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May 19

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust 2019

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust! 4 – 12 May 2019

A small group this year but no less fun !
Our first hotel	Time to visit the Chateau
“What can I say other than the Monte Carlo or Bust tour was a fabulous success. Although there were only five guests, we had a fabulous time. The weather could have been kinder on the first day – the temperature was 4 deg C until about 2pm when it crept up to a balmy 6 deg C! The hotels we stayed at were all up to Bike Normandy’s high standard. We managed to get to the hotels at a reasonable time giving us time to chill out before our evening meal. We also managed to leave at the appointed time every morning, possibly a first for Bike Normandy! We even managed to ride the Route Napoléon in the dry, an experience not to be missed. Well done BN European Tours. A tour up to your usual high standards.”
Ken Cullern, 15th trip, Triumph Street Triple R, West Sussex
Dinner is included tonight	What cheek Ken! It’s faffers – not us!!
Fab scenery	Peter on his BMW R1200 RS
Andy on his Honda VFR 800	Geoff & Debs on their Triumph Rocket lll
“It was absolutely brilliant. Great trip, great company, fabulous roads. And the food was amazing. We may never eat again.”
Debs Gwinnell, 1st tour, pillion on Triumph Rocket lll, Isle of Man
Ken on his Triumph Street Triple	It’s Summertime!
“Just like to say what a great tour this was, staying in lovely hotels, eating fine food and enjoying the company of new friends…. oh and the roads and routes were well chosen and just fab. The scenery was also breathtaking, particularly the views approaching and of the Tarn Gorge and Millau Bridge. The routes through Provance and the Ardeche were also fabulous with stunning views. How you manage to deliver great tours and 1st class service repeatedly time after time is beyond me…. whatever your secret, just keep doing it 😉👍. Look forward to seeing you both on the Swiss Alps Tour. Kind regards”
Andy Dunmore, 6th tour, Honda VFR800, West Sussex

Reception in our next hotel	it’s 8.00pm and lovely evening sunshine
Great weather…	and super scenery
Ride across the Millau Bridge
John has a new V-Strom 1000	Pretty coffee stops
More stunning scenery	Geoff & Debs
Visit Uzes town centre	A free night tonight
All dine together	Just a few beers then !!
Coffee & cake stop	So much choice
Andy’s in the big chair !	How cute !
Peter & Geoff	More cakes !

Afternoon coffee stop	The fabulous view from our hotel
We stay here for two nights & Abbe joins the group
Stroll into town	Lots of restaurants to choose from
A day off – head to Monte Carlo!	Geoff & Debs take a boat ride
See all the yachts	.
Visit the casino (no trainers!)	A pair of lambourginis
Another fine evening	And another lovely day
Morning coffee stop	Follow the instructions !
Even more stunning scenery	Ken on his Street Triple R
Peter on his BMW R1200 RS	Geoff & Debs on their Rocket lll

Andy on his VFR 800	Wow !
Ken with his Street Triple R
The V-Strom has new SHAD luggage	See the original Arc de Triomphe
So what team are you supporting Ken??!!	Debs & Geoff
Peter in the Ardeche	Superb scenery
Morning coffee stop
Drinks before dinner
Geoff & Debs	It’s Ken “Live at the Apollo” !!
Dinner is included again the last night
.	.
It’s Ken again !	and again !

No winners at the “Roulette” !	Drinks after dinner Andy with Ken
And that’s all folks! Not as many photos as usual as Jen wasn’t there! John thanks everyone for a great first tour of the season. We hope to see you all again in the future. Ride safe, Jen & John

Oct 17

Love0

Testimonial Autumn Glory 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Autumn Glory Tour 2 – 7 October 2018

The group on the last night at a top secret location! A fabulous end to the riding season with a great bunch of people.
We start with a briefing at Calais	Lunch stop day 1
“Hi John & Jen, just wanted to say thank you again for another superbly organised biking tour. We appreciate all the hard work you put into making these tours so successful. No stress for us – just get on our bikes each day – luggage in the van – and spend the day riding some briliant roads admiring the scenery along the way. For anyone new to touring give BN European Tours a try – you won’t be disappointed.
What a fun way to spend our days with such a great group of like-minded people. We met some old friends from previous trips and made some new friends too. Thank you all for your company and for making the Autumn Glory tour so enjoyable. Maybe we’ll meet again on another BN European Tour – do hope so – we will definately be back next year for another adventure with John & Jen. Take care all”
Alan & Julie Grieves, 4th tour, Ducati Multistrada, Leicestershire
Jen’s in the lead today – we always re-group before and after any section of motorway
Dinner is included tonight	John – or Superman!
“Hi John & Jen, great review on the website. Brought back some great memories. First class as usual, great hotels, lovely food, brilliant mix of lovely people and fantastic roads. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend you to anyone. Excellent group riding experience. Roll on 2019!!”
Clare Lovett, 3rd tour, Honda CB500x & Adrian Lovett, 3rd tour, BMW R1200, Leics
Thanks to Chris for 10 trips…	Make sure it’s washed at 30C!
Just what are John & Sue up to ?	All is revealed tomorrow…
“Good to be back on a tour, missed it last year for the first time since 2003. Normal business resumed, great roads, great destinations, great hotels, great weather (luckily) and of course great hosts…see you next year.”
Ken (19th trip) & Sue (15th trip) Wright, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Kent
Chris & “Parker” have Autumn Glory t-shirts!	Secure parking for the bikes
Just round the corner from our hotel – see Europe’s largest Fortress	Memorial to thousands of the Resistance condemmed to hard labour who died during WW1
At our morning briefing – it’s revealed that…	It’s Ken’s birthday (and you don’t look a day older!)

“Hi John and Jen, a big, big, thank you from Kath and myself. We enjoyed every minute of our holiday. Fantastic routes, amazing hotels and great food. All expertly planned and organised as usual ! Many thanks”
Chris & Kath Adams, 7th trip, BMW R1200RT, Cwmbran
En-route to coffee stop	Lovely scenery
Fab view at coffee stop	Martyn & Claire with Ian & Heather
“John, Jen, thank you for all your hard work making our holiday relaxing & fun. Lovely hotels & fab scenery. You make it look effortless and we know it definitely isn’t!! I’ve just forwarded our deposit to secure a place on your Spain/Portugal tour! Kind regards”
Martyn & Claire Wyatt, 4th tour, BMW R1150GS, Somerset
We stop for a photo shoot
“Hi John & Jen, yet again another great tour, with a like minded group of people. Fantastic roads and scenery with great accommodation at the end of a days riding.”
Vic (8th trip) & Jackie (7th trip) Hill, (Back-markers), Triumph Tiger 800, Surrey
Quaint coffee stop	.
Most of the bikes
.	Lunch stop (once the market cleared)
“Hi to every one, I’m sure we all agree another fantastic tour, I hope we all got home safely. It was a pleasure meeting you all, some for the first time but I’m sure not the last. Watching Barry drift that Harley round some of those bends definitely gave the lie to the notion that Harleys don’t go round corners! Till the next time.”
Chris Martin, 10th trip, Triumph Tiger 800, West Yorkshire
John spotted en-route	Afternoon coffee
Brilliant roads	Jen’s in the lead again
The fabulous pool at our next hotel	Martyn, Claire & Adrian are in (+ Jen)

Adrian takes a hammering!	Andy & John join in
A free night – some dine in the hotel	Others dine in the bar area
“Hi all, thoroughly enjoyed myself on my second BN tour, great roads and hotels but best of all great company! I daresay as we are all BN addicts our paths will cross in the future, and I look forward to that.”
Martin Harries, 2nd trip, Honda NC750, Lincolnshire
A great view of the castle the next day	Always a morning chat
Leaving our hotel	A misty start
Vic & Jackie at the back	.
Ride alongside the river	Gorgeous colours
Empty roads	Spoilt for choice at coffee
.	Tourists!
“Hi to all, another good tour, the 2 night stay in Cochem was the highlight with sunshine all day.”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 8th trip, Honda Deauville, Hertfordshire
Superb sweepers	.
.	Real Autumn colours

We head into vineyard countryside	.
Ride alongside the Mosel	Beautiful scenery
.	Through pretty villages
Across bridges	.
Picturesque lunch stop	Parking in the shade
Stroll into town	It’s juice – honest !!
John followed by Martin on his NC750	Adrain BMW R1200R & Clare CB500X
Alan & Julie – Multistrada, followed by Peter & Sally	Andy on his Piaggio MP3
Rob on his BMW R1200R	Martyn & Clare BMW R1150GS
Ken & Sue – Suzuki V-Strom 1000	Barry & Chris – Harley Davidson Ultra Ltd Ed
“We had a great time, unfortunately Chris had a problem with her knees and I’m not used to sliding a Harley sideways so I’ll have to review the type of riding we do in future. My issue – not the tour’s – and I learnt a lot. Everyone was exceptionally friendly on the tour and we were made to feel at home right from the start. Especially by Chris and Paul who we likened to the Chuckle brothers!”
Barry & Chris Williams, 1st tour, Harley Davidson Ultra, Bedfordshire

Ian & Heather – Kawasaki ZZR 1400	Chris & Kath – BMW R1200RT
John & Sandra – Honda Deauville	Chris – Triumph Tiger 800
Paul a.k.a. “Parker” – Tiger 800	Vic & Jackie – Triumph Tiger 800
Fair at afternoon coffee stop	.
.	.
.	Ken’s found his ideal shop !!
Dinner is included again tonight	Choose whatever you like
Blurred – blame John!	.
.	Rob & Jen
Martyn’s the European Expert on Wasps!!	Martyn – describe the “Symptoms”

The next day’s a free day	Explore Cochem & visit the castle
Take the train to Koblenz	Follow the Mosel
.	.
Modern shops	Amazing architecture
Walk through the gardens	.
Down to the Rhine	Take the cable car to the castle
See where the Rhine & the Mosel meet	.
.	.
Visit the old town	.
.	.

