Nurburgring 2007.

[hovis]

PM Couerdelion

there was but not sure if they have been taken?

about £200-£250 all in inc food,5 laps of the ring,petrol (all in)

[hovis]

about £200-£250 all in inc food,5 laps of the ring,petrol (all in)
~£40 Return Ferry
~£55 5 laps Nurburgring (€80)
~£15 Escorting at/to Nurburgring (€20)
~£20 Bike loft in Ostend (€30)

So that's a total of about £140 for a great weekend

Prices include breakfasts in accommodation but exclude petrol and other meals and are based on people sharing accommodation..

I reckon for the mileage we are doing in the continent it wont be more than £60 (based on English fuel prices).

Call it £10 a day for meals and you would be looking at about £250 all in plus your fuel to and from Dover (plus beer money). Bargain? I think so!


!

[K]

Any spare places on this? Whats the estimated total cost?

Hmmm, a GS going round the Ring on knobblies... now there's a sight I would like to see.:sunny:

[the white rabbit]

Thats one of the catches, it would cost me an extra £160 minimum for a set of road tyres as the knobblies wont be worn out by then anyway. Ive got no long road trips planned this year now so theplan was keep knobblies on and really in total I wasnt going to do that many miles really.

[valleyboy]

Give me your bike Rich, and I will wear the tyres out for you........

[the white rabbit]

Give me your bike Rich, and I will wear the tyres out for you........

They are wearing at an alarming rate as it is. Nope decided against this, going trail biking and quading in Spain instead. Sorry for the minor derail.

[K]

They are wearing at an alarming rate as it is. Nope decided against this, going trail biking and quading in Spain instead. Sorry for the minor derail.
:smt019

[Couerdelion]

*********** UPDATED **********
Couerdelion - Ferry booked
Mart - Ferry booked
AndyAikido - Ferry booked
K - Ferry booked
Lurcher - Ferry booked
Hovis - Ferry booked
Tim in Belgium - Ferry booked
Instigator - Ferry booked
Valleyboy - Awaiting onfirmation that he can get time off
Zombie Jesus - Ferry booked


So back up to 10 people! :drink:

[instigator]

I am fully booked up now. Travelling from Reading so can no doubt meet up with a few folk on the way. :)

Sorry if I seem a bit quiet these days, have recently relocated for a new job and no longer have an SV. :( (for now anyway, I want another)

[Quiff Wichard]

wish I could get the time off.
would love this

you lot ride safe and have a great time.

and take lots of piccies..

I love a good thread with piccies and a story attached..

[hovis]

im not one for typing, but i hope to be taking lots of piccys

[plowsie]

If i had a little switch that would flick of the restrictor on my bike i would do it :( Have a good 1 guys :thumbsup:

[hovis]

got my EHIC this morning (new E111)

wooooooo-hooooooooo

cant wait

[mart]

e111 thats a point will the card i got last time still be ok for this trip or do we need a new one

[the white rabbit]

e111 thats a point will the card i got last time still be ok for this trip or do we need a new one

if its a blue EHIC with a euro symbol its forever

[hovis]

mines a blue one

[Zombie Jesus]

Ferry is booked!

shopping list for stuff the bike needs include:

- rear BT0014 tyre or a full set of pirelli corsas depending on price after discount
- 4000 mile service
- bubble screen
- waterproofs, although not going to need them :rolleyes:

[fizzwheel]

- rear BT0014 tyre or a full set of pirelli corsas depending on price after discount

Get the Pirelli's, they are IMHO far superior to the 014's and they wear a lot better to.

[instigator]

Just bought myself a cheap, high mileage, battered SRAD 600 for the trip. Shopping list for the holiday should only consist of a new set of tyres (continental road attacks) although you know what it's like. New bike...you see things on ebay you don't need but really want....

[Zombie Jesus]

Has anyone sorted out euro breakdown cover yet? if so how much and who with ... :crutches:

[Tim in Belgium]

Covered by my new insurance for me (including shipping the bike all the way back to the UK).

[instigator]

Covered by my insurance too. Carole Nash :smt035

I'll be buying spare levers (clutch, gear, brakes etc) JUST incase things do go bad. And then sell them on afterwards if I don't use them.

