1st time to Le Mans.. tips needed!

[visordown]

Er.. morning everyone.

A couple of mates and I are heading to Le Mans this year. We've got a camping ticket for the Houx Annexe, which I gather from reading here, is a good spot.

My mates are going down in a (Rally Spec!) Peugeot Partner and I'm going down on my bike. We're taking a tent and all the camping stuff but seeing as this is the first time, we haven't got a clue what else we need.

Here's a couple of questions you might be able to help with:

What's the best ferry crossing to take, coming from London?
Is Weds early enough to get there and get a spot?
Are there plenty of places to eat and drink in and around the circuit?
Are many of you getting a Monday evening ferry back?

What are the crucial things to take? Our list so far is:

Tent
Sleeping bags
Fireworks


I await the banter..

[///m-power]

Morning and congrats on your first LM trip. It is unlike anything else you've experienced before.

Read this thread for packing tips:

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=185817&f=25&h=0

Re: crossing, I always take the Chunnel, nice and easy, but I guess Folkestone to Calais is the easiest Ferry route for a Londoner.
Wednesday is an excellent day to bag a good spot. We don't arrive until Thursday each year.
Places to eat are limited to fast food and there's loads of beer and champagne tents dotted around.
Plenty of peeps returning on Monday eve. We leave Monday am.

Other tips/must do's:
The Stella Artois Bar on Terte Rouge corner is a great meeting place, plenty of PH'ers there.
Friday night roundabout frolicks at the Houx Annex roundabout is a must
Convoy down to Arnage on Friday morning driving down the Mulsanne straight is always good
The supermarche in Le Mans towns has everything a man needs inc' food, beer, bbq's, etc, etc
Make sure you fill up with petrol before arriving at the circuit. Petrol can sometimes be difficult to purchase over the weekend due to issues with self help pumps and UK credit cards not working.
Try to get onto the Mulsanne straight at 3am to watch the cars
At sunset head for the Esses
As darkness falls walk through the woods to Terte Rouge (glowing brake discs and flames)
At sunrise be in Arnage
Walk to the Porsche curves
Build a beer wall
Shower at 5am to avoid the queue
Take plenty of Euros
Dont drink and drive
Learn how to do donuts before you go

Enjoy

[vetteheadracer]

visordown said:

Tent Sleeping bags Fireworks

Ear plugs
Bicycle
Beer
Toilet Paper
Radio (Radio Le Mans commentary in English (more geordie than English))
Portable TV (for the footy)
Sunscreen
Umbrella
Aspirin
Clothes?
Water pistol
Bottled Water
Swimming pool
Garden Hose and attachments
Chairs
Comfortable Shoes

[visordown]

Cheers guys, thanks for the tips. Booked the 10:05 ferry from Dover on Weds 14th, coming back Monday 19th at 1pm.

Between us we've spent the day buying the shit we need, from your list, so that's ace.

Can't wait to go to Arnage etc to watch the action.

Look out for our 'Incredibly Dangerous' fireworks display. When I say look out, I probably mean watch out..

See ya there.

[visordown]

Oh by the way, if anyone reads this - you can use the promo code MCN on the P&O website, it gets you a discount.

[S1mon.]

I'll be on Houx Annexe, I'll keep a look out for them fireworks then, And everyone else's

[bluealfa]

First time for me too!! cant bloody wait going down on Wed am chunnel in a westie

[ds240]

It's not a definative guide, but my little site might give some ideas.

-----------------
www.lemans24.piczo.com

[visordown]

Cheers boys.. we've managed to secure some Alpinestars/Mazda hoardings or something. Er, anwyway, might get a PH sticker so we can be fully identified.

Don't you just love eBay for 2nd hand kit!?

See ya there. Blue TL1000s.. crap wheelies - that's me.

[matboyslim]

whats up with askin on vd ben?

[final_edition]

Come and say hi to the guys in the rusty, orange, transit mini-bus, look out for the PH flag high in the air!
It is our 20th time this year so we know whats what.
Don't be shy and talk, say hi to as many people as you can. It is the friendliest bunch out there at Le Mans.
What ever you do enjoy it and I gaurantee you will be back.
FE

[porschec2]

reply to your 4 questions
1/dover
2/yes
3/yes
4/yes

supplies
tent yes
s/bag yes
fire works no you can get the from the asda store in le mans with your beers
take some some toilet paper ha ha
take hat for the sun

note you wont need a bucket and spade

enjoy

[Liszt]

[quote=vetteheadracerRadio (Radio Le Mans commentary in English (more geordie than English))
[/quote]

Macam. It's totally different.

[andrewturner]

This will make you laugh... but I always take a watering can to use as a shower... there is limitied washing facilities in the campsites... so as simple as it sounds, take a watering can with a spray nossle and hey presto!

dont forget waterpistols!!!