'Ring Trip

[J-P]

Hi - I was after some advice. Taking the CR to the 'ring in August for a track day session.

There are a few of us driving over from Calais - does anybody know a decent route? We'd like something that's fun but also won't take too long. Also, any ideas of where to stop for a spot of decent lunch.

Any views gratefully received.

Cheers

J-P

[edh]

I've never found a decent route yet..so interested to hear suggestions. It's mainly boring Belgian or French m-way routes. Some nice sweeping roads once you get into the Eifel, but I've usually found them quite busy.

the "tank road" from Eupen to Monschau is er....interesting

[J-P]

Yes that's what prompted me to ask - I've never been before but thought that it would be good to know if there are any more interesting ways to get there rather than just a epic amount of Belgian motorway. Apparently, you can travel via Ardennes which is interesting but no idea what route to take to get there or which road to take once you are!

[FarQue]

...avoid Brussels during the rush-hour...

[TIGA84]

There isn't a decent route without a massive detour.

Through the forest once you're in Germany for the last hour or so. Stop at Spa maybe for a look, there isn't much there though.

Don't bother with the M-way in Germany unless you're pushed for time.

Avoid brussels at Rush Hour as has been said before.

I didn't for the first time last year by mistake. 4 hrs ish from Calais ended up being 8.

[J-P]

Thanks, Tiga, good advice. Don't mind a bit of a detour (2 or 3 hours extra at most) but not up for a "massive" detour. So will wait and see if there are some good options.

[seawise]

J-P,

the last hour from the E46 autoroute on the Belgium/German border across country to Nurburg is enough to get the juices flowing. don't bother sightseeing on the way, just get there as promptly as possible to soak up the atmosphere of the locality. you'll love it as a newbie. by the way i have some unused laps on a TF card if you want them.

Oliver.

[maximtaylor]

Take the E42 rather than the E40. This avoids Brussels and is a better peak time route. Keep on the E42 past Spa, then you have a variety of sometimes nice routes to Nurburg. This can depend on lorries and tractors.

See you at DN9

[Joe911]

maximtaylor said:

Take the E42 rather than the E40. This avoids Brussels and is a better peak time route. Keep on the E42 past Spa, then you have a variety of sometimes nice routes to Nurburg.

Absolutely.
Though recently there's been loads of roadworks and contraflow on the 42

[J-P]

seawise said:

J-P,

the last hour from the E46 autoroute on the Belgium/German border across country to Nurburg is enough to get the juices flowing. don't bother sightseeing on the way, just get there as promptly as possible to soak up the atmosphere of the locality. you'll love it as a newbie. by the way i have some unused laps on a TF card if you want them.

Oliver.

Thanks, Oliver. I'm not sure what's happening on the Friday, but I suspect that 1.5 days on an actual track day will be "enough". I'll have to aim to get back ASAP too, or risk the wrath of the Mrs - but really appreciate the offer.

Cheers

J-P

[911ked]

Get through boring France and Belgium M Ways as quick as possible!! As mention earlier - the old tank road to Monschau is/was probably the worst road I have ever found in the paved western Europe, but the only logical route in. Its best attacked at twice the speed you would think and only deviate from driving in the middle of the road when someone comes the other way!! If you stay on the "correct" part of the road you will leave you sump behind and the vibrations at slower speeds will see your teeth dispose of their fillings - its as rough as @r$e holes!!. Monschau is 100% worth the agro though - a lovely little town to stop in for lunch in the square and stretch the legs. From there follow the B258 almost direct to the 'ring. Typical German decent roads - pretty villages and good views!! Enjoy.....

[LaSource]

Part 1: Follow SatNav to Spa. There are only limited options - E40 or E42. Stop in Spa for a short break. Have a coffee. Fill up at the Shell garage.

Part 2: Punch in Nurburg or Adenau into your SatNav. For route options select 'avoid motorways'. Then enjoy some wonderful sweeping roads for a spirited drive. Takes about 1-1.5 hours. Of course, slow down in the villages. Use your discretion if the SatNav looks like it is about to push you down a tractor lane (doesn't happen that often)

Its a wonderful way to enter the ring environs

[J-P]

Thanks for the advice guys - Are all the restaurants in Monschau good, or is there a particular place that you'd recommend?

[911ked]

Only thing is Monschau can get a bit touristy at peak times. We've got two young kids so usually just pick one of the cafe/restaurants in the main square - they are all much of a muchness - I don't generally take much notice of the main course and spend most of my time looking at the cakes and desserts - mmmm....... :-)

[J-P]

911ked said:

Only thing is Monschau can get a bit touristy at peak times. We've got two young kids so usually just pick one of the cafe/restaurants in the main square - they are all much of a muchness - I don't generally take much notice of the main course and spend most of my time looking at the cakes and desserts - mmmm....... :-)

Sounds good - cheers

[Joe911]

For a longer drive I do this kind of thing ...

Autoroute ...
Calais
Lille
Mons

Cross country ...
Beaumont
Chimay (couple of quick laps)
Couvin
Givet
Wellin
St Hubert
Bastogne
Wincrange
Troisvierge
and then across to Prum, Gerolstein, and Nurburg.

[J-P]

Joe911 said:

For a longer drive I do this kind of thing ...

Autoroute ...
Calais
Lille
Mons

Cross country ...
Beaumont
Chimay (couple of quick laps)
Couvin
Givet
Wellin
St Hubert
Bastogne
Wincrange
Troisvierge
and then across to Prum, Gerolstein, and Nurburg.

Cheers Joe - how long does that normally take?

[Mousem40]

Anyone going up to DN9 on the Sunday want to drive in a convoy? I'm taking the Eurotunnel at 9:50am

[J-P]

Sorry - not going with DN9. We're going on a book-a-track day and a half. Timings work slightly better for me.

Have a great time!

Cheers

J-P

[legaleagleboy]

+1 here for the Bookatrack trip -- Eurotunnel crossing around 10 am on 31st July. My Garmin, does the route selection & stops me wondering off route by mistake!