 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. |
|