Nürburgring in December?
Discussion
SlowStig said:
Cheers for the input so far guys! Have slightly changed plans so rather than going for just the one day, I am doing a full weekend over there so hopefully sat or sun will be clear enough to go round.
I am not aiming for lap records, I have only done track days as a passenger so will be taking it easy just to try and enjoy the whole experience rather than focusing on driving my arse off.
Would anyone recommend wearing a helmet round? I know its a sore point for UK insurance, but does anyone know of a company that might cover me?
I do not think that there is anyone left who covers the Nordschleife particularly on Touristfahrten ie not a closed track day. Insurers are legally held to over you for Third Party only risks as far as I am aware (although they may try and recover the cost from you afterwards). I am not aiming for lap records, I have only done track days as a passenger so will be taking it easy just to try and enjoy the whole experience rather than focusing on driving my arse off.
Would anyone recommend wearing a helmet round? I know its a sore point for UK insurance, but does anyone know of a company that might cover me?
Take it easy and get a chance to learn the track at a quiet time of the year. Driving without a helmet is down to your assessment of risk. I always used to go without but as the years have gone by my wife suggested I get one so to keep her happy. Personally I think the risk would be low but never say never. HSE brigade will of course disagree.
Plenty of places to stay assuming they are all open in December - Am Tiergarten (Sabine Schmidt's parents place) or five star Lindner (see photo in previous post - it is in the background). Hotel An Der Nordschleife if you want a view of the track and also be in town (Adenau).
Pip
Would also add the fine is per tyre, at around €100 each its quite hefty.
Ebay for part worns? Dunlops sp maxx are excelent and will provide you with a fair bit more grip in wet/damp conditions.Also would recommend ADAC recovery if possible, getting Bongard to rescue the car will cost around €400 just to get the car down to Breidscheid should things go wrong at all.
Just check opening times before your trip, saves the frustration of arriving here only to discover the circuit ist geshlossen.
Unlike the guy from Prague last year, just bought a new Scoobie, drove over here absolutely knackered at journies end.Found a hotel and set off for the Ring Saturday morning, couldnt translate what was said but he seemed fairly pee'd off.!!!!!
Ebay for part worns? Dunlops sp maxx are excelent and will provide you with a fair bit more grip in wet/damp conditions.Also would recommend ADAC recovery if possible, getting Bongard to rescue the car will cost around €400 just to get the car down to Breidscheid should things go wrong at all.
Just check opening times before your trip, saves the frustration of arriving here only to discover the circuit ist geshlossen.
Unlike the guy from Prague last year, just bought a new Scoobie, drove over here absolutely knackered at journies end.Found a hotel and set off for the Ring Saturday morning, couldnt translate what was said but he seemed fairly pee'd off.!!!!!
The minimum tread depth for winter tyres in Germany is 4mm. Many 'part worn' winters on Ebay are close to this limit, they might be OK for UK use but problematic in Germany. Also, as I found out to my cost, if you have an unrepairable puncture over there tyres have to be purchased in axle sets.
thegreenhell said:
'Von O bis O' (from October to Easter) is just their rule of thumb for winter tyres, but as said if you are involved in an accident, or even just causing an obstruction, because you're on the wrong tyres for the conditions then you will be in trouble with the law.
This is an interesting point, I was wondering about winter tyres and the law over there as quite a few mates have been over without them and had no problems but I have read about them being compulsory. If anyone speaks fluent German and is able to translate the official line(I'm guessing the above isn't far off it) regarding tyres and tread depths etc it would be appreciated!
As has already been said, rule of thumb is October till Easter.As it is, if you do not have them fitted and you have an off or cause a traffic jam because of not having winter tyres -getting stuck on a hill or slope, it will be around €100 per corner.Easier to comply than risk it.Dunlop Sport Maxx winter tyres are brilliant on the Ring during Dec-March;)
Tyres now ordered and should be with me in the next couple of days, figured that £300 now and having tyres to use all winter was better than £300 worth of fine for getting stuck and nothing to show for it.
Is there a good place to keep an eye on the weather at the ring, other than the webcams? I leave in 4 weeks so want to keep an eye on conditions.
Is there a good place to keep an eye on the weather at the ring, other than the webcams? I leave in 4 weeks so want to keep an eye on conditions.
Still use webcams as the weather sites are normally computer generated based on data, so it is possible for it to be predicted sunny and warm when in reallity the track is cold and under a blanket of fog.
Can't beat the looking out of a window to see what is happening. That's why i use webcams. Our house is 11 miles from the ring and every hill/village can have different weather.
have a look on Dales BTG site http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nuerbur...
Can't beat the looking out of a window to see what is happening. That's why i use webcams. Our house is 11 miles from the ring and every hill/village can have different weather.
have a look on Dales BTG site http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nuerbur...
Krov is nice. The Kleiners Cafe is supposed to be recommended next to the river in krov, frequented by lots of bikers and classic car types. Loads of quiet roads this time of year. Take a trip to Bernkastle kues or Cochem along the Mosel. Trier is worth a look if you get time, roman ruins and ampthetheatre, shops and food. Ideal if with partner.
Edited by doogalman on Wednesday 5th November 15:57
We will probably only have Saturday afternoon and the whole of sunday to explore so I am going to get a list of places and see which the others want to see. I am hoping the roads are quiet, first time driving on the continent (have driven stateside) so being able to have a bit of practice on quiet roads will be much appreciated!
doogalman said:
Still use webcams as the weather sites are normally computer generated based on data, so it is possible for it to be predicted sunny and warm when in reallity the track is cold and under a blanket of fog.
Can't beat the looking out of a window to see what is happening. That's why i use webcams. Our house is 11 miles from the ring and every hill/village can have different weather.
have a look on Dales BTG site http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nuerbur...
I swear by Karl's forcast as he lives right by the track and is always HTH with weather predictions.Can't beat the looking out of a window to see what is happening. That's why i use webcams. Our house is 11 miles from the ring and every hill/village can have different weather.
have a look on Dales BTG site http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php/home/nuerbur...
SEAN 46 said:
I swear by Karl's forcast as he lives right by the track and is always HTH with weather predictions.
He's not the only one but weather prediction here? A properly functioning Crystal Ball would be handy
We tend to get the occasional 'Eifel Shower', little patch of rain that sometimes lasts a few seconds-even on cloudless sunny days!!!
I have been reading this website: http://www.nurburgring.org.uk/ I was wondering how much a lap with tuition is approximately?
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff