Rhine in Flames Tour 6 – 11 August 2014
The group ready to leave Boppard – a really great bunch of guests made for a fantastic tour – and no apologies for the number of photos which follow!
*
*Our thanks yet again to John and Jen for such an awesome holiday. Yet another brilliant tour which has given us thrills, sights and experiences to treasure. It was great to meet old friends and new. A real pleasure to share this fantastic tour and its amazing rides so well planned by Bike Normandy. We have formed a Face Book page – Bike Normandy Fan Club. It is open to everyone to join and share. Its a great way for us all to keep in touch, share holiday pics and news very easily. Cheers”
Chris & Kath Adams (5th tour), BMW 1200RT
*
Everyone stays in Calais the night before the tour starts where Traci tries snails (much to David’s disgust!) and Barry has a huge mixed grill
*
“Even though the weather tried at times to sabotage the holiday – it was still a very enjoyable trip. The extra day stay over, made a big difference between a pure biking holiday and a relaxing chill out holiday. The routes were up to your usual high–class standard; fast, flowing, technical and scenic. It was also good to meet up with old friends and also to make new ones. See you soon”
David & Traci Wakefield (7th visit), Triumph Explorer
*
Sue “photo-bombs” the shot of the pre-tour briefing!
*
After a day of relentless rain, when unfortunately Jane Bishop had an accident and was taken to hospital, the group (minus Steve Poole her partner and Ken & Sue Wright) arrive at our hotel – soaked to the skin but still in good spirits!
*
Drinks before dinner, Kieron Haines, Rita, Sharron Haines, Kath & Chris Adams with Sue & Ken having arrived from the hospital; Ron & Sue Hutchinson with Jean & Steve Canning
*
“Thank you for another wonderful trip from the dynamic duo!”
Ron (6th trip) & Sue (4th trip) Hutchinson, FJR1300
*
Sue Dunn with Barry & Lindy Jackson; Lyn & Ted Bailey
*
“Jen and John, once again you have organised another Excellent Bike Holiday!! The people, the roads and scenery were superb and the Night of the Rhine in Flames was fantastic from start to finish! We would highly recommend this trip for rider and pillion as the mileage is just right! Thank you”
Tim Hale (our van driver on this tour) with Barry – could they be brothers? Barry caught parting with cash – then we discover it wasn’t even his !!
*
“Another tour to leave us with life long memories of laughter, good riding (pain free knees for Fran for the first time ever), friendship and amazing experiences. We couldn’t have conceived how lovely it would be to see the Rhine in Flames. The braziers along the rivers banks, the red lit houses, churches and castles, the wonderful fireworks as we travelled on the water towards Koblenz, and the awe inspiring finale over the castle there, all made for a memorable evening – and that`s without the meal, wine, music and dancing – thanks Bike Normandy for such a stonking good time! From beginning to end we always feel at home with John and Jen, and dear Rita and John (such quick wit!) The sad start was so well managed and showed again to us all the thorough planning and care that is taken in preparation for everything that happens. We really appreciated the selection of castle visits, the wonderful accommodation, the well timed coffee and lunch stops and, on this tour, Jen`s immaculate riding on such varied roads, which always got us all where we needed to be. Johns talks and guidance greatly appreciated, as always, and we wish him well as he returns to full health again. We are once again inspired to get on the website and see what we can do next – race you all, but hope to see lots of you again some time!