.	So much to see
Just a few beers then!	.
Not as good as the hotel food!	Ready for the off
Gorgeous colours	Blue skies again
.	.
Through forests	Down twisties
Bikes at coffee stop
The prettiest coffee stop	.
.	Clare, Martyn & Martin
Witness a wedding	What a stunning setting

.	.
Superb roads	.
Chris & Kath mark the junction	.
John’s in the lead today	You won’t run out of fuel !
.	.
.	.
We re-group after some riders take the wrong turn…
John rounds them up…	And we’re on our way again…
Unusual roundabouts…	.
Back-markers following the Harley	Lunch stop

.	It’s really warm !
Approaching our next hotel	.
.	.
Luggage out	Spa area in our hotel
Jen goes for a swim…	while others hit the bar…
Martyn & Claire in the museum	A surprise at our last hotel
John & Sandra	Alan & Julie
Drinks before dinner	.
Dinner is included our last night together
.

John thanks everyone for a great tour…	and Vic & Jackie for riding as “Back-markers”
Then the fun & games start…Sue & Ken go first…	It’s a match !
Another match	What a laugh!
Vic & Jackie go next – a match!	Another match
Ian & Heather have a match	No match !!
The winners are – Ken & Sue !	With their Mr & Mrs mugs back at home!
Ken stays up to tell a joke	.
Then “Parker” takes a turn	Who has a foot pump!!
Martyn’s up next	Then Clare
Martin takes a turn	Then John

Then Adrian	Jen’s taking the photos
Fabulous breakfast spread	Our final morning briefing
Morning coffee	.
Martin taking photos as well	Instructions before we hit the motorway
And that’s it – with a break en-route we’re all back to Calais
Thanks to everyone for making the last tour of the year a good one. Great riding, great company, great scenery & great weather – we’ll just have to do it all again next year!! We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Oct 01

Love0

Testimonial WW2 Extended Sights Tour 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial WW2 Extended Sights Tour 23 – 29 September 2018

The Group at St Mere Eglise – although only a small group we had lots of laughs and fantastic weather
We start with a briefing at Caen	Our first visit The Grand Bunker
Descend into the Bunker	Gun store
Andy with John S	Bob with Jon C
“John and Jen, many thanks for another great trip. For me this was a perfect trip combining historical sights, great riding, comfortable hotels and good food. Oh, and another fun group of riders. I’ve done several trips and thoroughly enjoyed every one. I can heartily recommend you to anyone and look forward to joining you again next year.”
Bob Eve, 7th trip, Suzuki V-Strom 650, West Yorkshire
Amanda & Ian	.
John with Bob	Was this the disco ??
Garry looks through the viewfinder	As does Ian
“Hi John and Jen. Thank you for a great week. Great sights and WW2 knowledge, great hotels, great roads with very little motorways. Having the van to transport luggage and provide somewhere to leave kit while visiting museums and sights was a great benefit. My 1st organised tour, and 1st time using the drop off system (which is great and allows people to ride at a pace that suits them without worrying about navigation). Had a great time with the tour group with lots of laughs along the way.”
Garry Matthews, 1st tour, BMW S1000XR, Derbyshire
We next visit Pegasus Bridge
.	.
We have an explanation in English	Then see the original bridge

Details of the gliders’ landing	A replica Horsa Glider
“Thanks John & Jen for an awesome trip – great people – all had a great time even with the excursion to Brecourt manor to see where Easy company of Band Of Brothers fame did their stuff. Awesome hotels, great roads & lots of historic places to see. Oradour sur Glane was very sad but well worth the visit. Just great fun and great people – will be back soon for another trip – oh forgot to mention the food was excellent.”
Chris & Debs Marland, 2nd tour, BMw R1200GSA, Staffordshire
.	.
A blustery talk at Arromanches	Reece
The Mulberry B Floating Harbour	Bikes parked along the front
“John and Jen, what a great tour! Many thanks. I will write a full review later today. I have attached a few photos – please feel free to use them (or not) as you wish [Thanks John]. Best wishes and I am looking forward to my next tour”
John Savage, 3rd tour, Honda VFR 800, Peebleshire
We then visit the Gun Batteries	John’s in the lead today
Next stop the American Cemetery	John gives a brief introduction
The walls with the names of the Missing	.
The fabulous Bronze Statue	.
The outline of the “Encirclement”	The crosses are perfectly lined up
Omaha Beach	.
The Visitors’ Centre	.

Our first hotel	Dinner is in a local restaurant
.	Bob chooses oysters
The next day we visit the German Cemetery	.
Ian & Garry	Chris with John
Bob with John S	.
Andy	.
Garry on his BMW S1000XR	Jon C on his Honda VFR 800
Ian & Amanda – Honda Crosstourer	John S on his Honda VFR 800
Reece on his Triumph Tiger 800	Bob on his Suzuki V-Strom 650
Andy on his Piaggio MP4	Chris & Debs riding as “Back-marker”
.

Our next stop – La Pointe du Hoc	Watch the moving testemony
.	See the cliffs the Rangers scaled
.	The Observation Bunker
.
.	Inside the bunker
.	.
Reinforced Gun Casements	John’s in the lead again today
Bob	John S
Jon C	Garry
Andy	Ian & Amanda

Reece	Chris & Debs – BMW R1200 GSA
World Peace Memorial	Next stop – St Mere Eglise
See “John Steele” on the Church	Plenty of time to visit the Airborne Museum
.	Debs steps out of the ‘plane…
See the flight path	John S arrives
John !	Ian
Amanda	Garry & Jon C
.	.
.	.
101st Airborne Division Memorial	Eventually we found it !

Impromptu visit to Utah Beach	.
.	.
.	Garry, Amanda & Jon do “The Lunge”!
An interloper joins dinner in Bayeux!	Bayeux Cathedral by night
Another gorgeous morning	See the waterwheel
Our hotel is next to the Cathedral	Forget etchings…come to my room & see my Tiger !!
Photos taken as we leave our hotel in Bayeux
Pavement parking at lunch stop	Pretty towns
Lunch in the sun – Bob was Back-marker today	Afternoon coffee stop
Our next hotel	The restaurant
Drinks before dinner	.

.	(The next day) Jon & Garry
Dinner is included again tonight
Jon C takes a turn as Back-marker	We ride to St Nazaire
The gun from HMS Campbeltown	John provides the “idiots” guide
The group at St Nazaire
We go on board the Espadon submarine	Headsets included
.	.
Amanda	Debs
Chris	Jon C
Bob	Up Periscope Andy !

Reece	Garry
The torpedo room	The way out
Bob & Ian	Amanda & Debs
Time for coffee	Before we ride over the bridge
We re-group, Jen’s in the lead today	Our hotel in La Rochelle
Drinks in the bar	.
A short walk into town	Live music
Lovely evening at La Rochelle	.
Lots of bars	The old town
Tightrope walker !	Walk round the ramparts

Lots of restaurants to choose from	A lovely sunset
The next day Garry’s Back-marker	Morning coffee stop
.	Lunch stop
Lovely town	Stunning chateau
Jen’s in the lead again today	Weird !
We visit Oradour sur Glane	Again headsets are provided
.	.
A very detailed history
The pictures of all who were killed

The garage	The Doctor’s car

Walk through the old village	Visit the Church
The remains of the Church Bell	John inside the Church
.	In Memory of those killed
.	Visit the Cemetery
Outside our next hotel	Drinks in the bar
Thanks “Super Six” – the Champagne was lovely !!	Another sunny day !
Reece rides as Back-marker today	Morning coffee stop
Us (thanks John S)	Lunch stop
We visit the Saumur Tank Museum	.
A Tiger ll	.

Flak 88 anti-aircraft gun	German Hummel taken by US 5th tank div
Part of the Berlin Wall	Czechoslovakian multiple rocket launcher
The French contingent	Pluton – French nuclear missile carrier
AMX 50	Andy’s swapped his MP4 for an ACMA TAP !!
AMX 30EBD remote control mine clearer	Car in a suitcase !!
British Chieftain Tank	The German section
The new BN support vehicle !!	.
Our final hotel	Drinks before dinner
A great group
Jen tells the story of Big Jim	.
We enjoyed a lovely meal	Followed by the “Penguin” joke !!
.	.
“Are you in the army…?”	Or the Observer Corps ??
Then it’s “Guess the vegetable” !!	.
Bob takes a turn	“Ith it Dithco” ??
The next day John S is Back-marker	A morning briefing
Our final visit is to the Museum at Montormel
With a pic-nic lunch back at BN HQ we ended the tour back at Le Havre. Thanks to all on the tour for being so prompt in the mornings and for taking turns to ride as “Back-markers”. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Sep 14

Love0

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 25 Aug – 5 Sept 2018

The Group on top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – another thoroughly enjoyable tour with great riding and a really sociable group of people.
We start with a pre-tour briefing – and directions…	Some listen…while others head for PARIS !!!
David & Traci realise something’s wrong & turn back	After 1.5 hrs we’re all reunited !!
Afternoon coffee stop	Lovely ladies & flower displays
“Hi John & Jen, thank you for a wonderful tour, the best one yet! Me & Mark thoroughly enjoyed it and our memories will stay with us for a long time. Great choice of location, hotels, roads & most of all the spectacular scenery. Thank you for all of your continued hard work that made our trip another memorable one! Best regards to the group too for making the trip so special. Had great fun and haven’t stopped laughing! “
Mark & Nicky Rowley, 3rd tour, BMW R1200 GSA, West Midlands
“Dirty” beers at the hotel !	While Jen (& Doug) have time for a swim
Drinks round the pool	Are we all here ??!!
” The Tour of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes – Great routes/roads, Fantastic Scenery, Fabulous Hotels. Never feel you’re part of a “Tour Company” rather it’s like going around Europe with a bunch of friends where everything is organised for you – never in a “regimented way” though. The pace of the tour is variable, suiting all styles of rider. The system of marking (I’ll let John & Jen explain if you book) allows a pace to suite the individual. In summary, for me BN European Tours deserves 5 stars – the amount of repeat bookings certainly back this up.”
Eddie & Julie Nichol, 2nd tour, BMW K1600, West Lothian
Dinner is inclued tonight	.
.	Elaine’s brought a kettle but needs milk !!
“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, we really enjoyed ourselves…thank you for your help with our bike issue on the tour it was really appreciated, we will try and be trouble free on the next tour..honest lol! See you both soon”
Elaine Gardener & Sheldon Allen, 2nd tour, Kawasaki GTR 1400, Cornwall
John sets the bar low for jokes…	Thanks to David & Traci for 10 trips !!
“Just come back from tour number 10 – Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps – yet again another excellent tour run by Bike Normandy; John and Jeanette. As well as riding on some awesome roads, we had enough days off the bike to chill out and watch the world go by.” [David’s 5* Google review – & 2nd time they’ve done this tour]
David & Traci Wakefield, 10th trip, BMW K1600 GT, Cheshire
Unfortunately Rob has to leave us early…	Always a morning briefing

“Earl Grey Tuffers ???”	The van won’t start – Rob has a charger !
Lunch stop day 2	Lunch in the shade
We find a communal plug…	To charge the van battery…
But despite our best efforts…	It breaks down so we have to hire a van!
Ready for the off…Jen’s leading	Doug on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Gorgeous afternoon stop – Andy & Chris relaxing	.
Ian, Stewart & John enjoy ice creams	As do Mark & Nicky, Vince & Tracey
“John and Jen, thanks again for a great tour – a tribute to your great organising skills and imaginative routes and choices of hotels. And to everyone I wanted to say thank you for your great company on the tour – that’s the final ingredient that makes it all so enjoyable. Ride safe and perhaps we’ll meet again. Kind regards,”
Stewart (lost love child of Jane and Gary Lineker!) Collier, 3rd tour, KTM 1290 Superduke, Wiltshire
“John and Jen, thanks so much for another fantastic tour. This was the best one so far for me. Fantastic roads, scenery, company and hotels. Made new friends too. Looking forward to my 8th trip next year”
John Heaney, 7th trip, BMW R1200GS, Gloucestershire
Drinks in our next hotel	A free night – we choose pizzas

Beautiful coffee stop day 3	.

