PHEA Eurotrip: Nürburgring Adventure - 28th Sep - 2nd Oct

PHEA Eurotrip: Nürburgring Adventure - 28th Sep - 2nd Oct

Author
Discussion

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Saturday 13th April 2019
quotequote all
Hello everyone,

ETA: EVENT POSTPONED until late September. New Dates now in this description smile



I'm pleased announce a Brand NEW Event for 2019 where we're taking PHEA to the international stage bounce
That's right, we're heading abroad to the famous Nürburgring! driving

I am booked onto a Destination Nürburgring Double Trackday on Monday 30th September and Tuesday 1st October, so I thought this to be the perfect opportunity to open up the touring side of the trip to anyone who has always fancied heading out to this famous automotive area.
We can explore the area, visit the famous Nürburgring Castle, sample the infamous Pistenklause restaurant and perhaps drive the 13 mile circuit during the Tourist Driving Session, or Touristenfahrten, on the Monday evening.
So if you've wanted to go but have had concerns over how it all might work or going it alone, then I hope this offers the perfect excuse for you to visit smile

The plan is to depart on Saturday 28th September, spend the weekend in the Nürburgring area, each evening currently showing as "Touristenfahrten Open" giving you the option to head out on the famous track before we return together on the Wednesday 2nd October, reaching the UK early evening.
Unfortunately Monday and Tuesday's trackday is a private, pre-booked Event for those with Nürburgring experience, however there is plenty to keep the petrolhead entertained, with the possibility of you hopping in for a passenger lap subject to passenger sign on & payment and helmet availability smile

I will be taking an early morning Channel Tunnel Train and going a general direct route, stopping only for fuel.
The idea would be to get as many of you who are interested in joining together for the drive over, meeting either en route to, or at, the Folkestone Eurotunnel Terminal.
I plan to have an interesting driving route for the return journey.

Once I have booked my Chunnel train and hotel, I'll let you know so you can go ahead and personally book the same trains and either the same guesthouse or one nearby.
Obviously this is something brand new for us all, and there will be a little more homework for you guys to do, compared to our usual Events.

Also, I will be away from Sunday 14th until Friday 19th April, so if you have any queries I may take a little time to get back to you.
Following this initial post is a reply containing a whole host of general information which I hope can help you. It's not a complete guide, more some pointers and suggestions to help with your visit smile

With my bookings currently TBC, for now all you need do is please let me know if you're interested in our FIRST ever EUROTRIP!

Simply post here or message me smile

I hope you can join us biggrin

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Sunday 4th August 21:21

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Saturday 13th April 2019
quotequote all
TRIP INFORMATION

CHANNEL TUNNEL:
As mentioned, I'll be booking a Channel Tunnel Train to and from mainland Europe.
You can find full information, and book your train on the Eurotunnel Website HERE. As mentioned, I'll be posting back when I have booked my trains so you can hopefully book the same.

EAT AND SLEEP:
While my accommodation is currently "To Be Confirmed", I tend to stay within the village of Nürburg in a cheaper end, comfortable guesthouse.
Within Nürburg itself, as well as in the surrounding villages, there are numerous options to cater for all levels of luxury and budget. Google will of course help here, but a useful resource is THIS PAGE on the Nürburgring website.

There are few resturant options in and around Nürburg. These tend to offer tasty German food in superb portion sizes for a reasonable prices.
I can help arrange group dinner bookings nearer the time when there is an idea of numbers.
One place we shall endeavour to get us a booking is the famous Pistenklause restaurant - WEBSITE HERE. It is an Italian restaurant in Nürburg, but with a reputation for it's "steak on a hot stone" main course. It really has been wonderful every previous visit!


DETAILED INFORMATION

Touristenfahrten (TF):
Touristenfahrten, or TF as it's known, is the time for the public to get out on this famous circuit.
You can pay at the kiosk on site, get your ticket, scan it in at the barrier and off you go!
It's changed a little since I last attended a TF, but I understand you can now pay in advance and scan in at the barriers with your smartphone.
Cost is now around 30€ per lap. You can for multiple laps at once, but each lap, you are directed off the track and through the barriers to scan again.
There are some rules to which you must adhere while on circuit (it is Germany afterall wink)
I would please urge you to read up on them in advance, but suffice to say the main couple are to check your mirrors more regularly that you would in a road environment and overtaking is on the left, you signalling and pulling to the right side of the track.
Also, with all manor of vehicles eligable for the TF, you must be extremely careful with the traffic sharing your road space.
You can find a Full List of their Rules HERE. Scroll down for an English version.

Insurance:
Despite the TF sessions being officially a closed one-way public road, many UK policies specific exclude cover for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. There are options for cover, however I don't have any recommendations here as I have previously attended TFs without this additional cover.
Also, please check your UK policy covers you for European adventures.
It is also worth double-checking your insurer's European cover with Brexit looming. For example, my insurer has already requested I fill out an additional form, albeit at no extra cost.
I would also recommend you check your Breakdown Cover includes European assistance and recovery.