Signed, “Nuts in November and Dumplings in December” [since booked Black Forest 2015]
Fran (5th trip) & Terry (7th trip) Stanfield, Triumph Sprint 1050
*
Lyn & Ted, Sue & Martin; Rita & John Gates (backmarkers on the tour) with David & Traci Wakefield & John
*
“The Rhine in Flames…Dinner on the boat and a truly spectacular sight as we cruised the river: the banks lit up with fires and the fireworks seemed to be over the sky – finishing with fireworks accompanied by music and a little boogie on the way back. This is the most relaxing tour I’ve been on yet – we stayed in a hotel for 3 nights…absolute bliss. I even got to hang my clothes in the wardrobe! Of course there was an option to go out sightseeing on the bikes each day led by Jen, but for me the retail therapy was calling and I wasn’t disappointed in the cool shops there were to look around, not to mention the coffee shops for the super tasty cakes. For the ladies it was perfect. For those with a sweet tooth it was delicious, and the adrenalin junkies got to go out and ride the twisty roads. I always have fun on a Bike Normandy tour and again would thoroughly recommend this as a good start for those who have never been on a bike tour adventure, or riders, if you wish to impress your pillion as the mileage, hotels and entertainment have been perfectly planned. I would definitely recommend a swim and sauna in the last hotel it just recharges your batteries…oh and try and find the bowling alley!! Maybe challenge Jen to a game, she definitely needs the practice. Ha ha! [What happened to team spirit then ??? – only joking we love having you guys on our tours – Jen]
Sue Dunn (with Martin Askem) (5th visit), BMW 1150 GS
*
Dinner is included on our first night
*
*
We all enjoyed a superb meal
*
A misty start the next morning; always a briefing before we set off
*
After a day of sunshine we arrive at Boppard – our base for the next three nights; the view from our hotel
*
Rita & John; Terry & Fran Stanfield
*
Jane Andrews has a new camera – “My zoom’s bigger than yours!”; Drinks outside the hotel on a free evening
*
Boys – vs – Girls !
*
Jean & Sandra on the Rose wine; Barry Loves his Wife – but only because she lets him ride his bike!!!
*
On our first free day we all take the train to Bingen then the ferry to Rudesheim
*
*
With John still on crutches, Ron is appointed “Deputy Tour Leader in Charge of Ferry Tickets”!
*
Is this really the wedding limousine ??
*
*
*
Explore the quaint back streets of Rudesheim and sample the local specialty coffee
*
Kath, Sue, Chris & Ken; Kieron & Sharron
*
John & Terry; Tim can’t resist having an ice cream as well!
*
Fran & Jen start with wine! Ken & Sue, Chris & Kath move onto apple strudels!
*
Take the ski-lift to see the view of the Rhine – John & Rita, Barry & Lindy, David & Traci
*
Lyn & Ted, Sue & Martin had champagne on the ski-lift; Tim tries to sample the local brew!!
*
John treats us to Strawberry & Champagne cocktails
*
*
Fran’s accosted by two dodgy characters while Terry & Tim inspect the local bikes
*
Some of us take the paddle boat back to Boppard – strange sights en-route!
*
See the castles along the way
*
*
Drinks on board
*
*
The most spectacular view awaits our return to Boppard!
*
Boppard by night
*
The next day, despite a damp start, most venture out on the ride-out, taking the ferry across the Rhine
*
We take the funicular railway up to the Dragonfels ; Sharron & Kieron ; Allan – but where’s Jane ???
*
The castle half-way up
*
The sun is shining! Terry & Fran, Traci & David; Tim tries for that perfect shot
*
The super views at the top
*
*
Kath & Chris; Sharron, Tim & Kieron
*
Here’s Jane! Having stepped off the train to allow a wedding party to dismount the driver closed the doors & left without her!
*
*
We arrive back at Boppard; Jen leading on the Street Triple
*
David Wakefield on his Explorer; Steve Canning on his FJR 1300
*
Chris Adams on his BMW 1200RT; Kevin Boot on his Pan European
*
Ken Wright on his Triumph Tiger 1050; The view of our riverside hotel
*
Our boat for the evening cruise
*
Dinner on board
*
*
We’re all laughing as first Sharron & then Sue are encouraged to sit on a German guest’s knees to take their photos!
*
*
*
Jean having a laugh with Ron; John entertains with a joke
*
Jane & Allan; Cheers!
*
Ron thinks the Germans don’t really like their wine! Terry & Fran on deck
*
All the boats start heading towards Koblenz
*
*
The girls take to the dance floor with the “Wigan Slosh” but goodness knows what Kieron & Barry are doing!
*
We all go up on deck to watch the fireworks along the Rhine
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
After the finale the boats turn around & head back down river
*
Back inside it’s pretzels all round before we all hit the dance floor
*
Barry plays guitar! Jean drags Ron onto the dance floor!
