Le Mans 24hr

[Stuart42]

Hi all

I mentioned doing this and the Manx a while back and have since been waiting for confirmation of when the race is and if the house is available.

Sadly they have seen fit to move the 24hr race to 24/25th Sept, the weekend after the Belgium trip. This would mean that to do all three would be a struggle as the Manx finishes 1st week in September.

As such I've decided that the best trip would be Belgium/Le Mans.

The house I use is available for the time I'm looking at so need to know how many people would like to come?

The plan is to leave Belgium on the Monday possibly visit Nurburg Ring for a day then ride to the house. If we can't do the ring we can just take a slow ride over a couple of days to get to the house and chill or have ride outs from there. I've booked the house from the Wednesday to the Tuesday, that way we can come back to the house after the race on the Sunday and then have a lazy day on the Monday before heading home on the Tuesday.

You can of course head back when you like, but the above is what I hope to do.

The house cost depends on how many people stay and what I've done in the past is divide the cost between how many people come, not how many nights you stay as it gets too complicated, as it works out about £70 per person any way, for the week.

The house sleeps a minimum of 9 people, but this depends on if people are prepared to share a double bed, all rooms have a double and two singles, so max would be 12.

If more want to come then the family over the track did do B&B so could find out for you.

Linen is not provided but as my mate is bringing my van over you can drop stuff off with me and it will be there when you arrive.

So basically stick your name on the list if you want to come and we'll go from there.

Cheers
Stuart

[Char]

Char - will return on Monday

[bex]

Woohoo yes please :)

[Stuart42]

Woohoo yes please :)

Thought you might say that.

[LouSCannon]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon

[chris yeatman]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer

[Gadget]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer
Gadget
_______

[LVC]

Here already but would love to pop in and say hello to whoever's over - where's the house you're renting Stuart ?

[Char]

If it gets to 12 & we have to start picking straws can I offer you a bribe now for a single bed

[J.P]

The Nurburgring is usually only open in the evening from 5.30pm for that week. That trip is exactly what I did after the last MOB Weekender. So it's unlikely you could ride down from Belgium and do the track, sorry toll road, then make your way towards Le Mans on the same day.
That said, the roads from southern Belgium to the Nurburgring are fantastic anyway, you could do the route, take a picture at the Ring and have a cup-o-tea before moving on off. Just remember to secure your panniers properly.... :(

[J.P]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer
Gadget
J.P

[Stuart42]

Hi JP

thanks for that. I was toying with the idea of riding to the ring on the Monday and spending the day on Tuesday, but seeing as its only open in the evening we could still ride there on the Monday, have a ride around then spend the night near by and carry on the journey the next day?

The trip from the Belgium, via the ring to the house is about 1100k I seem to recall so was thinking of taking a couple of days if people want to do that?

Cheers
Stuart

[Stuart42]

Sorry LVC,

meant to say the house is at Bagnoles De l'Orne, which I know is a way from you but would be good to meet at the race if you fancy it?

Cheers
Stuart

[J.P]

You could certrainly get there for Monday evening session no problem, but it'll depend on the weather anyway. The opening times are always variable because of the private users of the track get preference and it's never opened on time when I've been there, three times.
When I was last there with an instructor he absolutely advised never to use the track when it's damp or wet.

[J.P]

And from Nurbugring to Le Mans is about 450 miles, even using a very straight route, and doing that in at least 2 days is a must.

[J.P]

On second thoughts and because of work etc, I'll join you until about Wednesday I think, then make my way north back across the Channel, leaving the bike racing to you hardened ones, and the slot free in Le Mans for someone else.

Le Mans:
Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer
Gadget

[chris yeatman]

On second thoughts and because of work etc, I'll join you until about Wednesday I think, then make my way north back across the Channel, leaving the bike racing to you hardened ones, and the slot free in Le Mans for someone else.

thats a shame j.p

[LVC]

Sorry LVC,

meant to say the house is at Bagnoles De l'Orne, which I know is a way from you but would be good to meet at the race if you fancy it?

Cheers
Stuart

Bugger me - couldn't you find a house further away - 107km to Le Mans (and that's North Le Mans and the circuit is south) :spin:

However the Orne is lovely and very picturesque (as I'm sure you know) and visit to the Alpes Mancelles area are well worth it on the bikes.

Will see what's going on locally nearer the time which may be of interest to you guys :thumbsup:

[LouSCannon]

Cheers LVC, would be good to catch you whilst we're over, even if it's on route somewhere?

