Le Mans on yer own !?
Discussion
I'm going on my own this year. The rest of my usual group can't make it for various reasons, but I see that as no reason why I should miss out.
As last year, ive bought access to Speedchills so can use their bar etc. will know some other people down there in other travel groups/campsites but really looking forward to it!
As last year, ive bought access to Speedchills so can use their bar etc. will know some other people down there in other travel groups/campsites but really looking forward to it!
I'm going sort of solo for the second year in a row having seen all my friends drop by the wayside with babies and weddings. I say sort of solo because I've got friends on other camp sites and another who's weakening and looking at jumping on the train Friday afternoon to join us at the driver's parade.
The only down-side I've found with going solo is that it tends to cost more, mainly because you don't have anyone to share Eurotunnel/fuel/camping pitch costs with. I'd still rather be at Le Mans than not though.
The only down-side I've found with going solo is that it tends to cost more, mainly because you don't have anyone to share Eurotunnel/fuel/camping pitch costs with. I'd still rather be at Le Mans than not though.
rs4al said:
That sounds a good thread idea for next year.
Will pm you guys, it's so great how this PH community works isn't it
You're never on your own at Le Mans. Feel free to join us for a few beers! (Gulp Gang on Houx Annexe).Will pm you guys, it's so great how this PH community works isn't it
I did it myself a few years ago. To cut a long story short after my group cancelled their trip due to general work commitments I ended up, at the 11th hour, joining a group of random's who I found on beermountain.com. This is now my fifth year with the group and I've made some of the best friends I've ever had.
You are never, ever on your own at Le Mans.
I went to the Nurburgring 24 hours last weekend by myself and had an excellent time. Always find people to talk to, and you can do exactly what you like without anyone moaning, like going for a 3am walk to the circuit during the race and having a couple of beers whilst watching the glowing exhausts/discs and flames. Great fun 
Similar to many others I had been for 11 years with friends but the group eventually diminished due to children and other family/work commitments. I went solo last year as I didn't want to miss the event and I still had a great time. I found that I was able to follow the race more intensely and could be more selfish about what I got up to. In any case, there is so much going on its still a very busy few days and easy to be entertained even when solo.
The only draw backs are managing security on the campsites solo (i.e. no-one to watch your things when running errands/ shower etc so you need to be a little more organised) and a much more healthy few days (the weekend tends to be more about the cars and racing instead of huge BBQ feasts and copious amounts of wine.
As some of the others have said, in all the years I've been the fellow campers are almost always friendly and open to sharing a few bottles of wine so you still get a good social side. I'll be solo again this year but I know some people on other campsites to catch up with and be along to CBW etc.
The only draw backs are managing security on the campsites solo (i.e. no-one to watch your things when running errands/ shower etc so you need to be a little more organised) and a much more healthy few days (the weekend tends to be more about the cars and racing instead of huge BBQ feasts and copious amounts of wine.
As some of the others have said, in all the years I've been the fellow campers are almost always friendly and open to sharing a few bottles of wine so you still get a good social side. I'll be solo again this year but I know some people on other campsites to catch up with and be along to CBW etc.
I did it on my own one year. I wasnt going to go , right up untill the friday night when i thought sod it im going. booked a plane from luton to paris and a train from paris to Le Mans... I knew a few people going so a few phone calls had a lift back sorted.
left home at 3am on sat morning, sata at lm with a beer 30 mins before the race started. I had no camping gear, so paid for aco membership so i would have somewhere warm to hide if necc and good loo / showers..
mooched around staying awake from sat am to monday am, bumped in to a few friends and met some new ones. bagged a lift back to london on the sunday eve
left home at 3am on sat morning, sata at lm with a beer 30 mins before the race started. I had no camping gear, so paid for aco membership so i would have somewhere warm to hide if necc and good loo / showers..
mooched around staying awake from sat am to monday am, bumped in to a few friends and met some new ones. bagged a lift back to london on the sunday eve
i've been on my own for 4 or 5 years now, having first made the trip in 2002 with a big group that has gradually dwindled (no stamina some people). it's my one race trip of the year so it can't be missed ... because le mans is epic.
running round the front of the car to get the ticket at the peage is no big chore ... polite smile to the driver behind as you get back in.
as others have said, plenty of like minded folk to chat to and friends to make, and you get to do your own thing. maybe i'll go back to groups one day, both ways have their pros and cons, but i'll be billy no mates again in couple of weeks and loving every second
si
running round the front of the car to get the ticket at the peage is no big chore ... polite smile to the driver behind as you get back in.
as others have said, plenty of like minded folk to chat to and friends to make, and you get to do your own thing. maybe i'll go back to groups one day, both ways have their pros and cons, but i'll be billy no mates again in couple of weeks and loving every second
si
The Leaper said:
there's little point in spending several days at Le Mans ..