Car Rental:
If you don't fancy taking your own car on the circuit, there are a variety of car rental options in the area. Obviously these incur additional costs, but this option is usually fully insured and can include a couple of lap payments.
RSRNurburg, Apex Nürburg and Rent4Ring are three places which often get a mention, but Google is your friend here to see what suits you best. Please do read the small print, and watch those insurance excesses! This option will be best booked and paid for in advance of the trip driving

What To Take With You:
Please forgive me if all this is obvious, but I think it prudent to mention a few bits you will need with you.
All your relavent car documentation and passports are a given, however you will also need a warning triangle, hi-viz jacket and breathlyser kit in your car. These are the rules for driving through France. While I've personally never been stopped, Sod's Law dictates it'll happen in the group! Please don't risk getting caught out smile

Entertrainment & Track Viewing Options:
During Monday's trackday, there is plenty in and around Nürburg to see and do, most with an automotive leaning of course.
Nürburg itself is rather small, but it has it's own castle which definitely worth visiting. The nearby area of Meuspath is where many manufacters and race shops seem to be based so always worth a drive-through.
On the note of driving, it is certainly worth your time exploring the roads around Nürburg. We're in the Eifel mountain region of Germany, so you can expect some enjoyable country roads, quaint villages and gorgeous vistas!
Back in Nürburg you'll find the main complex that is the GP circuit with its automotive displays indoors and there's even an indoor go-kart track (although you will have to look up information on this as I never visited this).
If you wish to spectate the trackday, there are an incredible amount of view points, as you might expect from such a long circuit. These have varying degrees of ease for access, from walking great distances through the forest to simply parking up to watch the action a few paces from your car.
A Google search may help you more with this, but this map (while a tad difficult to initially figure out) points out some of the main viewing areas around the circuit: CLICK HERE For Map Link
I have also found this 2015 PH Thread pointing to a handful of spectating areas, too: PH LINK HERE
One viewing area is which the track passes through the small town of Adenau. The town itself is rather pretty and so well worth a visit smile


As previously mentioned, this isn't intended to be a complete guide, but I hope this helps you with some general information about what to expect.
If I, or one of you, think of anything else, I can add to this post smile

Darren

Kev_Mk3

2,740 posts

94 months

Sunday 14th April 2019
quotequote all
I'm not in the EA region but am on that track day so maybe see you over on the monday!

threesixty

2,068 posts

202 months

Thursday 18th April 2019
quotequote all
Hoping to make this!

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Saturday 11th May 2019
quotequote all
***Event Postponed***

I regret to inform you all that I have had to postpone our Nürburgring Adventure until the end of September.
New Dates will be Saturday 28th September until Wednesday 2nd October.

My sincerest apologies for this later date and the postponement, however I am happy to inform you there are a few positives to be gained from this delay.
As well as giving us all much more time to prepare ourselves and our cars, we will have a whole extra day in Germany as the track day session is now a double day.
Furthermore, the official 'Ring website is currently showing that there is more Touristenfahrten time than our original dates.

Once again my apologies I have delayed this Event, but I hope you can still join us on our adventure driving

Darren

WIJ933

757 posts

206 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
I’m certainly up for another Euro trip with you Darren. Just got to check a few things but 90% sure I’ll be in touch for booking details.

Wayoftheflower

1,324 posts

234 months

Thursday 16th May 2019
quotequote all
Not that I'm able to go, but Autumn is far nicer at the Ring in my experience.
Scenery is glorious and all those leaves of the track keep the mad bikers away!biggrin

Look forward to seeing all the photos in five months.

Mrs Muttleysnoop

1,412 posts

183 months

Thursday 20th June 2019
quotequote all
We are interested in going again depending on costs.

Mrs Muttleysnoop

1,412 posts

183 months

Sunday 4th August 2019
quotequote all



The plan is to depart on Saturday 28th September, spend the weekend in the Nürburgring area, each evening currently showing as "Touristenfahrten Open" giving you the option to head out on the famous track before we return together on the Wednesday 1st October,

Darren





Daz old bean Wednesday is October 2nd not the 1st.

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Sunday 4th August 2019
quotequote all
Thanks for letting me know of my date error thumbup
Now corrected in the description smile

Darren

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Tuesday 3rd September 2019
quotequote all
***Accomodation & Chunnel Update***

Hello everyone,

Apologies for this delayed posting, but I can now confirm my bookings for accommodation and channel tunnel crossing.

