Anyone been to Bedford before?

[Claude455]

Hi all,

I'm doing a novice track evening at Bedford soon and was hoping you could share your knowledge if you've been before.

I'll have a fair amount of kit with me - some of it for the car/track but a fair amount because I'll be going straight from there away for a long weekend.

Apparently garages will be available but cannot be allocated before arrival so aren't guaranteed. If I manage to get one how secure will it be? Will I feel comfortable leaving all of my belongings while I'm out on track?

If I don't manage to get a garage what are my options? Will I have to leave my gear unprotected, open to the elements and completely unsecured?

I'd appreciate any of your experiences to help me plan.

Cheers

[probably chalk]

Hi

While you won't get exclusive use of any particular garage, I wouldn't have any qualms about leaving stuff stacked at the back of one. Everyone has a small pile of stuff that comes out of the car before going on track and I've never heard of any problems.

[sumo69]

Left stuff in the garages many times with no issues - go and enjoy the track!

David

[mrmr96]

The garages at bedford are basically a long shed with roller doors at the front and totally open inside. I.e. there's no internal dividing walls. Your property will be no more secure in the garage than it would be left on the tarmac of the pitlane. (Well, it's less likely to get run over in the garage!)

You'll be working on trust for a large part. If you've any valuables then you might like to see if you can leave them with someone else who's got a support vehicle which isn't going on track.

Most of the guys who go on trackdays are a good bunch and you're unlikely to have any problems. However I'm probably paranoid and lock my stuff away in my support car anyway. I've also looked after stuff for people no problem. Just be aware that at most tracks, Bedford included, there's nothing to actually stop anyone driving off the road, through the access roads and into the pitlane!

[wy906]

It’s been suggested in other threads that a cheap one-man tent might be an option.

[Porkie]

wy906 said:

It’s been suggested in other threads that a cheap one-man tent might be an option.

totally not needed.... and I think you would look a dumbass to be honest!

massive garages, just ask someone friendly looking if they mind you storing stuff at the back of their one...

some trackday organisers sell them seperately. Others just first come first served.

If its super valuable or you are just paranoid then I am sure there will be someone to help you at circuit as they are a super helpful lot at Bedford.

Edited by Porkie on Wednesday 27th June 11:33

[mrmr96]

Porkie said:

wy906 said:

It’s been suggested in other threads that a cheap one-man tent might be an option.

totally not needed.... and I think you would look a dumbass to be honest!

massive garages, just ask someone friendly looking if they mind you storing stuff at the back of their one. Or pay to hire one yourself.

Garages at bedford are not bookable in my experience. Even if booked they are not "secure", other than by trust.

[Claude455]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments, much appreciated!

[Porkie]

mrmr96 said:

Garages at bedford are not bookable in my experience. Even if booked they are not "secure", other than by trust.

Some trackday organisers will let you reserve them for money.

But yes, they are not 100% secure other than trust, hence my further advice...

I've never heard of any problems there though to be honest and I am veru much a regular

Edited by Porkie on Wednesday 27th June 14:33

[shim]

Claude455 said:

Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments, much appreciated!

Bedford is pretty safe as really no visitors, just other trackdayers so as good as it gets.

I take a bike chain with me and secure the toolbox and jack sometimes and it helps to cover the stuff with a sheet.

Dont take a tent unless you plan on staying the night. It happens at sprint events and aitfields to stop kit getting wet but not at Bedford.

[hyperblue]

I would be extremely surprised you had any trouble. There's not that many people on a track day and they're there to drive, not nick your stuff. Never had a problem with borrowing/lending tools to others at track days either.