I would disagree. If you can spend the week there and are obsessed with sportscar racing, you will love getting there the weekend before and see at least one of the days of scrutineering, take a radio and watch the sessions and follow reports of them and by the time the race comes along the cars will seem like old friends and you will have a multi-layered experience such that the event and the race become your companion.Do the pitwalk and driver parade, you are bound to meet people everywhere you go and get chatting and maybe even have bbq or meals/drinks together.
Admittedly, it could get lonely at night but there is always stuff to see and do.
If you cant see yourself getting totally absorbed by the race though, a week would be too long.
also, press release just in from ACO:
Le Mans 24 Hours
A week of entertainment!
In addition to the no-holds-barred battles unfolding on the track on 13-14 June spectators can enjoy a full week of entertainment from 7-14 June. A host of festive, fun-filled events will pace the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours inside the circuit, on the track and its immediate surroundings - without forgetting the test day on 31st May. A quick round-up of the not-to-be-missed highlights!
Scrutineering: Sunday 7th (14h30 - 19h00) and Monday 8th June (10h00 - 18h00)
As has been the case since 2012 scrutineering and admin checks (Pésage in French, term used in the early days of motor sport) will be held on Place de la République in the heart of the town. Over a day and a half the 56 cars and the 168 drivers in the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours will present themselves one by one to the scrutineers to see if the cars comply and the drivers are fit to drive them.
Autograph session: Tuesday 9th June 17h00 - 18h30
During the autograph session in the pits straight spectators will be able to meet and speak to the drivers entered for the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours. They can also get a close look at the cars that will be on the grid a few days later.
Entertainments village: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14 June
In addition to the Le Mans 24-Hours official village with its numerous exhibitors, stalls and boutiques, an entertainments village will be installed in the International Karting Complex. The traditional fun fair with its big wheel, the children’s’ village, the Young Drivers’ Criterium and many other side shows (VTT Trial, concerts, diving demonstration, etc) will be located in this space. The Alain Prost Kart track will be open to the public all week as well as the 24 Building with its simulators and games arcade. It’s accessible on foot and there will also be a permanent free shuttle service (lines 7 and 9).
Concerts
The open-air evening concerts are a key ingredient of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Three exceptional RTL2 POP-ROCK LIVE concerts will be put on for spectators on the stage near the Dunlop Footbridge.
Free for general enclosure ticket holders
Wednesday 10th June 2015 at 20h00
The Lemon Queen a foursome from Angers will warm up the crowd before Jabberwocky. The French electro-pop group will play its tunes infused with joyful and melancholy undertones.
Thursday 11th June at 20h00
Cali will be on stage to entertain spectators and thrill them with his proud and sentimental rock music as well as extracts from his latest album. Tom Zinc will ensure the first part of the show.
Saturday 13th June at 20h00
The star of this exceptional evening will be British singer, Charlie Wilson. DJ Loran will go on stage before him to fever up the ambience followed by the Honeymoonshaker duo.
The night at Le Mans will go on rocking until the small hours with DJ Moule and the Dixon Brothers bringing down the curtain.
2015 innovation: On Friday 12th June on the International Kart Complex site four groups of DJs will follow one another on the stage to entertain the crowd. They can dance to the rhythms of Jr Yellam accompanied by Green & Fresh Band, Trinity and DJs Willy Williams plus Irie Ites Sound who will mix live!
Women’s pavilion: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th June
In 2015 for the first time the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is providing a zone entirely devoted to women and the motor car during the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Women’s Pavillion covers over 400 m2 and will be an exclusively female meeting place with many activities.
Ford-Ferrari Duel exhibition: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th June
An exhibition devoted to the one of the most legendary duels in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours will be on show in the village.
Track and pits visit: Friday 12th June from 10h00 to 18h00
All spectators who have a general entry ticket can visit the pits and walk on the legendary tarmac as far as the Dunlop Footbridge. The cars in the Le Mans Legend field will be on display during the pit walk.
