tour. Once again your organisation and attention to detail could not be faulted. The hotels, routes, coffee/lunch stops were all spot on and the scenery beautiful (even through mist and clouds). You both made sure that everyone was happy and this reflected on the way we all got on so well – a really happy group. Sara was so delighted she is already making plans for our next tour !! Best wishes”
Dick Hallsworth, 3rd tour, Triumph Sprint 1050, Northamptonshire
“Thank you both for an amazing week. It was brilliant!”
Sara Shepherd, 1st tour, pillion with Dick Hallsworth
The gardens at our next hotel	Drinks before dinner
.	Dick & Sara
Dinner is included tonight
John sets the bar low for jokes !

“Jen/John, thank you for a great tour once again, great hotels, superb roads and coffee/cake stops. Even a bit of rain couldn’t spoil a great time.”
John Hackney, 2nd tour, Triumph Street Triple, Northamptonshire
A drizzly morning	Morning chat
We re-group before motorway	How many men does it take…??
Paul’s KTM has a side-stand problem
“I’ve just returned from another fantastic trip, thoroughly organised by John & Jen. Having already read the comments posted by others on the trip I’m at a loss what I can add, other than that I echo every word! Great company, hotels, food and Roads!! What more can I ask for other than for John and Jen to influence the little rain we had – they sorted everything else!! I would and have recommended this trip to anyone who wants to go on a biking holiday without having to do all the work. Thanks again John and Jen for another professionally planned trip! Flawless! You make it look so easy.”
Ian Taylor, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GS, Lancashire
A welcome arrival in Baden Baden	Just what we need !
Cheers !!
The next morning the luggage van arrives	Briefing before we ride the famous B500
Paul’s first on his KTM Superduke GT	Mick follows on his KTM Superduke GT
“3rd trip now, what a blast, you know it’s good when you don’t care what time or day it is and don’t want it to end. Thanks to John for sorting tyres. Thanks also to the great company. Looking forward to the next one.”
Mick Grogan, 3rd tour, KTM Superduke GT, Buckinghamshire
Mick again	Mark & Rachel on their BMW S1000 XR
Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR1400	Steve & Kirsty on their BMW R1200 GS

Steve & Sam on their Triumph Trophy	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 765	Stuart on his BMW R1200 GS
Ian on his BMW R1200 GS	Sandra on her Triumph Street Triple 765
Jen started at the back…	.
Reece on his Triumph Tiger 800	Reece again
John S on his Honda VFR 800	John S again
Shane & Julia – Triumph Sprint 1050 GT	Gordon & Sue as back-markers
The van goes as well !	“Power Rangers” Mick & Jen after their race !
The group at the end of the B500 (when it was still dry!)
More ice -cream at coffee stop!	Great roads
& lovely scenery	en-route to our next stop
We arrive at the largest cuckoo clock for two strikes!	Then take your partners for a waltz!

Unfortunately the rain starts
Pretty lunch stop	.
Dinner is included at our next hotel	.
.	Champage for Steve B’s 50th birthday
Happy Birthday for Sunday Steve !	Just what are Sue & Dick up to ?
Julia enjoys Black Forest Gateau !	More bad jokes !
The next day is a free day; take a boat ride around the lake, take the train to visit other towns, come for a ride-out to the High Rhine waterfalls in Switzerland, recover lost property (Kirsty!) or get new tyres !!
The lovely setting for our hotel for two nights
Such a pretty town	With lots of flower displays
Mark & Rachel’s BMW needs a new tyre !	Most come for a ride-out
Steve & Sam in the lead	Reece on his Tiger 800
Peter on his BMW R1200 GS	Great roads

Reece again	Scenery en-route
Dick & Sara – Sprint 1050 GT	John H on his Street Triple 765
Fab roads	John’s in the lead
Shane & Julia – Sprint 1050 GT	Dick & Sara again
Sandra on her Street Triple 765	Gordon & Sue – Sprint 1050 GT
John again	Steve & Sam with Reece
Hi Reece !	Peter again
Everyone at the waterfalls
Dick & Sara	Julia & Shane
Super view from the top

You can walk across the bridge	A Heron lands nearby
Sausage & chips for lunch	More great roads
Red Kite overhead	Amazing roads
Mick & Steve K bought Leiderhosen !!	Mark & Rachel have a barrow full of xxx !!
Sara & Dick	Kirsty
The next day, glorious sunshine	Setting off
.	.
Gorgeous scenery	Ride under the ski runs
Fab views leaving the Black Forest	.

