Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 10 – 21 September 2016
The Group on the top of the Petit St Bernard Pass – only the second time we have run this tour and it was as good if not better than the first with predominantly good weather. With lakes, mountains, hairpins, synchronised swimming, cable cars, chair lifts, toboggans, more hairpins, glaciers, fab roads and of course a kidnapped marmot we hope there was something for everyone to enjoy!
| “Hi John and Jen, in the moment I thought the tour was excellent, but on reflection and aided by the photos that everyone has shared, I think you provided an outstanding holiday to us all! The effort you guys have put in to researching the roads, hotels, breaks and events made all the difference and I will look back on a fantastic mix of memories which include phenomenal roads, beautiful scenery, laughs with new friends (mobile-chicanes) and the odd maladjusted marmot. Thank you for a first class holiday!” | |
| Dave Nicholas, 6th trip, Kawasaki H2 |
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 We start with breakfast & a pre-tour briefing |
 Pretty lunch stop |
| “Hi John & Jen, thanks again for another brilliant biking adventure on tour with Bike Normandy. We both had a brilliant time and lots of fun & laughs with a great group of people. Once again we stayed at some lovely hotels with beautiful views in ideal locations. Can’t get much better than overlooking a glacier, or Italian and Swiss lakes and mountains. It all seems so mundane now we are home. The biking roads were fantastic with so many hairpins in the mountains but also some good sweeping fast roads too. Scenery was stunning. We are so pleased we did the optional ride out to the Stelvio Pass despite starting off in rain. We thought we must be mad but it got drier as we got nearer and we all had a sense of achievement on reaching the top. We have the tee-shirts to prove it!
Special thanks also to Martin & Denise our back markers on tour who did an excellent job of keeping the flock together and rounding up any lost sheep along the way. All in all a brilliant tour and such fun. Thanks again. Best wishes.” |
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| Alan & Julie Grieves, 3rd tour, Ducati Multistrada |
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 We always regroup before & after any motorway |
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| “Thank you Jen and John for another fabulous trip! From start to finish great roads, scenery and hotels which we thoroughly enjoyed with some old and some new biker friends. As usual your research and attention to detail meant a trouble free couple of weeks and great riding. Hairpins? Bring them on! We are looking forward to seeing you next year, and the next.” | |
| Wendy and Steve Henrys, 5th trips, Triumph Bonneville & Kawasaki Z1000SX | |
| “Hi John & Jen, thanks again for another superb tour. From the 30° heat in the Italian Lakes to 3° on the ski slopes of the Alps you managed to find us some great roads and superb hotels, Morteratsch being my favorite ! See you at the NEC.” | |
| Rob Palmer, 4th tour, Triumph Tiger 1050 | |
 We take the scenic route |
 Ice creams in the afternoon |
| Even though this was our highest mileage day (270 miles) we arrive at our hotel at 17.45 hrs with plenty of time for a swim & drinks before dinner |
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 The BN synchronised swimming team!! |
 Keith & Simon enjoy a beer after their swim |
| “Hi John and Jen, very many thanks to you both for another super tour: Well researched, great roads, challenging and superbly led. Excellent hotels, all shared with a great bunch of riders. Most enjoyable…Again many thanks and very best wishes to you both.” | |
| Keith Bowen, 5th trip, Honda NC 750S |
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 Drinks on the terrace |
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| “Hi Jen and John, Rod and myself really enjoyed the Tour and have great memories from it. Everyone had a part to play in making it a success and along with both your great research, knowledge etc it was fantastic. We will keep in touch and hope to see you next year.” | |
| Rod Kemp & Anita Bartholomew, 1st Tour, BMW K1600GT (to be replaced by BMW S1000 XR!) | |
 The “Speedy Boys” ! |
 Dinner is included tonight |
| “Having visited 5 of Bike Normandy’s weekend experiences we booked for the Italian Lakes and Swiss Alps 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 and swimming pools. Well organised, well researched, comes highly recommended, thanks John and Jen for a great unforgettable tour. (I hope we didn’t blip or annoy too many people!!!)” |