*
*
Rather a lot of wife swapping going on !!
*
The “Wigan Slosh” again !
*
Lyn drags Tim onto the dance floor; Sandra & Kevin take to the floor
*
We finish with Y.M.C.A.
*
Ready to leave Boppard after a fantastic few days
*
Ted & Lyn on their FJR1300; Ron & Sue on their FJR1300
*
Martin & Sue on their BMW 1150GS (sorry, the rest of you were too quick for John to photo!)
*
We stop to visit Burg Eltz en-route the next day [please note we may not stop here in 2015 due to timing issues]
*
We arrive at our hotel in Monschau for the final night
*
Time for a swim & a sauna
*
Our final dinner together
*
*
*
Tim’s presented with a Fireman Duck! Barry runs through the candidates for the next Bike Normandy calendar…
*
Lindy – Miss Fanuary; Rita – Miss Flip-Top February
*
Martin – Mr March Muscle Man; Allan – April Showers (just guessing – someone please let us know!)
*
Sharron – Miss Spring Tide; Jane – Miss June Jump Leads
*
Sue – Miss July Autopsy; John – Mr August in Bloom
*
Tim – Mr Septic-member!; Barry – Mr Cocktober!
*
Terry – Mr Nuts in November; Fran – Miss December Dumplings
*
Ron recites that well-known Northern ditty – “Don’t fall off the roof, John”!!!!!
*
The girls hit the bowling alley but need help setting up the teams
*
*
Sue takes a turn followed by Lyn – who’s taking this very seriously!
*
Traci has a unique style of just dropping the ball!! Sharron goes next
*
Sue & Jen try too hard & the balls run down the gulley!
*
Losers!!!! And the Winners are – Traci & Lyn !!
*
We really had some fun
*
We leave pretty Monschau and head back to Calais.
*
And finally, Jane has a gift for “Parker” (see reviews Black Forest Aug 2013 & June 2014 & Picos 2014)
*
A fantastic group of people made this first Rhine in Flames Tour a huge success – we look forward to seeing you all again on future trips. Regards John & Jen
The group ready to leave Boppard – a really great bunch of guests made for a fantastic tour – and no apologies for the number of photos which follow!
*
*Our thanks yet again to John and Jen for such an awesome holiday. Yet another brilliant tour which has given us thrills, sights and experiences to treasure. It was great to meet old friends and new. A real pleasure to share this fantastic tour and its amazing rides so well planned by Bike Normandy. We have formed a Face Book page – Bike Normandy Fan Club. It is open to everyone to join and share. Its a great way for us all to keep in touch, share holiday pics and news very easily. Cheers”
Chris & Kath Adams (5th tour), BMW 1200RT
*
Everyone stays in Calais the night before the tour starts where Traci tries snails (much to David’s disgust!) and Barry has a huge mixed grill
*
“Even though the weather tried at times to sabotage the holiday – it was still a very enjoyable trip. The extra day stay over, made a big difference between a pure biking holiday and a relaxing chill out holiday. The routes were up to your usual high–class standard; fast, flowing, technical and scenic. It was also good to meet up with old friends and also to make new ones. See you soon”
David & Traci Wakefield (7th visit), Triumph Explorer
*
Sue “photo-bombs” the shot of the pre-tour briefing!
*
After a day of relentless rain, when unfortunately Jane Bishop had an accident and was taken to hospital, the group (minus Steve Poole her partner and Ken & Sue Wright) arrive at our hotel – soaked to the skin but still in good spirits!
*
Drinks before dinner, Kieron Haines, Rita, Sharron Haines, Kath & Chris Adams with Sue & Ken having arrived from the hospital; Ron & Sue Hutchinson with Jean & Steve Canning
*
“Thank you for another wonderful trip from the dynamic duo!”
Ron (6th trip) & Sue (4th trip) Hutchinson, FJR1300
*
Sue Dunn with Barry & Lindy Jackson; Lyn & Ted Bailey
*
“Jen and John, once again you have organised another Excellent Bike Holiday!! The people, the roads and scenery were superb and the Night of the Rhine in Flames was fantastic from start to finish! We would highly recommend this trip for rider and pillion as the mileage is just right! Thank you”
Barry and Lindy Jackson (6th trip), Triumph Sprint GT
*
Tim Hale (our van driver on this tour) with Barry – could they be brothers? Barry caught parting with cash – then we discover it wasn’t even his !!