We re-group at a viewing area
.	.
En-route to coffee stop	Another pretty town
.	Selection of cakes to choose from
We have cakes !	Raspberry & Walnut cakes
Steve & Kirsty have milkshakes	Sam & Sue
.	.
Riding to lunch stop	.
A surprise in store at lunch stop	Don’t forget to raise the bar !!
1st down – Rachel & Mark	Then it’s Steve B vs Gordon

Steve E vs Paul	Steve K vs Kirsty
John vs Sandra	Dick vs Peter
Ian vs Stuart	Shane vs Julia
Rachel	Mark
Gordon & Steve B	Steve E
Paul	Kirsty
Steve K	Sandra
John H	Dick followed by Ian
Peter	Stuart
Julia	Shane

John E	And finally, Jen !
The brave ones !
Thanks to Sara for the photos of the arrivals !!
Next it’s the Vosges Mountains
.
Triumphs: Sprint 1050, Street 765, Tiger 800, Sprint 1050, Street 675, Trophy, Street 765, Sprint 1050
Not forgetting the BMW’s; R1200 GS, S1000 XR, & three more R1200 GS
John & Sandra	Stuart, Ian & Peter
Next stop, afternoon coffee break
A free night in Epinal	Some of us end up in the same restaurant
Secure garage parking	Pretty cut through
.	.

Morning coffee stop	The t-shirt shop is open !!
.	.
Kirsty’s got a new t-shirt	Thanks Kirsty & all who bought t-shirts
Lunch stop	Mick’s tyre’s had it !!
Paul’s going to get a new front as well	En-route to fuel stop
Afternoon coffee stop	.
Fab view of the castle from our hotel
Gordon & Sue	.
Dinner is included on our last night & we dine outside
John thanks everyone for a really great tour

So just what is he up to with Rachel ??	!!
.	So he lost a euro !!
Sue tells a joke she’s practised all week !	Gordon’s next
Reece takes a turn	Paul B
John again	Jen
and finally, Dick (sorry missed Peter!)	Another lovely morning
Our final briefing	Beautiful !
An early lunch stop at Albert	With time to visit the 1916 museum
Final re-group on the way home
And that’s it – everyone back to Calais in good time
Thanks to everyone for great riding, great timekeeping (a first we think!), great company – we had a blast (literally – Jen!!) We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe – John & Jen.
P.S. And this has to be written in RED – the icing on the cake on the way home – WE WON !!
WE DID IT !!!!

Jun 03

Love0

Testimonial 5×4 May 2019

By BN European Tours 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
Secure parking…!
“Apart from all my mechanical issues, it was yet another fantastic trip. Your attention to detail is amazing and we get to stay in lovely hotels with great service and excellent food. The scenery you take us through is stunning and what a pleasure to simply ride a pre-planned route without having to think of anything other than “what a great time I am having”! Many thanks once again for a memorable trip and looking forward to the next one already. PS – Both the Ducati and the BMW are now up for sale and next time you see me I will be on a brand new ??????? Very best regards and love to Jen.”
Rich Russell, Ducati 848, then BMW GS1200, 3rd tour, Wiltshire
Morning coffee stop	Lunch stop
“Stoner” on his KTM 790 Adv	Afternoon coffee stop
“I am astounded that one can enjoy so much a simple tour in cold wet conditions. It is testament to your organising skills and in-depth preparation, this with a great group of chaps that treated me with the greatest of respect is why I continue to ride and enjoy its freedom. Looking forward to renewing our relationship in August’s Italian Lakes Tour. Thanks for everything.”
*John Stone “Stoner”, 3rd tour, KTM 790 Adventure, Cornwall*
.	.
Simon riding as “back-marker”	Arriving at the first hotel
“Thanks for a fantastic trip. Some fantastic roads and routes through awesome countryside. Being backmarker I didn’t expect it to be quite as exciting as it was some days, when you just didn’t know what you’d find around the next corner.. smashing. As always with a BN European Tour, the hotels were great and the food excellent. And like all BN trips there were jokes, some old, some new and some better left unsaid…I won’t mention dad dancing to shaking that arse or the young ones reunion. Great tour, looking forward to the next (minus the dancing, no one needs to see that ) “

Simon Brown, 6th tour, BMW S1000 XR, Surrey
Richard G on his Tiger 1050	Charles on his FJR 1300
Terry on his BMW R1200 GS	Jeremy on his BMW R1200 GS
“Hi John, thank you for a wonderful tour – good hotels, good food, wonderful roads and a great set of lads to spend a bike tour with. John you made a great tour into a very special tour – it was exceptional. Looking forward to my next tour.”
Keith Tebbatt, 1st tour, BMW R1150 RT, Leicestershire
Neil on his BMW R1200 GS	Keith on his BMW R1150 RT
A Medieval Festival is taking place	.
“Hi John, the selection of hotels for the trip were spot on with a great variation of accommodation and variety of meals as part of the competitive costs. The routes throughout the tour were superb and the mixture of twisties and fast flowing roads is what I look forward to. Your guidance through the tour leaves us all with nothing to do other than to enjoy the trip. All the best”
Simon Green, 3rd tour, Yamaha Thundercat, Berkshire
Time for drinks before dinner	.

