Last year three of us, regular motorbike riders, accompanied Andy, on one of his tours to the WW1 battlefields.  

The itinerary was to include Mons, Verdun, Waterloo (as we were passing!) and the last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Early morning shuttle from Folkestone on a Thursday saw us in Mons by lunch time.  

Friday saw us head on to Verdun along some fabulous biking roads then Saturday back to Ypres for the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.  Sunday, after a couple of stops on the way we headed back to the shuttle and home.

What made the trip really interesting and fun was the enormous research/knowledge Andy brings to every trip.  

We saw a number of places that most visitors to the area would never see on a normal battlefield tour, eg The CWG cemetery at St Symphorien near Mons where the first and last British serviceman to be killed in the Great War are both buried, or one of the few remaining Whale bridges (part of the Mulberry Harbours of WW2) near Verdun, along with a mass of other information on all that we saw.  

If you have a family connection to WW1 and let Andy know, in advance, he will research the history of the individual or incident and do his best to ensure that you see as much as possible of that.  

Great roads for riding, (Andy rides a BMW R1250GSA as if it is a sports bike) and excellent hotels  - including, thanks to Andy’s contacts, a stay at Talbot House in Poperinghe, used by many servicemen during the battles around Ypres.

Good food and drink and an engaging and knowledgeable host, all made for an excellent tour.  

I am hoping to go again in 2024.  

Highly recommended.  

Mike D

05/22