[J.P]

thats a shame j.p

Nice of you to say so Chris, but don't worry I'll make you all giggle for the days I'm there and we'll find planty of nice roads along the way don't you worry.

[uksurfer]

dont you let me down JP, good roads will be nice!!
in return - we will all endeavour to catch your panniers....

[J.P]

That's so kind of you, I apreciate it.
But I think this time, in order to keep from being ridiculed, I'll bring the Monster !

http://gallery.mac.com/justinphotis#100510/IMG00344-20100919-1305&bgcolor=black

[buzzbomb]

Come on Justin would we really take the p155 out of a nice young fella like you...;);)

[J.P]

Errr, hasn't stopped them in the past.

[J.P]

As I know you guys were looking at taking a bash at the Nurburgring, just a heads up, I've checked the Calendar and ;
Monday the 19th of September the Ring is open from 8am to 1pm.
Tuesday the 20th of Setpember the Ring is open from 5.30pm to 7.30 pm.

All times are subject to change, given that BMW, Koneiggggggzeg et al might want the tracks for 7 minutes.

Buggenhout to Nurburgring - 160 miles , looking at at least 3 1/2 hours.
Opptomistic to think you'll be out of bed, fed, watered, packed and departed by 8 am ?
And if it is raining, don't go on track.

[gary tompkins]

That's so kind of you, I apreciate it.
But I think this time, in order to keep from being ridiculed, I'll bring the Monster !

http://gallery.mac.com/justinphotis#100510/IMG00344-20100919-1305&bgcolor=black

Had the panniers already dropped off in that photo?

[rollo22]

Had the panniers already dropped off in that photo?

Think he was feeling lonely at the MOB event.

[Stuart42]

Hi all

I spoke with a couple of people about this last weekend.

I'm still planning this trip and the next stage will be to order race tickets.

As yet these are not on sale but as soon as they are I will be asking for names/money so that I can purchase them.

From there we can start sorting ferries etc.

Cheers
Stuart

[slob]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer
Gadget
slob
Thuli

[Pomp1]

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
chris yeatman
uksurfer
Gadget
slob
Thuli
Max

[chris yeatman]

OH god, really didnt want to say this BUT.

due to lack of funds and having a crash and will be having to pay loads of money to insure my bike soon
i cant afford to go on this trip.
really really sorrys guys but will have give this a miss.

:thumbsdown: :Furious: :hissy: :hissy: :hissy: :hissy: :hissy: :hissy: :hissy: :grump:

Stuart42
Char
rjbex
LouSCannon
uksurfer
Gadget
slob
Thuli
Max

[Stuart42]

Sorry to hear that Chris but thanks for letting me know.

Cheers
Stuart

[J.P]

There's always another year Chris. :(

Stu, you still thinking of trying to include Nurburgring ?

[Stuart42]

Hi Justin

If we can then yes but not sure how it will fit. Also depends on if anyone wants to have a go?

Cheers
Stuart

[slob]

Does the Pope **** in the woods?

[J.P]

That's a given Slob.
But it's all to do with timings, as I mentioned in an earlier post, Ring only open in the Morning of the Monday, then Tuesday evening after MOB Weekend.

[Stuart42]

Do we put Slob does as a maybe?

In that case the only real chance would be the Tuesday evening after riding for the day?

[J.P]

Correct, you'd ride there on the Monday, or near there, stay the night, then ride around the area for the day, arriving at the Ring Tuesday night.

[Char]

Sounds like an excuse to meet up for 'pre trip' discussions & drinks :piglet:

[Rally]

Do the Mosel Valley on the extra day, it is gorgeous and takes a day to do it properly. You won't regret it.

[Stuart42]

Quite agree Char, is going to take some planning so may look for volunteers to break it up into manageable bits?

Cheers
Stuart

[buzzbomb]

If Babs desides that she isn't coming in september I'll be up for it in the van as a sweeper and general carrier of luggage if someone wants to share some of the costs...:idea:

[Stuart42]

Cheers Buzzbomb

That sounds good.

Cheers
Stuart

[Stuart42]

Hi all

just had a look and tickets for the race are now on sale.

These cost €49 for the week, which means you can watch practice Thurs/Fri then the race Sat & Sun. Its either that or just a Sunday ticket.

All that is needed on top of that is the camping ticket, which I need to work out who has to pay for what.