I am staying in the Lindenhof guesthouse in the centre of Nurburg.
This is at the cheaper end of things, but it's comfy with a good on site restaurant, too.
You can Find their Website HERE

You can email them at lindenhof.nuerburg@gmail.com
Their telephone number is +49 1772090707. Don't worry, they do speak English smile

Costs (per room, per night inc. breakfast):
Single Room 45€
Double/Twin Room 65€

Rooms with own toilet are 85€

They all seem pretty relaxed when booking, my brother and I not having to pay a deposit, just book the rooms themselves smile

Also, I have now booked my tunnel crossings.
From Folkestone, the train will be the 11:20am on Saturday 28th September and the Calais return will be at 6:50pm on Wednesday 2nd October.
For the outbound train you MUST arrive before 10:30am.
The return train check-in closes at 6pm.

I have a handful of cars wishing to join us, with a couple of other folk out there already set to meet us, so it's shaping up to be a good trip driving

If you have any queries or problems, please message me.
Please let me know as and when you've confirmed your arrangements and I can go ahead with further planning, having some firmer numbers smile

I'm looking forward to the big road trip with you biggrin

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Wednesday 4th September 01:14

Mrs Muttleysnoop

1,412 posts

183 months

Tuesday 3rd September 2019
quotequote all
[quote=iluvmercs]***Accomodation & Chunnel Update***

Hello everyone,

Apologies for this delayed posting, but I can now confirm my bookings for accommodation and channel tunnel crossing.



Also, I have now booked my tunnel crossings.
From Folkestone, the train will be the 11:20am on Saturday 28th October and the Calais return will be at 6:50pm on Wednesday 2nd October.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dearest darling Daz, me thinks you have been in the summer sun too long!!!! Should be Saturday 28th September NOT October!!

x

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Wednesday 4th September 2019
quotequote all
Mrs Muttleysnoop said:
Dearest darling Daz, me thinks you have been in the summer sun too long!!!! Should be Saturday 28th September NOT October!!

x
paperbag

I think I must have been! (Well my red face from Sunday certainly makes a strong argument wink )

Thanks for letting me know of my error. All is now corrected in my post thumbup

Darren

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Tuesday 22nd October 2019
quotequote all
Well that was good fun!

A couple of PHers made it along to join me on this EuroTrip event - Thank you thumbup
Not everything went to plan (train delays, a broken wing mirror and crack brake disc for me!), but tremendous fun was had by all!
Some derestricted Autobahn on the way out, playing tourist in Nurburg on the Sunday and a couple of wet track days on the 'Ring proving highly entertaining and challenging, followed by a good drive home.

It was a great learning curve for me, and I will be looking to include some kind of EuroTrip in the future when I hope a few more PHers can join in the fun! driving

Darren

Mrs Muttleysnoop

1,412 posts

183 months

Wednesday 23rd October 2019
quotequote all
Well that was not fun.




It was BRILLIANT fun!! We had such a lovely time despite the rain.

It did seem odd though that the hotels were closed during the day. We arrived a day earlier at 1500hrs (Friday) having been up since 0300hrs and could not get a drink.


Daz once again a huge thanks for all the fun and laughs and my pax laps and you reminding Muttley where to go. Would we go with you again, well what do you think. It is a YES from us. xxxx

PinkRinse

365 posts

168 months

Sunday 27th October 2019
quotequote all
Well helloooo there guys! Finally got back on to PH just to see what's cracking out here! Despite everything that happened to the family wagon I still had one epic time and I'm waiting with baited breath to see what Darren releases the next set of 2020 dates! Might go for the 1 day event in April/May or the later one again biggrin Glutton for punishment!

Oh and I get the old gal back next Friday all shiny new... bounce

Mrs Muttleysnoop

1,412 posts

183 months

Monday 28th October 2019
quotequote all
You were ahead of us on the return shuttle and I overtook the car and trailer on the M20. I did give your driver a long blast on the horn. We were in a white Golf R.

Glad things are sorted.

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Monday 28th October 2019
quotequote all
PinkRinse said:
Well helloooo there guys! Finally got back on to PH just to see what's cracking out here! Despite everything that happened to the family wagon I still had one epic time and I'm waiting with baited breath to see what Darren releases the next set of 2020 dates! Might go for the 1 day event in April/May or the later one again biggrin Glutton for punishment!

Oh and I get the old gal back next Friday all shiny new... bounce
wavey
It was a pleasure to meet you out there. I'm happy to hear the Evo is almost finished, ready to take on another track day driving
Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting Darren's next DN dates too, as it would be great to head to the 'Ring again soon!

Daarren

PinkRinse

365 posts

168 months

Monday 28th October 2019
quotequote all
Mrs Muttleysnoop said:
You were ahead of us on the return shuttle and I overtook the car and trailer on the M20. I did give your driver a long blast on the horn. We were in a white Golf R.

Glad things are sorted.
I think I remember that! I was so tired by the time we got back lol

Darren - I know right? Haven’t got the car back & I’m waiting to get back out there hehe Apologies to your brother once again who was another sweet hero that day (useful in translation situations!) :lol:

iluvmercs

Original Poster:

7,541 posts

226 months

Saturday 21st November 2020
quotequote all
I have now popped my photos from the Adventure online smile

You can view them HERE

Darren