Stop for stunning views…	Tracey & Vince
“Hi John & Jen, what can I say? We had a blast – again! We’ve been home a little while and hit the ground running but I’ve finally found five minutes to let you both know how much we enjoyed our last tour of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes – it was epic! Well organised, lovely hotels, great company and scenery that simply took our breath away! Thank you for enabling us to reunite, make new friends and lasting memories! So many photos to choose from it’s been difficult deciding which ones to share but I’ve tried to send an album of the stunning sights and we’ll remember this tour forever! Thank you both for sharing your time and energy to help make the trip such a success!”
Vince & Tracey Farmer, 6th trip, BMW Bagger, Gloucestershire
Pic-nic lunch at the top	.
Mark & Nicky !	.
.	Don’t mess with me mister !!
At fuel stop – more directions…	Simon & Helen on their BMW S1000XR
We have to ride some motorway	A cargo of Maseratis
Re-group at services – all present this time !!	We ALWAYS regroup before & after any motorway
Fab pool at our next hotel	Time for a swim…
Synchronised or otherwise !	Enjoy the special cocktail
Drinks before dinner	Dinner is included (sorry forgot to take pics)

The next day Helen relaxes round the pool	Others take the cable car
For fab views of the islands
Then take the ski lift	For the surprise at the top
Doug’s on his way down	Traci can’t look down !!
And they’re off !!! (Photo courtesy of Rob Palmer)
Tracey screams her way down !!	“Tuffers” goes next…
Then Nicky & Mark	Followed by Eddie
Then it’s us ! (photo courtesy of Rob)
Rob taking photos	Whoa !!!
A brilliant ride	Ian arrives back

Stunning views of the lakes
.	Stop for drinks half way down
Take a boat trip to the islands	Stroll into town
Explore the old town	Get a haircut !!
Drinks in the hotel bar	Our morning briefing
We take the ferry across the lake
.	David & Traci
Mark & Nicky	.
Everybody off…	John H is our backmarker on this tour
Coffee on Lake Lugano	Pavement parking
We stop by Lake Como for lunch	.

Lots of cafe’s to choose from	.
Tourists in the back streets !!	.
.	So cute – but they do have legs!
Vince & Tracey (oops sorry – wrong caption!!)	Andy admiring the view
John leads on our Street Triple R	Kevin & Jane on their Honda VFR 1200
Pretty villages as we head for the mountains	Superb sweepers
Lovely lakes in Switzerland	.
The fabulous view as we approach our next hotel
What a gorgeous setting	We include a ticket on the Bernina Express
WOW !
We’re here for two nights	First things first…a beer!

Dinner is included tonight	.
.	.
The next day most walk to the Glacier – which way is it ??
Helen & Stewart forge ahead	Doug at the 1960 marker
The amazing view as we approach the Glacier
Vince is back in 1970 !!	Cold enough ?
Well – being fearless bikers – we take no notice of the warning & carry on…!!!
Cross over the bridge	Climb over the rocks
We reach the Glacier
Doug touches the ice	Stewart & Helen do too
When was the last time you did this? Mark –	and Nicky in the ice cave !!

Julie’s here	Jane & Kevin
“Tuffers” in the cave	Ian samples the water
Jen’s in next	David’s arrived
And Andy	John’s made it for the first time
Eddie braves the cave	Tracey wants a souvenir
Heading back
Coffee & Hot Chocolates then…	Most of us go for a ride-out
Some take the rack-railway	Lovely scenery
Thanks to John H for the photos	This one too…
Mark & Nicky on their BMW R1200 GSA	Eddie & Julie on their BMW K1600
Great roads	Eddie & Julie

Hundreds of hairpins !	Ian on his Speed Triple 675 R
Twisty enough ?	Ian again
Ian’s in the lead	Not recommended !
Time for a coffee stop	“Tuffers”
And cream cakes ! Mark & Nicky	Elaine & Sheldon
Simon, Tracey & Vince	Pretty villages
Mike on his Street Triple 765 RS	Mike followed by his Dad Rob
Mike & Rob	Rob on his Tiger 1050
We re-group before heading up the Stelvio Pass	Expect 48 hairpins !
See the bends climbing up ahead	Then look back at the route up

Wow !	There’s Simon !
And he’s done it !!	Everyone’s so chuffed they made it!
It’s us ! (Thanks Traci)	Those that did it the hard way !
Fab scenery	Mike did it !! (see the link to his video at the end)
Our sticker is there !!	Ian followed by Sheldon & Elaine
Not so twisty on the way down !!	.
Tunnels on the way down	.
.	The lorry didn’t make it through !!
Peter “Tuffers” on his BMW S1000 XR	Pete’s in the lead
.	Sheldon & Elaine on their Kawasaki GTR 1400
Lovely villages	But watch out for the trains !

Mike’s in the lead now	Rob followed by Mark & Nicky
Rob	Fab views on the way back
John & Rob have new t-shirts	Dinner is included again tonight
.	Christof serves us with honey schnapps
Next morning it’s a wet start	Simon & Helen followed by John H
You must cope with hairpins – even in the wet…	There is scenery out there !
.	Morning coffee stop
Eddie’s bought new waterproofs !!	So has Stewart
Stopped by road works	At lunch Stewart’s wringing out his socks !!
We all crowd into the same restaurant	David & Traci have chips !

Nicky’s also got new waterproofs !	.
“Tuffers” !	Follow that train !
More sweeping bends	It’s still wet…
We ride the Susten Pass	Atmospheric in the mist
.	Fab views
.	.
Regroup at the viewing area…!!!	This is what it should look like !!
Roadworks again	.
The view from our next hotel for 3 nights	Time for a swim & sauna
Drinks before dinner	.

Dinner is included tonight	.
.	The owner “Spike Milligan” !!
Fun & Games…	Eddie has it sussed !!
Stewart !	Breakfast in the conservatory
The next day most go for a ride out	Simon’s envious of Sheldon’s cakes
We visit the Trummelbach waterfalls
Amazing force	They power through the mountain
Mark & Nicky	Great viewing areas
.	“Tuffers”
Grindelwald for lunch	Goulash soup with Chris & Andy

Simon’s locked his keys in his top box !!	The manager’s daughter’s wedding reception
Stewart’s got a new (£120) jacket !	A free night – we walk into town
John tries to explain the Archimedes Screw	No excuse now for no exercise !!
Beautiful setting by the lake	Meet the bear !
David & Stewart with friends…	Wood carvings along the front
Stunning views	Some of us go for a pizza
A lovely morning	Vince & Tracey
Reserved parking	Most go for a ride-out
Vince & Tracey on their BMW K1600 Bagger	Fuel first
We head up the Grimsel Pass	Dam at the top

.	We ride through the clouds
.	Stewart on his KTM Superduke
.	.
Simply Stunning
Fabulous weather as well
Pete & Mark	With a BN sticker
See the Marmots	Hello !
Coffee stop at the top	.
Heading down	Us ! (Thanks Nicky)
Mike follwed by Andy & Chris	Fab roads
.	Mike still with Andy & Chris

Brilliant roads	.
.	.
David & Traci on their BMW K1600 GT	.
Stewart followed by Peter	.
Peter followed by Stewart	Peter on his BMW S1000 XR
.	Tuffers & Stewart
.	Ice at the top of the next Pass
Amazing views
Vince & Tracey	We stop for a photo shoot
.

.	.
Peter followed by Kevin	.
.	Peter & Kevin
A cobbled pass…	David & Traci
Stewart & Mike	.
Yes, we’re going up there…
.	More tunnels
Andy & Chris – BMW S1000 XR	.
.	Pretty lunch stop
Flash cars everywhere	A Mclaren

Mark & Nicky – BMW R1200 GSA	.
.	.
Eddie & Julie	The Susten Pass is cloudy again !
.	Drinks back at the hotel…ALL eyes down !!!
Local steam train passes	Another free night
Head into town again	Great local specialities
Another lovely morning	Breakfast is upstairs today
Morning coffee stop	.
Final lunch stop in Switzerland	.
Afternoon coffee in Chamonix	The boys enjoy ice creams

.	Mont Blanc is almost visible
We re-group on the motorway	Jen’s in the lead today
Drinks outside our next hotel	A free night – Jen has (a huge) pizza again !
Morning coffee stop	.
The van’s back !!	Lunch stop
Afternoon coffee stop	.
Arriving at our final hotel	Drinks on arrival
Then drinks before dinner	.
Dinner is included our last night
.
.
John thanks everyone for a great tour and John H for riding as “back-marker” – with another bad joke !!	Stewart’s “Mum” Jane covers his ears to stop him from listening to rude jokes

Andy’s up next with awards – especially for Doug…	Who participated the least in the tour !!
“Tuffers” takes a turn	Then Christine
David has several to tell	Jane’s up next
Then Eddie	John again…
Drinks in the lounge	Rob & Jen tickle the ivories !
Pool area at our hotel	Our final morning briefing
With coffee & lunch stops en-route, everyone is back to the port in good time for the ferry
With thanks to everyone for making this such a good tour – it’s only when you look back through the photos you realise just how much is packed into this trip! With great weather (bar two days), great riding and lots of laughs we look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.
And the photo of the tour…courtesy of Rob Palmer… Also the link to see Mike Palmer’s ascent of the Stelvio Pass...here	Jen is definately getting a wig like this !!!