[Tim in Belgium]

Will the SRAD ones fit the SV?

If so can I have first dibs :)

PS I'll be bringing copious amounts of duck tape for exchanges, and am also posessed with the talent of making fenda extendas from empty mineral water bottles.

[K]

Health insurance wise I'm covered as an extra doodad with my bank account, as your E1wotzit only allows for the basics. That does my travel insurance too.
Euro cover for the bike is within both my AA membership and my bike insurance.

Next year however I'm considereing meeting folks at Neil's, purely on the grounds that now my MG is back on the road I really, really, reeeaaaallllyyy want to take her round the Ring... so am considering driving the MG and towing the BlueBlade on a trailer - best of both worlds. ;)

[Couerdelion]

Health insurance wise I'm covered as an extra doodad with my bank account, as your E1wotzit only allows for the basics. That does my travel insurance too.
Euro cover for the bike is within both my AA membership and my bike insurance.

Next year however I'm considereing meeting folks at Neil's, purely on the grounds that now my MG is back on the road I really, really, reeeaaaallllyyy want to take her round the Ring... so am considering driving the MG and towing the BlueBlade on a trailer - best of both worlds. ;)

Would you be taking both to the ring?

All the fun with out the knee ache!

[K]

Would you be taking both to the ring?

All the fun with out the knee ache!

Hell yeah. ;)

Though surprisingly, since my knee has got slightly worse I actually have less trouble with it on the bike. Once it's locked itself into position on a long ride it just settles into a nice dull accompanying ache. :roll:

[DanAbnormal]

Got back yesterday from the ring. You are going to bloody love it. The one and only peice of advice I will give is keep checking your mirrors on the track, cars are much quicker than bikes in the corners (all 73 of them)!

[plowsie]

Got back yesterday from the ring. You are going to bloody love it. The one and only peice of advice I will give is keep checking your mirrors on the track, cars are much quicker than bikes in the corners (all 73 of them)!
What did you take in the end mate because i remember you saying u had a problem in deciding?

[Zombie Jesus]

I didn't get a breakdown policy with my insurers because I got 2 years free breakdown/recovery with my new gsxr, but this doesn't cover europe #-oso I'll probably have to sort something out with the AA.

[DanAbnormal]

What did you take in the end mate because i remember you saying u had a problem in deciding?

I sold the Zed before I went which made the decision a bit easier. Plus I binned the Hornet twice and still perfectly rideable. The Zed would have faired a lot worse I reckon. Binned on the road though not the ring due to a) some idiotic Dutch drivers and b) some slippery tarmac, cold tyres, dodgy camber plus lack of sleep.

[Couerdelion]

Still not had word from Valleyboy regarding if he can get the time off so I'm going to have to put his place up as available.

So, first person to PM me, if anyone else fancies coming along, get the available place.

[instigator]

What sort of luggage are people taking?

I have soft panniers and a tank bag but was thinking of a ......(top box).

[andyaikido]

Just a tail pack for me. Maybe even my rucksack bungeed to the back seat, worked fine last year.

[Zombie Jesus]

Tank bag and I'll probably get a tail pack depending what will fit on the gsxr's tiny rear seat.

Presumably we'll be leaving all our luggage at the B&B etc. before getting on the ring?

[lurcher]

rucksack and tankbag for me

[Tim in Belgium]

Small tank bag and bag bungeed to the back seat, we're only off for 4 days...

[K]

Tailpack will do for me again this year...

... with the waterproofs bungeed on top - which is where I hope they stay again. ;)

[Luckypants]

Tailpack will do for me again this year...

... with the waterproofs bungeed on top - which is where I hope they stay again. ;)
So that's why you are so damn quick! Sneaking off to the 'Ring for training! :D

Pint to whoever gets the best photo of K :smt096

[K]

Pint to whoever gets the best photo of K :smt096

Bah Humbug.:rolleyes:

[hovis]

just my trusty tailpack............... do we need sleeping bags?

[andyaikido]

just my trusty tailpack............... do we need sleeping bags?

Good Lord no! This is a civilised outing.

BTW is your bike still rideable or do you need to fix her up before the trip?

