Black Forest & Vosges Mountains Tour 17 – 23 August 2011
Another great group with fabulous scenery in the Vosges Mountains
“Our first tour with Bike Normandy – what an introduction! Good Hotels, Great Food, Fantastic Roads and a Brilliant group of people. It is easy to see why you get such a high level of repeat business. Thanks for all the work you put in to making this a really enjoyable trip. We were impressed by the way that you handled the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the trip and the continued support shown to the individuals involved throughout the remainder of the tour. As I said our first tour as part of the Bike Normandy family but it won’t be our last! Thanks again” Shaun BMW K1300S and Chrys BMW F800ST
“Well done on running your first Black Forest Tour. The location of the hotels was spot on, particularly the Black Forest hotel in Schluchsee; the tour group was, as usual, a great mix of characters including some old friends from previous tours – and you even managed to organise perfect weather! See you again on a future tour” Mick & Chris, Pan European.
The shape of things to come ? The van gets a puncture the first morning !
We all still set off on time… The bikes line up at lunchtime
“Thanks once again John & Jen for yet another lovely holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was lovely meeting old faces and getting to know new ones. Whilst the trip was marred by a couple of incidents that were not your fault, you dealt with them admirably which goes to show that you take pride in what you do and care for the people on the tour. The scenery and roads were fantastic and we look forward to coming on another Bike Normandy holiday” Barry & Lindy, VFR 800.
Take lunch in the shade… Dinner the first night in Belgium
Our hotel in Belgium with bike parking opposite
A briefing each morning before we set off. Fabulous roads…
“Another great holiday with such beautiful scenery. Everything was up to your usual standard…obviously the hold-ups were beyond your control and I will look forward to coming on future tours.” Graham, CBR1000RR
“The roads were good, the hotels were very good and the scenery was stunning. The B500 was brilliant – it’s no wonder that it has a reputation – and generally traffic wasn’t too bad. The ride-out on the rest day (just the four bikes) was memorable, as was the trip to the waterfalls on the Rhine. The food was good, varied & nice – virtually all the plates were picked clean. I think you handled the incidents very well & was pleased to see how you followed up on the condition of the two men instead of forgetting about them once they were in hospital…” David S, CB1000RA
The group in Luxembourg with Viandan Castle in the background
Pretty scenery on the way to lunch in Germany
More great roads… Our hotel in Baden Baden, Germany
Out on the town in Baden Baden
Fantastic scenery in the Black Forest
Visit the largest cuckoo clock in the World
Our hotel in the Southern Black Forest.
Barbara celebrates her birthday ! Superb views over the lake
On your day off – relax around the lake or take the steam train to Titisee
Alternatively visit the stunning High Rhine Waterfalls in Switzerland
Only John & Jen and David S ride over to the Waterfalls
Take a boat trip to get up close !
David S enjoying the traffic free roads in the Black Forest
Jen rides pillion taking photos of Andy “Big Boy”, then David B, David S & Andy
Brilliant roads to ride…
Barry with Chris W – should they really be let out on their own ?
Time for a few drinks before dinner…
Barry tells some tall stories ! More fab scenery in the Black Forest
Group photo heading out of the Black Forest
Pretty villages… hidden gems…
“Pan’s People” enjoying iced coffees… Shaun & Chrys with Black Forest Gateaux
More spectacular scenery in the Vosges Mountains in France
Stop on top of a “Col” for lunch
John R exposes more hidden gems !
Barry keeps cool with the air pump down his trousers ! Drinks in Epinal
Final night – our hotel overlooks Pierrefonds Castle…
Our last supper
Speeches during dinner…
Followed by jokes and Rita gives a demonstration of the “marker system” !
“The Penguin” finishes the evening !
Secure parking for the bikes…. John G gets a puncture !
Then Alan G gets a puncture – caused by a 6 inch nail !
Final lunch stop at Albert with time to visit the 1916 Museum
Graham enjoys his traditional cream cake ! Fond farewells at Calais
There were two separate, serious accidents on this tour – the first time this has happened on a Bike Normandy European Tour. Both were “own fault” accidents with no-one else involved. Unfortunately this resulted in several late arrivals at our hotels which could not be helped. We would like to thank all participants on the tour for their assistance and patience whilst we dealt with the emergency services. We wish both Dennis and Ray a speedy recovery.