Aug 16

Love0

Testimonial Rhine in Flames 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Rhine in Flames Tour 8 – 13 August 2018

The Group as we board our cruise ship – another fabulous tour, a great bunch of people, an amazing firework display and not forgetting the dancing!
” Many thanks to John and Jen for organising and running yet another fantastic tour. This is the third tour we have done with them, and the second time we have been on the Rhine in Flames Tour. The fireworks are something not to miss. The organisation and hotels are brilliant. You are made to feel most welcome as soon as you arrive, and looked after during the whole tour. How they find such brilliant roads and historic towns must take some planning. If you are thinking of going on any of their tours, you will not be disappointed”
Dave & Val Burlingham, 3rd tour, BMW R1200RT, North Yorkshire.
We start the Tour at Eurotunnel	First coffee stop
.	Lunch stop
“Hi John & Jen, our first ever bike tour was amazing and everything we had hoped for and more. Meeting new like-minded people with great socialising along the way. Didn’t even matter about the rain on the last day, the experience of riding as a group across the journey was faultless.
The hotels, routes, roads, coffee & lunch stops, excursions and your hospitality speaks for itself and is why you have so many returning members. Eve and I hope to very much be one of the returning people in the future.
Many thanks for the memories made over those six days (and learning the slosh!). Very best wishes to you both for the future. Now it’s time for me to go playing with race cars again! p.s. the T-shirt is safely stored for another day!”
Alan Field & Yvonne Davey, 1st tour, BMW K1200 RS, Surrey
With a Punch & Judy Show	A beach…and
A swimming pool !	Plenty of cafes to choose from
“Hi guys, just a few words to say thank you for the Rhine in Flames trip. Another 10 out of 10 trip. A perfect journey with excellent hotels, excellent food, a great boat trip and of course, the ribbons of tarmac. Now the biggest question is what to do next year? See you both soon and best regards”
Steve Hendra, 5th trip, Honda NC750, Kent
Afternoon coffee stop	.
Our first hotel in Belgium	Reclining on a Porsche !!
Drinks before dinner	.
“Hi John Jen, thanks for another superbly organised tour. As always, great roads & routes, fantastic hotels, lots of laughs and some terrible jokes… The multiple firework displays from the various castles along the River Rhine were amazing and the associated festivities were unforgettable – especially the ‘Do the hokey cokey’ – don’t think I’ve laughed so much for ages!! Looking forward to our next tour with you to the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps – can’t wait!! “
Simon (4th trip) & Helen (3rd tour) Brown, BMW S1000 XR, Surrey

Dinner is included tonight
John welcomes everyone to the tour	And sets the bar low for joke telling!
Always a morning briefing	Jen leads on the Tracer !
“Having never done more than a couple of days abroad on a motorcycle before we decided that an organised tour was the way to go. I honestly don’t believe we could have picked a better company to go with.
John & Jen have obviously done a heck of a lot of research to find such great roads and hotels. The ‘second man drop-off’ system used to ensure nobody gets lost works brilliantly. It takes all the stress out of finding your way in a strange land, thus allowing you to enjoy the ride, and breaks are at sensible intervals. Our sat nav packed up in the middle of Germany which would have been a disaster had we been on our own, but no problem as part of a group.
If you are looking to take a trip abroad, particularly if it will be your first time, you will be hard-pressed to find a better company than BN.”
Paul & Becky Sewter, 1st tour, BMW R1200RT, Norfolk
Morning coffee in Luxembourg	Lunch stop !
We have all the balcony rooms…	Steve’s on the roof !!
Fab views of the Rhine	.
Most eat at the hotel	Steve relaxing
Helen & Simon	A photo of Jen !
A lovely sunset	A gorgeous morning
We have to move some of the bikes…	How many SHIB members on a Rocket lll ?

Our cruise ship for the next night	Paul & Becky S
We all take the train to Bingen
All aboard !	.
.	So cute !
Then the ferry to Rudesheim
Relax on deck…	.
.	.
Explore lovely Rudesheim	.
We enjoy ice-creams	.
Andy & Jane do too	.

Quaint back streets…	Fab bell tower…
.	.
Taste a strawberry & “champagne” cocktail	Visit the wine caves
.	Entertainment all afternoon
Andy & Jane have Rudesheimer Kaffees	.
.	SHIB take the ski lift…
Alan at the top…	Tony – a.k.a. “Sams Son” !
How many SHIB ‘s ?? (Thanks Paul R for the photos)
SHIB with ice-creams	Mind the train !
More strawberry cocktails	We take the boat back to Boppard

.	.
.	Amanda & David
.	.
Us !	Lots of castles en-route
.	.
.	.
Helen & Jane enjoy a few glasses of wine…	.
That evening…guess who?	Pete !
The next day we take the little ferry…	Most go for a ride-out
Paul M on his Tiger 1050	Alan F on his BMW K1200RS

Tour leader John on his Tracer 900	Alan B on his BMW R1200GS ADV
Andy on his KTM 1290 Adventure T	Paul “Rocketman” R
Tony BMW K1600GT & Mark S1000XR	Daryl & Sarah – Tiger 800
David & Amanda – Triumph Explorer	Karen on her KTM 790 Duke
Steve on his Honda NC750	Pete on his KTM 1290 ADV S
Simon on his BMW S1000 XR	All wave – & Jen gets told off !!
.	John has a passenger !
Alan B’s off first	John
Alan F	David & Amanda

Simon	Paul McG
Pete	Steve
Karen	Daryl & Sarah
Andy – with Jane – our “back-markers”	Paul R
Mark	Tony
Alan B’s in the lead	Pretty villages
Rocketman marks a junction	Great roads
Paul McG	Alan & Yvonne
Lovely scenery	.
Nice one Karen !	Alan followed by Mark & Jackie

Mark & Jackie	Steve
Twisty enough ?	David & Amanda
.	Tony & Di
Pete	We regroup before any motorway
Simon followed by Paul McG	Simon
We take the rack-railway to thte top	Passing a castle en-route
Fab views of the Rhine	To Bonn and beyond
Have lunch at the top	Take the train down again
Thanks to Karen for letting me [Jen] ride her KTM back to the hotel while she rode pillion with John. And this evening is the main event – the fabulous Rhine in Flames…
Alan F is stripped of his shirt to reveal his new top!	We embark for the evening cruise

Sing-along if you can !	.
.	.
.	.
The boats start to arrive	Wave to our neighbours
.	Lots of boats congregating
Tony & Di hit the dance floor	.
Then it’s up on deck for the fireworks	Each village lets off fireworks en-route
The castles are lit up in red	.
.	.
.	.

We arrive at Koblenz for the big display	.
Wow !	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.
.	.

.	.
.	.
.	And that’s it – absolutely amazing !
Then it’s back inside for dancing…	We start with the “Slosh”
.	Alan joins in
.	.
.	The Y.M.C.A. !
Tony’s really getting down !	.
Di has an admirer !	John’s up as well
Everyone’s really enjoying themselves	.

.	.
This young lady had a great time	SHIB on the dance floor
Paul S, Dave & Alan F dress to impress !	.
Simon & Helen	Amanda & David
Helen !	.
Mark & Jackie join in too	It’s the Okey Cokey !
All form a circle…	Then sit down !
Another gorgeous morning	Alan’s keeping his shirt on over his bike gear !
A briefing before we set off	Leaving Boppard
Paul & Becky S on BMW R1200RT	Dave & Val on BMW R1200 RT

Lunch is at Cochem	Alonside the River Mosel
Andy & Jane with Simon & Helen	I couldn’t resist ! A huge Bernese !
Pretty town centre	Just a few bikes !
At our last hotel…	time for a swim !
Drinks before dinner	.
.	We walk into town for dinner
The group (minus Alan B who left early) on our last night together
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	John thanks Andy & Jane our “back-markers”
Paul R with one of many jokes !!	A double act !

It’s Paul again !	John shows Paul S how to waft a towel!
Paul R again !!	Helen knows a wide-mouth frog !!
Mark takes a turn…	Then it’s the “Penguin”!!
A final morning briefing before coffee & lunch stops then motorway back to Calaias	Best wishes to Esther who with Kevin tumbled off before the tour started and broke her leg above her ankle!!
Thanks to everyone for participating and making this a really fun tour. We never cease to be amazed by the fireworks and thanks to Dave B for picking up my camera and taking many of the photos of us all on the dance floor. A great night to remember. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

Jul 17

Love0

Testimonial Black Forest July 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 8 – 14 July 2018

The group as we leave the Black Forest – fantastic weather throughout the tour, great to see lots of regular customers with some new pillions!
The night before there’s a free concert in Calais	A Johnny Haliday tribute act
Calais lit up at night	Statue of Yvonne & Charles de Gaulle
We meet some off Eurotunnel	And start with a pre-tour briefing
“The Black Forest Tour was great with fantastic hot weather! The scenery was superb & the roads brilliant. Met some old friends & new, everyone made our holiday a geat one. John & Jen really go out of their way to make it very enjoyable! We’ll have to check out the next one for next year”
Wayne & Carole Williams, 4th tour, BMW K1600, South Wales
Morning coffee stop	Lunch stop
We always regroup before & after any stretch of motorway
“We’re back home – the M4 was so boring unlike the trip itself which was full of fun & laughter, great roads, great company & wonderful Black Forest Gateau! Lovely to meet lots of new faces & we hope our paths will cross again soon”
Vince & Tracey Farmer, 5th visit, Honda Goldwing, Gloucestershire
Afternoon coffee stop	Drinks in the shade
Gorgeous scenery in the Ardennes	River Semois
Dinner is included at our first hotel	.