We obviously need to pay for the van but not sure about individual tickets, but guessing we will need these too.

What I suggest is that those that want to come book tickets, www.lemans.org, then when you've done that email me so that I can then allocate rooms etc.

If you could email me stuart(at)blackdub.co.uk rather than pm I'd be grateful.

Oh by the way there is one provision about entering the campsites, no engines mounted on pallets please.

Cheers
Stuart

[slob]

Can we arrange to send tents etc. in the van?
I've got no chance of taking it myself, with a pillion and our kit for the week.

[Stuart42]

Hi Rob

the plan is to get luggage etc from all before we leave and my mate will bring it all out to the house ready for us.

We do need bedding for the house as well but only sheets, duvets etc are provided.

Cheers
Stuart

[Stafford]

We do need bedding for the house as well but only sheets,

Top tip: get a sleeping bag liner, they pack really small.

[Stuart42]

Hi all

I've spoken with the guy that owns the house and he needs to know how many people are coming, which in turn will see how much we owe, by the end of July.

So can people let me know by then definate numbers please?

Cheers
Stuart

[J.P]

And we also need to know who's going on the plan Nurburgring visit on Monday & Tuesday too ?

[LouSCannon]

Hi guys,

I'm going to have to pass on the Le Mans visit I'm afraid, but I would like to confirm for the ring...

[J.P]

Please cut & paste your name,

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):
J.P
Alan C
Slob & Thuli
Louscannon


Booking for Le Mans :

[slob]

Please cut & paste your name

Just booked Le Mans all week circuit access

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):
J.P
Alan C
slob & Thuli
Louscannon


Booking for Le Mans :
slob & Thuli

[J.P]

Come one people, surely there's more than that ?

[bex]

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):
J.P
Alan C
slob & Thuli
Louscannon
Bex & Stuart


Booking for Le Mans :
slob & Thuli
Bex & Stuart

[slob]

Thuli and my tickets just arrived by UPS

[J.P]

Are you still waiting for 'Oops' and 'Side your head' to make a delivery ?

That way you'll have the full 'Oops, Ups, Side your head' to get on with.

[bex]

Whats happened to all the others who were interested? :running:

[slob]

Whats happened to all the others who were interested? :running:

Char, uksurfer, Gadget & Max... dunno,
I'll ask Max tomorrow.

[Gadget]

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):

J.P
Alan C
slob & Thuli
Louscannon
Bex & Stuart
Gadget

Booking for Le Mans :

slob & Thuli
Bex & Stuart
Gadget

[J.P]

I'll be booking rooms this week and paying a deposit, which is about £30 per person which I'll collect at some point from you all. or send me paypal.

[J.P]

Actually, I've booked it now, we had the last rooms.

Double rooms for Stu & Bex, Slob & Thuli
One Pole room from Alan C, Louscannon, Gadjet & JP.

If others want to join us we can always contact the owner to find something nearby.

[alan c]

Thanks JP, do you want a deposit ?

[J.P]

Thanks JP, do you want a deposit ?

What sort of 'deposit' are you thinking of leaving me, because I'd prefer £31 please. :)

[slob]

paypal to the usual?

[J.P]

Yes please Slob

[Stuart42]

Cheers JP.

Pm me your Paypal details and I'll get Bex to pay you.

Cheers
Stuart

[bex]

Oh you know how to woo a lady :spin:

[Stuart42]

Oh you know how to woo a lady :spin:

Ding Dong!

You did mean me right?

[bex]

Who said romance was dead eh?

Oh wait, I think I did? :p

[Rally]

Stu, I go away for a few days and see you have a new Lady! So what happened to RJ-Bex?
Odd they share the same avitar as well. :D

[Rally]

Stu, I go away for a few days and see you have a new Lady! So what happened to RJ-Bex?
Odd they share the same avitar as well. :D

[bex]

He's such a tart!

[Stuart42]

Its ok Rally I heard you the first time.

[Rally]

Its ok Rally I heard you the first time.

Damned smart phones!

[Pomp1]

JP did you book the Ring or Mans?

[slob]

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):

J.P
Alan C
slob & Thuli
Louscannon
Bex & Stuart
Gadget

Booking for Le Mans:

slob & Thuli
Bex & Stuart
Gadget

[Pomp1]

Ok, that means I'll have to sort out my own accommodation at the Ring. I take Stuart you still have a place for me at LeMans?