[hovis]

shes good to go............... & now has battle scars, which im proud of, although i may need a new screen

[K]

shes good to go............... & now has battle scars, which im proud of, although i may need a new screen

Bit of gaffa tape will set that right in no time. ;)

[lurcher]

shes good to go............... & now has battle scars, which im proud of, although i may need a new screen,if the screens for a curvy i think ive got a standard one somewhere if you want it

[the white rabbit]

Can one get yellow gaffa tape? :smt048

[hovis]

thanx, but i will be wanting a DB or a touring type flip screen, but not sure if i should start fixing the bike, untill i know whats happening with the insurance, although i think i will get a new front tyre & replace the race can

[Tim in Belgium]

Yep, pretty much same way I feel. That's why I haven't gone looking for alternative dates. Also, I'm not sure I can switch dates with work. :-(



Opposite way to last year.
If we miss out bruge and maastricht (which I only add in to bulk out the day anyway) then we should be able to do the ~300km in a few hours and then have a good look round before getting to Neils place.

Couerdelion,

do you have a rough itinerary, if only for interest's sake?

Also where is Neils place?

If not no worries, I'm happy to be told on the ferry ;)

Cheers,

Tim

[Couerdelion]

Only what has been posted in the first post...


Saturday afternoon meet up.
Crossing from Dover to Calais


Saturday - visit the Bikers loft in Ostend for a variety of Belgium beers and good entertainment. see here (http://www.grd.be/motorhotel/)


Sunday - Ride to the Ardennes in Belgium and the village of Moulin du Ruy, Stoumont. Check into the B&B See here (http://www.aeaventures.com/)
Few sociable beers :drink:

Monday , accompanied by an English Nurburgring instructor, make our way to Germany (~90 mins) for a few laps of the world famous course.
We get to experience the great roads on the way to the track too.

Tuesday ride back to Calais for an afternoon ferry back to Dover.

[Tim in Belgium]

Sounds good to me.

[Zombie Jesus]

Will we be able to break off from the main group and set our own pace for the last 1 or 2 laps?

[Couerdelion]

It's not mandatory to go round as a group. It will probably be split into 3 anyway.

I think Mart and Andy did their own laps last year.

I'm too much of a girl to go round on my own, andf I think I only did one lap last year :-(

[K]

Will we be able to break off from the main group and set our own pace for the last 1 or 2 laps?

yup.

Last year Neil took us round in 2s or 3s so there will be plenty of time to nip off for a lap or two on your own if you want.

[lurcher]

yup.

Last year Neil took us round in 2s or 3s so there will be plenty of time to nip off for a lap or two on your own if you want.
i"ll be doing a some laps with neil then on my own,got 6 laps to run off from the last bank holiday trip,where it resembled wacky races:mad:

[hovis]

are we doing 5 laps ?

[andyaikido]

Do as many as you can afford, Hovis. Keep an eye on fuel though, it's long track, a lot of it at high revs, and a very long push back to the start/finish.

I did 2 laps on my own last year. Found it ok as there wasn't much traffic, just the Karrussel caught me out by trying to accellerate through it, (you can't).

If you're going to do laps on your own, I'd go out with Niel first and try to remember the most tricky and decieving corners so you don't get caught out on your solo laps. And keep an eye on your mirrors (check on every straight).

I'll stick some links up for 'ring sites if anyones interested.

[amarko5]

will let you all know what the ring is like in july

i am over there for a week 4th to the 11th july (not all at the ring <lol>)

touring the rhine valley with some like minded TeDiuM riders, but we have a 5 lap session of the ring on the cards :thumbsup:

[DanAbnormal]

I did 2 laps on my own last year. Found it ok as there wasn't much traffic, just the Karrussel caught me out by trying to accellerate through it, (you can't).



You can, you just go sideways as I found out!:p

Some piccies I took of some lovely bends near the Adenau entry point...

[hovis]

my bike is being picked up tomorrw, & they have said it will be done in time for the ring?

[Demonz]

Right - just booked my ferry tickets so looks like ill be coming too!

Looks like I'll be loosing my track day cherry at the ring :)

[instigator]

Same here gmonsta!