.	Breakfast area in our hotel
“We had a blast! Fabulous roads & scenery with excellent company all round. John & Jen you run the trips so well…looking forward to our next trip…lovely to meet all of you…hope we may meet again on further trips”
Ian (2nd visit) & Bel (1st tour) Salvage, BMW XR1000, Gloucestershire
Parking is behind the hotel	Always a morning briefing
Morning coffee stop	Lunch stop
What a welcome sight !!	Our hotel is in the heart of the town
We’re first for the beers !
The second group arrives
“For me the tour was a delightful mix of great company, good hotels, fabulous scenery traversed on some good roads…the weather could not have been better – well maybe just a little cooler! It was nice meeting old & new friends alike & hope to meet some of you again on future tours”
Andy Dunmore, 5th visit, Honda VFR 800, West Sussex
Some of us dine at the hotel	Dine al fresco
Jen, Jane & Bel have a sing-song!!	Three biker babes !!
Leaving Baden Baden	.
.	.
“We had a great time. The roads were amazing, the company was excellent & we really hope to see you all again”
Clare Lovett, 2nd tour, Honda CB500X & Adrian Lovett, 2nd tour, Honda Crosstourer

Ian & Biker-Babe Bel!	We fill up before riding the famous B500
John’s in the lead today	Steve on his Honda Hornet
Ian & Bel on their BMW XR1000	Daryl & Jane on their KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Nigel & Mandy on their Tiger 1050	David on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Andy on his Honda VFR 800	Rees & Audrey on their BMW R1200 RS
Wayne & Carole on their BMW K1600	Clare – CB500X & Adrian – Crosstourer
Eddie on his Honda Africa Twin	Peter on his Tiger 1200 XRT
Sally on her Yamaha Fazer 600	Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing
Ian & Jen on a Moto Guzzi California	Chris & Reece ride as “Back-markers”
The fab B500	Superb bends
We regroup at the end of the first stage

All present & correct before we set off for coffee
Pretty coffee stop	.
Next stop – the largest cuckoo clock in the world !
At least we see two strikes !!	.
Round the back insert a euro…	and take your partners for a waltz !
.	Eddie enjoying Black Forest Gateau
Just so you can see the quaint lunch stop…	Where this year the heavens opened !!
Our hotel for the next two nights
Carole & Wayne	Jane & Daryl
Ian & Bel	Nigel & Mandy
Reece & Chris	Drinks before dinner

John sets the bar (low!) for jokes	Dinner is included tonight
.	.
.	How did Andy get THREE desserts ?!
Some of us play “One Spot”	Vince & Dave are struggling…
Mandy just can’t get it right !!	Owner Marcel is playing as well
Three spots & Tracey’s out !!	Rees & Audrey are still in…
Marcel is runner up…	With just one spot Rees is the winner !!
The pretty town centre	A day off – take a boat trip on the lake
Fun flower displays around the town	.
.	.
The next day some go for a ride-out	We ride alongside the lake
Ian & Jen in the lead	We find some twisties
Steve on his Hornet	David on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT

Vince & Tracey on their Goldwing	Dom St Blasien
Daryl & Jane	.
Rees & Audrey	.
Ian & Bel	Ian & Bel again
Great hairpins	Ride through vineyards
Wayne & Carole	We ride into Switzerland
To visit the High Rhine Waterfalls
Great views at the top
Wayne & Carole	Ian & Jen
Jane & Daryl	Living life on the edge !!

Padlocks on the footbridge	So cute !
Take the boat back	Ducks & fish vie for bread
Ian & Bel	Vince & Tracey
Fab roads	David followed by Steve
.	Having kept her eyes shut to start with…
Jane’s now loving the bends !!	John takes the KTM for a spin
That night we watch England lose against Croatia	While a brass band play in the square
Chris repairing the van !	Morning briefing before we head to the Vosges
Pass under the ski run	.
Wayne & Carole	Eddie
Rees & Audrey	Andy

Ian & Jen	Adrian (sorry missed Clare)
David	Nigel & Mandy
Pete	Sally
Chris & Reece on their BMW R1200 GSA	We stop for a photo shoot
.
Next stop – cakes !!	Eddie’s got cake again !!
Andy, Tracey & Vince	Jen C, Nigel & Mandy, Ian
Jen – I’m sharing – honest !	Storks in the Vosges
Surprise at lunch – take the ski lift up…	Steve, Ian with crash helmet ! & Bel
Raise the bar!!! Clare & Adrian	John goes down first

Jane vs Daryl	Ian & Bel
Adrian & Clare	Sorry I don’t have the winners photos until John’s back from the next tour…
The brave ones !!
We stop for a photo opportunity in the Vosges Mountains
The group in the Vosges
Next stop Epinal	Stroll into town
To find Music	and a market
Our hotel has secure garage parking	Does this van make my bum look big ??
We take a pretty cut-through	To morning coffee
John does the honours	Riding to lunch
Lunch stop	It’s getting hotter !

Great roundabout displays	.
Afternoon coffee stop	.
.	Ice creams all round
Our hotel overlooks the fabulous castle at Pierrefonds
Dinner is served outside	.
John thanks everyone for a great tour	and thanks Chris for a great job as “back-marker”
Cyril the owner wants to hear our jokes…	Ian S takes a turn
Then Ian C picks on John	Daryl’s up next
Followed by Steve	Adrian goes next
Oh no…	The shorts are coming off !!

So who can guess the vegetable…	So how did Ian know the answer ?!
Jen reads the cheese scones joke	Then we’re treated to fireworks
A day before Bastille Day	.
.	.
.	.
Another beautiful morning	.
Starting them young in France	Ride past fields of Verbena
Lunch stop & time to visit the museum	Final coffee stop
Everyone back to Eurotunnel in good time
And that’s all folks ! Great riding on some great roads with a great bunch of people made for yet another fab tour. We look forward to seeing many of you again – and some of you very shortly! Ride safe, John & Jen

Jun 27

Love0

Testimonial Picos Pyrenees in Reverse 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Picos, Pyrenees & Volcanoes Tour (in reverse) 15-23 June 2018

The group in the Picos Mountains – great weather throughout, some lovely new guests with many regulars made for a fabulous tour (John A missing for puncture repair)
We start with a pre-tour briefing	Photo-bombed by a local!
You must STOP at a solid white STOP line…”Is there a specific warning sign?” asks Jon W…	Yes Jon – a STOP SIGN !!! (Sorry Jon – I hope you won’t be offended!)
“Just returned from the Picos & Pyrenees tour. Absolutely fabulous scenery, hotels and company. As the oldest rider with the smallest bike I never once felt overwhelmed by my fellow travellers. I did take advantage of the 2 rest days, 1 in Lourdes to redeem my sins, (1 day wasn’t really long enough for that!), and 1 in Riano. The organisation by BN was once again first class. My 11th trip. hopefully, I WILL BE BACK.”
Colin Shaw, 11th trip, Yamaha Tracer 700, West Sussex
John A & Kevin didn’t listen to instructions !!	Jen’s in the lead today
Bikes all lined up at coffee stop
“Just returned from our first tour (but not the last!) of the Picos, Pyrenees and Volcanoes. Had an amazing time, scenery fabulous and great biking roads. Very well organised, really appreciated the van to carry our luggage (especially for those of us with pillions). Met loads of nice people and had a lot of fun. Thanks to Jen for the loan of a spare camera battery and Jackie really loved her new Bike Normandy sweatshirt😘 Thanks again for a great experience. We would definitely recommend Bike Normandy to our friends.”
Jon & Jackie Watson, 1st tour, BMW K1300S, Berkshire
Lunch stop	Our first hotel…
Sheltering from the rain!	Drinks in the bar
Dinner is included tonight	.
“Having visited 6 of Bike Normandy’s weekend experiences and The Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps tour two years ago we have all just come back from the Picos & Pyrenees tour. As with the weekend trips everything was organised for you, even the backup van carrying your luggage, spare fuel and tools. The hotels selected by John and Jen were above and beyond what we would have expected from a biking holiday, many with secure parking. Well organised, well researched, comes highly recommended. Thanks John and Jen for a great unforgettable tour.”
Paul Tinkler, 8th trip, GSXR1000, Kent
John welcomes everyone to the Tour…	Then sets the bar for jokes very low!!

With our thanks to Allan & Jane…	It’s their 10th Tour
“Dear John & Jen, thank you for another fabulous tour! Glorious sunshine, great biking roads and another host of delightful hotels. The usual meticulous planning on your part made for a very successful and stress free holiday. Always a pleasure to reunite and tour with friends!
Paul & Louise Saltwell, 4th tour, Yamaha MT09 Tracer, Guernsey
As well as having the European Expert on Wasps…	It’s Andy M’s birthday !
Parking opposite our hotel	Always a morning briefing
Ready for the off – John’s leading today	Andy D on his Honda VFR 800
“I have just been on the Picos & Pyrenees tour (France to Spain) 2018. I must state what a brilliant trip this was, with a fantastic mix of routes, roads and brilliant overnight hotels; what also makes these tours more enjoyable is the great bunch of people, enjoying the experience together as a family. Despite losing a couple of days, (due to an incident – thankyou Jen & John, you were both brilliant and extremely professional in dealing with it!) The weather was Fantastic, if a little bit too hot, and the daily distances with lunch and coffee stops was pitched just right. I really enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to others. My 4th Trip, and now looking forward to the Black Forest Tour.”
Andy Dunmore, 4th trip, Honda VFR800, West Sussex
Wood carvings en route	Morning coffee stop
.	Jackie has a new BN sweatshirt
Kevin on his BMW R1100RT	“Inflatable” Jon & “M” on their BMW R1200GS
Dave on his Kawasaki H2	Paul on his Suzuki GSXR 1000
Colin on his Yamaha Tracer 700	John A on his BMW K1300S
Ros & Andy on their Honda Blackbird	We’re heading into the Volcanic region

A free night – drinks in a local bar	Our morning briefing
It’s Sunday & only 1 pump working !!	What a way to travel !
The Goldwing provides the music…	So Paul & Louise start dancing !
There is a volcano – honest!	What a view !!!
Most dine inside	.
Real bikers stay outside !	The “Speedy Boys”
The cloud clears…	.
We have our “Gorillas in the Mist”
Thanks to “M” for the photo
Album cover of the year – The Speedy Boyz feat’g I & M!! Thanks to “M” for the pic
And “Girl Power” !
Thanks “M”
Afternoon coffee stop	We stop for a photo at Rocamadour

