Motorcycle Tours
Martin and Kate have toured extensively around Europe over the years, and whilst Kate has a full licence for a motorcycle, she now prefers to map-read from the pillion seat! Martin is an ex-motorcycle instructor and has regularly updated his riding skills through police training courses. He currently rides a BMW 1150 GS and Kate’s last motorcycle was a BMW F650.
“Lovely welcome, great location, brilliant roads … only surpassed by the bread & butter pudding” (Peter Henshaw, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure journalist)
“Really enjoyed our visit, especially our guided bike tour around the Somme battlefields.”
A rural area, the Somme is a wonderful place for motorcycling for those bikers who like empty country lanes, huge vistas of open countryside, taking in the scenery and stopping for occasional coffee and lunch breaks.* There is, of course, the added interest of the battlefields to lend real purpose to the day.
“Great fun. Thanks for the guided x-country tours!”
We can offer short duration tailored motorcycle tours, with or without use of our bed and breakfast accommodation. Tours may comprise of a one-day introductory tour for those who have little or no knowledge of the First World War or a more in-depth look at specific areas and battles for those who want to know more. For example, a typical day for a Somme Battlefield Tour would begin at Orchard Farm with a short briefing on what the day will consist of, setting the scene in its historical context. Map and route directions will be supplied to guests and any requests to make specific visits [to see a relative’s grave, for example] would be accommodated, if possible.
We also offer tours of the Flanders (Ypres) region in Belgium which is just 75 miles north of Orchard Farm and the French battlefields of Verdun, 180 miles east of the Somme. Please note that tours to Verdun would involve the cost of overnight accommodation.
“Great ride, great company. Thanks”
Prices are upon application and discounts for groups of more than 4 bikes, regardless of whether solo or with pillions, would be offered. Please note that we do not hire/rent motorcycles.
“Thanks for the great weekend and fine ride! Can I come back?”
Contact us to discuss your requirements and availability.
Words of Caution
When booking your trip to France please ensure that you have the correct insurance cover for you, any passengers and your vehicle. If you do take a bike tour with us, it is at your own risk.
Please also ensure that you have sufficient breakdown and recovery cover in case of any problems. Whilst we have a motorcycle trailer and a small workshop, and we will do everything we reasonably can to help you if there is a problem, we do not guarantee to be able to retrieve your bike or repair it.
“An immensely interesting and enjoyable weekend. We have been made very welcome, especially good company and excellent biking”
* Lunch breaks can either be taken at Orchard Farm, local cafes or restaurants. Depending on the weather, a picnic lunch can be provided by us.
  Motorcycle Tours |
  Motorcycle Tours |
“Martin’s knowledge is a real tribute to “the fallen”, great tour, great company and Katie certainly knows how to make 4 men in leather very happy!”
“Excellent place to chill out! Very welcoming, entertaining company & just the place to be for a biker with a puncture!”
“An excellent week. I was made to feel like one of the family. Food and hospitality were second to none.”
“Take the tour or you will regret it!”
“Fantastic. I cannot commend Martin and Katie highly enough. Vittals A+, roads A+, countryside A+”
  Touring Australians |
  Cruisin' Americans |
Touring Australians |
Cruisin' Americans |
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  Exhausted Tour Guide! |
  GS Tour 2007 |
Exhausted Tour Guide! |
GS Tour 2007 |
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  Planning a tour |
  Tour lunch at Orchard Farm |
Planning a tour |
Tour lunch at Orchard Farm |
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  Exploring the battlefields |
  Relaxing post-tour |
Exploring the battlefields |
Relaxing post-tour |
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Go to our Links page for information regarding the following photographs of this group of bikers.
  The support truck takes up the whole of the barn entrance |
  One of the support Land Rovers parked in our lean-to |
The support truck takes up the whole of the barn entrance |
One of the support Land Rovers parked in our lean-to |
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  The army's anorak with every sponsor's website listed - can you see ours? |
  Engines running waiting to leave rue Gaston Caron |
The army's anorak with every sponsor's website listed - can you see ours? |
Engines running waiting to leave rue Gaston Caron |
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  All ready to go |
  A side view of the bikes - 350cc Harley Davidson |
All ready to go |
A side view of the bikes - 350cc Harley Davidson |
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  Preparing to leave |
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Preparing to leave |
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“NEVER has a history lesson been so full of good humour, food and company. Thank you for everything.”
“A great way to touch history. Enjoyable, informative and relaxing. Thank you for your hospitality and a great couple of days.”
“Absolutely outstanding from the friendly welcome to the very interesting tour.”
“Considering we were non-bikers, you gave us every attention. Thank you for a warm welcome, very comfortable and most interesting experience. You may not have seen the last of me!”
“Wonderful stay – a lot more biker friendly than my own home!”