Hovis, keep on top of the people that are doing the repairs. Don't seem overly pushy but that you're counting on them to get it done for the trip! If it's insurance that's sorting it, phone them everyday :)

Still have a million and one things to get done before I head out. Get a credit card, tyres, discs, oil change etc etc etc.

[hovis]

Same here gmonsta!

Hovis, keep on top of the people that are doing the repairs. Don't seem overly pushy but that you're counting on them to get it done for the trip! If it's insurance that's sorting it, phone them everyday :)

Still have a million and one things to get done before I head out. Get a credit card, tyres, discs, oil change etc etc etc.

its going to cost me £300 exsess to get the electric problems sorted, this will also cover repairs to the bike( which are only cosmetic)


this is the 2nd time ive had these type of wiring issues with the bike :(

[Zombie Jesus]

Just read about your bike hovis, hope you won't have to miss this one aswell as the AR :cry:

[hovis]

Just read about your bike hovis, hope you won't have to miss this one aswell as the AR :cry:

no chance........... i'll get a new bike first

a nice reliable ......


.



.



honda?

[Demonz]

*********** UPDATED **********
Couerdelion - Ferry booked
Mart - Ferry booked
AndyAikido - Ferry booked
K - Ferry booked
Lurcher - Ferry booked
Hovis - Ferry booked
Tim in Belgium - Ferry booked
Instigator - Ferry booked
Zombie Jesus - Ferry booked
Gmonsta - Ferry booked

*********** UPDATED **********

I have a couple of things left to do but am getting rather excited now. A little over a fortnight to go.

Any recommendations on European Breakdown Assitance - i never got it this year with my insurance renewal so will be sourcing it. I also need to sort travel insurance and all set - I think.

[hovis]

I have a couple of things left to do but am getting rather excited now. A little over a fortnight to go.

. what have you got to do? im not being nosiy but just wondering if i need to do anything apart from get a running bike

[Demonz]

what have you got to do? im not being nosiy but just wondering if i need to do anything apart from get a running bike

items to consider:
- Euro health care card
- First Aid Kit
- Puncture Repair Kit
- Gather Licenses/Insurance Cert/V5 Docs + Passport
- Tools, levers, Waterproofs, 2 x Gloves etc...

Anything else to add???

The main thing I had was sort my insurances out.

Bike checks - I did a few more small bits on the bike - changed the oil last weekend and still got to service the brakes and clutch. New rear tyre sorted and if I have time I want to get the suspension set up properly before going as im clueless with this high tech mumbo jumbo and maybe it will impact the experience if it is done properly. Good excuse to go visit the bike shop anyway.

[Zombie Jesus]

Any recommendations on European Breakdown Assitance - i never got it this year with my insurance renewal so will be sourcing it. I also need to sort travel insurance and all set - I think.

http://www.rac.co.uk/web/breakdowncover/european/

should cost £30 or £25 if you're already a member

[hovis]

how many miles is the trip?
& how do i tell if my tyres will last?

[Couerdelion]

how many miles is the trip?
& how do i tell if my tyres will last?

K did ~1200 miles from Northampton.

for me it was around 1800 miles.


If you're in doubt get new tyres.

I didn't last year and my tyres weren't in great shape after 1 lap of the ring.

This year I will definitley have new ones although they will be square by the time I get there no doubt.

[andyaikido]

Ok heres what I've got sorted so far:

Driving license (photocard only, lost the paper bit)
Insurance certificate
V5
Passport
Euro Health card
Euro breakdown
Puncture repair kit
Waterproofs

Just need travel insurance (that doesn't exclude motorbikes) anyone know where I can it?

[K]

Just need travel insurance (that doesn't exclude motorbikes) anyone know where I can it?

