The group in the Vosges Mountains: a five night trip with 3 nights in Colmar proved a real success and we’re lucky for the 3rd time as everyone (except us!) gets home before quarantine is brought in!
A fair in Calais
Scaring kids on the beach!
We start the tour at Eurotuunel
John gives a briefing
Luggage in the van & off we go…
“Hi John and Jen, once again many thanks for organising such a great trip – especially given these trying times.
I’m going to sound like a broken record, but it’s true – what can be better than good roads and scenery, first rate hotels, great company and good food? (Incidentally I’d say the group dinners this trip were also the best ever – especially the last one!).
How you manage do this every trip astounds me – no wonder you have so many repeat guests! All the best”
Bob Eve, 9th trip, BMW RS1200, West Yorkshire
Jen’s in the lead today
Morning coffee stop
“My 6th Tour with BN, and as always it was a fantastic trip, well organised and friendly. Despite Covid challenges John and Jen made every effort to make this trip run as smooth as possible. Considering all the hurdles they had to overcome with travel restrictions etc, they certainly achieved it! Trip no 7 will be booked soon!”
Andy Aird, 6th trip, BMW R1000R, Surrey
Bikes at lunch stop
Lots of cafes
“Hi Jen & John, thank you so much for yet another fantastic tour! I’ll keep this short by sincerely echoing the previous comments and highly recommending your tours.
Due to Covid 19 this years trips must have presented you with some unique challenges which I note other companies did not manage to navigate. You did not let this affect our holiday. In fact I know you literally went the extra mile. I hope to see you again along with others on the tour who helped make it my best one yet. “
Ian Taylor, 3rd tour, BMW R1200 GS, Lancashire
We ALWAYS re-group before & after any motorway
Afternoon coffee stop
So who didn’t see the wild boar?!
“Hi John & Jen, thanks both for a very well planned tour, Vicki has said how much she enjoyed her first trip and we hope to join a tour with you next year”
Jeremy Davies (2nd tour) & Vicki Barley (1st tour), BMW R1200GS, Worcestershire
Drinks before dinner
“Hi John & Jen, thanks to you both for another great tour, we all really enjoyed it & your company. I particularly liked Colmar in the evenings and the Vosges Mountains twisties & views. Fab! See you again soon”
Russ Smith, 7th trip, BMW R1000RR, West Sussex
Europe’s largest fort is nearby
Dinner is included tonight
Parking in the courtyard
Morning briefing
“This was my 8th trip with BN European Tours. This trip was hastily arranged as an alternative to the Rhine in Flames Tour, which due to Covid 19 was unable to go ahead.
The routes and hotels chosen were once again up to the usual and expected ‘First Class’ standard; the 3 night stay in Colmar was very well chosen and provided an opportunity to explore this pretty area of ‘Alsace’ and the ‘Vosges’ with many attractions nearby to satisfy all tastes, including the world famous Motor Museum and Bugatti collection at Mulhouse – well worth a visit, and just a 30 min train & tram ride away into the heart of the City.
John & Jen even guaranteed the exceptionally fine weather for this trip, even if it was just a little too HOT!!
It was great to meet new friends in the now familiar ‘Family Atmosphere’ created during such trips.
I’m already looking forward to planning future trips’.”
Andy Dunmore, 8th trip, Honda VFR800, West Sussex
Morning coffee stop
John’s in the lead today
Paul & Pauline – BMW RS1200
Peter R-R – BMW R1200 GS
“My 3rd tour with BN European Tours and really feel I’ve selected the right company and couple to tour with. The tour again was very well managed from the luggage van to the drop off marker system, fuel stops and refreshment breaks well spaced. Hotels selected are more than adequate, clean and friendly with secure parking a bonus. The sights and roads on this trip were again fabulous with a great selection for ALL to enjoy, sports bike, tourer and even the inevitable BMW. The Vosges mountains and even a day off to travel a short distance to the biggest motor museum in the world at Mulhouse. Another great group of like minded people who all jelled as a group. Risk of repeating self, but NO problems in recommending BN for any tour. Take care John and Jen, Kindest Regards and Thanks”
Peter Rainford-Read, 3rd tour, BMW R1200 GS, Lancashire
Ian – BMW R1200 GS
Derek – KTM 1090R
Countryside sweepers
A quick “U” turn!