Parking is in the hotel garages	Most have balcony views
We all find the nearest bar	Colin with John A
The group at the entrance to the medieval town (minus Andy D)
Dinner is included in the hotel’s restaurant	Along with some rowdy cyclists !!
Carol & Max with John A & Colin	John & Jackie with Ros & Andy
Jane, Louise & Paul, Allan, “Inflatable” & “M”	Dave, Paul, Ian, Kevin, Mike & Simon
Sandra & Steve with us	Usual chat before we set off
All lined up at lunch stop
Lovely coffee stop	Our hotel overlooks the river at Lourdes
Drinks in the hotel bar before watching the football	Next day some go for a ride-out

The Goldwing’s behind us…	Steve & Sandra hail from Spain
Jon & Jackie on their BMW K1300S	Any ideas ? A Red Kite perhaps ?
Stunning lunch stop	Us !
Everyone on the ride-out (thanks to Ian for the photo)
Paul & Louise	A rose between two thorns !
Fab roads in the Pyrenees	Mike on his BMW K1300S
Paul & Louise on their Tracer 900	Ian on his BMW R1200GS
Jon & Jackie	Steve & Sandra
Fab views at the Col D’Aspin	How to improve a photo of 3 BMW’s !!
Jon W, Mike & John A	The cows like our Street Triple ! (Thanks Ian)

Mind the locals !	Lovely forest roads
Mike on his BMW K1300S	.
Cloudy on the way up	.
A party at the top of the Tourmalet	Music & dancing in the street !
Stunning view at the top
Forget the others – our sticker’s there !!	.
Mike & Ian	Paul & Louise on the way down
Watch out for the sheep…	This one’s not moving
.	Max & Carol on their Tiger 800
Through tunnels	Steve & Sandra
Under netting	Fishing in the river
Fancy Dress group in our hotel	And why not ?!
At the Cathedral	The crowds start to gather
For the nightly procssion	.
Lots of countries represented	.
Next morning coffee stop	.
Thanks “M”
Fab views as we ride through the Pyrenees	See the bear paw prints !
.	Allan & Jane at the back
Just gorgeous	More sheep to negotiate
Paul on his GSXR 1000	as he disappears !
Thanks “M” – fab view of our lunch stop
Another pretty lunch stop	.
.	.
Amazing views
Stunning colour of the lake	But it’s getting hotter….
.	.
Coffee at a truck stop	.
It’s hot – but the van has air-con !!	At our next hotel in Spain
Take the lift to underground parking	Drinks watching the football
Jon lands on Jen !!	.
Wander the back streets for tapas	.
Just a few bottles of Rioja then ?!	Mike has an illuminated pillion !!
Dave & Colin	Paul
Morning briefing – the Picos next	At coffee stop…
The local kids have a project to do	The next Marc Marquez ?
.
The kids love the bikes	Lunch stop
Jen’s in this one too
Anything for a good shot ! (thanks Ian)	Steve & Sandra
Jon & Jackie	“Backmarkers” Allan & Jane
Riding into the Picos	Allan & Jane on their Tiger 1050
A surprise in store	Jon & &Jackie brave the metal platform
A Griffon Vulture	The clouds arrive
.
Kevin with cake at the top	Great roads to our hotel

The “Speedy Boys”	Simply stunning scenery
What a great view
We regroup before arriving at our hotel
Resident Chow-Chow Lusso	Drinks on the terrace
Dinner is included tonight	.
Another beautiful morning
Gorgeous roses surround the hotel	Our hotel for two nights
So cute !	So chilled !
Some of us go on a ride-out	Jen rides pillion
.	.
See storks nesting	Two here
Jackie takes loads of photos as well	Allan & Jane mark a junction !
Max & Carol – Kiwis visiting from Australia !	Paul & Louise ride as “Back-markers”
.	Fab roads
.	Max & Carol on their Tiger 800
.	.
We stop for coffee- with free tapas!	More brilliant roads
Lots of hairpins	Sandwiches all round – 29 euros for 11 of us with drinks!
.	.
Gorgeous scenery heading back	.
Ian on his BMW R1200GS	Wow !
Once back at the hotel Paul does not want to relinquish the orange vest !!
The “Speedy Boys” went out late	& caught the only heavy rain of the tour !!
A thunderstorm passes overhead
Drinks before dinner	Grumpy has had to give up the orange vest !
A really great crowd
Dinner is included again our last night	.
This time with Andy & Kevin included	John thanks everyone for a great tour
Thanks to Allan & Jane our Backmarkers	“Ith it Dithco??”
Steve takes a turn	Jane’s up next
Then it’s Max	Followed by Ian
John shows Andy how to waft a towel!!	Jen reads Ken C’s cheese scones joke

John’s up again	“Are you in the air force ?”
Paul gives us a Tommy Cooper set…	.
How many cars ??!!	A brilliant set !
Another glorious morning	Our final briefing
Thanks “M”
Thanks “M”
Still riding in the Picos	.
Thanks “M”
.	Morning coffee stop
Find a shady cafe	Fred Flinstone’s perhaps ?
Pass fishing villages	Lovely lunch stop
Jon insists he’s not under the thumb !	Us !
So pretty	A lovely lunch to end the tour – Jackie has squid !
And that’s it – everyone back to Santander for the ferry (apart from those who rode home instead)
A really great tour – thanks to everyone for making it such a pleasure for us as well. We look forward to seeing many of you on future tours. And for everyone who knew we were collecting our new Gordon Setter puppy “Otto” on the way home here are some more pics…
Looking very serious	What’s this air con thing ??
At least it keeps me cool	Time for a nap
Great – a new garden to explore !	This hedgehog isn’t very spiky !
Yes, he’s settling in well – we knew he’d be trouble & he’s chewing everything !!

Jun 05

Love0

Testimonial 5×4 Oakley May 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial 5×4 (5 nights/4 countries) for Oakley MC 22-27 May 2018

The group in Luxembourg - Oakley MC are the first to ride our new 5x4 tour & we think it was a huge success!

Oakley MC group in Luxembourg – the first to ride our new 5×4 tour & we think it was a huge success!

Everyone stays the night before in Calais	Kirsty helps with the orders
“John & Jen … once again a fabulous tour. The roads and accommodation were perfect and the extra day in Cochem was a real treat. Thank you so much for all the hard work and effort you put into our tours and for our special T shirts … much appreciated. The Leffe museum and hotel is a special find and a great end to the tour. We have thoroughly enjoyed all our tours with you and will continue to do so for as long as the old man can ride his bike!”
Steve & Kirsty Eaton, 10th trip, BMW XR1000, Cambridgeshire
Lizzy & Smiley exchange tops!	Nice !
It’s Ken’s birthday !!	What a firework!
We start the tour proper with a briefing	Morning coffee in the sun
“Had a fabulous trip with John and Jen on the inaugural 5X4 in May 2018 through France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The roads, the riding, the hotels, the food and the company were excellent. The day break in Cochem made a real difference and we were refreshed for the remainder. The weather was also kind which helped a lot. John and Jen’s organisation is second to none and a big thank you to them for taking us on a great adventure.” [Paul’s 5***** Google review – thanks!]
Paul Butler, 7th trip, & Tana Pytlova, 2nd tour, KTM 1290 Superduke GT, Bedfordshire
Ken is the first to ride as “TEC”	Parking at coffee
Paul G on his Honda Fireblade	Nick – GSXR750 & Tom – BMW R1200 GSA
“John ‘n Jen, thank you for another FANTASTIC! tour…………..just incredible. Really well run, perfect hotels, perfect roads and great company. Just wish I was going again next week! I hope to see you again soon…Tom. xxx (The kisses are for Jen! Just in case you thought otherwise after the Spa moment!! LOL)”
*Tom Oliver, 2nd tour, BMW R1200 GSA, Bedfordshire*
Ready for the off!	Nick on his GSXR 750
We always regroup for any motorway
Lunch stop	Don’t all go in the same cafe !
Afternoon coffee break	After some great roads

“Car-park” beers – drinks before a shower!	Drinks outside our first hotel in France
“Another great trip by John and Jen. Excellent roads, fabulous hotels and the inclusive food was delicious. 5×4 worked well and definitely worth the day off the bikes to rest and do a bit of touristing!”
Lisa Boddy, 3rd tour, Suzuki GSXS 1000F, Cambridgeshire
Dinner is included tonight	John starts off the bad jokes !!
It’s Steve & Kirsty’s 10th trip !! Thanks guys !!
Parking in the hotel garage	Always a morning briefing
Jen’s in the lead again today	Tom – BMW R1200 GSA
Graham on his BMW R1200 GS	Clive on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT
Lizzy on her Suzuki GSXR 750	Paul (but where’s Tana?) KTM 1290 SD GT
Mick on his KTM 1290 Superduke GT	Steve K on his Kawasaki ZZR 1400
“What a great week – forever etched in the memory banks”
Mick Grogan, 2nd tour, KTM 1290 Superduke GT, Buckinghamshire
Smiley on his Suzuki GSXS 750	Lisa on her Suzuki GSXS 1000F

It’s Ken – again !	Jason on his Ducati Street Fighter
Mark & Rachel on their BMW R1200 GS	Nick encore une fois !
Mark rides “TEC” on his Versys 650	Paul G thinks it’s going to rain…
“Thanks for a good trip – I enjoyed it. Thought you both did a very professional job as usual. See you guys next year & maybe bring Joe and my son in law.”
Mark Knight, 2nd tour, Kawasaki Versys 650, Bedfordshire
The group in the Ardennes – minus Steve & Kirsty who needed a clutch cable
Lovely view in the Belgian Ardennes	Quaint coffee stop
Yep, all in the same cafe!!	Watch out for wild boar – see later !!
Plenty of parking
At lunch Graham & Ken enjoy a pic-nic	Afternoon coffee stop
There’s a band in town so we park on the pavement	Super roads in Luxembourg
Twisty enough ?	.
Bends coming up…	Great sweepers

The fab pool at our next hotel	Paul G, Clive & Nick take a dip
Paul B gets a dunking from Tana !	A chat before we set off
Another lovely morning	So how did Paul G miss hitting these ???
Coffee stop	Jason riding as “TEC”
Amazing bridge	Chill out at the back
Stunning views along the Mosel	A different lunch stop from the 4×4
A great setting	Wander into town
Wow !	Leaving lunch – Mark & Rachel
Paul – with Tana this time !	Lisa followed by Steve K
Mick followed by Steve & Kirsty	Graham followed by Paul G as “TEC”

At afternoon coffee stop…	The heavens open !!
Kirsty left her jacket on a bike !!	“It’s only water” says the cafe owner !!
It doesn’t stop us having ice-creams!	No calories there Steve !
Graham discusses BMW’s with the owner	Waterproofs on then…
But it’s dry when we arrive at our hotel in Germany	Dinner is included again tonight
.	.
.	Just what are they listening to ??
Something funny !	You WILL have eggs for breakfast!!
The next day is a day off…	Some go for a ride-out
Some head back to the Nurburgring	.

