Le Mans on my own?
Discussion
Went to Le Mans for the 1st time last year. Really enjoyed it, but thought - thats it, we've done that now. Didn't make any plans for this year...
Now the time is fast approaching I really really really want to go, but none of my mates are either interested or could make it if they were, and my other half can't get time off.
I've done some research and reckon I could string a last minute trip together for not much using Norfolk Line and eBay. I quite like my own company and am no party animal so that's OK, I'll watch the race and the nice cars and take loads of pictures.
So, has anyone done Le Mans on their own before and how did it work out? Did you feel like a spare dick at a wedding and come home feeling depressed or did you have a great time? Any thoughts or tips?
Cheers,
Steve
PS. No, I'm not expecting any sympathy, or to be "adopted"
Now the time is fast approaching I really really really want to go, but none of my mates are either interested or could make it if they were, and my other half can't get time off.
I've done some research and reckon I could string a last minute trip together for not much using Norfolk Line and eBay. I quite like my own company and am no party animal so that's OK, I'll watch the race and the nice cars and take loads of pictures.
So, has anyone done Le Mans on their own before and how did it work out? Did you feel like a spare dick at a wedding and come home feeling depressed or did you have a great time? Any thoughts or tips?
Cheers,
Steve
PS. No, I'm not expecting any sympathy, or to be "adopted"
May I suggest getting onto www.beermountain.com
there a a few people on there going on their own. There is a few group meetings to pass the time and make new friends.
there a a few people on there going on their own. There is a few group meetings to pass the time and make new friends.
Camping tickets (and grandstand) on ebay now coming down to realistic levels. GA tics (if you want to buy beforehand) less than face value. Crossings a lot more expensive than they were 3 months ago but look around and you might find a transfer bargain. Weather forecast (never reliable) looks good. GO FOR IT....if you don't you will regret it afterwards. Sure there are plenty of people around if you want to meet up with anyone.
111KAB
111KAB
Come and say hello at www.clubarnage.com there are lots of folks who go on their own. You can meet up with others when you want to but go off and do your own thing as well.
Millband, I've done it 2 or 3 times solo, usually down Friday overnight, parked/slept in Parking Blanc, and back Sunday night. I do think if you do this tight schedule you need a GE ticket and a tribune ticket too so you have a reasonably decent base. Plenty of fans to chat/ drink with too. R
Cheers guys. Well reminded about Beermountain and Club Arnage, I've become so fixated on Pistonheads this year I'd forgotton about those sites.
bennno - cheers for the offer
I won't take you up on it though - if I'm going then I'm driving, that's a big part of the event for me.
The Leaper - cheers for your reply too, that's the sort of advice I was looking for. If I go I'll be travelling overnight on Thursday night as I only want to take Friday and Monday off work, and I'd like to get to Arnage corner to see the cars on Friday morning. Just had a look at your profile and I see your car is likely to be better for sleeping in than my current Smart Roadster
I'll look to spend on a camp site pass in preference to a tribune ticket I think, otherwise I won't make it home alive!
How did you find it on your own in comparison to going with a group? Also, when parking how did you find it for getting in and out through the race? Just wondering how practical it would be if I camped off-circuit.
Thanks!
Steve
bennno - cheers for the offer
I won't take you up on it though - if I'm going then I'm driving, that's a big part of the event for me.The Leaper - cheers for your reply too, that's the sort of advice I was looking for. If I go I'll be travelling overnight on Thursday night as I only want to take Friday and Monday off work, and I'd like to get to Arnage corner to see the cars on Friday morning. Just had a look at your profile and I see your car is likely to be better for sleeping in than my current Smart Roadster
I'll look to spend on a camp site pass in preference to a tribune ticket I think, otherwise I won't make it home alive!How did you find it on your own in comparison to going with a group? Also, when parking how did you find it for getting in and out through the race? Just wondering how practical it would be if I camped off-circuit.
Thanks!
Steve
Last year my mate didn't want to go so I was going to give it a miss too, but at the last miniute I came to my senses and managed to get a camping ticket at Beasejour and a general entry ticket and headed down by myself. I had a great time, had a few beers, meet a few people, took a load of photos, had an awesome drive through the french countrytside and watched motorsport at its best.
I knew I would be definitely going down again this year so I was a bit more organised. I got a ticket through Team Langoustine and I am staying in Houx Annex, If you see an old impreza with PH stickers on it come say hi. I am also planning on going to the PH meet on Friday morning to check out the machinery and meet a few PHers
I knew I would be definitely going down again this year so I was a bit more organised. I got a ticket through Team Langoustine and I am staying in Houx Annex, If you see an old impreza with PH stickers on it come say hi. I am also planning on going to the PH meet on Friday morning to check out the machinery and meet a few PHers
The Leaper - cheers for your reply too, that's the sort of advice I was looking for. If I go I'll be travelling overnight on Thursday night as I only want to take Friday and Monday off work, and I'd like to get to Arnage corner to see the cars on Friday morning. Just had a look at your profile and I see your car is likely to be better for sleeping in than my current Smart Roadster I'll look to spend on a camp site pass in preference to a tribune ticket I think, otherwise I won't make it home alive!
How did you find it on your own in comparison to going with a group? Also, when parking how did you find it for getting in and out through the race? Just wondering how practical it would be if I camped off-circuit.
Millband-I've been with othere many times too, by the way. Being solo is fine: just do as YOU please!
If travelling overnight you need to be aware of the difficulties you can experience getting petrol (see other threads about this too). A few gas stations are 24 hours but nearly all of them card only and your card is not likely to work in France. So think about filling up in Calais and/or taking a can. There is a manned 24 hour station at Alencon on the new auotoute, and at Le Mans the gas station by the aerodrome is also oppen 24 hours and manned. Hope you do not find this info vital!
Parking Blanc (where I usually end up) is close to the circuit and access is beside the main pits. This means traffic and plenty of it. On the Saturday get there early is best. Also, traffic on Saturday night from around 23:00 and then again aropund 09:00 can be bad. However, I guess access will depend on where you're based. I have no experiemce of in and out from other of the many sites. R
I'll look to spend on a camp site pass in preference to a tribune ticket I think, otherwise I won't make it home alive!How did you find it on your own in comparison to going with a group? Also, when parking how did you find it for getting in and out through the race? Just wondering how practical it would be if I camped off-circuit.
Millband-I've been with othere many times too, by the way. Being solo is fine: just do as YOU please!
If travelling overnight you need to be aware of the difficulties you can experience getting petrol (see other threads about this too). A few gas stations are 24 hours but nearly all of them card only and your card is not likely to work in France. So think about filling up in Calais and/or taking a can. There is a manned 24 hour station at Alencon on the new auotoute, and at Le Mans the gas station by the aerodrome is also oppen 24 hours and manned. Hope you do not find this info vital!
Parking Blanc (where I usually end up) is close to the circuit and access is beside the main pits. This means traffic and plenty of it. On the Saturday get there early is best. Also, traffic on Saturday night from around 23:00 and then again aropund 09:00 can be bad. However, I guess access will depend on where you're based. I have no experiemce of in and out from other of the many sites. R
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