What a glorious morning! We awoke to the ducks quacking on the lake and streaming sunshine. It looked like we'd been handed another perfect day of European motorcycle touring. We headed up into the Vosges Mountains in glorious dry weather, enjoying the winding roads and beautiful scenery. Then, almost without warning, everything changed.

And yes... Seven grown men pretended they were the Von Trapp family and sang “The Hills Are Alive…” What a laugh! There are moments on a motorcycle tour that you know you'll still be talking about years later. This was definitely one of them. It's not all about chasing the perfect mountain road or ticking off famous landmarks. Sometimes it's simply about having a great group of people together, doing daft things and enjoying the experience.

“This is What Biking Is All About” At one point, someone commented over the bike-to-bike comms: “If anyone asks why, this is what biking is all about.” I've been grinning from ear to ear since then.

Embarking on a motorbike tour through Europe offers an exhilarating experience like no other. Picture yourself riding along winding...

317km France. We’re already all a little achy from yesterday’s ride, but today is a biggie! After missing the junction off the motorway...

310km Switzerland and Germany. And then there were 4. We set off from Col du Rangiers in Switzerland. This little nugget of French...

320km (but not for all of us) France and Switzerland. The day started fantastically with all the band back together, but that was all to...

495 km and 312km France. One route on plan, the other catching up. So last night, I called a couple of garages and mechanics who were...

Ride report. 67km and 261km France. A day of two journeys. A lazy start this morning we were on the road by 10 am after having breakfast...

335km France. Today was 7 1/2 hours in the saddle, but really working it. What a laugh! After a disappointing breakfast due to there...

410km. Belgium and France. We woke up to find our bikes had been joined by three Dutch guys on blacked out BMW GS’s, who are pretty much...