Can't be arsed anymore...
Discussion
Output Flange said:
I'm not sure I get the "grief" part - what have you been struggling with?
Expense is your call - you can afford/justify it or you can't.
Grief:-Expense is your call - you can afford/justify it or you can't.
Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being f
ked about as above.Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
rlw said:
Grief:-
Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being fked about as above.
Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
You sound generally pretty miserable, and seem to be taking it out on LM. None of those things are particularly big issues, unless you choose to make them so.Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being f
ked about as above.Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Just take a year off - nobody will die, and very few people will notice you aren't there.
If you feel differently next year, then go. If not, then stay at home.
The above is infinitely preferable to bringing down the buzz among those of us who are actually looking forward to our trips (travails included).
Not limited to LM, but the "have ya pants down" on prices that go on around the circuit and nearby towns for the weekend are hardly unusual when any once a year event comes to town and its the chance to fill the coffers. However, one refreshing difference I noticed when we did the Nurburgring 24 instead one year was sat sipping 500ML of ice cold Pilsners at reasonable prices at a bar just by the track. Epic.
I stopped using ACO site for booking tickets, for the last couple of years I have used an agency for camping tickets and general entry.
OK it is a bit more expensive but you get where you want to go. and the money you save not being an ACO member makes up for the difference in price.
I was an ACO member for years but the choice of just Blue nord or sud and Beausejour campsites for the past 5 years or so is pretty poor.
You'd think that they would look after their members and give them more choice or an ACO member only site, suppose they are just thinking profit.
OK it is a bit more expensive but you get where you want to go. and the money you save not being an ACO member makes up for the difference in price.
I was an ACO member for years but the choice of just Blue nord or sud and Beausejour campsites for the past 5 years or so is pretty poor.
You'd think that they would look after their members and give them more choice or an ACO member only site, suppose they are just thinking profit.
The off circuit campsites are a world of difference. Try it one year. Blue Nord will never be looked at again.
Avoid Rouen, it's not that hard to do.
Get the overnight ferry from Southampton areas and avoid most of the traffic altogether.
Don't go and be miserable and ruin everyone else's weekend...
Avoid Rouen, it's not that hard to do.
Get the overnight ferry from Southampton areas and avoid most of the traffic altogether.
Don't go and be miserable and ruin everyone else's weekend...
rlw said:
Grief:-
Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being fked about as above.
Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
Oh dear Richard.......... after this, my sympathy for you has gone. It's like listening to a spoiled brat who needs a smack bottom. You seem to want it all, no time off work, don't want it too hot (OMG) don't want to get up early to catch the train, don't want to spend any petrol money, you have two fantastic cars according to the garage link in your profile and you're concerned about MPG !!!!!! I bet the people you go with are celebrating the fact you are staying at home this year ! Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being f
ked about as above.Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
We have been 11 years on the trot. We don't waste money on the ACO, done that realised it wasn't for us. We also get up a bit later so we don't feel like s
t, arrive a bit later which makes no difference at all. Last few years we avoid Rouen, its simple and stress-free. The hot weather makes Le Mans so much better. A number of times we didn't get the grandstand or campsite we really wanted but we didn't suck our thumbs, we found an alternative and had a great time. No 956 or 962. Classic Group C is what you need, job done. Oh, and booking through Just Tickets is a piece of cake.Real stress is breaking down half way there, loosing your passport and money or crashing you car. Scuffing your knuckles on the headlight adjuster just doesn't count............
Rs2oo said:
rlw said:
Grief:-
Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being fked about as above.
Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
Oh dear Richard.......... after this, my sympathy for you has gone. It's like listening to a spoiled brat who needs a smack bottom. You seem to want it all, no time off work, don't want it too hot (OMG) don't want to get up early to catch the train, don't want to spend any petrol money, you have two fantastic cars according to the garage link in your profile and you're concerned about MPG !!!!!! I bet the people you go with are celebrating the fact you are staying at home this year ! Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being f
ked about as above.Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
We have been 11 years on the trot. We don't waste money on the ACO, done that realised it wasn't for us. We also get up a bit later so we don't feel like s
t, arrive a bit later which makes no difference at all. Last few years we avoid Rouen, its simple and stress-free. The hot weather makes Le Mans so much better. A number of times we didn't get the grandstand or campsite we really wanted but we didn't suck our thumbs, we found an alternative and had a great time. No 956 or 962. Classic Group C is what you need, job done. Oh, and booking through Just Tickets is a piece of cake.Real stress is breaking down half way there, loosing your passport and money or crashing you car. Scuffing your knuckles on the headlight adjuster just doesn't count............
Same decision every year, but Le Mans is more than a 24 hour race.
Missed it one year due to family reasons but otherwise a regular since '99.
The best years were the Panoz rumble and the Mercedes areobatics, and not forgetting the Bently boys and the Peugeot LMP1s failing in the dying laps, but last year, I was bored silly and struggled to recognise the difference between Audi and Porche. I really wondered why I bought track tickets again, having said I wouldn't the year before.
Somehow the love affair is waning as commercialism takes over. Agree with earlier comments about the Village.
Still going this year tho, travelling light and one-up in the Caterham. Newhaven / Dieppe, a steady drive down to Le Mans by tea time, arriving a week early at an off-circuit camp, ease my liver into BBQ mode, meet a few people and share a few beers, hang about till Monday to say bye and then taking another 10 days to get back to Dieppe via coastal France.
Sorted.
Missed it one year due to family reasons but otherwise a regular since '99.
The best years were the Panoz rumble and the Mercedes areobatics, and not forgetting the Bently boys and the Peugeot LMP1s failing in the dying laps, but last year, I was bored silly and struggled to recognise the difference between Audi and Porche. I really wondered why I bought track tickets again, having said I wouldn't the year before.
Somehow the love affair is waning as commercialism takes over. Agree with earlier comments about the Village.
Still going this year tho, travelling light and one-up in the Caterham. Newhaven / Dieppe, a steady drive down to Le Mans by tea time, arriving a week early at an off-circuit camp, ease my liver into BBQ mode, meet a few people and share a few beers, hang about till Monday to say bye and then taking another 10 days to get back to Dieppe via coastal France.
Sorted.
- Long journey there, lots of it done alone in my case
- Arriving tired
- Drinking too much
- Being tired
- Poor hygiene
- Loads of noise, usually non-stop until Sunday evening
- Costs plenty
- Tiredness
- Weather so unpredictable ("It always rains at Le Mans")
A huge reason for me is that I get to see a core group of very good friends (actually, White-Noise above is one of them) who, since I left UK, I very very rarely see anymore. It is a wonderful chance to catch up and hang out, chatting s
te, chatting cars and racing like we used to when we were in our teens and 20's. Now we're all mid-30's, have partners, houses, grown up lives. LM is a time to pretend we're young again. It is also a time to watch the greatest motorsport event in the world. Cutting edge tech is showcased there. Drivers, teams and machines pushed to the limit. Radio LM, the sound of John Hindhough echoing out over radios all over the campsite. BBQs, beers, burgers. Dust and dirt. Mud and more mud when (not if) it rains. Setting up trackside chairs a couple of hours before the start on Saturday. Seeing the start, 40-odd cars at race pace thundering (and other weirder, more modern noises nowadays) past. The crowds from all over Europe and rest of the world. Meeting new people, sometimes making new friends - maybe just for that weekend, sometimes much longer.
Every single year we've been to LM, something of note has happened. Whether it was McNish crashing right in front of us (waking me up from a beer induced nap) in 2011, me arriving at 2am from Frankfurt having gotten stuck in huge traffic around Paris in 2012 (I think?), me hitting the rev limiter in top gear on the way back one year in my Rover (yes really, 2006), another Rover breaking down and me leaving it in France on the way home (2008), our friend Pete locking the keys in the boot of his 325ti and having to smash the window to get back in, crawling through the woodland in a failed attempt to get to the armco along Hunaudieres (2014 I think)...