[J.P]

Pomp, yes that's true for the Ring, but I'm sure we can find something nearby

[Pomp1]

Where are you guys staying at? I may well book where me & Stafford stayed last time, near the BMW M garage

[J.P]

We are 15 minutes away at a place caller 'Sliders Guest House'. Owned by a Brit Biker.
slidersguesthouse@hotmail.com
http://www.slidersguesthouse.com/index.htm

[Rally]

I have just come back and stayed at a place that I would recommend very much. It is 30 miles out, but a great road to wake you up in the morning! You will find details at;

www.historischer-ratskeller.de

[slob]

Ok, that means I'll have to sort out my own accommodation at the Ring. I take Stuart you still have a place for me at LeMans?

I'm fairly sure the house Stuart has rented sleeps around 9

[uksurfer]

Booking for Nurburgring & two night accommodation nearby (Monday night & Tuesday night):

J.P
Alan C
slob & Thuli
Louscannon
Bex & Stuart
Gadget

Booking for Le Mans:

slob & Thuli
Bex & Stuart
Gadget
Char


uksurfer (naughty :biggrin: bike)

[slob]

Not coming to the 'ring on your soulless plastic rocket Martin?

[uksurfer]

Not coming to the 'ring on your soulless plastic rocket Martin?

nope, i'll leave the falling off to you guys :ukm:

[slob]

a. You could come along for the ride and just ogle the supercar porn in the car park... really, I've never seen anything like it.
b. The plan is: no one is falling off!
c. 2004 R1
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X9JuIt--J2A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[bex]

b. The plan is: no one is falling off!


I'm not making any promises! :on:

[slob]

Try... PLEASE!

[bex]

Oh I'll be trying, thats why I'll probably fall off :)

[Pomp1]

Not coming to the 'ring on your soulless plastic rocket Martin?
that sounds wrong on so many levels (or is it just me?):ymca:

[uksurfer]

a
b. The plan is: no one is falling off!


wise words :)

we will be meeting you at the le mans house all going well

[Stafford]

What return ferries are peeps on?

[Gadget]

What return ferries are peeps on?

Not booked a return yet. But probably coming back via Calais - Dover.
Just got to get arse into gear and book something.

[Stuart42]

Hi all

Hope you all got my mail I sent earlier?

Ladybird if you could send me your email address I'd be grateful

Cheers
Stuart

[Stuart42]

Hi all

just booked the camping side of the trip.

I've had to book one van and 6 bikes to get us all in.

I've also found out that Status Quo are the Saturday night band, so torn denim jackets at the ready

Cheers
Stuart

[uksurfer]

ld lines on sunday at 17.00 hours
le havre to portsmouth
£44

caen to portsmouth was £95..............

:ukm:

[slob]

Not booked a return yet. But probably coming back via Calais - Dover.
Just got to get arse into gear and book something.

We're booked on a 17:50 tunnel, so will leave early Tuesday and take smaller roads to Calais.



...just booked the camping side of the trip.

I've had to book one van and 6 bikes to get us all in...


Have you worked out what we owe for the house and camping yet?

[Rally]

Ferry booked and returning LD Lines, Le Havre on Monday at 5pm. cheapest ferry crossing yet! :D

[slob]

I didn't think you were coming to Le Mans Rally?

[LVC]

Hope the weather improves for you - we had flooding in Le Mans last night due to 1 hour solid of torrential downpour, >>

http://mvistatic.com/photos/2011/08/22/P1761948D1914860G_px_512_.jpg

More info here >>

http://www.lemans.maville.com/actu/actudet_-Le-Mans-les-pluies-diluviennes-piegent-un-automobiliste_dma-1914860_actu.Htm?xtor=AL-150&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Reseau&utm_campaign=Facebook

[Albie]

I didn't think you were coming to Le Mans Rally?

He is now and we were talking about it on saturday. I dont think I can afford it now.:rolleyes:

[Rally]

I didn't think you were coming to Le Mans Rally?
I have been each year for the last five Rob. I just didn't have enough holiday to do the whole week and the trip to Milan. It will be a quick blast down Friday night after work and meet you Guys there hopefully. :thumbsup:

He is now and we were talking about it on saturday. I dont think I can afford it now.:rolleyes:

Come on Albie, it will cost about £200 all in. :D

[Gadget]

We are coming back on the Monday now on the 20:20 tunnel.
Should be okay for an early Monday afternoon departure from the Le Mans area.

[slob]

Cool, Le Havre didn't look like the quickest way back from Belgium.