Dinner is included tonight	.
“Hi John et al, I really enjoyed the tour, and the organisation, routes, hotels, coffee stops, food & even the company were exceptional. I even got to enjoy riding in the wet, which is saying something. I’ll be back as someone once said. Many thanks “
Jeremy Davies, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS, Worcestershire
Rich’s Ducati 848 has a problem…time to pray!!	Jump leads couldn’t help either!
.	.
“Hi John, that’s a really great group photo, everybody smiling, which really sums up the trip. Despite the mixed weather we had a great time, in no small part to your organisational skills, nice hotels and great company. Shame you missed the firework display, but I appreciate you were there in spirit with your “Oi” booming out across the town. To see 6 men with a combined age of over 300 years running at the sound of your shout still makes me laugh! Many thanks for everything, shame no-one appreciated my joke but I am sure it will be resurrected by you on future trips to lower the tone should it ever become necessary! All the best, see you again soon”
Dave Lee, 3rd tour, Triumph Tiger Sport 1050, Somerset
The group in Luxembourg
.
“Jeez what a bunch of old farts! haha lol ! Apart from the trip being a sausage fest (ie no females) it was as great as ever John, and a lovely bunch of people 😊Tips for future trips: Don’t bring a bloody Ducati; Don’t throw your bikes up the road in enthusiasm!; Don’t trust the weather!; Do put your sidestand down when stopping… Do have a great laugh which I think we all did 😊 Tour comments: mega hotels topped off with the Monastery stay were all fantastic! Thanks John for the F16 pair who welcomed us into Dinant – that was awesome! Brilliant back marking by Simon – thanks Si! Last night fireworks display was a nice touch John 😝 Shiny side up!”
Alan Rogers, 1st tour, BMW S1000 RR, Berkshire
Fab views of the castle	A free night tonight
Lunch stop in Germany	Four go missing – found on “Dick Street”!!
“Hi all, thank you for an excellent tour, I really enjoyed myself and hope to ride with you again in the future”

Charles May, 8th trip, Yamaha FJR 1300, Wiltshire
A day off – four head off to the Nurburgring
A wet day off the bikes	Time to explore
.	.
Take a Ring Taxi at the Nurburgring	View from the car – 9mins 56secs in the wet !
“Hi John, thanks for a brilliant tour. Thought the roads, hotels, food and group mix very good. All the best for your future tours.”
Richard Green, 3rd trip, Triumph Tiger 1050, Berkshire
Simon’s spoilt for choice	Strawberry cake !
It’s Heidi’s (owner) birthday!	Cheers !
“Thanks John, really enjoyed the trip and already thinking about what to do for the next one”
Neil Hendley, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS, Greater Manchester

.	.
Lovely setting for coffee stop	More cakes
.	.
.	.
.	Terry with friend
.	.
Our final hotel in Belgium	.
.	The return of Rich – this time on a BMW !
Terry…	or Wayne Sleep ?
Richard Green…	or Geoffrey Hayes ?
Beers all round	Smoked salmon starter

Dinner is included the last night	.
Charles kicks off the joke telling	or is it Mr Charles Babbage Esq ?
.	.
Then it’s Keith’s turn	.
Stoner’s up next	.
Wayne Sleep dancing !!	Charles again
.	.
Then it’s Alan	.
.	Stoner again
Dave Lee’s joke has been CENSORED !!

	Charles on coffee duty
.	Erotic weekend !!
Final coffee stop	Kevin on his Triumph XC Explorer
Keith on his BMW R1150 RT	Simon Green on his Yamaha Thundercat
Neil on his BMW R1200 GS	Simon “back marker” on his BMW S1000 XR
Terry on his BMW R1200 GS	Stoner on his KTM 790 Adventure
Rich on his BMW R1200 GS which also broke down !	Alan on his BMW S1000 RR
Richard G on his Triumph Tiger 1050	Jeremy on his BMW R1200 GS
Jimmy on his BMW S1000 XR	John’s Suzuki V-Strom 1000
Andy on his KTM RC8	Simon has to give back the orange vest !

Just for Rich – a reliable Ducati !!	All back on the Eurotunnel
.	.
Thanks to all the guys for a great tour (looks like I missed a fun group – Jen). We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
And finally…
Oi !! For the six who scurried away – this is what a real firework looks like !!!

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

Testimonial Portugal & Spain Tour 9 – 18 September 2019

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

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

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

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

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 7 – 12 August 2019

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

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

Thanks to all for some great riding, good timekeeping, lots of fun & laughter with everyone pulling together in some extreme temperatures! Special thanks to Ken for the use of his V-Strom for the day. We hope to see many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

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

Testimonial WW2 Normandy Tour 30 June – 2 July 2019

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

Although a small group – a really sociable bunch of people made for a good tour. Hope to see many of you again on future trips. Ride safe, John (& Jen)

Testimonial Chateaux & Sancerre Wine Festival 7 – 11 June 2019

Others choose to visit the Automobile Museum…

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 26 May – 1 June 2019

Testimonial 5×4 (Five Nights in Four Countries) 18 – 23 May 2019

Dave Lee’s joke has been CENSORED !!

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…