Some take the chair lift…	You have to walk to the adventure park
Steve doesn’t like heights !!	So he’s fuming…!
Great views from the top	Alternatively explore Cochem
Explain this !	So pretty
Walk up through vineyards to the Castle	.
Great views from the Castle	Stunning Reichsburg Castle
Take a river cruise – wouldn’t it be funny…	if we saw Paul & Tana !!!
Take a guided visit of the Castle	Super views
.	.
Cross the bridge for great views of the town	.
.

Simply stunning	John with chips – who’d believe it !!
Sample the local wines	Or go KTM Orange handbag shopping!!
Drinks on the hotel terrace	A free night to dine out
Breakfast area	Another lovely morning
Tom-foolery at petrol stop!	Jen’s always ready with a camera!!
Morning coffee in the prettiest setting	.
.	More Tom-foolery !!
Lunch in Belgium & it’s really hot weather	Plenty of cafe’s to choose from
As well as a few beers!	Some did this in Cochem !
The approach to our final hotel	.

.	.
Reception area	.
Time for a swim	or relax before dinner
A few enjoy the pool	John gets a battering !!
Then finds an even stronger jet	Paul B takes a turn
There are also sauna & spa facilities which Tom & “Smiley” enjoyed (a lot of scrubbing was involved!!) – but best there were no photos as evidence!!
Time to visit the factory	A brief introduction
.	Before starting the interactive tour
Smell the ingredients	Pay attention – there’s a quiz !!
Learn how the beers are made	Several different beers
.	Clive helps himself !
Fab stained glass windows	With a sample at the end

Rachel	Mark
Drinks outside before dinner	Think I’d rather not have seen this !!
Dining area	Our tables
Dinner is included our last night	.
.	No !! Not the green flip-flops !!
A Magnum of Champagne for the “top table” courtesy of Mick – thank you very much !!
John kicks off the jokes…	.
Kirsty takes a turn	Lisa tells us hers in one go!
Paul B’s up next	John shows Mark & Rachel how to waft a towel !!
Jen takes a turn	Then it’s the vegetable game…

So how did Paul know the answer??!!	Clive’s up next
“Ith it Dithco?”	.
Then the Chinese Whispers start…Tom tells Lizzy…	Lizzy passes it on to Clive
Clive picks on Graham…	Graham chooses Rachel…
Who’s not impressed !	Rachel targets Ken
Ken tells Lisa	Who passes it on to Paul G
We think Paul quite liked it !!	The jokes continue outside
Ken takes a turn	A fab breakfast the next morning
A final briefing	Ready for the off…
John’s in the lead today	A rainy start…

Tom, Steve & Kirsty have swapped bikes	Graham
Steve	Mick
Mark & Rachel	Lisa
Nick followed by Lizzy	Lizzy
Ken	Jason rides “TEC”
By fuel stop it’s dry & sunny again	Not only bikes re-fuelling…
Sunshine at coffee stop	.
.	.
The final leg is motorway	We stop at services for lunch
And that’s it – everyone back to Calais

Thanks to Oakley MC for suggesting the reverse run of the 4×4 tour with an extra night in Cochem – we think the tour was a great success as the feedback from the club members shows. Thanks too to those who sent photos included in this review. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Ride safe, John & Jen.

May 30

Love0

Testimonial 4×4 May 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial 4×4 (Four Nights in Four Countries) 16 – 20 May 2018

The group in Germany – John welcomed lots of new guests on this his first tour without Jen !
We start the tour with a briefing	Always re-group before & after any motorway
“I have just come back from the 4 x 4 tour, bit apprehensive as never done a tour and was travelling on my own. It was brilliant; the organisation, the routes, the rest of the guys I met, it was a blast. Am I booking again – of course – trying for another one in October. Hotels that we stayed in were great and there was safe parking for the bikes every night. I still have a smile on my face! I thoroughly recommend this company to book with!” [Alex’s 5***** Google review – thanks!]
Alex Hall, 1st tour, MV Augusta Brutale, Middlesex
Peter on his Triumph Tiger 800	John & Sandra on their Honda Deauville
“FIRSTLY FIVE STARS!! Returned to the UK yesterday from what can only be described as the best bike tour I’ve ever been on! This trip is only 4 days but 4 countries! What a magnificent experience throughout – to the Eifel mountain range and including the greatest surprise experience any petrol head would die for! The best roads and scenery but the real pleasure and success of this tour was John Eggleton as tour guide and the excellent planning and support from his team. John is friendly, professional, caring and very funny! He made myself and the rest of the team relaxed and at ease from the off. A consummate professional ensuring our group of riders with all different levels of riding experience & from different walks of life all felt included and cared for, putting safety and duty of care the number 1 priority for the tour. Great laughs, the best company (found dear new friends!), great food, great beer and really great accommodation all made for a trip that will long be remembered. Congratulations John, Paul & team – a first class job! I’ll be back on another soon! 😉”
Alan Rogers, 1st tour, BMW S1000RR, Berkshire
Sandra on her Honda CB500	Afternoon coffee stop
All the bikes
“Good morning John, I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time I had. The whole trip was well organised and very entertaining – where do you get your energy? Everyone in the group was so nice, it was really sad when we all went our separate ways. I have picked up so much useful riding experience. You and Paul did a fantastic job – for my first experience I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I’m very much looking forward to booking my next trip with you. Kindest regards”
Sandra Cornwell, 1st tour, Honda CB 500, Northamptonshire
Our first hotel in Belgium	Lovely gardens
“John – better late than never, I’m writing to say how much I enjoyed the tour. Full marks for the organisation, the routes, hotels & so on. Not to mention your unfailing good humour! Well done – here’s hoping I can make one of your tours next year. All the best & kind regards”
Peter Smith, 1st tour, Triumph Tiger 800, East Sussex
Dinner is included tonight	John welcomes everyone to the tour

Paul is presented with his “Been there, done it 10 times!” t-shirt	John & Sandra in the lounge
“I really enjoyed the 4×4 trip and as always everything was well planned, the routes were perfect and the hotels were great. I’d do it again and would recommend it! I will send a photo of me in my new special t shirt, which I shall wear with pride! “
Paul Chambers, 10th trip, Triumph Explorer, Bedfordshire
[Thanks for riding as “back-marker” throughout the tour, I hear you did a great job and gave me a week off at home!! Jen]
Paul has a new t-shirt…	He’s done 10 trips!
Hi Guys, just wanted to pass on a huge thanks for a my first bike tour. I was apprehensive to say the least before taking the leap. I believe with your commitment to our enjoyment, from the booking, meeting as a group, the accommodation and your very well researched and knowledgeable roads / routes with fabulous views and coffee / tea stops, it made not only mine but would appear everyone’s trip quite simply amazing. So a personal thank you, I will continue to recommend yourselves without hesitation and will be a return customer next year. I can add that you seem to have everything in place to continue with the success you have enjoyed so far over the years so please don’t change a thing. With warmest regards”
Peter Rainford-Read, 1st tour, BMW R1200 GS
Who’s been messing with Alan’s bike?	Alan with his BMW S1000RR
“Cracking holiday (as always). Only got to wait about 8 weeks before my next one!”
Stuart Golightly, 6th trip, Triumph Tiger 800, Surrey
So just what did Dave need a broom for??	Dick – Sprint 1050 & Rich – BMW R1200GS
“Thank you for the superb tour…see you next year – already planning which one!”
John Hackney, 1st tour, Triumph Street Triple, Northamptonshire
John H on his Triumph Street Triple	Ian on his BMW R1200GS
“A very professionally organised and researched trip by BN European Tours. The well tested drop-off system worked 99.9999% of the time, only failing if I tried really hard!! Sorry Pete! Safety was threaded throughout. No one was pressured to ride beyond their ability. Fantastic roads and scenery. The hand picked hotels, with good food, and attentive staff were perfect together with safe parking. I did not hear one complaint …from the management! Apart from when Dave decided to flood his room by leaving his balcony door open in a storm! I really enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it to others. A great laugh with the good company of fellow riders. A big thanks to John and TEC Paul for swan-like organisation, including the dark art of subtlety herding cats following a break! Hope to see you next year.”
Ian Taylor👍👌🏻👏🏍💨, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS, Lancashire

Stuart on his Triumph Tiger 800	Peter R-R on his BMW R1200GS
Alex on her MV Augusta Brutale	Kevin on his Yamaha Tracer 900
“Truly was a great trip – new friends, great roads, well organised and so many laughs along the way. Hope to see you all again one day. Well done John & Paul for organising such a superb trip. Looking forward to the next one!!!! Best regards,”
Richard Russell, 1st tour, BMW R1200GS, Wiltshire
Andy on his Daytona 650 & Dave on his Bonneville	Robert & Janet on their Versys 1000
Paul riding as “back-marker” on his Triumph Explorer	Lined up at coffee stop
The prettiest towns for a break	Caught you Stuart !!
Lovely setting	Enjoying the sunshine
.	.
Next stop – the Nurburgring	Andy has a new car!
John leads on his Tracer 900	Peter R-R followed by Alan
Alex followed by Andy	Andy, Rich & Dave
“Many thanks for a great trip. Met some great people and some of us are meeting next month for a jolly. Need to look at next year’s tours. Thanks”
Andy Wiseman, 1st tour, Triumph Daytona, Middlesex

Dave with John & Sandra	The return of the Rich !
Andy’s back	Dave on his Bonneville
Peter R-R	Alex
John’s back	with John & Sandra
“Hi to you both, as usual another great trip, looking forward to October to do it all over again, but the other way round”
John & Sandra Shepherd, 7th visit, Honda Deauville, Hertfordshire
All those who rode the ‘ring !
Our next hotel is in Germany	Close to the Mosel River
.	You WILL have an egg – cooked for 8 minutes in Germany!!
Coffee stop at Boppard	Lunch at Bernkastel
Peter S in Luxembourg	Alex – or is it Dame Helen ?!
We stop for a photo opportunity
Parking at our next hotel	Kevin & Stuart lock themselves out !!

