05/06/2026
Day 1 - Serbia & Kosovo Tour
Date: 4 June 2026
Advanced Motorcycle Training Tour to Eastern Europe:
Mileage: 250
Weather: Overcast, rain and windy - 15°C
Hotel: Bethune
A midday meet-up with over half the group at HQ in Redditch marked the start of our latest adventure. After a quick catch-up, a few handshakes and the usual banter, we were finally underway on what promises to be an epic 4,000-mile journey over the next 13 days.
Our outbound route will take us through France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo. On the return journey we will head through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland and back into France before making our way home.
The first leg was a straightforward run down the M40 towards London, followed by the southern section of the M25 and a quick fuel stop. Fuel prices at the services were eye-watering. They certainly know how to charge for fuel these days. Unlike Dick Turpin and Robin Hood, they don't even bother wearing a mask!
From there we continued towards Junction 8 on the M20 where the rest of the group were waiting. A couple of riders arrived a little later than planned, but that's modern Britain for you. Congested roads and endless traffic seem to be part of every journey these days.
Once everyone was fuelled up and ready to go, we headed towards the Channel Tunnel. A pleasant surprise awaited us when we managed to board a train an hour earlier than scheduled. Not a bad start.
The first group briefing of the tour took place on the train. Thirty minutes later, just as the briefing was wrapping up, daylight appeared through the windows and we were arriving in France.
Off the train and onto French soil, we joined the A26 toll road and headed towards Reims. Around fifty miles later we arrived at our overnight stop in Bethune.
The hotel is certainly showing its age and check-in tested everyone's patience despite the rooms being pre-booked. All the woman kept saying was that it was a big problem checking in 12 rooms. Eventually, keys were handed out and riders disappeared to freshen up before reconvening for the most important part of the day: the first social evening of the tour.
Dinner options were limited to fish and rice or burger and chips, washed down with a well-earned pint of beer or water. Nobody was complaining, it was a great beginning to pur adventure. After a long travel day, good company and a cold beer were all that was needed.
The evening was spent catching up, sharing stories and looking ahead to the miles that lie ahead. I had a great catch up with Leo, who Ive not seen for a couple of years. By 11:00 pm the group had drifted off to bed.
Day one is complete. Everything went to plan, everyone arrived safely and spirits are high. Tomorrow the real journey begins, fingers crossed Laura starts to feel better after catching the lurgy before departure!