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| Paul Tinkler, 6th trip, Suzuki GSXR 1000 | |
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 Always a morning briefing |
| “Hi John & Jen, can I just add to the other comments and say what a great time I had. Can’t fault the choice of hotels or the detailed planning of the itinerary. Like many others I was amazed by the stunning scenery and hairpin passes. Apologies for the troublesome BMW not starting. A special thanks to you both for being patient and in particular to John who emptied the van of luggage to ferry my bike to the nearby BMW dealership who fitted a new switchgear in minutes, John really pulled out the stops and went that extra mile to assist me without any hesitation. Perhaps you could add ‘European Breakdown Service’ to the list of services that you already offer !!” [No way – we’d be too busy with all the BMW’s that break down!! J&J] | |
| Mike Bishop, 2nd trip, BMW K1300S | |
 Morning coffee stop |
 Riding a Kawasaki H2 Dave needs to refuel |
| “John, Jen, many thanks to you both for a great tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it.” | |
| “Inflatable” Jon & Pillion, 3rd trip, BMW R1200GS | |
 With one cafe closed this became a somewhat lengthy coffee stop! |
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 Bikes parked up at lunch stop |
 Watch the speedboat racing |
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 Afternoon coffee stop |
 Mike & Rob with ice creams |
 Honest – it was this big !! |
 Julie & Alan |
 John with a whopper! |
 Before leaving, Speedy Dave is “cautioned” by the Gendarme !! |
 Our next hotel |
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 Drinks in the bar |
 Explore the back-streets |
 Lots of restaurants to choose from |
 Some of us dine together |
 Where Rob has a “Breakfast Salad”! |
 The town lit up by night |
 (for those that didn’t see it!) |
 After a slight mishap we borrow a drill… |
 so Paul can fit a makeshift gear-lever |
 The next day we head for the mountains |
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 Stopped at traffic lights |
 Stopped at roadworks |
 Another pretty coffee stop |
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 Jim & Dorothy |
 Wendy, It’s a Marmot – not a Beaver ! |
 Fab scenery as we head into Italy |
 Glacier in the distance |
 Anita with a real St Bernard |
 Do Not Disturb – I’m tired! |
 Jim & Dorothy |
 Lunch on the top |
 Ready for the off… |
 Hairpins going down… |
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 We meet bikes coming up… |
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 Wendy has company… |
 The cutest St Bermard & Marmot |
 We always regroup… |
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 Something to see even on the motorway |
 Animal cruelty! After speeding along the motorway! |
 Our hotel in Italy for two nights |
 Keith has a swim before dinner |
 The Isla Bella seen from the hotel |
 The Borromeo Palace |
 Drinks on the terrace |
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 We dine “Al fresco” |
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 John recalls the motorway riding… |
 With Keith as his W.C. (Wing Commander!) |
 A day off – take the cable car… |
 The islands as seen from the cable car |
 The cable car has two stations… |
 Then take the chair lift |
 Fab views of all seven lakes |
 Take the toboggan ride down! |
 Jen goes first! |
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 Taken through the cable car window |
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 Walk alongside the stunning lake on the way into town |
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 Quaint back-streets |
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 The view from the Sky Bar in town |
 A water plane |
 Our hotel |
 A few of us enjoy the pool |
 So where’s Simon ?? |
 Lovely colours over the lake in the evening |
 Bikes waiting for the ferry |
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 Give us a wave ! |
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 Jim & Dorothy, Wendy & Steve |
 Rod & Anita |
 Alan & Julie |
 Jen’s leading today |
 Avoiding Italian police we park on the pavement !! |
 Coffee on Lake Lugano |
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 Steve & Wendy “Leaning on a lamppost…” |
 Moving on to Lake Como for lunch |
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 We stop for fuel before heading to Switzerland |
 Really ?! |
 More hairpins |
