Le mans 2009: The cheap way.

Post Tue May 05, 2009 12:16 am

Just over 2000 miles for me according to the rac's route planner.

£300 for fuel should just about cover it.

Post Tue May 05, 2009 12:21 am

E34 + sensible speeds will be easily 30+mpg.
E30 + normal speeds will be easily 20- mpg.

Decisions, decisions!

Post Mon May 11, 2009 1:10 pm

Where will you be, one month from today?

Post Tue May 12, 2009 5:11 pm

In Le Mans hopefully!

Need to think about booking a hotel for the Wednesday night really, is there a plan as to where and what time we are meeting to catch the ferry ? ?

Post Tue May 12, 2009 5:33 pm

Tommo, you and a Co pilot could stay at mine I guess, but the thing is, its not really much further down the line as it were. Plus by the time you have finished work, you are not going to get here till about 8, and we'll probably have to make a move from Salisbury at around 1.30-2am.

Here is the meeting point that we have used successfully for the last couple of years. Easy to find as well.

The corrosponding google maps link is below:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 4&t=h&z=16

Basically follow the m20 until it turns into the a20. Stay on the a20 until you approach Dover. The first roundabout you are force to go over, turn left, then an almost instant right. The car park is probably 200 yards up the road on the right. It overlooks Dover, so if you can't see lots of boats and shit, you are in the wrong place.

Aim to meet there at about 4-4.30am

Then stop at the BP garage for fuel at 4.45-5am and then start the boat procedings.

Post Tue May 12, 2009 6:24 pm

Anyone who wants to stop in Southampton is welcome, but like Jon said it's not exactly just round the corner from Dover!

Post Tue May 12, 2009 8:00 pm

Thanks for the offer gents but as you say its not Dover!

I have Wednesday off work to I was planning to stay outside Dover in a hotel in the motorway services where I stayed a couple of years ago when I went to the ring. Not as much driving all in a day that way!

Post Tue May 12, 2009 8:03 pm

Jon_Bmw wrote:Race ticket cost: Weekends Pass is £60? Students is £30ish. Just fake a student card and save yourself £30.

Just having a read of the thread again, where do we buy these ?

Post Tue May 12, 2009 9:01 pm

Jon_Bmw wrote: Here is the meeting point that we have used successfully for the last couple of years. Easy to find as well.

The corrosponding google maps link is below:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 4&t=h&z=16

Basically follow the m20 until it turns into the a20. Stay on the a20 until you approach Dover. The first roundabout you are force to go over, turn left, then an almost instant right. The car park is probably 200 yards up the road on the right. It overlooks Dover, so if you can't see lots of boats and shit, you are in the wrong place.

Aim to meet there at about 4-4.30am Then stop at the BP garage for fuel at 4.45-5am and then start the boat procedings.

I had thougth about heading straight to the "travel centre" just as you enter the dock area.
I'll see if I can find the place your on about Jon.if not then i'll be in the car park at the so called Travel centre/passenger access pont. as you enter the ferry terminal.

Ziggy has access to my phone number if it's needed.

Post Tue May 12, 2009 9:06 pm

It's very easy to find

& get your race tickets when we get there...

Post Tue May 12, 2009 9:13 pm

I should have a GA ticket on it's way shortly,hopefully it'll turn up on time.

Post Wed May 13, 2009 1:06 pm

You can order them now, but it is easier and safer just getting one when you get there.

As Jon said, the place is easy to find. It also has quite nice views.

Shit I am looking forward to this. All I can remember was the first year we went and there was 18+ cars in the group at that carpark.

Post Wed May 13, 2009 5:40 pm

i cant believe ive just seen this thread... i was spposed to be going from the 10th-15th with the ClubGTI lot but i no longer cant. just found out a couple weeks ago that my A Level exams have been shuffled around

have fun you gays

Post Thu May 14, 2009 5:44 pm

have fun guys!

what you need to do is head to the ring after!!!!

thats our plan. oh and then im off to visit the girlfriends family in paderborn so its an 1800mile round trip.

with a few laps of the ring....

i wont be in any bmw but i will be in my white mk1 mx5 looking gay, number plate ending 'CCC' so if you see me give me a wave

good luck with the trip all.

Post Thu May 14, 2009 6:13 pm

What campsite Ric? And when are you heading down?

Post Fri May 15, 2009 4:01 pm

im all booked up for this with a group of mates, were all heading down on the 9th, going to make a week of it, it was my 1st time last year and intend on going back every year now.

not bothering with a race ticket as it was much better watching from the bushes at night. we managed to get into a private site right on an s bend after a straight. im useless with the names of the corners, but im hopeing we can find that place again.

Post Fri May 22, 2009 11:59 am

My camping pass has arrived. Recorded delivery which is reassuring.

Getting excited?

Post Fri May 22, 2009 12:20 pm

I will be when mine arrices!

Fingers crossed it'll be waiting for me...

Post Fri May 22, 2009 6:46 pm

I have a card from Royal Mail for a signed letter but I was out. I wondered what it was but I guess this is what it must be

Post Fri May 22, 2009 8:38 pm

Mine has turned up today as well.

Recorded delivery too.

It was sitting on the kitchen table when I got home.I thought it might have been a NIP for a possible speeding offence.
Thankfuly it wasn't, although that might still arrive

Post Sat May 23, 2009 1:02 am

BadDave wrote:Mine has turned up today as well.

Recorded delivery too.

It was sitting on the kitchen table when I got home.I thought it might have been a NIP for a possible speeding offence.
Thankfuly it wasn't, although that might still arrive

Jon thought the same!

I'm hoping mine is one of the 2 items waiting for me at the post office...

