EN VACANCE
Nearly 40 years ago, Roger and Linda got together while Linda was providing physio to Roger after a motorcycle accident. They decided to start a new life together in France at Burlaoen. Over the years they acquired some land around the house and set themselves up as a working woodmill. They’ve had a few set-backs along the way, the most serious being when Roger donated two of his fingers to a JCB digger!
For the last 20 years they have been providing accommodation and motorcycling-based holidays to visiting bikers and motorcycle clubs, hidden away at the end of a lane amid 20 acres of woods, fields, stream and a pretty wildlife lake. There are no through-traffic or passing cars to disturb the peace and you will be serenaded to sleep at night by the sound of the wind in the trees, the hoot of an owl or the bark of a fox.
Roger and Linda offer three holiday cottages in the heart of rural Brittany, a location of beauty, peace and seclusion. It’s an ideal base from which to explore Brittany which has a rich and diverse heritage – from the monolithic stones of Carnac to the submarine pens of St Nazaire, the rugged coastline of the north to the foam crested waves and endless sandy beaches of the south.
Peace, tranquillity and clean air, commodities difficult to find in an ever-stressful world; all can be found here in abundance. A countryside where an unpolluted night sky is pierced by a panoply of twinkling stars. Experience the luxury of the open roads or simply walk along the many bridle ways and footpaths. Stop along the way and sample the delights of the famous Breton seafood platters, or try the mouthwatering traditional Breton crêpes washed down with a glass of refreshing cider.
A recent disastrous fire destroyed the original clubhouse-cum-bar, along with many of Roger’s prized motorcycles, but with their positive attitude both Linda and Roger have bounced back with renewed enthusiasm. An alternative building has been put into use as a replacement clubhouse. Regular visitors are starting to return, joining a selection of French bike clubs.
Although the accommodation is essentially self-catering, evening meals often consist of one of Roger’s legendary BBQS or being driven to a local restaurant where the food is excellent value. Roger will organise rides to a selection of local points of interest on request and uses his excellent knowledge of the area to find the best routes and cafés or restaurants along the way.
Guests also have the opportunity to ride off-road in the fields or woodlands on a trial bike or with one of the Ural outfits (a novelty with a reverse gear and two-wheel drive) or possibly rent one of the Lomax threewheelers to further explore the countryside.
Paul Myers, member
Roger is an active member of the RC Facebook group, and we’ve been awed by his and Linda’s resilience in coping with the fire and the loss of so many of their classics. If you’re not on FB, you’ll find more info about the holiday accommodation at countrysideholidaysinfrance.co.uk Rowena