Hi all, I've booked about 11 days off work in June and was wondering has anyone rode down to the ring in day? I haven't done much long distance on the bike before. I'm just thinking what days to book euro channel, hotels etc. Looking on google its about 5-600m approx and would be a good challenge for me. Plus it would give me an extra day of laps! Also how secure are bikes on the euro channel? It doesnt take that long to cross the channel, do you have to hold the bike steady yourself?
It's do-able, but it's a long stretch. Don't forget you lose an hour on the way over too. The Eurotunnel only takes 25 mins and is safe as houses. Just ride on, they'll tell you how to park (at an angle with your front wheel lodged against the walkway kerb along the left-hand side). You won't need to hold the bike steady although it may rock a bit as it sets off which is disconcerting the first time, but it'll be fine. If going via the Eurotunnel get a burger or hotdog from the van where you queue at the barrier to get on - fantastic grub to scoff while under the English Channel!
Bikes are secure mate, just get off them and put side stand down. You stay with the bike. No need to hold them.Takes 25 minutes. as for doing 600 mile in a day, you'll be feked mate. We did 635 in one day last year... We where delirious when we stopped. we are off o the ring on the way to Italy in may, we are traveling from Cheshire and stopping in France then to the ring next day.
Calais to ring is no probs, trip to Calais and crossing would be a push. Best bet IMO is get an early train over, ride down the night before and get a hotel. No need for day off work, but your fresh and in France from day 1. I live 30 mins away which is very handy... Lol
I really wouldn't attempt it in a day man, I went for 4 days, and that was in a car. I'll tell you what, driving there alone was enough to knacker me completely. Unless you've got the stamina of superman, I very much doubt you'll be able to have much fun in such a tight timeline. And it's one hell of an experience going there. Far better to budget a few days and get the most you can out of it. And don't forget to hunt down some of that 'currywurst' when you're there! Amazing stuff...
My take on it, if you can take an early evening tunnel after work, ride for 30 - 45 mins from Calais towards ring and stop for night - next morning you don't have the hour to loose and start fresh - I'm going same day as Si (may even meet him there) but on that day we are booked on 08:20 shuttle , aiming to be at ring for 15:00 then staying locally to it that night - next is long 320 mile haul to southern Germany on the 'Romantic Road' to some castle place.
Hi mate 10 of us went last October I'd consider going the way we did hull to Amsterdam, get a cabin on the boat then you only have to do 240 ish miles the next morning. Just a thought? Plus you might drop lucky on the ferry its normally got a few hen parties on it
We did a 1 dayer,got the early boat and just kept riding,we endded up re-filling every 80 miles and did,nt hang around for fag breaks.Arrived about 8-9 in the evening.
Well I did it on the way back. Nurburgring to Leicester in about 10 hours (traffic was bad around the M25) I feel alot better after having a couple the stellas! I dont think my lankey legs could take much more.
Amazing, stayed at sliders guest houses and the roads around there are great fun. Only managed one lap and it was comlete mayhem, my eyes were glued to the mirrors tyring to avoid everyone and not knowing where I was going. I couldnt believe the elevation change on track!!
Nice However a Scotsburgring sticker is far more exclusive and harder to earn - you can't buy them on ebay either! only messing - I did 1 lap a week ago with knackered head bearings, enjoyed it but the one lap was enough in textiles at the start of my holiday
I done it last Thursday, lap of the ring at 9am then rode back home, the only prob we had was traffic, about 20+ miles of tail backs.
I saw the heading of this topic and thought that was about my lap time a couple of years ago on my old R1 !!!!
not that far for us mate.... can have a great 3/4 days going there and back and having a day(s) ride around from where we are mate. certainly closer than scotland lol
I had exactly the same experience in 2010 Great fun but you are on the apex for blind right handers (due to elevation change) when following the advice for noobs; cars up yer chuff! Anyone else reading this thread, I highly recommend the PistenKlause restaurant (Sabine Shcmitz's parents own it, seen on Top Gear); order the Steak Pierrade