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 En route to our hotel |
 Fab views of the Glacier as we arrive at our hotel |
 Fab setting of our hotel |
 Drinks before dinner |
 Jen with Wendy & Steve |
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 Hands up for reindeer! |
 Dinner is included tonight |
 New shirts then ? |
 Is that really a chicken ?? |
 Breakfast area in our hotel |
 Anita points the way to the Glacier |
 David Joesbury – where the glacier was in 1860 |
 Dorothy & Jim at the 1900 marker |
 Alan & Julie at 1920 |
 Rod & Anita at 1940 |
 Steve & Wendy at 1950 |
 Us at 1960 |
 We get closer to the Glacier |
 The group who walked to the Glacier |
 Craig at 1970 |
 Martin & Denise at 1980 |
 The 2015 marker – how the Glacier has receded |
 A few continue over the rocks… |
 The rest are left behind… |
 Anita & Wendy negotiating the rocks… |
 We’ve made it ! |
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 Anita can’t believe she’s touching a Glacier! |
 Anita, Steve, Wendy (& Jen) at the Glacier |
 Coffee back at the hotel |
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 The Bernina Express stops at our hotel |
 Rob & Mike take the train |
 Mike on top of a mountain !! |
 Rob made it as well (thanks for the photos guys) |
 Deep wells caused by water erosion |
 In the afternoon a few ride to the Stelvio Pass |
 Hot chocolate & cake stop en-route |
 Jen – Capricorn! |
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 Keith starts up the Pass |
 Jen rides pillion |
 48 hairpins on the way up! |
 Keith at bend Number 34 |
 Getting closer – bend 30 ! |
 The hairpins get tighter |
 Still more to come… |
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 Not what you want – Keith meets a bus!! |
 The weather improves as we approach the top |
 Looking back over our ascent |
 Bravo !! We did it !! Especially well done Keith – a mere 76 years of age !! |
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 More hot chocolates ! |
 We start our descent |
 Only 27 hairpins going down ! |
 Alan & Julie followed by Simon |
 The view heading down |
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 Ride along train tracks… |
 But watch out for oncoming trains !!! |
 Meet the locals ! |
 Simon followed by Alan & Julie |
 Back in time for drinks before dinner |
 The Stelvio bunch – wearing their t-shirts! |
 Dinner is included again tonight |
 Hands up for lamb ! |
 A goat escapes ! |
 So cute ! |
 Morning briefing |
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 A surprise at coffee stop |
 The group who take the chair lift up… |
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 and take the toboggan run down !! |
 John goes first |
 Closely followed by Dave (nothing new there then!!) |
 Speedy Dave races down.. |
 Paul goes next |
 Then Simon |
 Mike’s next |
 Then his Dad, Rob |
 Mike B follows… |
 Then Keith – who’s doing everything !! |
 Alan takes his turn |
 Steve in a Kawasaki green toboggan |
 Rod goes next (Anita took the chair lift) |
 “”Inflatable’s” pillion !! |
 Wendy’s not too sure… |
 Jen’s gone & Julie’s last ! |
 Simon’s down (Dave & Paul too quick for John!) |
 Mike filmed his run down |
 Rob arrives |
 Mike B |
 Keith loved it ! |
 Alan |
 Steve |
 Rod |
 Guess who ?! |
 Wendy |
 Jen’s caught Wendy & Pillion |
 Jen |
 Julie |
 The welcome committee |
 Ride through pretty villages |
 Super views |
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 Mike’s overtake caught on camera |
 Lunch stop |
 Leaving lunch |
 We ride through the clouds |
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 We regroup after lengthy roadworks |
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 Wet roads as we ride the Susten Pass |
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 Regrouping half-way… |
 This is what the view should be like !!!! |
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 Welcome to at our next hotel for 3 nights |
 Fabulous setting |
 Stunning views over the lake |
 The hotel pool |
 Time for a swim |
 The view constantly changes |
 Drinks before dinner |
 Reserved for us |
 Dinner in the conservatory |
 Dinner is included tonight |
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 Morning view |
 A day off – take the steam train |
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 Wendy is not happy… |
 The marmot has been kidnapped !! |
 Most of us go for a ride-out |
 We head to the Grimsel Pass first |
 Mike – Street Triple R – & Rob |
 Rob on his Tiger 1050 |
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 Rob followed by Dave |
 Dave on his Kawasaki H2 |
 On top of the Grimsel Pass |