*
“Another tour to leave us with life long memories of laughter, good riding (pain free knees for Fran for the first time ever), friendship and amazing experiences. We couldn’t have conceived how lovely it would be to see the Rhine in Flames. The braziers along the rivers banks, the red lit houses, churches and castles, the wonderful fireworks as we travelled on the water towards Koblenz, and the awe inspiring finale over the castle there, all made for a memorable evening – and that`s without the meal, wine, music and dancing – thanks Bike Normandy for such a stonking good time! From beginning to end we always feel at home with John and Jen, and dear Rita and John (such quick wit!) The sad start was so well managed and showed again to us all the thorough planning and care that is taken in preparation for everything that happens. We really appreciated the selection of castle visits, the wonderful accommodation, the well timed coffee and lunch stops and, on this tour, Jen`s immaculate riding on such varied roads, which always got us all where we needed to be. Johns talks and guidance greatly appreciated, as always, and we wish him well as he returns to full health again. We are once again inspired to get on the website and see what we can do next – race you all, but hope to see lots of you again some time!
Signed, “Nuts in November and Dumplings in December” [since booked Black Forest 2015]
Fran (5th trip) & Terry (7th trip) Stanfield, Triumph Sprint 1050
*
Lyn & Ted, Sue & Martin; Rita & John Gates (backmarkers on the tour) with David & Traci Wakefield & John
*
“The Rhine in Flames…Dinner on the boat and a truly spectacular sight as we cruised the river: the banks lit up with fires and the fireworks seemed to be over the sky – finishing with fireworks accompanied by music and a little boogie on the way back. This is the most relaxing tour I’ve been on yet – we stayed in a hotel for 3 nights…absolute bliss. I even got to hang my clothes in the wardrobe! Of course there was an option to go out sightseeing on the bikes each day led by Jen, but for me the retail therapy was calling and I wasn’t disappointed in the cool shops there were to look around, not to mention the coffee shops for the super tasty cakes. For the ladies it was perfect. For those with a sweet tooth it was delicious, and the adrenalin junkies got to go out and ride the twisty roads. I always have fun on a Bike Normandy tour and again would thoroughly recommend this as a good start for those who have never been on a bike tour adventure, or riders, if you wish to impress your pillion as the mileage, hotels and entertainment have been perfectly planned. I would definitely recommend a swim and sauna in the last hotel it just recharges your batteries…oh and try and find the bowling alley!! Maybe challenge Jen to a game, she definitely needs the practice. Ha ha! [What happened to team spirit then ??? – only joking we love having you guys on our tours – Jen]
Sue Dunn (with Martin Askem) (5th visit), BMW 1150 GS
*
Dinner is included on our first night
*
*
We all enjoyed a superb meal
*
A misty start the next morning; always a briefing before we set off
*
After a day of sunshine we arrive at Boppard – our base for the next three nights; the view from our hotel
*
Rita & John; Terry & Fran Stanfield
*
Jane Andrews has a new camera – “My zoom’s bigger than yours!”; Drinks outside the hotel on a free evening
*
Boys – vs – Girls !
*
Jean & Sandra on the Rose wine; Barry Loves his Wife – but only because she lets him ride his bike!!!
*
On our first free day we all take the train to Bingen then the ferry to Rudesheim
*
*
With John still on crutches, Ron is appointed “Deputy Tour Leader in Charge of Ferry Tickets”!
*
Is this really the wedding limousine ??
*
*
*
Explore the quaint back streets of Rudesheim and sample the local specialty coffee
*
Kath, Sue, Chris & Ken; Kieron & Sharron
*
John & Terry; Tim can’t resist having an ice cream as well!
*
Fran & Jen start with wine! Ken & Sue, Chris & Kath move onto apple strudels!
*
Take the ski-lift to see the view of the Rhine – John & Rita, Barry & Lindy, David & Traci
*
Lyn & Ted, Sue & Martin had champagne on the ski-lift; Tim tries to sample the local brew!!