Before I realised i get it free with my bank account (which you would too if you have a NatWest Gold Account ;)) I looked into Tescos as the cheapest around - onlly you can't make do with one of their off the peg packages and have to phone them for a quote.
It's simply as they exclude motorbikes as an 'extreme sport' unless you actually tell them that it's going to be your method of transport.:rolleyes:

[Demonz]

Before I realised i get it free with my bank account (which you would too if you have a NatWest Gold Account ;)) I looked into Tescos as the cheapest around - onlly you can't make do with one of their off the peg packages and have to phone them for a quote.
It's simply as they exclude motorbikes as an 'extreme sport' unless you actually tell them that it's going to be your method of transport.:rolleyes:

You know i did something silly and used my switch card to pay for the ferry crossing instead of my Natwest Mastercard.... just to save £2. And then I realised I miss out on the insurance... :oops:

[Luckypants]

Just realised you peeps are travelling back to UK same day as me from my odyssy around France. Where you sailing from and when? Would be nice to meet up and swap stories if convenient. Perhaps we can meet the night before sailing if we in similar area?

[Zombie Jesus]

Our ferry is booked at 16:10 leaving calais.

only two weeks left now! :smt026

[amarko5]

Our ferry is booked at 16:10 leaving calais.

only two weeks left now! :smt026

I sure hope the weather improves for you guys :( it's ****ing down and has been for a week, all over the ring) we passed the ring on wednesday this week. torrential rain :(

still 2 weeks gives it time to dry out thouroughly =D&gt;

[hovis]

Ok heres what I've got sorted so far:

Driving license (photocard only, lost the paper bit)
Insurance certificate
V5
Passport
Euro Health card
Euro breakdown
Puncture repair kit
Waterproofs


so what are you actully taking?

wash kit
towel
clothes
?????

[Tim in Belgium]

toothbrush, toothpaste, small bottle of shower gel, 2 t-shirts, trainers, jeans, spare biking top. Cameras, basic tools. Paperwork. Boxer shorts. two pairs of socks. done. And waterproofs.

[hovis]

said on the F1 on tv see you at the nurburgring in 2 weeks, thats when we are there

[Demonz]

Anyone know the limit on noise for cans - was worried i may need to get a proper set of baffles.

[Zombie Jesus]

- The Nürburgring GmbH is actively committed to environmental protection, which incorporates noise prevention. Therefore, all vehicles must comply to the noise limits laid down in the house rules (95 db according to near-field measurement).

although from what I've read on gixerjunkies forum it sounds like they're not very strict. You can always hide behind a bush if a steward with a noise tester shows up :p

[andyaikido]

Gmonsta - keep the revs down when going out on track and don't hang about near your bike between laps so they can't ask for a noise test. A few of us had noisy cans and it wasn't a problem, didn't see a single noise test.

Hovis - we're not going to the 'ring until the day after so most of the crowds should've gone. And i'm taking pretty much what tim is, we won't be going out on the town so jeans and t-shirts will be fine.

[Demonz]

Well i'll wing it. I'm guessing ill be on the limit if not a slightly more.

[Couerdelion]

In the couple of years we've been going I've had a loud can. First year I brough a baffle with me but didn't need it. Second year I never bothered.
My can isn't road legal in the UK but there's no limits on noise in the Republic of Ireland AFAIK, so i'm ok!

[Couerdelion]

Ok, first attempt at somekind of meet-up schedule for the way to Dover.

Let me know if I need to change anything...

8:15 CouerdeLion and Lurcher meet up at FerryBridge (Tim in Belgium too?)
(Dave, apologies I know it's early!)

10:45 M1 Newport Pagnell Services (Southbound) meet AndyAikido and K.
Leaving at 11:15

13:00 M20 Maidstone Services (Eastbound) meet Hovis, Zombie Jesus and Instigator. (Hovis and ZJ are coming from cardiff and along the M4 so you could arrange to meet Instigator so place after his start of Reading?)
Leaving at 13:30

14:15 Arrive Dover Ferry Terminal meet Mart

??:?? Calais Ferry Terminal meet GMonsta.


I've allowed 30 mins at the meeting points in case we are running late. Hopefully we won't be!
If you want to meet somewhere different let me know.

[Zombie Jesus]

is maidstone services junction 8? I'll discuss with hovis and post a plan tomorrow ...

[hovis]

i might need a bike

[Couerdelion]

is maidstone services junction 8? I'll discuss with hovis and post a plan tomorrow ...

Yup, that's the one.

[instigator]

Hovis, zombie - what route are you planning on taking to the maidstone services?