I could go on and on. But this is really the point of it all for me. Fun, excitement, seeing friends, watching the best motorsport event in the world.
rlw said:
Output Flange said:
I'm not sure I get the "grief" part - what have you been struggling with?
Expense is your call - you can afford/justify it or you can't.
Grief:-Expense is your call - you can afford/justify it or you can't.
Trying to book tickets through the website which failed twice in two years and not getting T18 tickets as I couldn't log on until long after they were all gone.
Paying £100 for the privilege of being an ACO member and being f
ked about as above.Worrying about booking tickets through the ACO site.
Trying to get a decent hotel less than an hour's drive away after our no.1 closed down about four years ago.
French bureaucracy.
Getting up early to catch the train through the chunnel.
Masking off headlights that were never intended to be masked off or skinning my knuckles trying to use the mechanical adjuster buried deep down under the headlights and seized solid again probably.
Although a new one, being totally knackered after making it a four day event rather than six, so driving down on Friday and back on Monday.
The northbound queue on the autoroute at Rouen.
Booking chunnel crossings for a certain time and never being able to get on the booked train on Monday afternoon.
When it rains.
When its too hot.
When there's nowhere left to visit as you've done it all.
Losing £xxx per day by taking the time off.
Expense:-
Petrol - 1200 miles at 18mpg
Hotel - special LM week rates of about double the normal rate
It's a very personal list but if I had T18 seats, my only reason for being an ACO member, I would go.
Oh - and no 956/962s.
Why on earth would you bother to tape your lights up, just how much driving are you going to be doing in the dark in the middle of June??
Get off the autoroute man if you dont like the queues, much better ways to go or at least get a SANEF tag
But I assume the other moans are at least a little ironic. Nothing worth doing is all easy
This year is meant to be a hot one weather wise and with the Spa race just gone, the unpredictability is back. I think it's going to be one of the best races in a long time. They are talking about a Rebellion LMP1 car or even an LMP2 car getting on the overall podium and even a win!
Of course there are draw backs (watching the idiots fill supersoakers with piss and squirt convertibles), but if you just go for the racing this year you will not be disappointed. Take a year off next year as the racing is going to be epic.
Of course there are draw backs (watching the idiots fill supersoakers with piss and squirt convertibles), but if you just go for the racing this year you will not be disappointed. Take a year off next year as the racing is going to be epic.
WhyTwo said:
I've been 18 times since 1995. 2011 is the only year I've missed since 2000 and I was gutted not to go that year but just couldn't make it. I'm 90% certain I won't be going this year. Got camping and Tunnel booked but that was done by somebody else in our group. Just a bit bored of it. Hopefully a self imposed year off will fire my enthusiasm.
Sod it I'm going again! Decision made yesterday. TVR booked for a quick check up next week. Time to start getting excited now!WhyTwo said:
[
quote=WhyTwo]I've been 18 times since 1995. 2011 is the only year I've missed since 2000 and I was gutted not to go that year but just couldn't make it. I'm 90% certain I won't be going this year. Got camping and Tunnel booked but that was done by somebody else in our group. Just a bit bored of it. Hopefully a self imposed year off will fire my enthusiasm.
Sod it I'm going again! Decision made yesterday. TVR booked for a quick check up next week. Time to start getting excited now!quote=WhyTwo]I've been 18 times since 1995. 2011 is the only year I've missed since 2000 and I was gutted not to go that year but just couldn't make it. I'm 90% certain I won't be going this year. Got camping and Tunnel booked but that was done by somebody else in our group. Just a bit bored of it. Hopefully a self imposed year off will fire my enthusiasm.
That's the Spirit 
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