BRITTANY DELIGHTS BIKERS
Bob Minion's Brittany Trip - May Bank Holiday 2011
BRITTANY is the ideal destination for bikers seeking a short break on the continent. “It’s got everything you‘d want” said Gavin Minion, a director of the Bob Minion Honda motorcycle dealership, which has been organising trips for motorcyclists to a variety of European destinations for the last 14 years.
During that time it has escorted groups of bikers to many regions in France, as well as all over Europe, including Germany and Spain. But Brittany remains a firm favourite, in particular, as a destination for the Derby-based firm’s annual short May Bank Holiday trips.
“What I’ve always liked about Brittany is that is a very sparsely populated region, tranquil and not overrun with tourists. There’s comparatively little traffic so you get to enjoy the novelty of a lot of open roads,” added Gavin.
Easy access to the region is a major plus for clients. As in previous years the May Bank Holiday excursion to France last month included an overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St. Malo. “We left Derby early in the afternoon of the Friday. Got to Portsmouth in good time without having to belt all the way down. Then you get a good nights kip on the boat and are all set for an early start the next morning. It could hardly be more convenient.”
From the French port the bikers then proceeded, via a meandering route through picturesque countryside and a visit to the lovely medieval town of Quimper in the heart of Brittany, to the small seaside resort of Fouesnant. Their hotel here being in an idyllic location on a sand bar with outstanding views of the bay and the Atlantic.
Over the next two days the 25 bikers from Derbyshire explored the many of the attractions of this north-west corner of Brittany: its pretty villages, historic towns, magnificent coastline and spectacular countryside. Sunday’s ride-out also included a highly interesting visit to WW2 German U-boat pens at Loriant.
“We didn’t cover huge distances every day,” explained Gavin. “That’s not what our trips are about. We want people to enjoy their holiday - travelling in a leisurely way, not feeling pressurised by a tight schedule. If you get tired you no longer enjoy the ride.
“Nor do they have to stick to a fixed itinerary. It’s very flexible. Some people split from the main group and went off to explore other areas in small groups, rejoining the rest later on.”
What never fails to considerably impress English motorcyclists is the refreshing attitude of the French towards bikers. “They are incredibly biker friendly,” recalled Keith Parks (62), who was riding a Honda VFR 1200, with his wife Audrey on the pillion.
“The traffic generally moves over to let you through,” said Keith who is from Duffield. “Parking in town centres is never a problem. And everywhere we went were made to feel welcome. The French are more than pleased to see motorcyclists.”
Added Andy Howard, who has been a co-organising the Bob Minion continental motorcycle trips for a number of years: “The French have an absolute tolerance and love of bikers. Car and lorry drivers are fully aware of bikers on the road and display a most considerate attitude.