WW2 Extended Sights Tour – April 2012

We start the Tour at Pegasus Bridge
Our guide explains the history of the original bridge           A replica Horsa Glider

Shelter under the wing of the Glider                                             Rodney & Ian

“Thank you for organising such a wonderful week of biking – I was really impressed by how much research goes into making the week run so efficiently. I started the week feeling nervous about my lack of experience riding generally and especially in poor weather conditions. By the end I felt my worries about wet weather riding were several hundred miles behind me and my riding skills had improved. What’s more I enjoyed myself hugely – a great group of people and some fantastic sights to take in. Thank you for making me so welcome – I hope I can one day come back and tour with you again.
I can’t think of anything that needs to be changed – it was a full-on week with Bike Normandy but from my first contact to this final e-mail everything has been run extremely efficiently. I have already recommended you to someone I met on the ferry and will continue to do so in the future. Best wishes…” Charles May, Bandit 600


John outlines the history at Arromanches       Sunshine over the Mulberry B Harbour

“I really enjoyed the trip and could not have asked for a better introduction to bike touring. You and Jen did a brilliant job – clearly you have done your homework and ensured a great balance between riding, tour spots and helping us to have a fun holiday. The marker system is as you said it would be – very effective and easy to settle in to. The pace was perfect for me, allowing me to push myself at times but to be easier at others. All admin arrangements were good – both before arrival, meeting and dropping off. Overall the hotels and food were excellent. All the sights were interesting and a nice chronological approach during the week. Oradour tends to stick in my mind the most whilst the Falaise piece was excellent in raising my awareness of the later stage of the campaign. Seeing the Bayeux Tapestry was a superb extra.
I have tried to think of any changes that might benefit future trips, but testament to your efforts, I have little to offer! A great experience folks – many, many thanks. I am keen to book on another trip. Best wishes”
Nick Strapp, Aprilia Capanord

Nick enjoying dessert at Bayeux                              Morning briefing at La Roche Bernard

Visit the U-Boat Pens at St Nazaire………..where Ian reunites “Valerie” with her sister !

“It was a miserable week as far as the weather was concerned but in every other respect brilliant. A really great group of people. You and Jen did a fantastic job as always as far as seamless organisation is concerned. I always say to everyone that you two are more like really good friends and not just people who you have bought a holiday from. Thanks again for everything” Ian Titman & a leaking “Val”, BMW F800 ST

Evening sunshine at La Rochelle……..where Mark enjoys a huge seafood salad starter!

“The trip was well organised with lots to see and do. The riding was excellent”
Mark Walsh, KTM SM-T

Ian samples the mussels                                                 A few of us hit the town  –  John & Nick

Rod doesn’t appreciate Nick’s tongue in his ear !!

“Thanks again for a great holiday, will see you again next year no doubt”
Rod Wrenn, Triumph Tiger 1050

Rodney fraternises with the locals…and suffers for his late night the next day!

“I have just returned from a tour with Bike Normandy and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour in spite of some extremely inclement weather. The tour is as it says and is based around visiting significant WW2 sights, however the tour has been very well researched by John & Jen to ensure all the routes taken are great for motorcycles. The management of the rides was first class with accurate indication of stopping off points at junctions which kept the group together but enables riders with differing styles and abilities to enjoy the riding experience. The real clinche of John & Jen’s organisation was when we had a breakdown – John was able to stay with the rider & pillion and help with the insurance breakdown procedures due to his ability to speak French and Jen was able to take the rest of the party to the next hotel. I can thoroughly recommend Bike Normandy for an organised motorcycle tour, their management, routes and hotel selection are top hole. I will be joining them on another tour in the future.” Rodney Williams, Triumph Sprint GT

Dinner at Oradour

At Oradour everyone has a laugh with John’s rendition of the “Penguin” joke!


We leave Dorothy & Jim in Oradour after their BMW breaks down!

“We really enjoyed our holiday despite the bike breakdown and we are very appreciative of your overall organisation of the tour as well as the specific help to ourselves. We particularly liked your approach on speed and safety. You can expect to see us again and will be looking at opportunities for a trip next year”.
Jim & Dorothy Donovan, BMW GS800

“Hello to you both, I am a neighbour of Jim and Rodney who have just returned from your WW2 trip. They are full of praise for the care, attention to detail and professionalism of your tour; I should have been with them and regret not coming.
We are now discussing a visit to you next year…” Keith Bowen

Lunch in the sunshine at Loudon…                 Surprise visit to the Saumur Tank Museum

Gorgeous display of Wisteria outside the museum


Rod prefers the “rocket launcher” bike to his Triumph Tiger !

Jen & Ian with the new “Bike Normandy” support vehicle and Charles at the wheel.

Nick takes charge but just seems to lack that essential authority !

With a shirt to match the tableware at Le Mans,  Nick & John get close – again!!

Final visit to the Museum at Montormel overlooking the Falaise Gap…
With Jim & Dorothy in a hire car we say our goodbyes at Le Havre

Yet another great trip thanks to a really fun group of guests.
A fantastic standard of riding from the relative newcomers –
especially in the pouring rain – of which there was plenty (unlike last year!!)
We hope to see you all again, John & Jen.