“Hi both, thanks again for making this year’s trip so great again, despite all the challenges you were confronted with. Best regards”
Keith Osman, 7th trip, Kawasaki ZX10R, West Sussex
Heading into the Vosges
We stop for drinks
Fab roads
View from the van!
Our 4* hotel for 3 nights
Opposite the train station
Drinks before dinner
Dinner is included again tonight
The next day we go for a ride-out
Pretty villages
Stuart – BMW R1200GS Adv
Russ followed by Keith
Russ – BMW R1000RR
Coffee stop on the Col Schlucht
Lovely scenery
Stuart followed by Rob
Great roads
Rob – Triumph Tiger 1050
A better view tomorrow!!!
Jen’s view as pillion
Rob marks the junction
Pete – Kawasaki ZH2 & Peter R-R
Ditto!
Bob – BMW R1250GS
Brilliant roads
Andy followed by Russ
Andy – BMW R1000R
Here come the boys!
Lots of hairpins
Russ
Keith, Russ & Andy D
Keith – Kawasaki ZX10R
Andy – Honda VFR 800
More lovely scenery
Paul – BMW RS1200
Riding without Pauline today
Ian – BMW R1200GS
Arriving at lunch stop
Jeremy & Vicki – BMW R1200GS
“Back-marker” Bob – BMW RS1200
Lunch stop
Bob, Peter, Stuart & Ian
More hairpins
We’re ready to roll…
Pete – Kawasaki ZH2
Rob – Tiger 1050
Paul again
Andy D
A field full of storks
Now this is what you call…
Secure parking!!!
A free evening in Colmar
“Little Venice”
Lots of restaurants
We dine with the Fab 4 & Rob
Andy “tempts” Keith to try snails…
Not so bad after all…
Social distancing??
So pretty by night
Our own Blue Man Group!
The Court House by night
The Water Tower
Train Station window
The next day is a day off
Some choose to take the train
To visit the “Schlumph” motor museum at Mulhouse
A Royale Esders
Bugatti 35B
Gaston Barre 1897
Bugatti “Royale”
Bentley 6 cylinder 1931
Mercedes=Benz 1938
Renault F1 Team 2009
Artwork
A Lamborghini motorbike!
Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder 2020
Miura V12 1966
As a complete contrast…
Andy, Russ & Keith head back to the lake
Stroll through the park
Oscar enjoying a swim
Take the tourist train
To explore the city
Or a horse-drawn carriage
Jeremy & Vicki ate here
La Maison des Tetes 1609
Bartholdi museum
He designed the Statue of Liberty
& the Lion of Belfort 1880
Maison Pfister 1637
The Cathedral
Pretty coloured buildings
Lots of cafes
Tanners district
Fisherman’s wharf
The covered market
Take a gondola ride
The old city walls
Try a segway!
Cool off in the fountains
Little boy racer!
Drinks at the hotel
Where’s my G&T??
Buskars in town
Another free night
Such a picturesque city
Take your partner…
A free jazz concert
The next day, watch out for locals!
More sweepers
We stop at a viewing area
Jeremy & Vicki
All the bikes
John’s in the lead again
Lovely scenery
Lunch stop
This restaurant couldn’t cope!
You won’t run out of fuel
Andy!
Afternoon coffee stop
Our final hotel
Jen & Pauline enjoy a swim
John does as well
Drinks before dinner
Paul & Pauline
Vicki & Jeremy
Dinner is included tonight
John thanks everyone for coming on tour
And thanks also to…
Bob our back-marker
John shows Paul how to…
waft a towel for Pauline!
Bob says a few words…
then adds a joke
We’re “treated” to the penguin joke!
Stuart takes a turn
Then Keith (Andy can’t bear it!)
“Young’un” Andy’s up next
And again
Not another of John’s jokes!
RP takes a turn
Then Stuart again
Peter’s up next
Followed by Pete
Andy’s missed his vocation!
Jen takes a turn
And then Vicki
Breakfast on the terrace
Final morning briefing
Chillin’
Re-group before motorway
All back to Calais
Our bike’s in the van but no-one wants to go home!
Otto with his toy from the fairground!
Thanks to everyone for coming on this tour, although not the scheduled Rhine in Flames Tour (event cancelled) we think this alternative to Colmar was a great success. Hopefully the Rhine in Flames will take place next year as usual. We look forward to seeing many of you again on future tours. Keep well & ride safe, John & Jen.
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