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 Hot chocolates inside |
 Fab motorbike mirror |
 Paul & Dave have found their next bike ! |
 Ready to go |
 Great – dry – roads |
 Dave with Alan & Julie |
 Twisty enough ? |
 Here come the boys ! |
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 Mike B on his BMW K1300S |
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 Mike & Paul – GSXR 1000 |
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 Top of the Nufenen pass |
 This is what the view should look like !! |
 Always stops for photo shoots |
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 Simon in the lead |
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 We’re going up there ! |
 Re-group after Craig misses the marker !! |
 Unscheduled lunch stop |
 Craig is recovered by our back-markers ! |
 Pizza’s all round |
 Cobble stones !! |
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 Craig rode the old cobbled route !! |
 Rod & Anita on their BMW K1600GT |
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 Oncoming traffic ! |
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 The cows continue round a hairpin !! |
 We ride the Furka Pass |
 Heading back to the hotel |
 A free night – more pizza’s ! |
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Newsflash: |
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 Wendy has posted a “Missing Marmot” note |
 And gets a confidential reply !! |
 Some of us ride to the Trummelbach Falls |
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 The Group at the Falls |
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 The fab waterfalls inside the mountain |
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 Martin & Denise |
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 The corkscrew |
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 We go to Grindelwald for lunch |
 Where if fine you could see the mountains |
 Hello cutie !! |
 Lunch stop |
 Woodcarvings around the lake |
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 Another free night – we hit the same pizzeria |
 Huge calzone ! |
 Rob orders a dessert… |
 so he has a present for his wife !! |
 Breakfast in the conservatory |
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 Coffee stop |
 David Joesbury on his Bonneville Scrambler |
Newsflash : |
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 The Marmot has fallen into the wrong hands !! |
 Another ransom note…  Swiss Chocolate & a Shrubbery !! |
 Mike’s BMW won’t start !! |
 Mont Blanc appears through the clouds |
 Afternoon coffee in Chamonix |
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 Our penultimate hotel |
 A free night – we dine in a Thai restaurant |
 Breaking Bad !! |
 or ??? |
 Mike has coconut shells… |
 Sake on the house |
 Scary ! |
 Our hotel by night |
 Morning briefing in the hotel garage |
 Mike’s BMW won’t start – off to a garage |
 Pretty coffee stop |
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 A different bridge |
 Ride through the Loire |
 Our final hotel |
 Parking in the hotel grounds |
 Jen |
 Drinks before dinner |
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Newsflash : |
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 Wendy has a letter from the Marmot |
 The captors want Lindt – not Toblerone ! |
 Who’s this – Larry Flint ?? |
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 Dinner is included our last night |
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 John says a few words… |
 Thanks to Back-markers Martin & Denise |
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Newsflash : |
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 Marmot is returned under a Silver Service Cloche !! |
 Wendy is so happy !! |
 The vegetable joke… |
 So how did Paul know it was a marrow ?! |
 The penguin again ! |
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 Ahoy – are you in the Air Force > |
 Wendy takes a turn |
 Jen reads Ken’s cheese scones joke |
 Jim also knew some penguins !! |
 Keith needs an assistant ! |
 Rod takes a turn |
 Ith it Dithco ??? |
 The next day our final briefing |
 Jim & Dorothy on their BMW K1600GT |
 Wendy – Bonneville, Steve – Kawasaki Z1000SX |
 Lunch stop |
 We ride over the Pont de Normandie |
 All back at Le Havre for the ferry |
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Our longest trip hence the amount of photos !! A great tour with a great bunch of people, we hope to see many of you again in the future. Ride safe, John & Jen…
Newsflash :
With two fingers up to his kidnappers the Marmot has the last word !!!