Starting ceremony Saturday 13th June
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is bending over backwards to put on a great show for the crowd with a grandiose and moving ceremony prior to the start. The festivities will began at 07h30 with the parade, followed by the warm-up for the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Le Mans Legend race and the Aston Martin Racing Le Mans Festival, the national anthems of the entrants and various other events including the handing back of the Le Mans 24-Hours Trophy to the president of the ACO and the French Patrol’s overfly of the track.
And don’t forget the numerous boutiques of our partners, brands and suppliers and bring home souvenirs of the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Le Mans town centre and the neighbouring municipalities will also beat to the rhythm of the Le Mans 24 Hours with many festive events. A Concours Tradition et Elégance on the square on the Quinconces of Le Mans and the first R’Hunaudières in Ruaudin will be held on Tuesday 9th June. On 11th June Arnage will continue the fun with Arnage in the Race. No rest for the spectators on Friday either with the Virage de Mulsanne shows, the Classic British Welcome in Saint Saturnin, a show devoted to Porsche in Teloché as well as the Drivers Parade that will set off through the streets of Le Mans at 17h30!
Le Mans 24 Hours
A week of entertainment!
In addition to the no-holds-barred battles unfolding on the track on 13-14 June spectators can enjoy a full week of entertainment from 7-14 June. A host of festive, fun-filled events will pace the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours inside the circuit, on the track and its immediate surroundings - without forgetting the test day on 31st May. A quick round-up of the not-to-be-missed highlights!
Scrutineering: Sunday 7th (14h30 - 19h00) and Monday 8th June (10h00 - 18h00)
As has been the case since 2012 scrutineering and admin checks (Pésage in French, term used in the early days of motor sport) will be held on Place de la République in the heart of the town. Over a day and a half the 56 cars and the 168 drivers in the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours will present themselves one by one to the scrutineers to see if the cars comply and the drivers are fit to drive them.
Autograph session: Tuesday 9th June 17h00 - 18h30
During the autograph session in the pits straight spectators will be able to meet and speak to the drivers entered for the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours. They can also get a close look at the cars that will be on the grid a few days later.
Entertainments village: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14 June
In addition to the Le Mans 24-Hours official village with its numerous exhibitors, stalls and boutiques, an entertainments village will be installed in the International Karting Complex. The traditional fun fair with its big wheel, the children’s’ village, the Young Drivers’ Criterium and many other side shows (VTT Trial, concerts, diving demonstration, etc) will be located in this space. The Alain Prost Kart track will be open to the public all week as well as the 24 Building with its simulators and games arcade. It’s accessible on foot and there will also be a permanent free shuttle service (lines 7 and 9).
Concerts
The open-air evening concerts are a key ingredient of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Three exceptional RTL2 POP-ROCK LIVE concerts will be put on for spectators on the stage near the Dunlop Footbridge.
Free for general enclosure ticket holders
Wednesday 10th June 2015 at 20h00
The Lemon Queen a foursome from Angers will warm up the crowd before Jabberwocky. The French electro-pop group will play its tunes infused with joyful and melancholy undertones.
Thursday 11th June at 20h00
Cali will be on stage to entertain spectators and thrill them with his proud and sentimental rock music as well as extracts from his latest album. Tom Zinc will ensure the first part of the show.
Saturday 13th June at 20h00
The star of this exceptional evening will be British singer, Charlie Wilson. DJ Loran will go on stage before him to fever up the ambience followed by the Honeymoonshaker duo.
The night at Le Mans will go on rocking until the small hours with DJ Moule and the Dixon Brothers bringing down the curtain.
2015 innovation: On Friday 12th June on the International Kart Complex site four groups of DJs will follow one another on the stage to entertain the crowd. They can dance to the rhythms of Jr Yellam accompanied by Green & Fresh Band, Trinity and DJs Willy Williams plus Irie Ites Sound who will mix live!
Women’s pavilion: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th June
In 2015 for the first time the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is providing a zone entirely devoted to women and the motor car during the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Women’s Pavillion covers over 400 m2 and will be an exclusively female meeting place with many activities.
Ford-Ferrari Duel exhibition: Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th June
An exhibition devoted to the one of the most legendary duels in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours will be on show in the village.
