Tour start 20 June 2005

The journey to the start of this year’s tour was planned without any stopover or stay in Dieppe and took us directly to the ferry to Cherbourg. The distance of just under 911 km was therefore driven straight through, apart from fuel stops and short breaks for food. However, the total distance includes a small detour of about 60 km, as we once again crossed the bridge from Le Havre to Honfleur. In good weather this is a sight well worth experiencing. Unfortunately, we weren’t that lucky this time – it was foggy and therefore not ideal for impressions or views.

On the return trip (starting from Roscoff, approx. 1,010 km), we were finally able to enjoy the view. Depending on which side you cross the bridge from, one of the very popular toll stations awaits you at the end. However, this one (and only this one) is free for motorcyclists, and we were kindly allowed to ride past the cars and trucks along the right side of the road. At least something.

Since we also drove the return trip straight through, we didn’t use the country roads in France (and Belgium). For the outward and return journeys with two motorcycles, we donated a total of around €50 to the toll collectors. One toll booth in particular was especially memorable, where we had the pleasure of paying €0.50 per motorcycle for not quite 1,000 meters of road. A wonderful invention.

As two years ago, we once again placed our trust in Matt from Celtic-Bike-Tours, and he organized the tour excellently. Many, many thanks, Matt – it was great again and highly recommended. We would like to emphasize that Matt was always able to tell us something about everything, and all of it without a guidebook, no matter where we were or which sights we visited. Special thanks again for the many very interesting pieces of information. Before we continue with the report, we would like to point out that the photos can be seen in the picture gallery. Have fun looking at them and hopefully it will inspire you to experience it yourself. Anyone who has not yet been to Ireland or would like to take an organized tour through Ireland should definitely get in touch with Matt from Celtic-Bike-Tours. As far as we can, we are happy to help at the beginning and share the information we have. However, the latest material is only available from Matt.

Matt ended his tour report with the words: “Once again, farewell to the green island. See you again!” How right he is, because we will definitely go there again! And by “go there again,” we obviously mean another tour with our friend Matt.

Matt, my friend, thank you for another great and individually guided tour, for your knowledge of the island which you were always able to share, and for the warm welcome in your family. You can truly be congratulated on your children and your lovely wife (and of course we must not forget your mother-in-law). The total distance we covered in Ireland this year amounts to 1,883 km. Once again, many thanks for the wonderful time with you and for all the effort you put in that you otherwise would not have had!