A Unique Blend Of Touring With Advanced Training!

I’ve not been riding long, just a few years, having come to biking in my 30s and I wanted an introduction to European touring without the hassle of organising it and with the safety of experienced instructors around me.

Being a relatively novice rider I was apprehensive at first but what I got from Simon and the team exceeded my expectations from the outset. Ahead of the trip we were sent detailed instructions covering everything from what to pack for a tour, making sure my machine was ready, the itinerary and even instructional videos and guidance on group riding. Things that may seem obvious to a seasoned tourer were hugely helpful to me. I knew I was in the right place and set about doing my ‘homework’ ahead of the trip.

On the day of the tour I met Simon and the instructors along with the other riders en-route to the ferry terminal. I didn’t do my initial training with Simon and RMT so this was our first meeting and I immediately felt at ease and in safe hands. We boarded the ferry and having nervously navigated the slippery steel ramps I was directed where to put my bike for the journey across to France. Simon made sure everyone had got their bikes secured safely by the ferry crew and we were off.

On arrival in France, Simon and team made sure we all got through passport control and we formed up for our first group ride in France. An hour or so later we arrived at the Chateau we would use as a base for the next few days. The Chateau was a beautiful old building with a rich history that our host, Mark was happy to share with us. The accommodation here was basic but very comfortable and having the entire chateau to ourselves felt like a home away from home.

Using the Chateau as a base we toured the coastline visiting a number of key historic sites along the beaches of the Normandy landings, stopping for lunch and fuel as needed and covering about 100-150 miles. I recall being nervous about whether I could manage the mileage before the trip and whether I would slow the other riders down. I need not have worried as the tour uses a well managed marshalling system to ensure nobody gets left behind and everyone is able to ride their own ride. That is not to say my riding skills weren’t tested, the pace was quicker than I had been used to at home and riding in formation helped me without pressure to ride beyond my talent (of which I had precious little initially).

At the end of a day’s exploring we returned to base camp to unwind for the evening. The evenings consisted of a home cooked meal at the Chateau followed by the obligatory ‘muppet awards’ – where riders snitch on each other for such crimes as failing to fill up their tank, dropping their bike or any questionable riding. Crimes are punishable by a EUR5 fine into the charity pot and before long, with full glasses from the bar and a full pot of cash from the muppets, the lounge was alive with laughter and the atmosphere was like being among old friends.

One of our rides took us to a seafront fishing town where, led by Simon, we bought oysters by the bag at 24 for around 10 Euros. Having called in at the supermarket for champagne on the way home, Simon prepared us for an upmarket starter. As I sat in the French Chateau, eating oysters my host had prepared and sipping champagne, I realised I was on no ordinary motorbike tour. On the topic of food, there were many opportunities to eat great food both at the Chateau - the confit duck and banoffee pie was my favourite - but also in the French cafes and eateries we stop in along the way. You would be forgiven for thinking it was a gastro tour with biking.

During each day riding we had the opportunity for some tuition from the instructors. This is a feature that attracted me to these tours and you have the option to take or leave the tuition throughout the trip. I had always struggled with confidence on overtaking and cornering and told Simon these were things I wanted to work on. Some lessons on looking through the bends and dropping back for better visibility on the overtake and I was away. Following an advanced rider at real world speeds helped me get my head round better positioning for observations and I can honestly say that my riding and confidence improved with each day of the tour. By the time I was ready to leave I was at least twice the rider I was at the beginning of the trip and a smoother, safer biker.

When the day came for us to return home it was difficult to tear ourselves away from life at the Chateau and we would all happily have stayed longer with our new friends. I brought home some great experiences, new friendships and sharpened up my riding skills and now have the confidence to organise my own short trips abroad. I know I will also be back for another tour with RMT/MRH as it’s effortless and you are always in good company and safe hands. If you like great roads, fun, friendship, good food and don't take yourself too seriously, you can't go wrong with one of these training tours.

Leo Jones