*
John treats us to Strawberry & Champagne cocktails
*
*
Fran’s accosted by two dodgy characters while Terry & Tim inspect the local bikes
*
Some of us take the paddle boat back to Boppard – strange sights en-route!
*
See the castles along the way
*
*
Drinks on board
*
*
The most spectacular view awaits our return to Boppard!
*
Boppard by night
*
The next day, despite a damp start, most venture out on the ride-out, taking the ferry across the Rhine
*
We take the funicular railway up to the Dragonfels ; Sharron & Kieron ; Allan – but where’s Jane ???
*
The castle half-way up
*
The sun is shining! Terry & Fran, Traci & David; Tim tries for that perfect shot
*
The super views at the top
*
*
Kath & Chris; Sharron, Tim & Kieron
*
Here’s Jane! Having stepped off the train to allow a wedding party to dismount the driver closed the doors & left without her!
*
*
We arrive back at Boppard; Jen leading on the Street Triple
*
David Wakefield on his Explorer; Steve Canning on his FJR 1300
*
Chris Adams on his BMW 1200RT; Kevin Boot on his Pan European
*
Ken Wright on his Triumph Tiger 1050; The view of our riverside hotel
*
Our boat for the evening cruise
*
Dinner on board
*
*
We’re all laughing as first Sharron & then Sue are encouraged to sit on a German guest’s knees to take their photos!
*
*
*
Jean having a laugh with Ron; John entertains with a joke
*
Jane & Allan; Cheers!
*
Ron thinks the Germans don’t really like their wine! Terry & Fran on deck
*
All the boats start heading towards Koblenz
*
*
The girls take to the dance floor with the “Wigan Slosh” but goodness knows what Kieron & Barry are doing!
*
We all go up on deck to watch the fireworks along the Rhine
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
After the finale the boats turn around & head back down river
*
Back inside it’s pretzels all round before we all hit the dance floor
*
Barry plays guitar! Jean drags Ron onto the dance floor!
*
*
Rather a lot of wife swapping going on !!
*
The “Wigan Slosh” again !
*
Lyn drags Tim onto the dance floor; Sandra & Kevin take to the floor
*
We finish with Y.M.C.A.
*
Ready to leave Boppard after a fantastic few days
*
Ted & Lyn on their FJR1300; Ron & Sue on their FJR1300
*
Martin & Sue on their BMW 1150GS (sorry, the rest of you were too quick for John to photo!)
*
We stop to visit Burg Eltz en-route the next day [please note we may not stop here in 2015 due to timing issues]
*
We arrive at our hotel in Monschau for the final night
*
Time for a swim & a sauna
*
Our final dinner together
*
*
*
Tim’s presented with a Fireman Duck! Barry runs through the candidates for the next Bike Normandy calendar…
*
Lindy – Miss Fanuary; Rita – Miss Flip-Top February
*
Martin – Mr March Muscle Man; Allan – April Showers (just guessing – someone please let us know!)
*
Sharron – Miss Spring Tide; Jane – Miss June Jump Leads
*
Sue – Miss July Autopsy; John – Mr August in Bloom
*
Tim – Mr Septic-member!; Barry – Mr Cocktober!
*
Terry – Mr Nuts in November; Fran – Miss December Dumplings
*
Ron recites that well-known Northern ditty – “Don’t fall off the roof, John”!!!!!
*
The girls hit the bowling alley but need help setting up the teams
*
*
Sue takes a turn followed by Lyn – who’s taking this very seriously!
*
Traci has a unique style of just dropping the ball!! Sharron goes next
*
Sue & Jen try too hard & the balls run down the gulley!
*
Losers!!!! And the Winners are – Traci & Lyn !!
*
We really had some fun
*
We leave pretty Monschau and head back to Calais.
*
And finally, Jane has a gift for “Parker” (see reviews Black Forest Aug 2013 & June 2014 & Picos 2014)
*
A fantastic group of people made this first Rhine in Flames Tour a huge success – we look forward to seeing you all again on future trips. Regards John & Jen