Ring, solo trip advice.

[cheshiredj7]

So I’m considering a solo trip to the Ring this year. Always wanted to go. I went a few years back but the track was closed, and although I’ve done plenty of European road trips, it’s always been with someone else.

This year I’m single, have an F-Type V8, and fancy just heading off on my own. Thinking early August, into France for a few days, then onto the Ring for a few nights and hopefully get a lap or two in.

Has anyone done something similar solo? Good idea, bad idea, lonely, boring? I’m pretty comfortable in my own company, not massively sociable but not awkward either.

I read a brilliant thread on here about a bloke touring Europe in his McLaren with a guitar in the passenger seat and all the random escapades that seemed to happen along the way. Mine probably won’t be quite as entertaining, but part of me is wondering whether it’ll be an amazing trip or just me sat on my own for a week.

Any tips or experiences appreciated.

[jontymo]

The thread you have seen is from br d, he has done many trips and on the back of some huge life events that bring many tears as well as laughter to a lot of us.

Go for it, if I was on my own I would do it and plan some of the trip and wing the rest which is pretty much what me and the wife do since taking early retirement.

Or put a note on here and see if anyone wants to trip with you!

[Jamescrs]

You should definitely do it I imagine it would be a cracking experience. My only advice is check the calendar at the Ring before you attend to make sure it's open and when the Tourist Drives are

[Kev_Mk3]

Done it a few times. Go at your own pace, go where you want and enjoy it.

[snorkel sucker]

Don't know how old you are, but ask yourself; when you're at a point in life where you aren't able to get up, hop in your car, and head over on a roadtrip on your own, at your own pace, to wherever you want to go, with the end destination being the 'ring for a few laps - will you look back with fond memories of having done it, or a tinge of regret at what could have been?

[brillomaster]

Well, i guess if you're now single and used to living on your own, I say go for it. Just cos your single doesn't mean you can't have holidays. And being single doing a roadtrip means 'exploring the dynamic qualities of the car' is possible more... my missus certainly doesn't like 'spirited' driving as much as the car is capable of, so take advantage of it. Also, you can listen to your own music choices.

Plus you can go to places other halves might find somewhat boring... plenty of motor museums in that part of the world to go to.

[NDA]

When my children were small, I used to drive solo down to the south of France for a few days and then meet them at the airport 4 days later.

I quite enjoyed it, did it for a few years and it was great for switching off from pretty much everything. I had a few amusing adventures.

The only downsides are that you do and see things which you're not sharing with someone else - which is fine, but not quite the same. The other is that restaurant visits tend to be quite quick as there's nobody to chat to!

I am not sure I'd enjoy more than a week's road trip on my own - but as I've never done that, I can't be sure.

Try it and see. France is beautiful and being on the open road with a limited agenda is liberating.

[cheshiredj7]

Thanks all, I think you’re right. I’d rather regret something I’ve done than something I didn’t do. Some very wise words from everyone. Need to look at it as a positive really, stop wherever I want, my own music, no “slow down” conversations, and a few days looking at some cool cars!