Post Sat May 23, 2009 1:09 pm

As above. I was poopin' it slightly as I was doing 70 when I spotted a mobile w**k van 4 days ago. Thankfully an AX in front of me, was hopefully shielding me as she was doing 75 and didn't spot it for AGES! I nose dived the e39 nicely.

Do I bring my genny this year? Hmm.

Post Sat May 23, 2009 2:08 pm

Mine arrived

Guess the genny depends on whether you're taking a fridge too - not much need otherwise! & it is a little bit noisy...!

Post Sat May 23, 2009 3:38 pm

Ziggy wrote:Mine arrived

Guess the genny depends on whether you're taking a fridge too - not much need otherwise! & it is a little bit noisy...!

If someone fancies bringing a TV, i've got freeview and dvd in the car and can easily knock up a cable to convert rca -scart if needed.

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:13 pm

Still unsure if I will take the Genny, I suspect not, but you never know. It comes in useful sometimes, most of the time it is a loud irritating machine

I was having a quick play on google, and being a nice chap I have done the rough route for Tom and Dave, and me and Jon, when we get lost.

CLICK ME FOR ROUGH MAP

Take note of the strange way you have to go in the last couple of KM, they shut the roads and that is the only way into the centre of the circuit most of the time(anytime near a practise or qually). Ignore bit up by dunkirk, the A16 motorway is well signposted from the port of dunkirk.

Also, I was thinking I might get one large sticker to go on the rear window, but if I take a bike that might scupper that idea! I don’t fancy any on the paintwork to be honest, I am not patient enough when it comes to removing them!

I was quite sad the other day and checked my tent was all dry and put it up in the garden. Its fairly big (for 2 people), measuring 5m x2.2 so I will still have room for the touring in my allocated space. I took a really small tent last year and got pissed of with getting wet the whole time.

Jon, spend some time on google maps, there are some ways of getting to arnage the back way I am sure, as there is houses that are within the circuit and between Porsche curves and arnage.

Bike or not to bike”¦.

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:21 pm

Definitely bike. Contemplating going into town on the Fri too - got to be something better than hanging around at houx anyway.

What do you want to plug into the genny?

Guarantee we'll get lost on the way into LM!

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:24 pm

http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/re ... nvites.pdf

Note JLOC are there again, & can't wait to see the LMP1 Astons!

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:24 pm

fecked up the first link. Try now for a more realistic one! It seems 'O so easy' when looking at it on a map!

Not sure what I want to plug into it :lol:

A chainsaw

Town Friday night sounds good too me.

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:27 pm

Ziggy wrote:http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/re ... nvites.pdf

Note JLOC are there again, & can't wait to see the LMP1 Astons!

Get in, best sounding car by a mile! Astons should be niceeee. There is going to be a STUPID amount of Gulf coloured cars this year if a thread on pistonheads is anything to go by, including a double decker bus. Leg ends. I can't wait.

Also, 008 has some strong drivers

Post Thu May 28, 2009 6:29 pm

Might have to get the orange vinyl out again! :lol:

Support race is '49 - '65. Similar to '07 IIRC? Not quite as good as last year, but not bad at all

Post Sat May 30, 2009 6:13 pm

Ladies, I am thinking of getting a large sticker for my rear window. Anyone else want one. They look quite good, bascially the outline of the circuit with the dates in the centre. It is this one:

Miscellaneous Large 24 on Clear
Large 24 printed to clear self adhesive vinyl approx 560mm x 295mm

Price: £10.39 (£11.95 Including VAT at 15%)

Please enter any notes regarding this item

Quantity:

People who bought this item also bought:
1. Race Driver Flag & Name
2. 2 x Powered by Pleasure Door Numbers
3. Sunstrip
4. Flag Stickers
5. Warning Noise Hazard

From this site:

http://www.hollographics.com/acatalog/L ... ecals.html

£12

Also wondered about something like this:

without the white background perhaps D6lph could oblidge.

With 'Powered by e30zone' should look interesting on my e39 and Jons e34.

Got to be ordered by Monday to get them in time.

Post Sun May 31, 2009 9:29 pm

Finally got round to sorting out some accomadation in/near Dover for wednesday night.

Got a good deal on a nice looking 4* place just a couple of miles north of the ferry terminal.

Jon

No stickers for me thanks.

Post Mon Jun 01, 2009 3:20 pm

Nice one Dave, how long will it take you to get to there? Tom you sorted out what you are doing yet?

Jonboy, how are you taking the bikes? I have a problem...I have no towbar. Which means no electric hookup for a trailerboard. I only just thought of this when I saw a slightly dogey zafira travelling with just a drawn on number plate.

I guess, if I took off the front wheel and had that on the NS the lights on one side would be quite visable(for french traffic).

Other options are to remove the front wheels, turn the handlebars 90 degrees and try and get them in the car.

Have you got a rack and trailer board? If so, I could probably get one bike in my car and one on your rack.

I have a 4 person track suitable for estates/tourings at home, but it is a more realistic 3 adult bikes.

Post Mon Jun 01, 2009 3:41 pm

I'll almost certainly just take all the wheels off (will be plenty of room in the car) & sit the rack high enough not to interfere with the lights. I'll have a play with it tonight!

I do have a towbar, hookup & trailerboard, but none of them are fitted to the car!

Post Mon Jun 01, 2009 3:47 pm

Ziggy wrote:I'll almost certainly just take all the wheels off (will be plenty of room in the car) & sit the rack high enough not to interfere with the lights. I'll have a play with it tonight!

I do have a towbar, hookup & trailerboard, but none of them are fitted to the car!

Rear wheels have got gears...and stuff.

Post some pictures...

I have just found a roof rack (mondeo

) that looks like it might fit, but i'd still need to obtain the front to back bike holder.