Beer, hooning, racing, sleeping, logistics
Discussion
At Le Mans this year I would like to:
a) Get pissed and generally join in the trackside revelry
b) Cruise around in me car and take part in the on the road (and some off the road) antics
c) Sleep in a real bed in a nice hotel – I hate camping
d) See the qualifying and start and end of the race (see item (a) for the middle of the race
)
Working on the basis that I don’t have several grand to blow, I’m assuming any decent hotel for reasonable money is going to be at least an hour’s drive from the circuit. So how to do it?
I thought about taking the car in the day, driving back to the hotel in the evening and then getting a taxi or public transport back to the track so I can have a drink but I’m guessing that will be at least a 2 hour round trip each time.
What about leaving the car at the circuit overnight and going back to the hotel by public transport after a drink and then returning in the morning for some hooning? I don´t really fancy leaving the 360 in Parking Blue overnight.
>> Edited by t1grm on Tuesday 17th January 11:19
>> Edited by t1grm on Tuesday 17th January 11:20
a) Get pissed and generally join in the trackside revelry
b) Cruise around in me car and take part in the on the road (and some off the road) antics
c) Sleep in a real bed in a nice hotel – I hate camping
d) See the qualifying and start and end of the race (see item (a) for the middle of the race
) Working on the basis that I don’t have several grand to blow, I’m assuming any decent hotel for reasonable money is going to be at least an hour’s drive from the circuit. So how to do it?
I thought about taking the car in the day, driving back to the hotel in the evening and then getting a taxi or public transport back to the track so I can have a drink but I’m guessing that will be at least a 2 hour round trip each time.
What about leaving the car at the circuit overnight and going back to the hotel by public transport after a drink and then returning in the morning for some hooning? I don´t really fancy leaving the 360 in Parking Blue overnight.
>> Edited by t1grm on Tuesday 17th January 11:19
>> Edited by t1grm on Tuesday 17th January 11:20
Go camping. Seriously.
I never camped anywhere before last year and wasn't particularly looking forward to it. Not really the camping type either, liking my comforts the way I do. But with a decent frame camp bed thing from Argos and a large enough tent so as not to be wedged in a corner all the time, it was quite comfortable. Plus there's the BBQ'ing, drinking in the pool, the traffic to oogle over and ,most importantly, the banter with your neighbours. It's the whole experience that has me pushing to get all my group back this year (which is proving difficult
). Plus, if it takes your fancy, just wander over to the track for an hour or two, depending on the sun, and wander back for beer and bbq.
Also, traffic around the track on race day is nuts. We, being thick paddys, didn't think of this and went shopping. Got back to the track a couple of seconds before the start! It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to our camp which was maybe a 2-3 mile drive from the shop.
I never camped anywhere before last year and wasn't particularly looking forward to it. Not really the camping type either, liking my comforts the way I do. But with a decent frame camp bed thing from Argos and a large enough tent so as not to be wedged in a corner all the time, it was quite comfortable. Plus there's the BBQ'ing, drinking in the pool, the traffic to oogle over and ,most importantly, the banter with your neighbours. It's the whole experience that has me pushing to get all my group back this year (which is proving difficult
). Plus, if it takes your fancy, just wander over to the track for an hour or two, depending on the sun, and wander back for beer and bbq. Also, traffic around the track on race day is nuts. We, being thick paddys, didn't think of this and went shopping. Got back to the track a couple of seconds before the start! It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to our camp which was maybe a 2-3 mile drive from the shop.
up-the-dubs said:
Go camping. Seriously.
I never camped anywhere before last year and wasn't particularly looking forward to it. Not really the camping type either, liking my comforts the way I do. But with a decent frame camp bed thing from Argos and a large enough tent so as not to be wedged in a corner all the time, it was quite comfortable. Plus there's the BBQ'ing, drinking in the pool, the traffic to oogle over and ,most importantly, the banter with your neighbours. It's the whole experience that has me pushing to get all my group back this year (which is proving difficult
Also, traffic around the track on race day is nuts. We, being thick paddys, didn't think of this and went shopping. Got back to the track a couple of seconds before the start! It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to our camp which was maybe a 2-3 mile drive from the shop.
I agree
- It sounds a bit dirty, but the fun factor far out weighs the need for creature comforts You also get random people coming up to you in various bars and talking to you
If you like it a bit quieter, go to one of the offsite camping places, inside the track is quite manic, but hilarious. I spent most of last year with a beer in my hand
Sorry - it has to be camping.
Get yourself some decent camping gear and camp. As said make sure you've got a big enough tent, buy a gazebo or similar for shade/shelter and somewhere to cook and a decent roll matt/air mattress or whatever you choose. Maybe only camp for the Friday/Saturday night?
Othewise I'd guess you'll be looking at Tours or somewhere similar and I seem to recall that there was a thread a while ago on her (or Club Arnage) about getting back and fro from Tours, possibly on the train but as said above the traffic on race day is dreadful.
From what I hear I wouldn't leave readily leave a car in public car parking overnight.
How about a motorhome or a caravan?
Get yourself some decent camping gear and camp. As said make sure you've got a big enough tent, buy a gazebo or similar for shade/shelter and somewhere to cook and a decent roll matt/air mattress or whatever you choose. Maybe only camp for the Friday/Saturday night?
Othewise I'd guess you'll be looking at Tours or somewhere similar and I seem to recall that there was a thread a while ago on her (or Club Arnage) about getting back and fro from Tours, possibly on the train but as said above the traffic on race day is dreadful.
From what I hear I wouldn't leave readily leave a car in public car parking overnight.
How about a motorhome or a caravan?
in addition - I am the person least likely to want to camp - for years my standard line was "running water is supposed to come out of taps in an ensuite bathroom not run under my bed" (after a traumatic childhood camping experience!!
I now always camp for Le Mans and sometimes for Spa and for other race meetings - it's part of the magic. I did Le mans in a Hotel in 2002 and it wasn't any way as much fun as it is camping plus the logistics of getting to and from the circuit are a pain in the arse!
For me the key is having good camping gear - I hate tents I can't stand up in and I hate having to sit on the floor in the rain to cook.
I now always camp for Le Mans and sometimes for Spa and for other race meetings - it's part of the magic. I did Le mans in a Hotel in 2002 and it wasn't any way as much fun as it is camping plus the logistics of getting to and from the circuit are a pain in the arse!
For me the key is having good camping gear - I hate tents I can't stand up in and I hate having to sit on the floor in the rain to cook.
Piglet said:
For me the key is having good camping gear - I hate tents I can't stand up in and I hate having to sit on the floor in the rain to cook.
you obviously take a far more sensible choice of chariot than I have been in over the last 4 years!
Whilst I have been lucky with the weather at LM, I can imagine that in a poxy tiny tent in the p1ssing rain it would be a particularly unpleasant experience.
shnozz said:
For me the key is having good camping gear - I hate tents I can't stand up in and I hate having to sit on the floor in the rain to cook.
you obviously take a far more sensible choice of chariot than I have been in over the last 4 years!
Whilst I have been lucky with the weather at LM, I can imagine that in a poxy tiny tent in the p1ssing rain it would be a particularly unpleasant experience.
Saab 93 with a roofbox!!! If I'm going to camp I have to take enough kit to make it pleasant!!! (plus Happy Snapper has ten tonnes of camera gear to take as well!)
Pray to the weather God's that we don't get a wet one - I fear we might be due it though! We survived in Spa camping in traditional Spa weather so I'm sure we'll survive in Le Mans should it decide to piss down on us for the week!!
Piglet said:
Saab 93 with a roofbox!!! If I'm going to camp I have to take enough kit to make it pleasant!!! (plus Happy Snapper has ten tonnes of camera gear to take as well!)
Pray to the weather God's that we don't get a wet one - I fear we might be due it though! We survived in Spa camping in traditional Spa weather so I'm sure we'll survive in Le Mans should it decide to piss down on us for the week!!
I keep debating on taking my parents 30' motorhome for a proper toilet, shower and cooking facilities. I just don't think it would be the same though
I think too much of the fun for me is the madness of the drive down and the general hooning around in a silly car. Again, I guess its a case of compromising.
[quote=shnozz
I keep debating on taking my parents 30' motorhome for a proper toilet, shower and cooking facilities. I just don't think it would be the same though
I think too much of the fun for me is the madness of the drive down and the general hooning around in a silly car. Again, I guess its a case of compromising.[/quote]
I don't think a motorhome would be the same - the toilet would be nice but it's not right.
We don't have a silly car to hoon in so there aint much choice at the moment!!! Plus we go out the weekend before race weekend so the trip down is more sedate anyway!
I keep debating on taking my parents 30' motorhome for a proper toilet, shower and cooking facilities. I just don't think it would be the same though
I think too much of the fun for me is the madness of the drive down and the general hooning around in a silly car. Again, I guess its a case of compromising.
[/quote] I don't think a motorhome would be the same - the toilet would be nice but it's not right.
We don't have a silly car to hoon in so there aint much choice at the moment!!! Plus we go out the weekend before race weekend so the trip down is more sedate anyway!
Tigrm how about posh camping as a compromise?
As this will be our 1st visit to Le Mans, myself & my pal thought this was the best option. www.clubmotorsport.org.uk
Its not cheap as we have also purchased our tickets(including Grandstand) and parking pass for bleu via CM. However there is secure parking, decent loo's & showers, a bar & food is also provided.
A shuttle bus is on hand to ferry you & from the circuit.
The campsite is about 5k away from the track and the road to the circuit gets the thumbs up on PH.
I have never camped, not my thing at all so praying for dry weather.
We chose clubmotorposrt based on the decent feedback on PH.
Must admit I cant wait, its even overshadowed my best friends stag weekend in Puerto Banus on St Patrick’s weekend.
Hope you get something suitable sorted.
Cheers
Finchy
As this will be our 1st visit to Le Mans, myself & my pal thought this was the best option. www.clubmotorsport.org.uk
Its not cheap as we have also purchased our tickets(including Grandstand) and parking pass for bleu via CM. However there is secure parking, decent loo's & showers, a bar & food is also provided.
A shuttle bus is on hand to ferry you & from the circuit.
The campsite is about 5k away from the track and the road to the circuit gets the thumbs up on PH.
I have never camped, not my thing at all so praying for dry weather.
We chose clubmotorposrt based on the decent feedback on PH.
Must admit I cant wait, its even overshadowed my best friends stag weekend in Puerto Banus on St Patrick’s weekend.
Hope you get something suitable sorted.
Cheers
Finchy
finchy said:
Tigrm how about posh camping as a compromise?
As this will be our 1st visit to Le Mans, myself & my pal thought this was the best option. www.clubmotorsport.org.uk
agreed, stayed there last year and will again in '06. See you there Finchy !
shnozz said:
Saab 93 with a roofbox!!! If I'm going to camp I have to take enough kit to make it pleasant!!! (plus Happy Snapper has ten tonnes of camera gear to take as well!)
Pray to the weather God's that we don't get a wet one - I fear we might be due it though! We survived in Spa camping in traditional Spa weather so I'm sure we'll survive in Le Mans should it decide to piss down on us for the week!!
I keep debating on taking my parents 30' motorhome for a proper toilet, shower and cooking facilities. I just don't think it would be the same though
I think too much of the fun for me is the madness of the drive down and the general hooning around in a silly car. Again, I guess its a case of compromising.
Phil
The 30ft motorhome sounds a winner mate!!!When I spotted it at your folks home I couldn't believe you hadn't nicked it every June.
I always thought that Le Mans would be sh*te without taking a sportscar, but to be honest i have had a better time the last couple of years going as a passenger. You get totally obliterated all weekend without having to worry about driving!!
Like everyone else I utterly detest camping, but Le Mans without camping isn't Le Mans. it's part of it.
up-the-dubs said:
You also get random people coming up to you in various bars and talking to you
Who?
Twasn't me, twas my drunk, sun stroked duel identity!
Do you remember the slightly lost/hungover/sunstroked/just starting to get drunk.... expression!? Top stuff! Still make me smile now
See you in BSJ in June!
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