[Rally]

Cool, Le Havre didn't look like the quickest way back from Belgium.

It depends where you live Rob. For me it saves 200 miles travelling and gives time for some shut eye which will be required after missing Saturday nights sleep!
Something you don't want to miss is the ride away from Le Mans on Sunday afternoon. It is like a carnival in every village heading North for the Ferries, not to be missed!

[Stafford]

Ferries booked, circuit tickets printed all ready to go apart from a map.

[Rally]

Ferries booked, circuit tickets printed all ready to go apart from a map.

Trust me, you won't need a map. Every bike will be heading the same way! :thumbsup:

[slob]

Trust me, you won't need a map. Every bike will be heading the same way! :thumbsup:

...except we're heading for Bagnoles de l'Orne, so following them will put you about 100km out.

[Stafford]

Trust me, you won't need a map. Every bike will be heading the same way! :thumbsup:

Not on the days I'm travelling or where I plan to visit en route.

[Rally]

I'll get back in my corner then! Lol

[ladybird]

Ferries booked, circuit tickets printed all ready to go apart from a map.

I couldn't see an option to print mine so will be collecting from the box office ...

[Rally]

I couldn't see an option to print mine so will be collecting from the box office ...

Allow plenty of time, as it is normally a good queue!

[Rally]

My tickets have arrived safely today via UPS, I can't wait now! :thumbsup:

[Stuart42]

Good to hear tickets are arriving.

Just need people to start getting luggage to me as time is moving along nicely.

Cheers
Stuart

[slob]

and let us know what we owe you Stuart!

[bialbero]

Hello Le Mans followers,

which campsite will you people pitch your tents then. Tertre Rouge or Karting?

I should be there early friday morning

[Stafford]

I was told we're at karting so I'm bringing ear plugs!

[Stuart42]

Hi

yes we are in the karting campsite, much to Rally's amusement.

We'll be turning up Saturday morning so do come along and say hello

Cheers
Stuart

[Rally]

Hi

yes we are in the karting campsite, much to Rally's amusement.

We'll be turning up Saturday morning so do come along and say hello

Cheers
Stuart

During the 24 hour weekend it is referred to as the 'Super Moto practice ground' and the 'Ear plug testing site!'

Still, it's not as bad as the public campsite by the entrance, that is simply referred to as 'You haven't got a hope of sleep there' or ' Get me out of here!' :biggrin:

[Stafford]

During the 24 hour weekend it is referred to as the 'Super Moto practice ground' and the 'Ear plug testing site!'

Still, it's not as bad as the public campsite by the entrance, that is simply referred to as 'You haven't got a hope of sleep there' or ' Get me out of here!' :biggrin:

Sounds like you needed more beer.:booze:

[Rally]

Sounds like you needed more beer.:booze:

Definately not.

We must get Stuart to take a 6" wide plank in the van with two nails at each end spaced 7' apart, then stack up your bottles row on row as you go, and see if you can complete the triangle before you leave. We did the 2nd year as we stayed on the Sunday night and could keep drinking, but not the 1st year. We had 630 dumpy 1/2 pint bottles in the triangle which averaged about 30 pints each over the two days. I'll see if I can find the picture!
Anyone want to try and beat it? :mand:

[J.P]

I feel queezy thinking about it.

And remember 'Drink responsibly'.

[Gordon H]

'Drink responsibly'.

How's that work then?

[J.P]

You simply try not to spill any.

[slob]

You quaff it, it's like drinking but half of it goes over your face and down your front, this goes some way to preventing liver failure.

[Char]

Just a little note, if you are going on the Ring check your breakdown cover, some companies (AA included) wont cover you for breakdowns there.

ADAC the European breakdown people however do cover you and their yearly policy is cheap and covers whole of Euorpe inc UK

[J.P]

It's not the breaking down at the Ring that's the problem, it's the crashing.

[bex]

Speaking of which, is anyone going through the faff-athon of wearing a 1-pc?

[J.P]

nope. Just my leather trousers and textile jacket

[bex]

Wonder if its worth it, bit of a pain for the rest of the trip :scratch:

[J.P]

Probably not worth it.
You'll be taking it easy going round anyway.

[Stuart42]

Probably not worth it.
You'll be taking it easy going round anyway.

Is that a 'your' taking it easy or a 'Bex' taking it easy?

[ladybird]

I have my two peice full zip ladybird leathers for the trip. if nothing else it was a waste of money not to.