Basic questions from a disorganised newbie

[eftpotrm]

OK, so I first thought of going to Le Mans this year months ago, particularly once I got my lovely 350Z which seemed just the perfect companion, then.....

Here's what I can work out so far:

• GA tickets are available cheaply and easily, and would do for me. I like to photograph the race anyway, so movement is good. (Any other shooters know what the camera access is like? Well used to Silverstone and Donington and have the kit to handle them no problem - is La Sarthe comparable?)
• Ferries, not that much of a problem.
• Got the event timetable so I know when I'd want / need to be there.
• I've seen LMP1 cars a few times before so I know to pack ear defenders

What I haven't been able to find out:

• Practicalities of camping. Is it a complete 'forget it' to get a pitch anywhere within sensible distance by now? What's the deal with then getting to and from the circuit - is there viable on-site parking or do I need to use buses?
• Perhaps a silly question but it's a huge circuit... Is it possible to get a small folding commuter bike in to help moving around?

Thanks in advance

[Rs2oo]

Look at the swap thread in this Le Mans forum, ticket available. Beausejour probably still for sale on Just Tickets or 1st Tickets or poss the ACO ticket site. Bike good idea.

[fatboy18]

Check out campsite info here

http://www.beermountain.com/

[Great Dane]

you also need stephen's guide....

[slartibartfast]

• GA tickets are available cheaply and easily:- on the gate

I like to photograph the race anyway, so movement is good. bring a bicycle, lock bike up and do some black ops, failing that get a granstand ticket.

• Ferries, not that much of a problem. hope you've booked it already.

• Got the event timetable so I know when I'd want / need to be there. there's 24hrs so no panic.

• I've seen LMP1 cars a few times before so I know to pack ear defenders ear defenders are for puftas!

• Perhaps a silly question but it's a huge circuit... Is it possible to get a small folding commuter bike in to help moving around? yes, bring on, you'll need it otherwise you'll have bettyswolocks from all the walking and trust me it WILL take around an hour of walking from the granstand to mulsanne or Arnage...bikes is a MUST.

don't forget your mozzie spray if you're going to black op it.

best places to take pics.
dunlop curves
Granstand (tickets at extra cost although GA ticket will get you in on weds and thurs)
Porsche curves.
Arnage (focus through the fencing)
Mulsanne (focus through the fencing)

for the best pics....Blackop it....nuff said!


Here's some video clips from my black ops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77P7B4eauZc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa0g25Y3-F0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cA4ZI4hYsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7beuWSvVZM (don't ask because I won't be sharing how I got THAT close)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzcj2lwpxJM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9WKI8vyuH4


you might want to sub as there will be more from this year....HOORAAHHHH!

[eftpotrm]

Thanks chaps

Ferries - not yet booked but P&O's website suggests they've got plenty of space.
Timetables - was thinking more in terms of practice and pit access on the Friday so I know when they are
Bikes - thanks chaps, glad to know it's an option
Ear defenders - from experience, it's that or have a stonking headache and ears ringing for a few days afterwards. I'll take the poofy ear defenders. Plus it means I can hear the radio under them

Camping, will have a look and try to sort.

Edited by eftpotrm on Thursday 2nd June 23:28

[slartibartfast]

i'd get the camping sorted asap.
if you look at lemans.org you'll see the times 'I think'

normally you'll get practice/qualifying in the evenings til 00:00
friday pit walk is on most of the day, take your time and keep your camera ready for any pit girls PHWOOORRR

[Rutlandracing]

Hi

I first went to Le Mans 6 years ago and was similarly confused about the best way to do it. We've got it down to a fine art now. We stay at the Porsche club gb campsite, organised with 1st tickets, on the Porsche curves. The site is great, big pitches, security, good food, cheap beer on tap and hot showers. Really luxurious by camping standards and not expensive. It's a bit of a haul to the main grandstands but the hiking aspect is all part of the fun. Porsche curves is a great place for photos, there are loads of places to take pics, particularly on pit walk on the friday. We arrive Thursday, get tents up and watch qualifying. Leave early monday morning. You could try to get back after the race on Sunday but it would be a rush. The downside of staying the Sunday is the wobbles move in to clear out the camping sites. Whilst there isn't usually real trouble, the atmosphere on the general camping sites changes for the worst. You get none of that in the Porsche compound. The security aspect makes the stay a whole lot more relaxed. We'll watch the Canadian gp and have a reasonably early night, leave early on the monday. If I was you I'd contact Brian at 1st tickets, he may well still be able to fit you in.

[dredgey]

slartibartfast said:

for the best pics....Blackop it....nuff said!


Here's some video clips from my black ops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77P7B4eauZc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa0g25Y3-F0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cA4ZI4hYsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7beuWSvVZM (don't ask because I won't be sharing how I got THAT close)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzcj2lwpxJM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9WKI8vyuH4

Some of those close up videos are superb!

[B.J.W]

Ear Defenders!!!

You great wussy wussy la la!

[slartibartfast]

dredgey said:

Some of those close up videos are superb!

Thanks mate