Show me the way to le mans

[Al_g]

Hi there peeps, a small group of us are thinking about going to the French Moto GP in le mans next year for the weekend and I was just trying to figure out the best way to get there from Frimley, Surrey. And where to stay? Don't think we can be arsed to go on the bikes as there'll be some non riders going and it'll be May so probably cold and wet. Guess it's going to be the train or plane? Any hints or tips appreciated. Thanks in advance :-)

[hornetrider]

1. I went to the 24 Hours (Bike) in April this year, the atmosphere was incredible, I guess Moto GP will be just as good

2. Weather was glorious, beaming sun all the way there and back this year (though it can rain, and has done in years gone by)

3. We went on bikes over to Calais, bit of peage and took in some twisties down by Rouen somewhere

4. It was awesome

5. Goto 4

[rsv gone!]

Al_g said:

Hi there peeps, a small group of us are thinking about going to the French Moto GP in le mans next year for the weekend and I was just trying to figure out the best way to get there from Frimley, Surrey. And where to stay? Don't think we can be arsed to go on the bikes as there'll be some non riders going and it'll be May so probably cold and wet. Guess it's going to be the train or plane? Any hints or tips appreciated. Thanks in advance :-)

But this is the perfect situation. You ride your bikes down whilst your mates take the camping gear.

Downside with this is that you have to buy a camping pass for each vehicle so costs rise.

From Surrey, I'd go via Portsmouth - but then I don't like riding on the motorways (boring!)

Most economical would be via Speedferries and in as few cars as possible.

[Ballon]

I have done both the Moto GP and the 24Hr (car.

There are two choices of crossing.

1. Dover - Calais. Eurotunnel or Ferry, ferry is cheap and frequent, tunnel not so cheap but v quick and frequent.

2. Portsmouth, Southampton or Poole - Le Havre, Cherborg, Caen or St Malo. This route is the best for getting down to Le mans and the surrounding area.

Plenty of choices but not so cheap, quick and not so frequent. However it can be a great way to start the trip as there will undoubtedly be a great many like minded people onboard. The overnight ferries are a great craic!! Do not get the overnight to Le Havre or Cherborg as they a arrive at a godless bloody hour of the morning and you will still be pissed. St Malo is the most civilised and Brittany ferries are the best IMHO.

The roads down are good and you can avoid the motorways if you wish to and just use 'D' roads.

I would recommend finding a reasonable hotel with restaurant in one of the small towns near Le Mans or in it for that matter, but I normally stay out of the city. Again plenty of choices. Use the http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/hme...
Website for hotels in the area.

IMHO camping is fraught with danger in April due to the unpredictable weather, Le Mans campsites are not at the upper end scale with regards to amenities

I would use the bikes as it really is easy to get in and out of the circuit.

AS RSV says do it, it is a great experience and even better if someone wants to drive and can therefore be the support vehicle.

I hope to be going next year.

[Al_g]

Thanks guys :-)