Track and pits visit: Friday 12th June from 10h00 to 18h00
All spectators who have a general entry ticket can visit the pits and walk on the legendary tarmac as far as the Dunlop Footbridge. The cars in the Le Mans Legend field will be on display during the pit walk.
Starting ceremony Saturday 13th June
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is bending over backwards to put on a great show for the crowd with a grandiose and moving ceremony prior to the start. The festivities will began at 07h30 with the parade, followed by the warm-up for the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Le Mans Legend race and the Aston Martin Racing Le Mans Festival, the national anthems of the entrants and various other events including the handing back of the Le Mans 24-Hours Trophy to the president of the ACO and the French Patrol’s overfly of the track.
And don’t forget the numerous boutiques of our partners, brands and suppliers and bring home souvenirs of the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Le Mans town centre and the neighbouring municipalities will also beat to the rhythm of the Le Mans 24 Hours with many festive events. A Concours Tradition et Elégance on the square on the Quinconces of Le Mans and the first R’Hunaudières in Ruaudin will be held on Tuesday 9th June. On 11th June Arnage will continue the fun with Arnage in the Race. No rest for the spectators on Friday either with the Virage de Mulsanne shows, the Classic British Welcome in Saint Saturnin, a show devoted to Porsche in Teloché as well as the Drivers Parade that will set off through the streets of Le Mans at 17h30!
Z,
I accept totally what you say. However, time is always in short supply.
My son and I have been going to Le Mans from 1996, essentially for the racing. We usually get to the circuit at about 09:00 Saturday morning, do quite a lot of walking, see the support stuff, stay up until maybe 2:00am watching the racing from anywhere from the Porsche Curves to Tetre Rouge, including from La Raccordiment tribune where we always have seats, and get up at about 6:00 to watch the day's race to a finish (this early time is when the best racing takes place in our view)..
I have to say this is somewhat influenced by the fact we don't wish to camp and as the driving to/from the circuit Saturday night/Sunday morning is chaotic we always sleep in the car Saturday in parking Blanc. We travel from the UK to a hotel some distance from Le Mans for the Friday and go back there on the Sunday evening, travelling home Monday.
Three times in the past we have stayed in a hotel in Le Mans centre and spent the Friday afternoon mingling bar to bar and watched the parade etc, all excellent.
Le Mans is just a great event in so many respects. Maybe one year I'll get to spend a week there!
R.
I accept totally what you say. However, time is always in short supply.
My son and I have been going to Le Mans from 1996, essentially for the racing. We usually get to the circuit at about 09:00 Saturday morning, do quite a lot of walking, see the support stuff, stay up until maybe 2:00am watching the racing from anywhere from the Porsche Curves to Tetre Rouge, including from La Raccordiment tribune where we always have seats, and get up at about 6:00 to watch the day's race to a finish (this early time is when the best racing takes place in our view)..
I have to say this is somewhat influenced by the fact we don't wish to camp and as the driving to/from the circuit Saturday night/Sunday morning is chaotic we always sleep in the car Saturday in parking Blanc. We travel from the UK to a hotel some distance from Le Mans for the Friday and go back there on the Sunday evening, travelling home Monday.
Three times in the past we have stayed in a hotel in Le Mans centre and spent the Friday afternoon mingling bar to bar and watched the parade etc, all excellent.
Le Mans is just a great event in so many respects. Maybe one year I'll get to spend a week there!
R.
The first year I went was on my own - went on the train with very little idea of what to expect or for that matter where to go (we're talking pre-internet here) - found a field to camp in and went from there - this was also pre Radio Le Mans so really difficult to ascertain what was going on or who was winning. Thought it was alright and worthwhile giving a go again, this year will be my 24th and I can't wait.
Well, after a bit of juggling around at work, I managed to get the time off and have been invited to join Gmund and the guys/gals he has hooked up with, so thanks to the power of PH have managed to go this year, which I'm very excited by.
Best go, I'm off to poundland to get my camping supplies...
Best go, I'm off to poundland to get my camping supplies...
rs4al said:
Well, after a bit of juggling around at work, I managed to get the time off and have been invited to join Gmund and the guys/gals he has hooked up with, so thanks to the power of PH have managed to go this year, which I'm very excited by.
Best go, I'm off to poundland to get my camping supplies...
Excellent! There's always Decathlon, with two in Le Mans afaik - one near Antares.Best go, I'm off to poundland to get my camping supplies...
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