Assen for MotoGP - some questions

[Longers]

Hi all

I'm new to this particular forum on PH but am keen to watch the MotoGP at Assen next year and thought this would be a good place to get some info

I know it's still a long way off but I want to get a plan together asap, get fellow travellers to set aside time in family diaries etc etc....

Big decision is to camp or hotel.... Camp is convenient but hotel in Groningen more comfortable. To help us decide:
- does anyone have any favoured hotels
- any idea on traffic i.e is it a mare getting in / out of track by car on Fri & Sat?
- what are the campsites like at Assen i.e mad / sleepless / ok etc etc

Also are there any recommended viewing spots, ideally where we can also see a big screen?

Thanks in advance,
Longers

[StuB]

Plenty of decent hotels in and near Groningen and it has a great nightlife too. Haven't camped personally though, so can't comment on that bit. I used to travel to Groningen on business a lot and my favourite hotel on a reasonable was the NH. Traffic get's busy like at any big race, again I've only been on the bike, so never too bad. It's worth booking early to get the crossings you want and it's definitely worth going P&O from Hull as the overnight is just one big party on board! We booked through PMH Sport Travel.

[Rick448]

I camped once, a few years ago, and it was mad. Great laugh but don't bank on sleeping. Although things may have changed since i went. If i were to go again i'd get a hotel or local accomodation. (i think you can get put up in houses that people offer rooms for the weekend)I oved the whole thing and it was much better than any british GP i have attended. Th elocals were very friendly and the town actually welcomed the bikers and the crowds.I went on P&O from Hull too and that is also a part of the holiday, just be careful to no be over the limit in the morning, some of our group were breathalysed on the dockside.

You'll enjoy it whatever you do!

[Johno]

Camped this year at FC Assen.

Camping is seperate there from the madness and had a great nights sleep.

There's the club house for a few beers and a 20min walk to the circuit in the morning.

Traffic like any big event. Bare in mind the A28 is like the M1 without Holland having an M6, A1 or any other main arterial route north/south so it get's really busy (we were driving which doesn't help)

We bought our tickets through an agent and you need to book early for a G/S seat which are very good. Try and get to the final chicane as this is the traditional 'sorting out' spot on the circuit, there's always plenty of action there.

[Longers]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Johno, how/where did you book your camping at FC Assen? Is it near the town, bars, places to eat etc?

Cheers,
Longers

[Rick448]

Some info and contacts http://www.assen.nl/smartsite5062.htm

Edited by Rick448 on Monday 4th August 13:39

[Johno]

It's not a site you can book, although there are some you can. We got in at 8pm on Saturday night.

You camp on the training pitches and get full use of the clubs showers, clubhouse etc and can leave the car or bike in their parking for raceday.

We looked through the net and took the chance it would be OK and checked via phone on Friday and they were comfortable of having space, which they did.

As we were late we used the restaurant in leisure centre next door, but there was a very steady stream of taxis into the town centre from there and back all evening as it close by being organised by the camp site attendants for those who wanted them.

I was with my folks who are both in their 60's and although seasoned race fans and globe trotters from jungles to deserts a good nights kip with the ability to get to the fun spots like town are important and this worked out really well.

We stayed nearer the ferry on the way home.

[Longers]

Thanks for that.

Johno said:

We stayed nearer the ferry on the way home.

We'll also be leaving Assen after the race but driving halfway to the Nurburgring. We'll finish the journey there Sunday morning for some track time in the afternoon then head home Monday, assuming Da Ring is open to the public that weekend of course!