Le Mans by motorbike

Le Mans by motorbike

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jimblive

Original Poster:

323 posts

204 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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I rode down for the Moto GP last week so might do the same for 24hrs as it will be a last minute trip.

Has anyone riden down to the 24hrs and stayed for just the Saturday night? I usually camp but don't want a site for just one night and equally dont want to carry a tent etc on a bike but I have no idea on the parking situation.Is there a specific bike park or will I need to leave my bike in with the cars?

Any advice from people who've ridden down and not camped at the circuit, is more than welcome.

bikecarski

30 posts

106 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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Hi Jimmblive,

having been for the last few years by car I am this year also going by bike with a flying visit on the Saturday and Sunday, on the way to the alps!
I understand there is free bike parking at the main circuit entrance, or at least that is where I have seen most bikes gather in the past.
I have no idea about last minute camping options, if there are any on track options left they may be expensive if you are not making the most of the week, it may be best to look at private campsites within a 30 mile radius and bike in to see the race and park up at the entrance.
Hotels would become more of an option the further you get away from Le Mans, and could also be used as a base.
I will look at both these options, but will probably just turn up and wing it!

Like you any sound advice would be appreciated!

jimblive

Original Poster:

323 posts

204 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for the responce. The onwards trip to the Alps sounds fun.

The bike park info was the bit I was hoping to hear as is rather leave my bike with other bikes than in a car park.

I'll probably travel down Friday night, stay in hotel near Le Mans and rough it Saturday night, then ride home Sunday evening.

Any other biker advice is welcome.

jiggerj60

75 posts

170 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
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Hi jimblive

I will be camping on houx this year and have 2 non numbered pitches, we usually end up in the middle of the campsite somewhere, I'm sure we would have enough space on our pitch if you wanted to park your bike with us. We also have a van that doesn't move the time we're there so you can chuck stuff in that if you wanted. The offers there, it's up to you

Jason

Jammez

656 posts

206 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
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There's always loads of bikes parked up by the main entrance so I'm pretty sure it's safe enough there but it is busy and space can be tight.

Give Club Valan Motorsport tours a shout, they're next to the airport & might have some last minute camping available for you. There's a couple of us staying with them who are heading down on bikes, its a nice safe place to leave a bike - just bring something to put your side stand on as it's grass! (I made that mistake before!)

early_911

75 posts

197 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
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Me and the misses are heading down on the bike, and intend to sleep rough in a bivvy bag on race night with hotels either side (Friday and Sunday). We went on the bike last year and thought it was much easier getting about, but the weather was great and we did stay at 'village on the curves' for a whole event (who I recommend). We parked everywhere and in all the car parks around the circuit we found groups of bikes.

Slightly intimidating riding through the various roundabouts where all the pissheads congregate (god bless them) wanting you to do a burn out. Just smile and give it a few revs . . . but watch out for the glass!

Phil

jimblive

Original Poster:

323 posts

204 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
quotequote all
Jason,
Thank you for such a kind offer, very much appreciated.
By the sounds of it, leaving a bike in car parks etc is not a rarity so I'll probably go that route, however once again a big thank you for such a kind gesture - a true gent.

Phil,
Do you intend to try and get into a grandstand at night or truly rough it under the stars?
I assume grandstands are still left un-manned after 10pm so anyone can get in, currently that's my plan if it's raining.



Edited by jimblive on Wednesday 27th May 21:20

ccr32

1,968 posts

217 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
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Have been to LM many times before but never by bike, so this year will be a first for me and a friend. We've managed to get on to a campsite where a few people we know are staying so will be there from Friday to Sunday - I do hear however that you still need a camping (i.e. car) pass to do such a thing though so be warned if you are just rocking up and trying to blag it on - this is only what I have been told however and not first-hand experience.

As for getting about while you're there, it's got to be easier on a bike - it's not actually too bad in a car once you know where you are and where you're going (and which roads are closed etc.), so a bike will obviously expedite things in traffic.

As always, be wary of the descending hordes of French pie keys on the Sunday night who will nick anything that is not nailed down. Ok, an unfair generalisation, but I'd hate to see your pride and joy loaded up into a box trailer hitched up to a 2CV and smoking off into the sunset! Lock it to something (or another bike at least) would be my advice.

early_911

75 posts

197 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
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I was thinking under the stars . . . . I have a tarp if it's raining. Somewhere like Mulsanne corner, as plenty of space there.

jimblive

Original Poster:

323 posts

204 months

Sunday 7th June 2015
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Cheers for the advice guys.

After many years of attending but with plenty of planning in advance, this year is a true 'freestyle' event. I have a ferry booked but that's it.

Just need to be sure I can park the bike somewhere safe and get a general admission ticket on the gate, other than that I'll take what comes...

Troubleatmill

10,210 posts

158 months

Sunday 7th June 2015
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jimblive said:
Cheers for the advice guys.

After many years of attending but with plenty of planning in advance, this year is a true 'freestyle' event. I have a ferry booked but that's it.

Just need to be sure I can park the bike somewhere safe and get a general admission ticket on the gate, other than that I'll take what comes...
I could be wrong - but I'm sure Carrefour sold parking ticket spaces in previous years..

jimblive

Original Poster:

323 posts

204 months

Monday 8th June 2015
quotequote all
Troubleatmill said:
I could be wrong - but I'm sure Carrefour sold parking ticket spaces in previous years..
I'm hoping I don't need to pre book any bike parking and the circuit has a secure place I can park and leave it locked safely??

For the moto GP they had all the hard standing car parks behind the main entrance, I'm not sure what they are used for during the 24hrs?