Watch out for local traffic !	Sandra with her CB 500
Fab views
Rich & Dave	.
Our last hotel in France	Secure parking in the garage
Dinner is included the last night	.
.	.
.	With a place set for [the absent] Jen !!
.	Kevin’s reading a joke…
While Dave’s on his knees…	.
Rich takes a turn…	.

At the fortress next day…	Any time, any place, anywhere Rich ??
Final lunch stop	Alan
Dancing to circus music – a couple of clowns?!	Paul has to repair a puncture…
Rich wearing Alex’s bra!!!	.
Andy has a new tyre !!	We’ve seen these bikes somewhere before!!
Well it looks like I missed a fun tour – Jen! Thanks to everyone for making this a thoroughly enjoyable tour – John! Thanks to Paul for riding as “back-marker” and to Stuart for providing some of the photos used in this review. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future trips – J&J.

May 15

Love0

Testimonial Monte Carlo 2018

By BN European Tours Uncategorized

Testimonial Monte Carlo or Bust ! 28 April – 6 May 2018

The group in the Gorges de l'Ardeche. A fantastic start to the year, a fab group of people, great riding and good weather when it mattered most !

The group in the Gorges de l’Ardeche. A truly fantastic start to the year, a fab group of people, great riding and good weather when it mattered most !

We start with a pre-tour briefing	Stop to see the Tiger Tank”
“The holidays when you laugh until you cry are the best holidays ever! Thank you all those on facebook and all the others not on fb who helped to make our trip a fabulous one! So much fun, great roads, great hotels, great scenery and the best company ever! Thank you – we had a blast!”
*Tracey Farmer, 4th visit, Pillion on Honda Goldwing, Gloucestershire*
Parking at lunch stop	Pretty villages
Sandwiches in the sun	You won’t run out of fuel!
“Hi John & Jen, just a few words to thank you for a memorable trip around La Belle France. Well organised, good hotels, good food, good company, (mostly) good weather. Overall, excellent!”
Reece Compton, 1st tour, Suzuki V-Strom 650, Essex
Our first hotel in the Loire	Drinks on the terrace
Many visit Chenonceau Chateau	Nicky in the Grand Hall
Go down to the kitchens	.
“Just finished a wonderful bike tour – Monte Carlo or Bust with John and Jen. Great roads, great company and great hotels. Even a few days of bad weather didn’t dampen our spirits. This was my second tour with BN European Tours. Can’t wait for my third.”
John Savage, 2nd tour, Triumph Sprint GT, Peeblesshire, Scotland
At our first hotel Jen braves the pool…	It’s all of 19 degrees C!!
“The Monte Carlo or Bust Tour was brilliant! Wayne and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute even though it started off pretty wet, but you can’t order the weather. It turned out sunny and the roads were brilliant, scenery breath-taking! Also enjoyed everyone’s company. Well done to you both for another great trip, looking forward to Black Forest in July!”
Carole & Wayne Williams, 3rd visit, BMW K1600, Wales
Hot air balloons overhead	.
John welcomes everyone to the tour	It’s Janet Short’s 10th visit !
Dinner is included tonight	.
“This was one of the best, great company and a great trip”
Chris Nash, 5th visit, BMW R1200GS, West Sussex
Always a morning briefing	Waterproofs on this morning!
.	At lunch we all pile in the same café!
“Thanks, John and Jen. Really pleased with the tour. Great caring leadership. You both make an exceptional team.”
Paul & Pauline Hill, 1st tour, Honda Crosstourer, Somerset
Afternoon coffee stop
Back-marker Chris Nash	Wet roads as we head down to the dam
Great scenery – even in the wet	We ride across the dam
“Thank you all for a great trip.”
“Stoner” – David Stone, 1st trip, KTM 990 Adventure, Devon
Drinks in the bar at our next hotel	.
Dinner is included again tonight	This time in a local restaurant
“Another great tour with John & Jen. Well organised, fabulous roads, great company and made lots of new friends as well as catching up with old ones. All in all a brilliant time! 😎
Nicky (& Marc) Rowley, 2nd tour, BMW R1200GSA, West Midlands
Road Closed !!	Lovely scenery
We approach the Millau Bridge
Some walked up to the viewing area – shame on those who didn’t have a good excuse (Jamie!) who didn’t!!
“Another knockout tour! Great roads, even better hospitality and great company! Can’t wait until the next one. Thanks again John and Jen.”
Rich Ward, 2nd tour, KTM 990 SMT , Gloucestershire
We ride over the bridge	Then through the Tarn gorges
Jen’s in the lead today	Janet on her Kawasaki Ninja KRT
*“Thanks J&J for a brilliant tour, they get better and better! One of the best groups of people too. Thanks also for making my big birthday extra special xx*“
Janet Short, 10th visit, Kawasaki Ninja KRT, Somerset
John S on his Sprint GT	Vince B on his BMW R1200RS
Wayne & Carole on their BMW K1600	Vince & Tracey on their Honda Goldwing
Ian on his BMW S1000 XR	Marc & Nicky on their BMW R1200 GSA
Dry roads to start…	.
“Thanks John & Jen for a fantastic holiday. Superb organisation and attention to detail as usual. Great hotels too.”
Nigel Short, 17th trip, BMW S1000R Sport, Somerset
Then it turns wet…	Still great roads
Afternoon coffee stop	.
Uzes town centre – for those who didn’t venture out!	We dine underneath the arches!
Some enjoy cooking on hot stones	Our morning briefing
Beautiful tree lined roads	.
Lunch stop in Provence	Market with local produce
.	.
Afternoon coffee stop	Instructions before we ride some motorway
We ride through Nice	“The World” luxury liner in Nice
We all pile into a local bar!	It’s Janet’s birthday – the jokes start!!
A free night – some opt for pizzas	Villefranche by night
A lovely morning the next day	Jen, John & Ian enjoyed a swim
We await the bus to Monte Carlo	Stroll through the “posh” shops
See the flash cars outside the casino	& the fab boats in the harbour
It has to be done…cocktails in the VIP area!	Take the Bateau Bus across the harbour
See the super yachts	Fab views of the marina
You can visit the palace	See the changing of the guard
Explore the back streets	Nigel replicates his “Picos” pose !!
Lunch in the old town	The stands being erected for the Classic Car Race
“Dilbar” the largest yacht in the world at £600 million	More flash cars
A remote-controlled BMW !!	Inside the casino lobby
Us !!	Beers – thanks to Vince B winning at the Casino !
Another free night to explore Villefranche	Lots of restaurants to choose from
Breakfast area in our hotel	Two cruise liners this morning
A group photo – back on the bikes and it’s not raining !!
Heading out through Nice	A glorious morning
Route Napoleon – John followed by Jamie	Daryl on his KTM 1290 Super Adventure
Paul & Pauline on their Honda Crosstourer	“Stoner” on his KTM 990 Adventure
Great roads	Twisty enough ?
The fab setting for lunch stop	.
.	.
.	Ugh Vince !!
Gorgeous scenery in the Verdon	.
John’s in the lead on our Street Triple R	Rich on his KTM 990 SMT
Reece on his Suzuki V-Strom 650	Mind your head !
Super scenery	.
.	The lake at the end of the gorge
A GROUP photo please !
And we’re off…	.
.	.
John S & “Stoner” at coffee break	Pretty village stop
Drinks in the hotel bar	.
Dinner is included tonight	.
.	John’s tells the “Madeira Cake” joke…
Tracey’s heard it before !!	We ride round the original Arc de Triomphe
So scenic	Amazing views in the Ardeche
.	.
.	.
The fab Pont D’Arc	The Group in the Ardeche
Sunny coffee stop	.
.	Jen’s in the lead today…
followed by Jamie on his Speed Triple R	Nigel on his BMW S1000R Sport
More great roads	Sandwiches ordered for lunch
We head into the Volcanic region…	where there is still snow on the peaks
Drinks in a local bar	Different beer taps !
We enjoy a traditional local dinner	The next day – always a morning briefing
We ride out through the volcanoes	.
So who’s in the wrong lane ??	More great roads
Street parking at coffee stop…
Ian chilling at lunch stop	Afternoon coffee stop
Arriving at our final hotel
Jen, Janet & Ian enjoy a swim	Come on in – it’s lovely (and heated!)
John ventures in as well	Nigel & John S enjoying a beer
Rich, Jamie & Vince B	The gorgeous gardens of our hotel
Drinks before dinner	.
John thanks everyone for a brilliant tour	Dinner is included our last night
.	John has whispered to Janet who picks on Jamie…
She’s laughing so much she can’t speak!!	Eventually she passes on the joke…
but so badly that John has to repeat it !!	Jamie picks on Tracey
Tracey targets Wayne (Wayne it’s not “courgettes”!)	Wayne passes it on to Nicky…
Who aims for “Stoner”	Who’s really shocked !!
Stoner heads for Carole	She cracks up !
Carole passes it on to Nigel	Who really doesn’t like it !!
Nigel collars Pauline…	who then targets Chris
John thanks Chris for riding as “back-marker”	Thanks Chris !
Stoner thanks everyone for making him so welcome	John S says some words of thanks to us…
Presenting Jen with a gift voucher for botox ! (not really!)	and John with a gift from everyone – Thanks to all!
John shows Vince how to waft a towel !	Carole takes a turn…
Then Nigel – no-one wanted to go fishing !!	Ian’s up next…
Janet takes a turn	Then Wayne
Reece is up next	Followed by Vince B
What a fab evening – with loads more joke telling and everyone taking part this was a great end to the tour…
Another glorious morning	Nobody wants to leave !
It’s the last day…	Stoner has a slow puncture !
Lunch stop on the way to Le Havre	.
John arrives back at the port with Stoner	All back in good time for the ferry
.	.
And that’s all folks ! What a great bunch of people to start off the season. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours…and as a P.S.
	We’ve heard from Glen (who had to return home ill after day 1) – he’s on the mend and is pursuing a claim against his insurers for the repatriation of his motorbike.