A quick trip to France to visit some of the WW1 battlefield was on the cards. 

We met Andy at the tunnel where a hot flask of coffee was very welcome before embarking and heading for Mons as a first stop to be followed over the next few days with a visit to Verdun and Waterloo followed by the almost obligatory visit to the Menin Gate. I have been there several times and it never ceases to amaze me the depth of feeling that being present at that place engenders. 

Being bikers Andy had chosen routes that allowed us all to have fun, within the range of abilities of each biker, but stay together as a group, but he allowed a sufficient pause at each of the battlefields for us to take stock of the events that occurred there. 

Andy’s knowledge extends beyond that of a simple tour guide and his insights into the events that took place at that location, sometimes at a single soldier level, created a much broader understanding of what went on, rather than the simple iteration of historical facts might imply. 

The weather was generally good and Andy chose with care the right places to stay both for comfort and the quality of the beer and in some cases for historical value as well. 

His list of local contacts also meant we were able to be in the right place at the right time to avoid crowds and be able to see what we wanted without being rushed. 

The whole trip was relaxed, informative and fun. 

Go again? Absolutely – great fun, informative and well worth the effort.

Ian

05/22