The M4 runs right from Cardiff past Reading so could arrange to meet you both (or just Zombie if Hovis doesnae get a bike!!) on the M4 at Junction 10.

Up to you both as you need to pick the best route for yourselves. :)

[hovis]

Hovis, zombie - what route are you planning on taking to the maidstone services?

The M4 runs right from Cardiff past Reading so could arrange to meet you both (or just Zombie if Hovis doesnae get a bike!!) on the M4 at Junction 10.

Up to you both as you need to pick the best route for yourselves. :)

b*ll*x to not commin

i will be there, we planed the route but i forgot zombie is in charge:love:

[Zombie Jesus]

bollox to not commin

i will be there, we planed the route but i forgot zombie is in charge:love:
:takeabow:

Best option I reckon is to meet at the reading services between junction 11 and 12 M4. Saves us from having to make more than 2 stops to get to dover due to my 100 mile tank range. According to google reading services is 97 miles from cardiff/newport and another 90 to M20 J8 services.

[mattSV]

You know i did something silly and used my switch card to pay for the ferry crossing instead of my Natwest Mastercard.... just to save £2. And then I realised I miss out on the insurance... :oops:

NatWest AdGold rules have changed - you no longer need to pay using your NatWest Credit Card to get the benefit - full travel policy details are here:-

NatWest Adgold Travel Policy (http://www.natwest.com/microsites/personal/advantage_gold/downloads/Advantage_Gold_Travel_Insurance_Policy_Document.pd f)

If you haved any questions re the travel policy phone 0870 609 1202

HTH

[Demonz]

Thanks Matt - I called them on Wednesday to find out. I still get to miss out though as I havent had my license for 3 years! 2.8 only :rolleyes: - cheers for the info though!

[instigator]

:takeabow:

Best option I reckon is to meet at the reading services between junction 11 and 12 M4. Saves us from having to make more than 2 stops to get to dover due to my 100 mile tank range. According to google reading services is 97 miles from cardiff/newport and another 90 to M20 J8 services.

Sounds good to me.

[Couerdelion]

Sounds good to me.

Lads,

I'd suggest you meet at 11:15 ish?
I normally plan on an average of 60 mph to allow for any traffic problems.

So that would get you there for 12:45. we should be there for 1.


Worst that can happen is that you end up with more time to drink coffee :-)

[Zombie Jesus]

peliminary plan:

08:30 - Me & hovis leave bassaleg/newport
10:15 - Arrive at reading services J11/12 for refueling / something to eat
11:00 - Meet up with instigator (or whenever he wants to join us)
11:15 - Leave reading
12:45 - Arrive at M20 J8 services

188 miles / 3 Hours according to google

[mart]

not to sure what ill be doing yet. i might head down on friday half way so possibly meet you from there. if i could get someones number and ill let you know early on saturday were ill meet up

[Couerdelion]

peliminary plan:

08:30 - Me & hovis leave bassaleg/newport
10:15 - Arrive at reading services J11/12 for refueling / something to eat
11:00 - Meet up with instigator (or whenever he wants to join us)
11:15 - Leave reading
12:45 - Arrive at M20 J8 services

188 miles / 3 Hours according to google

Sounds good to me.

Apologies if I sound like a bossy school teacher in some of the messages, it's just fecking hardwork trying to co-ordinate 10 people from different corners of the British Isles to get to the same place. ](*,)

[Zombie Jesus]

no probs, we appreciate the time + effort put into organising these sort of trips and rideouts =D>

[Zombie Jesus]

Some weather forcasts:

Reading: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/newbury_forecast_weather.html
Maidstone: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/maidstone_forecast_weather.html
Dover: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/dover_forecast_weather.html

Europe:
Ostend: http://www.worldweather.org/053/c00944.htm
Brussels: http://www.worldweather.org/053/c00191.htm
Frankfurt: http://www.worldweather.org/016/c00057.htm
Colonge: http://www.worldweather.org/016/c00056.htm

forecast as of this weekend is looking like:

UK: :???:
Belgium: :smt103
Germany: :cool:

[Demonz]

Just to let you know its unlikely I will make it. My mother in-law's in ICU after being hit by a cage so I am on husband/daddy duties for the next few weeks!